Visiting Whistler Before The 2010 Olympics?

As a resident, business owner and frequent skiier at Whistler, I have realized that there are "secrets", things to see and do that the average visitor to Whistler has NO idea about. I'll try to pass along a local's knowledge, but know that Whistler is a paradise all of its own - these secrets merely add to the magic!

Hotels can be $300 a night and up during ski season, and peak summer season - but three ideas have saved me money on accommodation. First, there is a condo booking agency called Resortquest that can offer off season specials - I stayed in a gorgeous townhouse a block from the village square, with hot tub, fireplace, kitchen, sleeping 4-6 people for $100 in the early fall - ask about any deals like that!

If you are sociable, and willing to both ENJOY and put up with the common areas of a bed and breakfast - Chalet Beau Sejour had bed and breakfast in a spectacular chalet looking out on the mountains for $90-125. Very social hosts, and a dining table looking out on the mountains with double sided fireplace and mulled wine while visitors from around the world discuss snow and ski conditions simply can't be beat!

Lastly, there are two hostels - the venerable Shoestring Lodge, just north of Whistler maybe ten blocks distance, and slated to be "developed" into townhouses before the Olympics, has beds for $25, as does the hostel across the Lake from Whistler - you may share a room with some interesting strangers, but that price leaves plenty of money for food and entertainment!

Whistler has an incredible array of high end restaurants, but one I found outstanding was the Edgewater Lodge, just north of Whistler a few miles. Check the picture in the website, combined with the Zagat quote "venison to die for" (they have their own venison farm) and you'll be on your way!

At the other end of the spectrum, the mall beside the Whistler Conference Center hosts Shakespeare's Pies - Australian meat pies for under $4 that you will come back for over and over, especially after visiting Whistler's bars and nightclubs!

Three bars stand out as amongst Whistler's best, and offer a unique experience. Tommy Africa's will attract the early 20s crowd, with glass DJ booth, the best local DJs and a zebra striped door! The Savage Beagle is a two level bar on the main walkway, with a crowded dance floor downstairs, and a "belly up to the bar" section upstairs. The "cougar bar" for 30s and up is Buffalo Bills, at the other end of the main walkway - live bands, great DJs and comedians have offered many great nights over the years.

Ski lift passes are often available at the 7-11 in Squamish or Vancouver on your way to Whistler for a discount that can be $10-20 per lift ticket. Lift lines are shortest at the Whistler Creekside lift, if you want to get going quickly, but I prefer the skiing at Blackcomb, the other mountain (they are joined at Whistler Village)

The best kept secrets about Whistler are the summer activities - there are a group of pristine lakes to swim or canoe, mountain bikes with full protection gear are rocketed to the top of the mountain for rapid or tricky, descents, and the ski hill has a glacier at the top that is kept open until August!

Oh yeah, some guys named Palmer and Nicholas have golf courses, and there are ski camps, tennis camps, zip trek lines, heli hiking, white water rafting, fishing, horseback riding, ATVs - there are a LOT of great things to do, but bring money!!

Enjoy it now, before the Olympics - because 2 weeks of staring at this on TV is going to make the world go crazy for Whistler!

Andrew Larder
Whistler, Whistler Accommodation, Whistler Lodging

---

Mindfulness and Retirement: Considering Brazil

I have a 17-year-old daughter who is finishing up a... Read More

Orlando Vacation Homes - Comparing Homes to Hotels

When staying in Orlando, you really do have a lot... Read More

Looking For A Holiday With A Difference?

Fancy holidaying somewhere unusual? How about a 7 day tornado... Read More

Looking Closely at Pigeon Forge Vacation Packages

Vacation packages are a great way for travelers to book... Read More

Villa Rentals on South Carolinas Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a vacation destination for over two... Read More

Are Your Family Vacations Fun and Relaxing?

How many of you have seen the classic Chevy Chase... Read More

How You Can Save Up to 50% or More on Your Next RV Rental Vacation

RV rental vacations aren't cheap, but they do contain loads... Read More

Why Visit Magical Cape Town?

People often ask me why we keep returning year after... Read More

Looking for a Vacation in Paradise? Try a Bahamas Vacation

Plan your next vacation where most people call paradise...the Bahamas... Read More

Top Family Vacation Destinations

Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family... Read More

Ten Cheap Vacations

Cheap vacations can still be relaxing, fun and whatever else... Read More

Keys to Contentment

Most of us take vacations for the express purpose of... Read More

You Have To Love The Location, Say These Owners Of Orlando Florida Villas

It has been said that in real estate there are... Read More

Finding The Best Timeshare For You ? Make The Search An Adventure!

Taking the plunge from average vacationer to vacation property owner... Read More

Costa Rica has been Called the Hawaii of Central America

Considering a romantic or family Costa Rica vacation? You're choosing... Read More

A Guide to Cozumel Vacations

What kind of traveler are you? Do you want everything... Read More

The Luxury of a Bahama Vacation Villa

Bahamas vacation villas are the way to go if you... Read More

Cheap Family Vacations

The real secret to cheap family vacations is to be... Read More

The Maldives - A Destination Everyone Should Visit

Following the horrendous events on Boxing Day 2005 The Maldives... Read More

Journeying Through Dorset - & The Jurassic Coast

The county of Dorset on England's south coast is a... Read More

Finding the Right Home Rental in Lake Tahoe

There are a few patterns to consider when looking for... Read More

Tranquil Setting for the Weary Traveler

The DeLaunay House, located 185 N. Pioneer in Ashland is... Read More

Vancouver, Hidden Jewel Of The Pacific Northwest

Vancouver will receive a lot of attention as the 2010... Read More

You Only Have One Life, Let Your Caribbean Dream Come True

Turning your dream to Reality?Buying in the CaribbeanBuying a home... Read More

Home Exchange

Have you ever wanted to travel to far away places... Read More

Earning Rental Income from a Gatlinburg Cabin

Gatlinburg has a small but thriving community of property owners.... Read More

Vacational Rental Property Guide

Once you make up your mind to on a vacation,... Read More

European Car Rental - Top Ten Tips for Europe Travel: Tip #3 Insurance

Car rental insurance has to be one of the most... Read More

Disney World Lodging Options in Orlando Florida and Nearby Cities

At the heart of Central Florida lies one of the... Read More

Ditch The Hotel For A Villa Or Vacation Home

Two visits to Budapest. Two apartments, walking distance from downtown.... Read More

Hotels In India

With India being a major world tourist in the world,... Read More

5 Tips To Spend The Most Luxurious Caribbean Vacation You Ever Dreamed Of!

Tip #1 : Buy a beach front Caribbean villa! ... Read More

What Not To Wear

What makes certain styles of pants so popular? One reason... Read More