5 Reasons why I’m in love with Whistler!

One year ago I returned from Canada and one of the places that made the biggest impression on me was Whistler. Again. Whistler and me – we just click. Here’s why:

1. The mountains

When you say Canada, you say mountains. When you say mountains, you say Whistler. Easy as that. You cannot visit British Columbia without going to Whistler, it would be the same as going to New York without going to the Statue of Liberty. Whistler is located in the middle of the Coast Mountains. Rising up above town, are the two famous mountains: Whistler Mountain (2.181m) and Blackcomb Mountain (2.436m) and they offer a shitload on ourdoor activities. In wintertime, Whistler is a skiers paradise and in the summer, the mountains offer everything you you may wish for as an adventure enthusiast. Just  that is already enough to make me love Whistler! I think I could easily make Whistler my home. If only I had enough money…
 

2. The vibe

Whistler just oozes outdoor, when I’m there, it kind of reminds me about Queenstown in New Zealand, but less commercialized and definitely with less backpackers. So far I’ve only visited Whistler in the spring and summer, however everywhere you look are sporty and adventurous people. Dudes hanging out on their bikes, people with hiking boots … the people I like! Everybody who comes to Whistler has a passion for the outdoors. Well, almost everyone…

3. The gondolas

One thing has to be said, Whistler has some of the best mountain gondolas in the world. Back in 2004 during my first visit to Canada I tried the Whistler Mountain Gondola and last year I finally tried their famous Peak 2 Peak, running from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain with seriously spectacular scenery. I wouldn’t have mind to just stay up in the gondola all day, going back and forth. Oh and I saw a mama bear and her cubs on one of the skislopes … super cute! You can read all about my mountain gondola experience in this post.

4. The drive up

The drive up to Whistler from Vancouver over the Sea to Sky Highway is just awesome. Immediately after leaving the city you will encounter Howe Sound and soon after the town of Squamish. You can make a short stop at the Shannon Falls and then head further inland. The road becomes more stunning with each mile and before you know it, you have reached the town and are in the middle of mountain heaven.

5. The town

Being in Whistler kind of feels like being at home. Why? Because it reminds me of the Alps where I used to go with my parents as a kid. Whistler carries quite a resemblance to some of the Austrian mountain villages we spent our (mostly summer) vacations in as a family. There are plenty of cool outdoor shops, bars, restaurants and basically anything else you may need. And I had my first Poutine there. My 5th time in Canada and only my first Poutine … fat and greasy but totally delicious!

So far I’ve only been to Whistler twice and I feel a strong need to go back again … I could easily spend weeks hiking and exploring out there, so who knows, maybe in the future!

Have you been to Whistler? If yes, what did you like about it most?

 
Want to read more about Canada? You may enjoy those:
– Hiking the Wild Pacific  Trail on Vancouver Island
– Fall Foliage on the Yukon’s Dempster Highway
– The best hikes in the United States & Canada
 

Thank you for sharing!