Today we’re heading to Whistler, British Columbia for a wellness weekend — because life this year has been a permanent state of stress & anxiety, and what better place to recharge? Just under two hours from Vancouver by car, Whistler is the perfect spot to get out of the city, and into nature.

Watch the video of our experience and continue reading for more!

A NOTE ON TRAVEL DURING THE PANDEMIC

We love to travel and now is a great time to support local businesses, but we must do so responsibly. It’s up to us to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Throughout the hotel property, restaurants, shops & village, you’ll find hand sanitizer and plenty of room to maintain physical distancing. Masks should be worn indoors, and you’ll find that visitors even choose to wear them outdoors. Please follow the rules and stay home if you have any symptoms, no matter how minor.

Nita Lake Lodge

We’re checking in to Nita Lake Lodge, an upscale hotel that offers a ton of amenities and experiences, and some gorgeous views. Nestled along the shores of a glacier-fed lake, and just a couple minutes away from Whistler Village, Nita Lake Lodge has everything you need to relax and rejuvenate.

We’re staying in a bright & spacious two level Lake View Suite, featuring a bedroom and gigantic bathroom on the first floor, another bedroom and and another bathroom on the second floor, with L’Occitane bath products, and so much more. The bedroom on the lower level opens out onto a balcony that offers tranquil view of Nita Lake and the mountains.

Dine at one of three restaurants on site, or treat yourself to room service — you’re on vacation, after all!

Scandinave Spa Whistler

First order of business: a trip to Scandinave Spa Whistler, for some hydrotherapy set within a spruce and cedar forest.

This 25,000 sqft. outdoor day spa is your Nordic-inspired oasis of calm in the heart of nature. Guests alternate between hot, cold & relaxation zones to sooth tired muscles, eliminate toxins, and improve circulation. We’ve got pools, steam rooms, saunas, and plenty of space for lounging — hammocks! And to top it off, a prime view of the mountains.

Bike along Whistler’s Valley Trail

Guests at Nita Lake Lodge enjoy complimentary seasonal access to canoes, paddle boards, and bicycles are included with their stay — even on the day of checkout, after you’ve checked out!

The Whistler Valley Trail is a car-free, paved trail and boardwalk network that connects Whistler’s neighbourhoods and can take you from the hotel all the way to the village.

Alta Lake Park is a popular spot where you’ll find people out on the water or just lounging around. There are lots of things to see and places to stop along the way. It’s super picturesque ride, and it’s hard not to stop at every turn.

Shop, Dine & Learn in Whistler Village

In Whistler Village, you’ll find more than 200 shops, stores & restaurants scattered throughout this pedestrian-only space. You’ll also find galleries and cultural institutions, and gondola access. There’s everything you need here for every type traveller.

We had the chance to dine at 3 establishments in the Village:

Peaked Pies, specializing in Australian-style pies. You can get them “peaked” with mashed potatoes, green peas & gravy.
Purebread, a Whistler-based family bakery and a legendary local favourite. They’ve got every type of sweet & savoury baked treat you can think of. Make sure to get a box to go.

Of course, for special occasions…

Dinner at Alta Bistro

Alta Bistro is a cozy, award-winning restaurant featuring a seasonal, eclectic menu and a very impressive selection of organic, biodynamic & sustainable wines.

Here you’ll find carefully crafted dishes that are meant to be shared, using naturally-sourced & local ingredients. For our visit, we opted for a family-style dinner for two with beef as our main course — and a spiced rum carrot cake for dessert.

Jeep tour with Canadian Wilderness Adventures

It’s a new day and we’re trading our car for another vehicle! We’re going on a jeep tour courtesy of Canadian Wilderness Adventures. It’s a bit of a bumpy ride, but if the mountain bikers and ATV drivers can handle it, so can we. We’re heading all the way up to the top of Blackcomb Mountain with a private tour guide. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some wildlife on the way.

Being on top of the mountain gives you a much different perspective on the village and surrounding mountain range. The views for a ski trip up here in the winter must be spectacular.

The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge

We’re back at Nita Lake Lodge, this time at the spa, to unwind after a very bumpy — but scenic ride.

They offer the entire spectrum of spa treatments here, in a modern facility that features a eucalyptus steam room, and rooftop hot tubs. You’ll never want to leave.

So those are just a few of the things that you can get up to, if you’re looking to relax & recharge in Whistler. With just an hour and a half drive from Vancouver, it’s a perfect spot to get away and relax, with all the comforts of home.

Heading into Vancouver? Enjoy a luxury stay at JW Marriott!