Multigenerational Summer Getaway to Whistler Blackcomb
Multigenerational Summer Getaway to Whistler Blackcomb
WAVEJourney’s 2-Night Adventure in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada!
Summer fun and adventures are always better when shared with others! A 2-night stay at Whistler Blackcomb in August 2016 with our 9-year-old niece, Jada, made for a memorable multigenerational getaway that was perfect memory-making material. Weather in the area was just perfect for the time of year (temperature about 25 Celsius and no rain), and we were able to partake in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Some things were new experiences for all of us (Inukshuk carving), and some were must-do favorites (horse riding). Staying at a central location in Whistler Village was vital for us – we didn’t want to drive once we arrived at our hotel – plus we love to stroll, people-watch and be in the hub of all there is to do and see.
WHERE TO STAY
Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
We highly recommend staying at Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Hotel in Whistler Village. This 4-star resort is located at the base of the Excalibur Gondola, affords excellent views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, and is in the perfect location for quick and easy access to all Whistler Blackcomb has to offer.
Views from our room at Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
We first stayed at the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside in a similar 1-bedroom suite during a winter getaway in 2012.
Fireplace in our 1-bedroom suite at Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
Staying here with Jada made it even more fun and was the ideal amount of space for the three of us.
Bedroom in our room at Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
The living room area has a pull-out sofa bed that Jada found to be very comfy (and she wasn’t disturbed by our snoring).
Kitchen in our room at Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
It was also very handy to be able to prepare morning coffee, breakfast and even dinner (Jada wanted to stay in and cook dinner for ourselves instead of going out to eat – it worked out perfectly) in our own kitchen.
WHAT TO DO IN THE VILLAGE
Wandering around Whistler Village is always something we enjoy, along with popping into the shops to pick up a trinket or two. Jada loves rocks, so we spent at least an hour in a gem and rock shop while she picked out a souvenir for herself, and a lovely gift for her mom (she’s so thoughtful).
Fathom Stone Art Gallery
One afternoon the three of us had an Inuskshuk carving class at Fathom Stone Art Gallery.
Carving and building an Inukshuk
Creating an Inukshuk at Fathom Stone in Whistler
The Inukshuk became well known to visitors to Vancouver and Whistler during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and there are a number of statues of various sizes located throughout the village, plus a huge one at the top of Whistler Mountain Summit.
The Finished Masterpieces!
This craft class is an ideal indoor family activity where we each created our own Inukshuk – and pleasantly surprised ourselves with our creations.
WHERE TO EAT
Dubh Linn Gate at the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Hotel
One of our favorite places to eat in Whistler Village is Dubh Linn Gate at the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Hotel – we make a point of dining there every time we’re in the area.
Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub
Not only is this Irish pub a fun place to hang out and enjoy a Guinness (or other libation), the food is wonderful (drooling at memories of the Steak & Guinness Pie and the Fish and Chips).
Pretzels and a Crock of Cheese
Steak & Guinness Pie
Fish & Chips
When the weather is conducive to sitting on the patio, views of the mountains are hard to beat.
GRAB A TREAT
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is one of Jada’s tips for treats (and Viv’s too). Not only do they have all types of chocolate and ice cream creations to pick from, but they also have exciting candy apples (and what kids of all ages don’t like that?).
ACTIVITIES ON THE MOUNTAINS
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is one of the activities the three of us highly recommend. Be sure to plan at least 3-4 hours for this event (if time permits you can easily spend the day).
Peak 2 Peak Gondola at Whistler
Start off by taking the Whistler Gondola in the Village all the way up to the Roundhouse Lodge.
Getting goofy on the Whistler Gondola up to the Roundhouse Lodge
In summer it is possible for hikers and mountain bikers to go further and take the Summit Express Chair Lift up to the Whistler Summit and see the massive Inukshuk.
Jill, Jada and Viv at the Inukshuk at Whistler Summit
Views of Black Tusk are worth the hike (and it’s interesting to read the markers and signs describing the wildlife, flora, fauna and mountains.
Jada strikes a pose over Black Tusk
From the Whistler Roundhouse Lodge area the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is accessed, and after a 11-minute, 4.4 km/2.73 mile-ride across the valley we were on Blackcomb Mountain at the Rendezvous Lodge.
Peak 2 Peak Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb
On a clear day the vistas are spectacular and the Coastal Mountain Range is breathtaking.
ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA
A morning spent horse riding in the Callaghan Valley with Canadian Wilderness Adventures was fun for all of us. Viv got to ride a sure-footed mule for the very first time (and loved it).
The owner and his guide were lots of fun, had extensive knowledge of the area, and made safety for both horses and riders their number one priority (safety is always our priority, too).
The two-hour Hokey-Pokey Gold Rush Tour took us up into the mountainside to a viewpoint, stopped at a watering hole where the horses waded in for a drink, and then wound our way back the same narrow trail to the corral. If you like to go horse (or mule) riding when you travel, this is worth adding to your list.
BOTTOM LINE
Jada and Jill on the chairlift to Whistler Summit
If you want to follow in our footsteps and take your own family adventure (also great for solos, couples and friend-getaways), visit the websites below to book your Whistler Blackcomb summer adventure.
Jada and Viv enjoying gelato at the top of Blackcomb
Activities in Whistler Blackcomb are endless (something to satisfy all interests and fitness levels), so no matter what you do you’re bound to have an amazing time!
Cheers,
Viv and Jill – AKA: WJ
Gotta love that smile!
IF YOU GO:
- Pan Pacific Whistler Blackcomb Hotel
- Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola
- Canadian Wilderness – for Hokey Pokey Riding
- Fathom Art Gallery
- Whistler Tourism
- Whistler Blackcomb
Note: WAVEJourney were guests at Pan Pacific Mountainside Hotel at Whistler, BC, Canada in August 2016. All reviews, recommendations, tips, opinions are our own and were accurate at the time of our visit.
Pingback: Multigenerational Summer Getaway to Whistler Blackcomb | Whistler Blackcomb