We scanned our weekend itinerary and made sure to pack appropriately, noting that items like swim gear, hiking boots, yoga gear and layers of clothing were listed. After digging out the appropriate attire (with a twist of ski-town fancy), we were packed and ready to go.
A quick drive up the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway landed us in Whistler in no time. We made our way over to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and up to the hotel’s Gold Floor for a swift check-in.
The Gold Floor is kind of like being transported to a hotel within a hotel. Personal concierge services are at the ready, rooms are elegantly decorated and thoughtfully laid out (we loved the welcome platter of treats that waited). Each day a variety of breakfast and snack items are presented for guests so you can kick back and relax in your own private Cafe-lounge in peace.
Welcome dinner had us heading over to the Four Seasons Sidecut for a backyard BBQ feast like we’ve never seen. Row upon row of picnic tables were packed with guests hungry to nosh on a menu of grilled goods while being entertained by musicians. After a free beer sampling, we nabbed a plate and stacked it with items like Maui ribs, smoked brisket, salmon, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob and summer salads – saving room for their pineapple upside-down cake served with caramel sauce. Without an ounce of guilt, we returned to our rooms knowing we’d need the energy for a packed agenda ahead.
After a relaxing early morning outdoor yoga session (courtesy of YYoga Whistler and Fairmont), we grabbed a quick breakfast at the Wildflower with our group and prepared to head up Whistler to the Roundhouse for our afternoon hike.
Destination: Whistler Peak and the Via Ferrata alpine climbing tour.
This trek is a must for anyone looking to get off the beaten path and out of the village for a few hours of adrenaline-pumping fun. The tour has guests secured via a special lanyard system that has you clip yourself onto a cable and climb the rock headwall using a series of ladder rungs that lead you to the summit. It’s the perfect combo of glacier hiking and mountain climbing
A rewarding beer is a must post-hike, so we snuck in a pint at our hotel’s ‘Fairmont Fridays’ (a popular spot to head to).
Dinner at Araxi had us feasting on a special chef-prepared menu highlighted by a seafood tower, loaded with oysters, lobster, salmon, mussels and more. To help wash it down, each course was accompanied by a selection of locally produced BC wine and, of course, stellar service.
What’s a trip to Whistler without trying your hand at some downhill biking? We were thrilled to get geared up at Whistler Mountain Bike Park‘s rental shop and into the park the following day for a private lesson and tour, hitting the network of trails and getting thoroughly cloaked in dust.
Post-ride it was time for lunch at the Garibaldi Lift Company and then off to one of our favourites, the Scandinave Spa, to soak in silence surrounded by the alpine forest where we spent time in the plunge pools and hung out in hammocks.
Our final stop for the girls getaway weekend: Bearfoot Bistro for a bit of champagne sabering in their stellar cellar and tour of the famed Vodka Room. This was, of course, followed by a fantastic multi-course meal (courtesy of award-winning Executive Chef Melissa Craig) on their stunning patio that channels just the right amount of Ibiza chic. A rotation of local DJs on deck ensured the energy for our last night was piqued as the group recounted all the action of the previous days’ events with celebratory cocktail in hand.
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