Whistler: No snow, but that does not matter

Antoinette and our S'mores mascot chowing down

So leaving Vancouver was hard, seeing that we had to say goodbye to an old friend that we might not see again for quite some time, but the decision to head through to Whistler was definitely a good one.

Our last couple of days in Vancouver were spent lazily strolling the arcades and shopping districts of the downtown area and introducing Amy, our Canadian hostess, to the delights of Masala Dosai [deliciously golden rice and lentil crepes stuffed with spicy potato for those that do not already know and if you do not we suggest you get acquainted with these addictively tasty beasts].

Amy returned the favour by introducing us to 's'mores,' delicious sandwich style treats consisting of crackers [gluten free of course], fire roasted marshmallows and plenty of chocolate. Not exactly the most healthy things, but damn they were tasty. Be warned friends we shall be sharing the love, but never the recipe.

One of Vancouver's hidden gems was found on our last day in Granville island, which is actually a peninsula but being outsiders we did not want to stir the pot too much, and with markets, wicked lunch options, a pretty damn good busker, glass blowing, art school, hammock store and a brewery. If ever there was a location for a lazy day this place is perfect.

Quite a view 'eh

So after tying up lose ends and relaxing to our hearts content we had to farewell Amy's crazy Grandma and her cozy home it was time to head out into the mountains for some of that fresh mountain air.

The bus ride out to Whistler was very scenic and the weather gods did allow us to take full advantage of the two and a half hour bus ride into the mountains that hosted the winter Olympics earlier this year.

Our accommodation is a small bed and breakfast just outside of Whistler’s town centre and had the ‘Golden Dreams Bed and Breakfast’ been closer to town it would have been the equivalent of a five star hotel for the both of us. It is awesome to wake up and have breakfast waiting on the table upstairs and also get the locals interpretation of the weather forecast to help us decide what will be worth doing and when to do it. Being fed without having to do dishes might sound like a small thing for most, but for people trying to save cash wherever and whenever they can it is a luxury we are enjoying to the max.

Since arriving in Whistler we have found ourselves busy pretty much all day every day and there is always something to do in or just outside of the hustle and bustle that is the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. There is something about these mountainous landscapes that have us both in a spell and seeing these places drive us to see more of the same and we have both vowed a trip to the Himalayas is on the table after this whole around the world shindig.

We spent Saturday climbing to heights other St.Kilda fans could only dream of [after the disappointment that was the grand final rematch] and after 20 minutes in the gondola line and a 11 minute gondola ride we were at the lodge atop Whistler Mountain. Panoramic views of the valley carved by a massive glacier measuring more than 2000m thick greeted us and after taking more than just a couple of shots of the distant mountains and lush temperate rain forest we decided it was time to head over to Blackcomb mountain.

No photoshop here. It is a wild bird.

In the old days we are sure getting to the summit of both mountains in one day would have been an achievement worthy of wenches and ales at the lodgings below, but for us it was as simple as presenting a ticket to the Peak 2 Peak ‘gondola technician.’ The Peak 2 Peak gondola carries passengers between the summits of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain and is truly one of a kind. Suspended over 430m above the valley floor at its highest point and a distance of over 3000m classified as ‘unsupported span’ it was quite a ride, with the exception of camera happy tourists able to do everything except for sit down and just enjoy the ride.

Once at the lodge on Blackcomb we headed down one of the walking trails and were blown away by some of the epic views we had and also some of the close encounters with local wildlife. This experience alone was enough to warrant another visit to this awesome mountain township, but with so much ahead of us we will have to add it too the list.

Sunday afternoon was not without irony. We decided a light stroll after lunch was in order and after some seriously tasty gluten free gnocchi [quite a find we know] we found ourselves getting seriously lost trying to find ‘Lost Lake.’ After walking aimlessly through the Douglas Firs and Red Cedar trees we found what we were looking for. The Lake was reflecting the grey skies and surrounding trees and was something we have never seen before so we decided to kick back, enjoy the view and add a few photos to the ‘Leg’ album for all those in the know back in ol’ P-Town.

Our Transportation and Lost Lake

After taking it easy for more than a couple of days our adrenaline levels, well James’ at least, needed a bit of a boost so we booked ourselves in on Ziptrek’s Eagle Tour. The package included two and a half hours amongst 10, 000 year old rainforest, five zip lines [including Canada’s longest] across the valley and walking 40m above the undergrowth on walkways and suspension bridges from tree to tree. The whole experience was eye opening and it was a fantastic way to see the valley. What really made it worthwhile was the fact every aspect of the tour was carefully planned and executed to minimise the impact on the delicate ecosystem surrounding the platforms and trails. From the untreated red cedar platforms sourced from heli-logging plantations in Canada to offsetting the carbon used by the bus to transport the group to the first zip line, Ziptrek is truly a shining example of eco tourism and really makes you think about what you can accomplish as an individual, and perhaps as a business in the future.

With only one whole day left in Whistler Blackcomb we are about to spend the day cruising around town and packing our bags once again for the full day of travel we have tomorrow. Another two and a half hour bus trip awaits before we jump on a train and head south across the border to arrive in Seattle by 10pm local time. Our time in Whistler has delivered everything we expected it to, partly because we had no expectations and if you ever find your way to British Columbia you just have to make the effort and come out to mountain country.

‘Till next time,

Antoinette and James.