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An insider’s guide to Whistler Village

Whistler dining

An insider’s guide to Whistler Village

Skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking -- those are the top reasons people from around the globe flock to WhistlerExternal Link Title, British ColumbiaExternal Link Title.

 

Most people have heard that Whistler BlackcombExternal Link Title is one of North America's largest ski resorts. But the charming, Euro-style, pedestrian-only villageExternal Link Title at the base of the twin mountains is also a huge draw. Curving stone walkways, little bridges, artful landscaping, and the multitude of trees and flowers set the scene. In winter, it becomes a wonderland with snow-frosted trees and twinkle lights. Just as pretty under leafy green summer trees or a white dusting of December powder, Whistler is a casual, friendly, fun-loving place where people stroll, shop, dine, and gather at outside patio tables to meet friends, sample the local micro brew, and listen to live music. Here's what to make time for in the VillageExternal Link Title apr?s your adventure.

See

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre's Ambassador Guided Tour

Learn about local First Nations art, history, and culture at the modern, light-filled Squamish Lil'wat Cultural CentreExternal Link Title. With thoughtfully curated carvings, canoes, weavings, masks, sculptures, and interactive exhibits, plus an outdoor longhouse, it's a real gem. Try indigenous fare at the caf?External Link Title, pick up a handcrafted souvenir at the gift shop, or take a guided tourExternal Link Title (hourly).

 

The first built in Canada, Lost Lake PassivHaus External Link Title(Passive House)External Link Title showcases state-of-the-art, energy-efficient (passive-solar) architectureExternal Link Title, using 93 percent less energy than a traditional home. Doubling as the Nordic ski lodge in winter, it's at the entrance to Lost Lake Park, where you'll want to take a stroll in any case.

 

Whistler has a buzzing art scene, with lots of artists and galleries, paintings, sculpture, and mixed media, including Adele Campbell Fine ArtExternal Link Title and Fathom Stone Art GalleryExternal Link Title. Everyone's talking about Audain Art MuseumExternal Link Title and its angular building, which debuted in 2016 and houses historic First Nations carvings, modern works, and iconic paintings by some of Canada's biggest talents, including Emily Carr and E.J. Hughes.

Do

Whistler Village
The Village - credit: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane

The two things you want to do in the Village are people-watch and join the rowdy nightlife.

 

To orient yourself, there's the Village proper, Village North, and Upper Village -- all linked by the pedestrian-only Stroll. Pull up a chair in Village Square at an outdoor patioExternal Link Title any time of year, day or night. There's often live music, DJs, entertainment, and seasonal outdoor markets. Dubh Linn Gate External Link Titleis a hot spot, with Irish comfort food and 25 draught beers. Ditto for wine bar BasaltExternal Link Title, a salumeria (salami specialist) with cushy patio couches. Once the sun goes down, hit the huge patio at Merlin's Bar and GrillExternal Link Title in the Upper Village. You'll love the log wall and moose head d?cor. Another classic is Longhorn Saloon & GrillExternal Link Title for party, nachos, and beer by the outdoor gas firepit. Take a look at this bar guideExternal Link Title for further inspiration.

Taste

Whistler Tasting Tours
Whistler Tasting Tours' Finer Things Dinner Tour

Eating and drinking? Whistler's got you covered. It may be small, but the town has 100 restaurantsExternal Link Title with diverse offerings from fine dining -- farm-to-table Araxi Restaurant + Oyster BarExternal Link Title is a consistent favourite that spotlights British Columbia wines -- to casual -- Caramba! RestauranteExternal Link Title for Mediterranean cuisine and wood-fired pizzas. Sip chilled vodka in Bearfoot Bistro's sub-zero Ice RoomExternal Link Title, parka included, or do a Whistler Tasting ToursExternal Link Title lunch round-about or "Hidden Gems Dinner Tour" to sample a bit of everything. September's Beer FestivalExternal Link Title features 60 breweries, or there's the over-the-top, 10-day foodie extravaganza, CornucopiaExternal Link Title, each November. Prepare to loosen your belt.

Shop

Whistler shopping
Shopping in Whistler Village - credit: Tourism Whistler/Chad Chomlack

Retail therapy is big in this stylish town. Maybe you're looking for trendy new ski pants or a function-meets-fashion sports top, or maybe you're just looking. The Village has 200 shopsExternal Link Title, boutiques, galleries, jewellers, garment and gear specialists to keep you busy. Expect big names like Patagonia and Helly Hansen, and local favourites like Armchair BooksExternal Link Title. You may need to book that spa treatment at the WestinExternal Link Title to recover.

 

Winter or summer, spring or fall, Whistler's waiting for you -- and you can be sure something fun will be going on. Just grab a map and get going.

 

What else is there to do in Whistler? Lots. Find more at the Tourism Whistler website.