My TripAdvisor Review No.475: Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler, Canada.

Celebration Of The 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

The Whistler Olympic Plaza is a large open space surrounded by hotels and restaurants. It has beautiful manicured laws and a walking plaza leading into the Whistler Village shopping plaza. You can visit more restaurants, confectionery and curio shops down the walking plaza.

Vehicles are not allowed to ply in the plaza and there is sufficient designated parking areas within walking distance.

The Olympic Plaza is beautifully laid out. As you enter the open area you will see the Olympic Rings where all the visitors pose to have their pictures taken. There is a placard explaining the significance of the Plaza. It is a place where the participants were feted and awarded their medals during the events in Winter 2010.

It is the center of attraction and the focal point of Whistler.

Show less

Date of experience: June 2019

See all 16 reviews by EkMusafir for Whistler

Ask EkMusafir about Whistler Olympic Plaza

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.474: Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada.

All Seasons Holiday Resort.

The Whistler Blackcomb mountains are a pair of mountain peaks in the Western region of British Columbia in Canada. It is located in one of the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains and is the home of the all season resort more commonly known as Whistler. It is the biggest ski area in all of North America.

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games were hosted at Whistler. It is almost perpetually covered with snow most of the year, and the gentle slopes of the mountain sides make it very suitable for skiing, biking and hiking. There are many ziplines as well. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride is absolutely top-of-the-list must do in Whistler Blackcomb. The views from the gondolas are simply spectacular.

At the peaks of either the Whistler or Blackcomb mountain there are restaurants and washrooms where you can enjoy your meals gazing at the beautiful scenery. You can also do some shopping for souvenirs or clothes.

There are many lodging resorts to stay in Whistler. The sloping roofs of all the buildings and the beautiful architecture give the village a very Swiss-like Alpine atmosphere. It is a place worth visiting for a great vacation.

Show less

Date of experience: June 2019

See all 15 reviews by EkMusafir for Whistler

Ask EkMusafir about Whistler Blackcomb

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.473: Rendezvous Lodge, Blackcomb Mountain, Canada.

Mountaintop Mall.

The Rendezvous Lodge is at the top of the Blackcomb Mountain, which is connected to Whistler Mountain by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. After taking the gondola across from Whistler we thought we’d have a bite at the cafeteria in the Lodge.

The restaurant serves mainly American and Canadian fast foods like burgers, salads, French fries, poutine, muffins, cakes, coffee and cold drinks. Better than the cold drinks was the fresh cold mountain spring water which was available free at the water fountains near the washrooms.

But the USP of the restaurant is the splendid mountain views all around. The large windows all around ensure that you do not miss out on the spectacular views while enjoying your meal.

There is a gift and curio shop also in the building and the items available like mementos and clothing were of fairly good design and quality.

Show less

Date of visit: June 2019

• • Value
  • Service
  • Food

See all 14 reviews by EkMusafir for Whistler

Ask EkMusafir about Rendezvous Lodge

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.472: Roundhouse Lodge, Whistler, Canada.

Mountaintop Dining.

The Roundhouse Lodge is at the top of the Whistler Mountain. After taking the gondola up for the Peak 2 Peak experience we thought we’d have a bite before the ride.

The restaurant serves buffet as well as different types of ala-carte. We decided to go for the noodles and wrap with salad. It was quite a mouthful and the taste was satisfactory. There was no service to speak of as it was self service although the lady at the salad bar helped us to decide on the options available.

One can eat in the enclosed dining hall or outside under the umbrellas if it is not too cold or rainy, the choice is up to you. The views of the mountains from the restaurant is spectacular.

Show less

Date of visit: June 2019

• • Value
  • Service
  • Food

See all 13 reviews by EkMusafir for Whistler

Ask EkMusafir about Roundhouse Lodge

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.471: Cheakamus River, Whistler, Canada.

Riverside Walk.

The Cheakamus River trail is about 5 km away from Whistler near the Function Junction. One side of the trail can be accessed from the trail which leads to the Train Wreck site. We walked along the trail till we reached a suspension bridge across the raging river. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

Be careful when you are walking along the trail as it can be lonely at times and there may be bears around. But the trail is well marked through the woods and not very strenuous. We enjoyed the trek to the river and looking at and listening to the gushing waters from the suspension bridge.

Show less

Date of experience: June 2019

See all 12 reviews by EkMusafir for Whistler

Ask EkMusafir about Cheakamus River

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.470: Thunderbird Cafe, Whistler, Canada.

Hidden Gem

You will not find this restaurant at the Whistler Village or the Plaza. It is hidden away in the confines of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and it is a Gem of a restaurant in Whistler. It is located on the ground floor of the Cultural Centre and serves the traditional flavours of the First Nation’s recipes.

We tried the Salmon Chowder with Bannocks (the traditional bread of the Squamish First Nation peoples), and Wild Salmon Salad and both the dishes were well prepared and good to taste. Burgers and muffins were also available with salmon and veal fillings. The service was good and courteous and the food was served to our table. Prices were very reasonable.

We enjoyed our meal and would recommend a visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to enjoy the exhibits, guided tour, gift shop and finally the a meal at the Thunderbird Café.

My TripAdvisor Review No.468: Whistler Visitor Center, Canada.

First Port Of Call In Whistler

Tourists visiting Whistler for the first time should go to the Visitor Center for guidance. It is located just opposite the Gateway Bus Loop where most of the buses coming from Vancouver stop for passengers to alight and board.

The staff are knowledgeable about the area and are very friendly and helpful. We were told about the local buses and how to get around. They even offered to give us change for the bus since you can pay the fare only with coins or bus passes. There is free literature about the sight-seeing places and a map of the village and surrounds. You can book your hotel and gondola rides here as well.

There is a Tim Horton's café and an oriental restaurant in the centre and a few tables and benches to sit. There is a clean travellers washroom as well.

Show less

Date of experience: June 2019

See all 9 reviews by EkMusafir for Whistler

Ask EkMusafir about Whistler Visitor Centre

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.467: Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center, Whistler, BC, Canada.

About The Culture Of Canada's First Nations.

This is a very interesting and informative place to visit in Whistler. We were taken on a guided tour of the centre by some of the representatives of the First Nations. They started with one of their traditional songs which was very good. Then we were shown a short movie which showed us their ways of sustainable living which they follow even today. We were shown some of their habitats and how they live in harmony with their environment and wild animals like bears, wolves and elk. We were then shown how they weave ropes out of the cedar bark without endangering the tree. It was all indeed very interesting.

There were many art and craft items, totem poles and wooden canoes on display. There is a shop where you can buy some of their traditional craft items, gift items and books about their culture, history and geology.

We had lunch at their Thunderbird Café, and we were served some delicious salmon dishes.

It is indeed a worthwhile place to visit and spend at least two or three hours here.

Show less

Date of experience: June 2019

See all 8 reviews by EkMusafir for Whistler

Ask EkMusafir about Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.466: Horstman Hut, Blackcomb Whistler, BC, Canada.

High On Hot Chocolate.

After reaching the Blackcomb mountain as part of the Peak 2 Peak experience, we went up further in the bus and chair lift from the 7th Heaven station. At the top of the skiing slopes there was this log hut serving food and hot drinks, known as the Horstman Hut.

It was drizzling on the slopes and that was making everyone feel cold. Their cups of Hot Chocolate was selling out before they could make the next batch. We had to wait in queue to get our cup filled. They also serve fast food like burgers, soup and goulash.

The views of the surrounding mountains are spectacular and on a clear day you can enjoy the outdoor seating.

Show less

Date of visit: June 2019

• • Value
  • Service
  • Food

See all 7 reviews by EkMusafir for Whistler

Ask EkMusafir about Horstman Hut

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.465: Whistler Suspension Bridge, Canada,

A Bridge Too Far.

The Whistler Suspension Bridge is included as part of the activities offered when you purchase a ticket for the Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride. When you get to the top of Whistler mountain by the gondola you can go higher up to the Suspension Bridge by a chair lift.

Unfortunately, when we got to Whistler mountain it started drizzling. The chair lift is open and we didn’t have a rain coat, so we did not dare to go up to the dangling open suspension bridge for fear of the bone chilling cold and wind up there. Maybe we will do it on the next trip.

Show less

Date of experience: June 2019

See all 6 reviews by EkMusafir for Whistler

Ask EkMusafir about Whistler Suspension Bridge

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.464: Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Whistler, BC, Canada.

Spectacular Ride.

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride is an absolutely top-of-the-list must do in Whistler. The views from the gondolas are simply spectacular. The tickets are not cheap but you must know beforehand that you are getting not only a to-and-fro ride between the Whistler Peak and the Blackcomb Peak, but much more tan that. You get a ride from Whistler Village base or from Blackcomb base up to the starting point of the red P2P gondolas, and back again. Once at the top of Whistler you can get up to suspension bridge, or at the Blackcomb mountain you can take a free bus ride to the 7th Heaven chair lift and get to the top of the ski slopes. Furthermore you can ride the P2P gondolas as many times as you like for the day, as long as you don’t take the ride down to the base again.

At the peaks of either the Whistler or Blackcomb mountain there are restaurants and washrooms where you can enjoy your meals gazing at the beautiful scenery. You can also do some shopping for souvenirs or clothes.

The usual P2P gondolas are red in colour and there is no waiting required to get into one, but there are some silver coloured gondolas, fewer in number, which have a glass floor. You may have to wait around 15 minutes to get into one. There is a good chance of spotting wild bears on the slopes below from a gondola.

The gondolas are closed and cosy, but be prepared with your jackets at the top of the mountains. When we went up there was some rain as well, which chilled us to the bone.

It is well worth a trip.

Show less

Date of experience: June 2019

See all 5 reviews by EkMusafir for Whistler

Ask EkMusafir about Peak 2 Peak Gondola

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.459: Epic Rides Bus Service (Vancouver to Whistler).

Scenic Journey.

To get from Vancouver to Whistler and back we used the services of ‘Epic Rides’. It is a luxury bus service with 2X2 seating arrangement. It starts from near Burrard Station in Vancouver and delivers you to the Gateway Loop Bus Terminus in Whistler Village within two hours, barring unforeseen circumstances.

The round trip costs only CAD$35 and is very economical. It does not stop anywhere in between, so it is better to visit the restroom before you board.

The ride is very scenic as it travels along Highway No.99 which is also known as the ‘Sea to Sky Highway’. Try to get a seat on the left side of the bus while going to Whistler, and on the Right hand side while returning to take in the best scenery along the way.

Show less

Date of experience: June 2019

Ask EkMusafir about Epic Rides

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.458: La Brasserie des Artistes, Whistler, Canada.

Alfresco Dining.

We saw this restaurant while walking down along the shopping plaza in Whistler Village, from the Peak2Peak gondola ride . The bright yellow umbrellas and the inviting atmosphere attracted us in.

We were quite hungry so we ordered a Brass Club sandwich. It had bacon and chicken, tomato relish, arugula, garlic, Parmesan cheese, mayo packed in a multigrain toast with plenty of French fries and salad. It was quite filling and we enjoyed the taste. Then we ordered Chai (tea) and relaxed for a while.

It is a nice place for open air dining on a cold day sitting in the warming sun, watching all the tourists, bikers, and skiing enthusiasts walking by on Village Stroll Plaza. Service is average and easy going.

It is open from morning 8 am till 9 pm in the night. Beer, wine, cocktails and desserts are also served.

Show less

Date of visit: June 2019

• • Value
  • Service
  • Food

See all 4 reviews by EkMusafir for Whistler

Ask EkMusafir about La Brasserie des Artistes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.457, Tim Hortons, Whistler Visitor Center, BC, Canada.

EkMusafir

Good For A Quick Bite.

This is a small outlet of Tim Hortons located in one corner of the Whistler Visitor Information Center. It is a good choice of location because all the buses from Vancouver come and stop at the Gateway Loop Bus Terminus and the tourists first flock into the Visitor Information Center. Many then stop for a cup of coffee or a snack before proceeding to their hotel or for their activities.

We stopped here on our first day in Whistler and had some doughnuts and croissants with coffee. It is basically a takeaway snack and coffee stall. Other items available here include muffins, cakes, pastries, hot chocolate drink, cold drinks and tea. It satisfies your immediate thirst or hunger so that you are good to go again.

Service is quick and efficient but there are only two tables and a bench to sit in the Visitor Center.

Show less

Date of visit: June 2019

• • Value
  • Service
  • Food

See all 3 reviews by EkMusafir for Whistler

Ask EkMusafir about Tim Hortons

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.456: Cheaky's Licensed Cafe, Whistler, Canada.

Good For A Quick Breakfast.

Located in the lobby of the HI Hostel near Cheakmus Crossing, Whistler we found it to be a very good place to have a quick breakfast with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. It would open at 7 am and stayed open till 2 pm for lunch. We got muffins, panini and peanut butter toast for breakfast. There was a choice of cereals and cakes also available.

There were good options for lunch as well. It was closed after 2 pm so we had to go elsewhere for dinner.

Show less

Date of visit: June 2019

• • Value
  • Service
  • Food

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.455: HI Whistler, Whistler, BC, Canada.

Simple and Elegant.

HI Whistler is a simple but elegant accommodation in the mountain resort of Whistler about 2 hours’ drive from Vancouver. We stayed in a private room for two with a queen size bed, a TV, a table, two bedside tables, and an open closet with hangers. There is wall-to-wall carpeting. The en-suite bathroom was quite large with running hot water, liquid soap dispenser and toilet paper provided. Clean towels, napkins, bed linen and blankets were provided. The room ac was dysfunctional but it was not required during the night as it was quite cool, and a pedestal fan had been provided in case it became hot in the afternoon.

There was Cheaky’s Café in the lobby where we would have our breakfast and coffee and then catch the No.20 shuttle bus to Whistler Village and roam around for the day. There is a community kitchen and laundry room which we made use and both are very convenient to use. The use of the kitchen is free, but the laundry is pay per use. Of course you have to tidy up after your use.

The surroundings of the hostel are very green and ringed in by the mountains. There are walking and cycling tracks nearby, and the ‘Train Wreck’ site is within a 2 km walking distance through a path leading into the wilderness. The shuttle bus from Whistler Village runs every 20 minutes and drops you at the hostel for $2.50 a ride.

The staff are very friendly and helpful. There is a lounge with a lot of reading material. Use of the kitchen is free and there is a decent dining hall attached. One can even sit out in the open veranda and enjoy the scenery while having your meal.

We enjoyed our 3 day stay at HI Whistler.

Show less

Date of stay: June 2019

• Trip type: Travelled as a couple
  • Value
  • Cleanliness
  • Service

Ask EkMusafir about HI Whistler

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC