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Exploring Vancouver and Whistler: A Western Canada Adventure

partly cloudy blue sky day with sun bathed green pine trees and a mountain stream.
View from Suspension Bridge in Capiliano Park

Vancouver to Whistler


My husband and I were in Western Canada in late April for his work trip. The weather was beautiful, a little chilly...there was still snow on the ground the further north you went. We packed for both the winter and spring since we were going to Whistler to enjoy snowboarding. We lucked out and didn't have hardly any rain in Vancouver. You definitely still needed a light jacket during the day if you are out and about and also for the evening.


We flew into Vancouver and rented a car to drive to Whistler. I would recommend renting an SUV especially if you are going in the winter/early spring months due to snow. It was about a 2 hour drive; however, we stopped a couple times along the way to admire the sights and beauty. We took the Sea to Sky highway, which has a lot of places to pull off and take pictures. We stopped in the town of Squamish and rode the Sea to Sky gondola to the top of the mountain. Highly recommend stopping here!!


Suspension bridge with rocks and trees in the background with a partly cloudy sky.
Suspension Bridge

It offers stunning views, a restaurant with a bar, hiking trails and suspension bridges. I highly recommend taking advantage of this. We walked across the suspension bridge to where a number of hiking trails started. We were not dressed for hiking; therefore, we did not try any of the hikes. We did enjoy a drink from Edge Craft Bar and sat outside to enjoy the beauty.


Hands holding drinks in front of a backdrop landscape of a large lake with green mountains emerging from the water with a partly cloudy sky.
View from Edge Craft Bar

Our next stop was Shannon Falls Park, which was pretty close to the Sea to Sky gondola. The waterfall was stunning!!!! It was a short walk from the parking lot to the base of the falls. Also highly recommend. Parking was free at the base of the falls.


Partly cloudy blue sky with forest and large rock face waterfall and green pine trees.
Shannon Falls Park

Whistler


In Whistler, we stayed at the Delta Hotels Whistler Village Suites, which was in the ski village. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ysewv-delta-hotels-whistler-village-suites/overview/


It was very nice and convenient to walk to everything. There were many shops and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel which included a little something for everyone. There was also a couple of night clubs and bars that stayed open late for the night owls. I highly recommend walking around the village and especially seeing olympic park which is where the olympians stayed during the 2010 Winter Olympics. My husband enjoyed snowboarding on Whistler and Blackcomb mountain.


Olympic monument in whistler village with the whistler ski resort in the background.
Whistler Village

Whistler Restaurants


The restaurants we recommend are

  1. Crepe Montague: https://crepemontagne.com/ (for breakfast)

  2. Merlins https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/explore-the-resort/the-village/dining/merlins.aspx    (for lunch) (views of people coming off the mountain), try the poutine...its a must while visiting Canada!

  3. 21 steps Kitchen and bar https://www.21steps.ca/  (for dinner) ( salmon was so good!, overlooks the village).

  4.  Any of the bars in Whistler village are good for drinks.


**We stayed 2 nights in Whistler then drove back to Vancouver.


Vancouver



It was very nice!! They have a casino on property with multiple restaurants and bars. The rooms are beautiful and very comfortable too. Some of the rooms overlook the bay and is within walking distance of quite a few attractions including the water taxi service which takes you to multiple parts of Vancouver.


Things to Do in Vancouver


The top things we recommend doing in the area are :


Stanley Park - (specifically seeing the totem poles, walking the sea wall, viewing the hollow tree, the lighthouse and the Vancouver aquarium). Just a short drive from the JW Marriott.



Granville Island - We also recommend visiting Granville Island, which is a public market basically with restaurants and bars too. Lees Donuts is a must and getting ice cream from one of the local vendors. Granville Brewery is also a lot of fun in you are a beer drinker. I would recommend taking a water taxi over so you don’t have to bother with parking.


A beer sampler chart and glasses of beer on a wood table.
Granville Brew

Whale Watching - If you are interested in whale watching, they also leave from Granville Island. Prince of Whales.


Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is also a must when visiting Vancouver! Parking is limited so go early or you can take a free shuttle from downtown.


Tree canopy of pine trees with suspension bridges from tree to tree.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park - Tree Canopy
Large metal suspension bridge in a canopy of green pine trees.
Capilano Suspension Bridge

Vancouver Restaurants


The restaurants we recommend in the area are:


Glowbal - food - so good!

Restaurant Vestibule with a mirror surrounded by a light and flowers and greenery hanging from the ceiling.
Global entrance

Honey Salt - **breakfast


A cup of coffee on a plate with a spoon on a wood table in a well lit restaurant.
Coffee @ Honey Salt

Sandbar - lunch (Granville island)


Le-Doux Ciel - coffee shop connected to JW Marriott. Their macaroons and croissants are a must


A table in a coffee shop with coffee, macaroons, and croissant on a plate.
Le-Doux Ciel

Passione - Gelato next to JW Marriott


Safety Note: We were told Chinatown and Gastown are no longer safe to visit by a local.


Would we visit again?

Yes, yes, yes. Exploring Vancouver and Whistler were magical and we would visit again multiple times. If you're interested in a trip to Vancouver and/or Whistler, please contact me or fill out a questionnaire. You can also checkout or travel planning packages.


Thank you! Until next time.

 
 
 

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