Whistler: A Year-Round Playground

Whistler may be famous for its winter mountain sports, but don’t overlook the other seasons. Summer brings world-class mountain biking, hiking, and a laid-back village vibe, while fall and spring—known as the “shoulder seasons”—offer fewer crowds and friendlier pricing.

From Vancouver to Whistler, the Sea-to-Sky Highway is not just a route; it’s one of the most scenic drives in North America, rivaling North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway or California’s Highway 101. From the glittering blue waters below to the snow-capped peaks above, this stretch of British Columbia is worth savoring.

A Rainforest Interlude

On your way, take a breather at the newly opened Squamish Canyon. This impressive wooden boardwalk path winds you through the lush rainforest, where ferns blanket the ground, moss softens tree trunks, and waterfalls reward your wander. Black bears call this region home, too—they’re true forest foodies, dining on berries, fish, and the occasional small mammal. (And yes, they can run up to 31 mph, so admire from a distance!) Day tickets for adults run $44 Canadian, which is only $32 US—worth the walk in the woods. The epic waterfalls are the “hero of the house!”

Luxury Meets Mountain Spirit

When it comes to where to stay in the famous mountain village, Four Seasons Whistler sets the gold standard. The brand is known for blending seamlessly with its surroundings, and here, that means a luxury mountain lodge that feels both indulgent and rooted in place.

It’s the thoughtful touches that make this resort shine: complimentary Miss Pac-Man and arcade games near the pool, daily wine happy hours featuring British Columbia vintages, and a lobby coffee bar starting bright and early (5-7 a.m.). You’ll find sunscreen at the pool, complimentary e-bikes for a quick spin around town, and even a cedar sauna tucked beside the heated outdoor pool and trio of steaming hot tubs.

We loved our spacious suite, where a hallway led to a large living room (with its own full bathroom), separately the king bedroom led to its own spacious bathroom. The mountain views from the patio, which changed from morning to evening, were spectacular!

The Whistler Contemporary Gallery, which grabs your attention right as you enter the lobby, has a secondary location on the bottom floor, near the restaurants, and other pieces of art are sprinkled throughout. I was captivated by the gummy bear art installation and the water balloon art in the lobby, and found the donut wall to be a great viewing experience during the wine happy hour. 

Dining at Four Seasons

Sidecut Steakhouse: Dine alfresco under fairy lights with the trickle of a waterfall nearby. Their seasonal pre-fixe menu ($68 CAD, which is only $50 US) is a must, especially paired with a signature cocktail like the Fraser River or a Canadian cabernet. We were dazzled by a first course of creamy pumpkin soup (made with olive oil, not cream!) topped with tortellini and fried sage. The next course wowed with perfectly prepared scallops, followed black garlic lobster and crab ravioli.

Braidwood Tavern: Their breakfast buffet is, quite simply, one of the most impressive I’ve ever seen. Alongside the typical omelet station and fruit bar, you’ll find global bites—steamed wontons, breakfast burritos, shakshuka—and, believe it or not, a donut wall and chocolate fountain. Yes, for breakfast. We’re here for it! P.S. Since the resort is dog friendly, they supply dog beds on the comfy outdoor patio!

Dining Around the Village

For a culinary adventure beyond the resort, Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar should be at the top of your list. With its sustainable, Pacific Northwest–driven tasting menu, this spot highlights Canadian prime beef, Italian inspiration, and umami-forward creativity. We especially loved the amuse bouche of refreshing cucumber gazpacho with pistachios, a second course of burrata featuring Okanagan Valley tomatoes, housemade linguine with clams, and a perfectly cooked prime tenderloin. Each course was expertly paired with local wines—think Phantom Creek Estates Riesling or Unsworth Pinot Noir Rosé—for the full experience.

Reset & Recharge

About ten minutes from the village sits Scandinave Spa Whistler, a serene sanctuary tucked into the forest. Here, hot mineral pools, cold plunges, steam rooms, and saunas combine with restful hammocks and solariums for the ultimate wellness ritual. Plan to spend at least a half day, rotating through hot (recommended approximately 15 minutes), cold (5-20 seconds), and relaxation (approximately 15 minutes) cycles with a good book in hand. It’s a rejuvenating reset unlike any other. I didn’t want to leave!

Adventures at Altitude

No trip to Whistler is complete without a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Linking Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, this engineering marvel soars high above the valley floor, with (even a few glass-bottom) gondolas offering a thrill for the brave-hearted. At the top, you’ll find hiking trails, panoramic views, and patio dining that makes it a great place to absorb nature. 

Once back in Whistler Village, wander through the storybook setting of boutiques, pubs, and outdoor cafés.

An All Seasons Escape

Whether you’re chasing powder (winter), pedaling trails (spring and summer), or simply soaking up the alpine beauty (leaf peeping in the fall), Whistler is a destination that delivers year-round magic. Add in the luxury of the Four Seasons Resort, unforgettable dining, and a spa day to remember, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a Pacific Northwest escape worth leaving home for. After all, we can’t find this in Texas!

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Cover Photo Marika Flatt

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News (airs statewide), Dallas’ Good Morning Texas, Daytime (airs statewide), and Studio 512!  Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.