Whistler is one of my
favorite NW winter vacation spots, but it's even more spectacular in the
summer. The village comes alive with outdoor dining, live music, farmer's
markets, and art vendors. It feels a little like adult summer camp... you can
bike, hike, run, swim, and otherwise play. Anyone who has been reading my blog
will know that one of my favorite travel activities is eating. We like to scope
out the good places ahead of time so we know what to expect. But, don't get too
fixed on a set plan. Recommendations from locals have also led us to some of
our favorite vacation eats.
Here's the skinny on where to eat (and play!) in Whistler.
Alta Bistro is a locally owned and operated restaurant that
employs the same staff year-round. That loyalty speaks volumes of both the
owners and the workers. The greens, herbs, and vegetables (and all the other
ingredients) are locally sourced and sustainably farmed. We first discovered
Alta Bistro last summer when we were looking for a special spot for our
anniversary dinner. We've spent the last 365 days dreaming of that meal. And
let me tell you, Alta didn't disappoint. Alta is like your favorite local
bistro where you get to know the wait staff and can expect excellent service
and food, and yet it's not at all fussy. They've done away with the stuffy
table linens so that you feel like you're in a neighborhood spot. That locals-only
downhome feel does not extend to the food. Each dish is a masterpiece. Fine
dining at its best. Shout out to Dan and Ted who remembered us from our visit
last year, and who made excellent wine recommendations. Menu favorites included the cauliflower soup with smoked paprika, the house-baked foccacia bread, and the sprouted mushroom and lentil salad.
La Cantina is a sweet little taco and burrito corner restaurant at
the edge of Whistler Village. Looking for an inexpensive place to eat al
fresco? Want to grab lunch to go? This is the place. And it will satisfy
carnivores and vegans alike. They have a satisfying taco menu with lots of
vegan options including carrot tinga, jackfruit mole, and mestizo. Their fresh
from the fryer salted tortilla chips and guac are not to be missed. Loved the
ranchero music that was blaring from the overhead speakers. This is where the
locals eat when they want a no-fuss eat with your hands meal. And this is where
everyone in Whistler eats on Taco Tuesday.
We discovered this pizzeria on our first trip to Whistler. We love
their patio seating out back, which is all first come, first serve, no
reservations style. But, they do allow dogs. And let me tell you, Sadie was a
hit with all the servers, several of whom even offered to dog sit during our
stay in Whistler. They make authentic hand-tossed pizza dough, amazing garlicky
breadsticks, and a green salad with lentils, bulghar, and fennel that is as
hearty as it is tasty. Though this place is very casual, they know how to tend
to their guests. My oak-barrel-aged chardonnay was served in a decanter nestled
in an ice bath... just as it should be to ensure that it was absolutely ice
cold.
Who knew that a tiny place at the edge of the Village called The
Green Moustache would wind up being my favorite spot in Whistler? Weird name
aside, this place is awesome. Everything on site is vegan. So I can literally
order ANYTHING on the menu. They specialize in lighter fare for lunch such as
their falafel wrap, deconstructed pad Thai salad, homemade soup of the day, and
their wide variety of smoothies and desserts. My favorite smoothies are the
Hook and the Einstein. Our favorite dessert, and maybe one of the best things
I've ever tasted in my life, is the no-cheese lemon cheesecake. To. Die. For.
If you happen to spend the day at the Scandinave Spa, which I also highly
recommend, you can treat yourself to Green Moustache desserts in the Scandinave
cafe.
There is for sure no better place to stay in Whistler than the
Four Seasons. And there is no better spot at the Four Seasons Whistler than
seated on a plush poolside lounge chair. Their attentive wait staff bring along
aloe ice cubes to sooth sun kissed skin, and frozen pineapple popsicles. Two of
my favorite deliveries were the fruit platter and the chips and dip.
Where to Shop and Play
3 Singing Birds is located next door to The Green Moustache...
they literally share a connected space and they pair together like almond
butter and dark chocolate. Oh yeah, and you can get a smoothie with almond
butter at The Green Moustache and locally made small batch dark chocolate
from 3 Singing Birds. This boutique is like Venice/LA cool meets Whistler's
no-fuss style. The vibe is very boho chic. I love their oversized, billowy
dresses and tops, their handmade linen scarves, their wide selection of
delicate jewelry, and their fine home goods section. Think carved wood bowls,
deliciously smelling fir candles, and embroidered table linens. Need a memento
to remember Whistler? Looking for a special gift for a friend? Need a new pair
of those of-the-moment jeans? 3 Singing Birds is your spot.
I can't include my own photos of this place because you're not allowed to
use your phone while you're on the premises. You're also not allowed to talk.
It's kind of genius. Let me start by saying this is my favorite spa of all
time. Nestled in the mountains, the pools and spas overlook the beautiful tree
lined peaks. The spa is based around traditional Scandinavian hydrotherapy. As
you move from hot to cold and hot again experiences (think sauna to cold plunge
pool to solarium), your body relaxes as you release toxins. They offer massages
from open to close, and I have indulged in their Swedish massage on each of my
three visits. Feeling tired post massage? Grab a hammock and take a snooze.
This is spa is my favorite way to lose track of time.
Photo courtesy Scandinave Spa Whistler website.
