Our stay in Whistler was a short one, but we had so much fun! We strolled, nibbled and sipped our way around a fantastic loop which started right outside our hotel. Along the way we heard the history behind this hippie haven-turned world class ski destination and how exciting it was to host (and win gold at) the Winter Olympics!

Click on the first photo in each group and scroll to see the square photos at full size.
To start at the beginning of this series, visit The Trip of Our Lives 2023.

Goodbye Jasper 🥲

This morning we got an early start, heading out to our new digs in Whistler, BC. We slowed down for our final drive through the wildlife corridor along Yellowhead Highway where we’ve been getting our daily dose of bighorns near (or on) the road. Such beauty is unimaginable.

Although it was a little inconvenient staying thirty minutes north of the town of Jasper, had we not stayed so far north we may not have traveled this beautiful route every day – past another Emerald Pond and the Athabasca River. And we surely wouldn’t have made the trek to Folding Mountain Brewery. All things happen for a reason!

Mount Robson Provincial Park

“Above you stands the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. On March 1, 1913 the [nearly 13,000ft] mountain and surrounding area was established as the second Provincial Park in British Columbia.

To the Indians, Mount Robson was Yuh-Lai-Has-Kun, “the mountain of the spiral road.” This was due to the clearly visible layers of sedimentary deposits that resembled a spiral road winding its way to the top of the mountain…

Today Mount Robson provides a focal point for those who want to enjoy roadside attractions and campgrounds or experience the backcountry wilderness. Talk to the staff in the Visitor Centre – they will be glad to help you discover Mount Robson Park!” ~ from a nearby sign

Great Views All Around

When we arrived at the Visitor Center the peaks of Mount Robson were covered in clouds (above). After our visit inside conditions started to improve. Once we looked around the grounds a bit and read several informational signs (and I stalled as long as I could), the highest peak was almost clear. Since we had a full day ahead of us, that’s as good as it got – which was a great improvement! Even the mountains across the road were spectacular.

Spahats Creek Falls

At the Mount Robson Visitor Center, the ranger suggested several waterfalls just north of Clearwater on BC-5 – which was just a quick detour. Although there was one that was closer, we opted for Spahats Creek Falls because it had the easiest access for this already-long day. It is located on Spahats Creek in Wells Gray Provincial Park.

The layers in the sides of the canyon were almost as impressive as the falls, and the green beyond the canyon offered a beautiful contrast. If you have more time to see a few more waterfalls, here is my google search for the rest.

“Common references place the falls at around 197 ft tall, but taking into account the second tier, it is closer to 250-260 ft tall. It is a popular stop for tourists and especially motorcoach tours since it is only 6.2 mi off the busy Yellowhead Highway.” ~ READ MORE

Volcanic Rock, Carved by Icefields and Glacial Melt

“Spahats Falls owes its formation to deposits of volcanic rock in the Wells Gray-Clearwater volcanic field. Starting about 300,000 years ago, numerous eruptions from Trophy Mountain poured into the Clearwater River Valley and filled it layer upon layer to a depth of over 980 ft. Eruptions in various parts of this valley continued sporadically for 200,000 years, producing some 6 cu mi of lava and creating Wells Gray Park features such as Murtle Plateau.

After the eruptions, the Clearwater River re-established its course and began cutting into the lava. During the Pleistocene, gigantic icefields scraped away at the lava. When all this ice melted, the floods completed the carving of Granite Canyon on the Clearwater River and the side canyon where Spahats Falls occurs.” ~ READ MORE

Kamloops Lake Overlook

This quick lunch stop didn’t even provide a picnic table, but it sure had a great view! We popped up the tailgate and stretched our legs, then switched drivers for the last leg of the journey.

Quite the Drive into Whistler!

Luckily (for Jim) it was my turn to drive, and our route was BC-99 from Kamloops into Whistler. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but with mountains with steep drop-offs, climbing then downgrades, and curves and then hairpins for the entire 3.5 hours, this route is definitely not for the faint of heart! We wanted to kiss the ground when we arrived safely at our hotel!

Since our stay in Whistler was a short one, the Aava Whistler Hotel provided easy access to everything that the town had to offer, and our room was just beautiful. Dinner and beers were a quick walk across and down the street at Tapley’s Neighborhood Pub.

A delicious late breakfast at Stonesedge Kitchen got the next day started right. We had a loop planned out so we could get a nice tour of the town – with our choice of ten breweries sprinkled in here and there. A beautiful sun-shiny day added to our good luck.

The Whistler Museum

When I read the reviews about the Whistler Museum, I was expecting a jam-packed mish-mash of this and that, but WOW was that a misconception! Although it was pretty full – it was incredibly organized and very well done. Here is a link to a Virtual Tour!

“Come visit to learn about Whistler’s history from wilderness to world-class resort. The Whistler Museum tells Whistler’s stories from early fun-loving summer lodge operators, to the creation of Whistler Blackcomb [Ski Resort], to the 2010 Winter Olympic games and beyond.” ~ READ MORE

The museum is chock-full of information about the local flora and fauna, with an awesome display about the bears that call Whistler home. Several taxidermied animals are displayed – along with a sign that all of the animals died of natural causes. Whistler’s original gondola is displayed, and I know you wouldn’t catch Jim (or me) going up a mountain in that!

“It was the chance for a weekend get-a-way spot that spurred Florence Petersen and four friends to purchase a small cabin at Alta Lake in the mid-1950s. At the time, the valley contained a quaint summer fishing resort with only a handful of year-round residents. In the years following, the area would transform from its humble beginnings into the internationally renowned four-season resort we know today.” ~ READ MORE

From Squatters to Custom Home Builders

< Andy came to Whistler in 1971 like many others – to ski! With very few houses to rent, Andy and two friends squatted in the area and built the first house in Whistler Village of materials scavenged from the nearby dump for a total cost of $50!

In 1978, eviction notices went out and forced many squatters to buy into a 330-acre property known as Tapley’s Farm. Today, Andy designs and builds award-winning custom homes.

> Another great story can be read at the right. I did not include the photo where the “completely uninhibited and playful posing perfectly captured the spirit of the times.” You’ll have to google Toad Hall photo if you’re curious.

Whistler’s Claim to Fame (besides world-class skiing)

Although the 2010 Winter Olympics were officially hosted by Vancouver, several events were also hosted in Whistler: Olympic and Paralympic Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and biathlon, as well as Olympic Nordic combined, ski jumping, bobsleigh, luge and skeleton.

Time for a Pint

After a nice (long) visit at the Museum, we got a little thirsty. Hunter Gather Eatery and Taphouse was the first brewery on our list and was very close-by.

“Hunter Gather opens its door in 2017, as a place to share stories, eat locally made food and enjoy awesome craft beer and wine. Our hope is that in collaboration with a network of local producers and dedicated team, you too will find Hunter Gather a place that pairs perfectly with your zest for the mountain lifestyle.” ~ READ MORE

Whistler Olympic Plaza

“During the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Whistler and Vancouver, Canadians from coast to coast to coast welcomed the world and cheered for athletes representing 82 nations. Whistler Olympic Plaza was the epicenter of that celebration!

Today Whistler Olympic Plaza is a unique outdoor space designed for diverse use: a family-oriented park in the Village that serves as a gathering place to enjoy entertainment, or experience a wide range of festivals and events, or participate in special occasions such as Remembrance Day, or simply to relax and enjoy Whistler.

Whistler Olympic Plaza is an important public space for locals and guests to interact, reminisce about the Games, and create new memories to last a lifetime.” ~ from a sign nearby

Fish Tacos and a Beer

Our second brewery was right next to the Olympic Rings (how convenient)! We made a stop at High Mountain Brewhouse to split a meal and enjoy a cold one. A table outside was a great way to continue enjoying this fabulous day.

“The cuisine is an inspired and appetizing mix of barbeque and rotisserie classics with exceptional pizzas made from scratch… These flavours are complemented by the range of award winning, handcrafted ales and lagers which we brew onsite.” ~ READ MORE

Art and Relaxation

We happened upon a wonderful area with bridges, lounge chairs, and great pieces of art! The second photo celebrates Whistler’s participation in the 2010 Winter Games. Titled “Timeless Circle,” this bronze sculpture was created by Susan Point.

Wings and a Beer

All that walking and art made us thirsty! Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub was calling our names with its beautiful landscaping – and who doesn’t love an Irish Pub! I forgot to take a photo of our beers, but I took several others!

Fish and Chips (and a beer)

Are you sensing a pattern here? La Brasserie looked like an awesome place to split some fish and chips and grab a beer. Of the ten stops on the Craft Beer portion of the Whistler App, we decided to stop at four. Probably a wise move, but I’m glad we stopped here because it was beautiful!

4 Down, 6 To Go

Looks like we’re coming back!

Next Up: A Terrific Day in Victoria, BC

Happy trails,
Barb