Editor's Trip: Summer Adventures in Whistler

One editor's adventurous summer getaway in Whistler.

By: Kathleen Rellihan

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Sore muscles and bruised limbs -– are these the sign of a good vacation? They were for me after a weekend in Whistler, British Columbia, a town that takes physical activity to new heights. This mountain playground was the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, after all. While this all-seasons resort nestled in Canada's breathtaking Rocky Mountains might be best-known as a ski resort, it shines just as brightly in summer.

Though Whistler's majestic mountain views and glacial lakes are a serene summer backdrop, I, like most, didn’t come here for a lazy mountain retreat, but for a taste of adventure. During my recent weekend getaway, I pushed myself physically and mentally with adrenaline-fueling and fear-inducing rock climbing and downhill mountain experiences. I even punctuated the days’ feats with equally adventurous (if less scary) ways to unwind: Swedish spas and ice-cold vodka rooms. Whatever adventure you find yourself trying at Whistler, take a deep breath and look up. You don’t want to miss the view.

Follow my summer must-do's for a Whistler adventure to remember:

Downhill Bike on an Olympic-Sized Mountain

Mountain biking in the Whistler Bike Park

Photo by: Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane

Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane

Think biking is all the same? I thought so too, until I tried downhill mountain biking at Whistler; with a vertical of 5,020 feet, it's one of North America’s highest mountains. Outfitted with a full-face helmet a la Power Rangers and full shin and arm armor, I was ready to tackle the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. The space includes 5,000 feet of vertical trails, including a beginner's “green” trail called “Easy Does It” (not entirely true to name, in my opinion). My beginner lesson taught me all the nuances of downhill biking, most important of which for me included never letting my fingers off the brakes. “No experience is required,” Whistler assures. All you need is courage. Nothing felt more rewarding than knowing I biked down the same mountain Olympians have skied. Nothing except a cold glass of the refreshing Whistler Grapefruit brew at Garibaldi Lift Co., the best après-bike spot to rehash the day's near-spills or (for me) crash survival moments on the mountain.

Chill Out in Barefoot Bistro’s Vodka Room

Bearfoot Bistro Ice Room

Photo by: Tourism Whistler

Tourism Whistler

After I survived my first downhill biking experience, what better way to chill out than with one of Whistler coolest experiences? Toast your day’s Olympian-like athletic feats by raising a vodka shot (or if there’s enough of you, a shot-ski, a ski with 4 shot glasses attached) in the world’s coldest ice bar, Belvedere Ice Room at Bearfoot Bistro. To stay warm you’ll be given a Canadian goose down parka to slip on before you enter the minus-25 degree Farenheight ice room, where more than 55 vodkas from 12 different countries are stored and showcased. The illuminated igloo-style room holds 10 people comfortably and the tasting experience lasts 12 minutes and includes 4 different vodka samples.

Climb Via Ferrata to Whistler’s Peak

Photo by: Whistler Alpine Guides

Whistler Alpine Guides

Yes, this is another heart-racing experience at Whistler where no experience is needed. In fact, the video I watched before climbing Via Ferrata showed a tween successfully reaching Whistler’s peak without breaking a sweat. Surely, I could do the same, even, admittedly, with my small fear of heights. Meaning “Iron Way” in Italian, Via Ferrata allows novice climbers to reach Whistler's summit by clipping onto a series of metal rung ladders pounded into the face of the mountain. The 4-hour journey includes ice trekking, rock climbing (at times without any re-bars to hold onto) and fearless pushing on, topped with glorious views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. I don’t know which was more surreal, glacier hiking in shorts or earning my breathing-taking summit, the hard, or “ferrata” way.

Feast on Locally Sourced Fare at Araxi

Photo by: Araxi

Araxi

Smoked salmon. Oysters. Mussels. Lobster. I was already smitten with Araxi's first course 3-tier seafood platter. A pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, the restaurant works closely with local farmers and producers in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley to serve the freshest locally sourced dishes. Araxi celebrates the local bounty even in its Black Forest cake dessert, which includes local Amarena cherries paired with BC’s Elephant Island Framboise. Yes, you should most certainly order dessert every night in Whistler; you definitely burned your fair share of calories during the day to make up for it.

Unwind Swedish-Style at Scandinave Spa

Photo by: Tourism Whistler / Chad Chomlack

Tourism Whistler / Chad Chomlack

With sore muscles from pushing myself on the mountain all weekend, I would have gladly jumped at the chance to relax poolside. But this is Whistler, where every ante is upped, so I couldn’t miss trying the “pools,” or Swedish-style baths, at Scandinave Spa. The Swedish hydrotherapy experience alternates between hot and cold treatments -- including a eucalyptus steam room, wood-burning Finnish sauna and Nordic waterfalls -- to boost circulation and release toxins. As if the surrounding 3 acres of pine forest weren’t enough to help me feel relaxed here, the spa's strictly enforced silence (no talking, no cell phones) made me feel this was the most peaceful place on Earth.