Why Don't You
Stories by Kate Heskett
See the Forest from the Trees
Steep, treed mountains dominate most skylines in Whistler. While many hiking trails are accessible from the valley floor, why not elevate your forest experience by taking a treetop TreeTrek Tour?
Suitable for all ages, this guided, interpretive ecology adventure follows a network of suspended bridges, stairways, boardwalks, and trails through a pristine stand of old-growth western red cedar, Douglas fir, and western hemlock.
By changing your point of view, the forest you thought you knew is transformed. Looking down on the forest floor, as an eagle or owl would, your senses sharpen as you take in the details of the complex ecosystem below.
Time feels different up there. You’re on tree time now. Western hemlocks can live to be more than 500 years old. The western red cedar is B.C.’s provincial tree and can live for more than 1,000 years.
When you emerge from the forest, you’ll find yourself suspended between the earth and sky, 45 metres (150 feet) above the glacial waters of Fitzsimmons Creek.
Sturdy, closed-toed footwear and the physical ability to climb stairs and walk along dirt trails are required.
whistler.ziptrek.com/tours/treetrek
604-935-0001
Take the Road Less Travelled
Driving to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway is an unforgettable experience. Snowcapped mountains seem to rise from the ocean, and each turn feels like moving through a series of landscape paintings. Picturesque, yes, but it can be hard to get a feel for the raw power and beauty of the mountainous landscape carved by water and ice through car windows.
For a more hands-on experience, why not test your driving skills on a Canadian Wilderness Adventures Odyssey Off-Road Buggy adventure?
Suitable for beginners and families, the tour starts with a demonstration from your guide, who will walk you through handling your 4x4 off-road machine. Then it’s up to you to climb every mountain and cross every stream, with the odd boulder obstacle thrown in for an extra challenge as you navigate rugged mountain roads and traverse lush, forested trails. Prepare to get wet and perhaps a little muddy as you immerse yourself in the mountain elements, maneuver to unique viewpoints, and look out for wildlife along the way in Whistler’s world-class wilderness playground.
canadianwilderness.com | 604-938-1616
Do Aprés the French’eese Way
Whistler loves après, a tradition imported from Europe that translates literally as “after.” A day in the mountains wouldn’t feel complete without this ritual celebration of food, drink, and the people around us.
For Mickael Loiodice, the quality of the fare is of the utmost importance. Born and raised in the French Alps, he grew up serving guests in his parents’ restaurant in Morzine.
Upon relocating to Whistler, Loiodice brought family recipes from France and started sharing them with friends. Soon enough, when invited for dinner, friends requested certain items, like his decadent French cheese platters, or asked him to cater cheese fondue and raclette dinners. Inspired, and with 20 years of experience, Loiodice launched his event and delivery company, French’eese, to share a piece of his culture with Whistler.
His in-home raclette and fondue experiences are a unique opportunity to learn about the origins of hand-selected, premium-quality French cheeses. With more than 20 cheeses to choose from, the portable cheese-and-charcuterie boxes, with fresh local bread, fruit, and vegetables, are perfect for a mountaintop or lakeside picnic or for enjoying at a summer concert in Whistler Olympic Plaza. Plan ahead, as orders are required 24 hours in advance, with delivery available from Tuesday to Sunday everywhere in Whistler.
frencheesewhistler.com
778-802-5449
Disconnect and Reflect
Whistler’s high-adrenaline, gravity-defying sports, like skiing, snowboarding, and downhill mountain biking, attract athletes and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. But when it’s time to come back down to earth, Scandinave Spa is the ideal place to relax, rejuvenate and retune the body.
Set in a secluded, forested area, Scandinave offers carefully curated hot and cold experiences, followed by plenty of space to relax. The spa is a quiet zone; phones and talking are not permitted, so your body and mind can fully benefit from the thermal therapy process.
First, the hot facilities increase body temperature, dilating blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood flow, which naturally cleanses skin through perspiration. Hot features include Eucalyptus steam baths, hot baths, wood-burning, and Finnish saunas.
Next, take a cold plunge to rapidly cool your body, which closes your pores and removes toxins, releases endorphins, and increases your heart rate. Refresh in a Nordic waterfall, Nordic shower, or cold-plunge bath.
Finally, take the time to relax and recover, assisting in stabilizing blood flow and heart rate. There are solariums, indoor and outdoor fireplace options, and a yoga studio for those who prefer an active resting state. And nothing beats the outdoor hammocks in the warmer months to combine cocooned comfort with fresh air and mountain views.
scandinave.com/whistler/baths
604-935-2424
Image Joern Rohde