One of the many perks of living in Seattle is its close proximity to so many amazing locations that make for perfect weekend getaways.

Case in point: Canada.

This last Christmas Trevor and I decided we wouldn’t go big on gifts, so we gave each other a few small meaningful items. I gave him a spruce of the old sneaker collection, and he gave my books on fashion… plus a card with a little surprise.

Eleven years ago when I studied abroad in Australia, I was paired to live with a New Jersey girl from the University of Tampa who ended up being in the same sorority as me and literally my soul mate. We were inseparable the entire six months and have been ever since. Bridesmaids in each other’s weddings, countless trips to visit each other in our cities of Seattle and New York, planned trips with the boys to fun places like Coachella and Napa — you get the idea.

Well since our husbands know how much we love each other (and honestly, they love each other too), they planned a weekend getaway for the four of us in Whistler, BC.

And it was gorgeous…

If you haven’t been to Whistler, it’s a must visit.

It’s one the largest ski resorts in North America that offers the most fun snow experiences — from skiing and snowboarding, to tobogganing and ice skating — and the cuuutest little village that acts as the central hub between to base of the two main mountains — Whistler and Blackcomb.

Vancouver International Airport is just two hours south (and a damn good city as well to experience). With us living in Seattle, it was a fun first road trip to make in our new whip. We drove an hour and a half north to the border, swung by the airport to pick up our east coast turned recent west coast besties and were on our way to play in the snow.

Weekend Away in Whistler

Whistler truly has so much to offer — year round. In the winter, the natural obvious is focused around shredding that fresh pow, but really you don’t have to be a skiier or snowboarder to enjoy it (take it from me — a very green skiier who tends to fight tears when going fast down the mountain). And in the summer, there are countless hikes and biking trails and swimming opportunities.

Sharing my travel guide on how to do a long weekend in Whistler — tested multiple times, and approved ;).

WHERE TO STAY

Pan Pacific Hotel

There are two amazing locations in the village and the rooms and service are an overall great experience. Plus, Conde Nast Traveler recommends it — which is always enough for me :).

Crystal Lodge

It’s like a staple to the village — the Crystal Lodge is the perfect place to go whether you’re visiting with a significant other, friends or family. The central location and fantastic quarters makes the hotel hard to beat — just make sure you book early!

WHERE TO DRINK

Lift Coffee Company

Any coffee place that offers oat milk is a place high on my book 🙂 — umm oat milk cappuccino anyone?! But seriously, when walking around the village for the perfect cup of coffee, look no further than Lift.

Naked Sprout Juice Bar Cafe

Sometimes you wake up in the morning and crave freshly squeezed juice… and when you’re in Whistler you’re in luck! Naked Sprout has the best selection of cold-pressed juices, smoothies and organic bites. I died when I walked in — such a sucker for a health shop.

Bar Oso

This adorable little Spanish influenced bar and restaurant is the perfect place to pop in after dinner for a digestif. Sit at the bar and ask for Nick. Order a charcuterie while you’re at it — their small plates and tapas offerings are incredible.

WHERE TO EAT

Earls

A Canadian cult-classic, with a vibe and food that can’t be beat time after time. Earl’s is the perfect spot to go for a drink and a bite at nearly any time of day. We watched the Winter Olympics there while having a casual dinner and it was perfection. Always get the yam fries.

Bearfoot Bistro

This place is an excellent location for a nice dinner out or special occasion. The ambiance is dim-lit with crafted prix-fix from the award winning chefs and offers amazing experiences like dining to live music, sabering a bottle of champagne in the wine vault or sipping on vodka at the coldest tasting room in the world the Ketel One Ice room.

Stonesedge Kitchen

This trendy little joint is the perfect place to go for a seasonal taste of the PNW. They have a great menu for both food and cocktails plus outdoor seating. Go there for brunch or dinner.

WHERE TO PLAY

Longhorns Saloon & Grill

THE place to be for après-ski (which is a MUST for Whistler)! Located near the bottom of Whistler Mountain you’ll find DJs bumping the coolest beats from the packed patio of high on life (and champagne guns) snow gals and gents looking to dance off their day and have a good time. Their nachos are bomb so make sure to indulge.

Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill

Another great place to be post ski — aka après and chill. The views looking down to the village and up to the ski-lifts are great and the drink, food and DJs at night are great. Pick your poison.

Bar Hop Whistler

If you’re looking for all-night fun, this (usually) Aussie-led bar crawl is guaranteed fun. It’ll take you to the places you want to be at night for drinks like Buffalo Bills and Tapley’s and dance like Garfinkel’s and Maxx Fish.

 

WHERE TO SHOP

Aritizia

Get your Canada fashion on while you’re visiting the village. I just love this store and am so happy we have them in Washington now!

CAN-SKI

When in Whistler… pay a visit to it’s high end ski shop — because why not?! Situated near the Four Seasons below Blackcomb Mountain is CAN-SKI. You’ll find fashion focused brands that stand behind performance like Bogner, Canada Goose, Sorel and Lara.

Lululemon Athletica

The selection (and prices) are fab — they have active wear turned winter wear that will make you the chicest ski bunny out there.

WHERE TO ROAM

Peak 2 Peak

This is the best way to see 360-views of the village and both mountains. If you’re participating in skiing and snowboarding, you’ll likely want to take advantage as this will get you between the two mountains. if not, it’s still an excellent treat to ride up to the tops, enjoy a bevvie or two at Roundhouse atop Whistler Mountain or Rendezvous atop Blackcomb and snap some pics.

Blackcomb Helicopter Tour

I couldn’t believe that on the day I was headed home I saw one of my absolute fave bloggers Christine Andrews of Hello Fashion Blog was in Whistler — and doing a helicopter glacier tour no doubt! The boys were actually toying around with the idea of securing a heli-trip and I’m so sad we decided against it because the sun was straight shining on this day. But hey —  next time! 🙂

WHERE TO RELAX

Scandinave Spa

Save this for your final day — and you’ll be soo happy you did. After days of playing on the mountain, dancing at the clubs and roaming around in the village, your body and soul will thank you. This spa offers a traditional Scandinavian baths experience out in the most beautiful outdoor rustic setting. You’ll follow the cycle “hot, cold, rest” over and over in your suit and bathrobe, jumping from a hot sauna to a freezing cold bath plunge to a quick 15 min snooze in a sunny solarium. Add on a deep tissue massage at the end to give your body the extra love it needs. Trust me. Don’t miss out on this experience (and shhh, don’t talk when you’re roaming the environment — it’s meant to be a peaceful experience).

What to Wear in Whistler

Pulling from my previous blog post on what accessories are necessary for a winter getaway, here’s what you need to look both stylish and stay warm during your visit.

 

Trevor and I had such a fun time with Adam and Shaina — here’s to more getaways with friends!

// cb ✌????

 

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