Stay & Play

Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, British Columbia

by Steve Gillick

In mid-April, the 90-minute drive from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler included not only the spectacular scenery of the Sea-to-Sky Highway, but also snow flurries. This turned into a full-blown snow storm by the time we checked into the 4-Star Westin Resort & Spa. We entered our two-bedroom Mountain View suite, dropped our bags, and dashed onto the balcony. We saw snow covered trees and lots of blowing snow, but not much more.

But visual serendipity was in the offing!

The next morning, against the backdrop of a gorgeous, clear, blue sky, the rising sun peaked over a stunning panorama of layers and waves of the snow-capped ridges of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains. The 1834 meter (1617 feet) summit of Mount Sproatt, and the 2314 meter (7992 feet) crest of Rainbow Mountain were directly in front of us. And every time we returned to our room that day, we sat in the warm sunshine on our balcony, just staring at this incredible mountain view. There was no need to turn on the 55-inch television once during our stay!

And for orophiles (people who love to look at mountains), the less than 5-minute walk to Whistler Village allows you time to find that perfect outdoor patio for lunch, with amazing views of Whistler Mountain (2181 meters – 7155 feet) and Blackcomb Peak (2436 meters – 7992 feet). But the Village also offers a variety of restaurants featuring local and international fare, plus bars, grocery stores, tourist kiosks, and shops specializing in ski equipment, snowboard rentals, souvenirs, and lots more.

The Westin is in a great location. It’s a 10-minute walk to the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, 15 minutes to the incredible collection in the Audain Art Museum, and 20 minutes for those looking to escape to forest paths, birding (Steller’s Jays, Varied Thrushes, Ospreys, Bald Eagles), and meditative scenes at Lost Lake.

Our super comfortable two-bedroom suite had a fireplace, couch, kitchen table, microwave, oven, coffee maker, dishwasher, plates, cutlery and a mini-refrigerator, all perfect for heating our breakfast wraps in the morning, and keeping our afternoon wine and sake bottles (all purchased in the Village), nice and cold!

Inside the hotel itself there is a convenient Starbucks, along with the Grill & Vine Restaurant (open for breakfast, brunch and dinner), and the Fireside Lounge for après skiers, energized hikers, or exhausted shoppers. And those looking to submerge themselves in wellness can swim in the heated indoor or outdoor pools, workout in the Fitness Studio, or indulge in a treatment at the Whistler Spa.

The Westin Resort & Spa is a combination of comfort and class, with friendly, helpful staff, in a great location within a world-class destination.

www.westinwhistler.com