Whistler Continues to Thrive As Year-Round Tourist Destination

Whistler continues to thrive as year-round tourist destination next move would have been to hop on the Peak 2 Travel Talk Peak Gondola for a thrill- ing 11-minute ride over to MiKE Cohen Blackcomb Mountain. Besides the Peak 2 Peak WHISTLER, BC – It was in Gondola, which still holds 2010 that Whistler, B.C (www.tour- the Guinness World Record ismwhistler.com) gained world- for longest and highest lift, wide recognition when it served as one of the host cit- The Peak Cloudraker Sus- ies for the Winter Olympics. My family and I recently pension Skybridge is the returned for our second visit. Given the fact we are not latest attraction and it was skiers, we like to spend time at this year-round tourist part of our 360 package. It destination during the summer. is 130 metres long and goes We were based in Vancouver for the first part of our from Whistler Peak to the trip. It is a two hour trip and as you climb the moun- West Ridge, which crosses tains absolutely gorgeous scenery jumps out on you. the Whistler Bowl. Upon There are many things to do in the Village, the heart completion it will have a of Whistler. You can stay in a centrally located hotel, viewing platform on the walk the Village Stroll, indulge yourself at one of many West Ridge side. I look for- places to eat and browse the unique shops. The Vil- ward to coming back when The beautiful pool at the Hilton Whistler. lage is located at the base of the lifts, making access the lookout is completed. Yes to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains convenient for the bridge does sway a bit, but we all felt very secure. We Additional amenities for a comfortable Whistler skiing, snowboarding and sightseeing. Whistler Vil- even saw someone navigating it in a wheelchair. getaway include lavish Peter Thomas Roth bath and lage is big enough to have all the amenities expected We were so pleased to spend some time at The Hilton body products, specialty Brew Selector by Cuisinart of a world-class resort, yet small enough for you to feel Whistler (www.hiltonwhistler.com). Our family thor- coffee maker, and 37” flat screen television. Wire- its unique mountain culture and distinctive hospitality oughly enjoyed a day at the outdoor pool area, which less internet and local calls are included in each There is no better experience than the Peak 2 Peak has plenty of very comfortable lounge chairs and um- guestroom. Kitchens include a microwave, cook- Gondola. You first take the Whistler Express Gondola brella coverage. The water was the perfect temperature top (no oven), refrigerator, dishwasher, and are fully from the Village, which takes 25 minutes. You’ll ar- and the pool itself a nice size. There are two Jacuzzis, equipped with cutlery, crockery, cookware, as well as rive at the Roundhouse, a lodge where you can have one outside the other in the fitness center. You can also a toaster and a kettle. lunch or a snack, and take in the spectacular view of soothe your sore muscles in the sauna. The pool area is Sales and Marketing Director Allison Brown was the mountains on the opposite side of the valley. We completely handicapped accessible, with a level walk- kind enough to give me a tour of the property, noting took advantage of that opportunity. The view as I en- way from the elevators and lobby to the deck. that when it debuted in 1982 it was the first large hotel joyed my Miso soup was absolutely spectacular. Our We were provided with a menu of items we could to open in Whistler. All the rooms and hallways have conveniently order right from our chairs. Three of us been recently renovated in this beautiful 287 room fa- opted for the club house, featuring seven grain bread, cility. Next on the agenda will be a revamp of the large perfectly grilled chicken, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, reception area. The rooms I saw were lovely. The cha- smoked cheddar, guacamole and mayonnaise with side let style Premier Studio, for instance, boasts 600+ sq. salads and an order of crispy chicken tenders and yam ft. and is ideal for families or those desiring more room. fries. They also have a nice selection of drinks. We This self-contained studio features a well equipped asked our server to recommend something sweet and kitchen, breakfast bar, wood burning fireplace, sitting she brought us some cool glasses of spiked strawberry area and balcony. The oversized bathroom includes a lemonade. If you are at this Hilton on a Sunday, be sure deep soaker tub, some equipped with air jets. Many of to take advantage of the popular Bubbles, Beats and these studios can be connected to a Hilton Room with Brunch. two double beds for additional space and comfort. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of Whistler The spacious and luxuriously appointed two bed- Village, host mountain resort of the 2010 Winter Olym- room Alpine Suite features a wood burning fireplace, pic and Paralympics Games. There are 24-hour fitness well equipped kitchen, in-suite laundry, balcony, Ski season is now at its “peak” in Whistler. and business centres here. and even a steam room or sauna to relax those tired

Le King David offers a fresh opportunity for seniors to live life to its fullest in a vibrant and friendly environment. Our residents enjoy the degree of independence they desire, complemented with a measure of personalized care.

26 The Montrealer, December 2018 • theMontrealerOnline.com WHISTLER – There are some fantastic dining choices in Whistler’s village area

sunyouth

E L J by Nicolas Carpentier

S U H Sun Youth Communications N Y O U T Department Montreal Canadiens Congratulate Hornets Midget Football team on their wins

Steak and lobster at Hy’s. The Mongolie Grill is a real treat. We were very excited to return to atrically grilled to perfection. the Brewhouse Restaurant (www. Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar markjamesgroup.com/brewhouse. (www.hyssteakhouse.com) is always html). This is one of the busiest spots a special dining experience and their in Whistler Village all year round. Whistler location is no exception. Ev- With a separate restaurant, bar and ery ingredient is chosen to highlight Photos: Joseph Munro mezzanine, the Whistler Brewhouse the top quality of perfectly grilled A moment the Hornets will remember for a long time. Shea Weber, is capable of accommodating groups steaks and the freshest fish and sea- Brendan Gallagher and Paul Byron (and Youppi!) visited the team to large and small. The pub has a cozy food. A wide range of classic and mod- congratulate them on their perfect season. two-sided fireplace and lots of TVs, ern appetizers and accompaniments making it the perfect place to watch make choosing difficult, but satisfac- The Sun Youth Hornets Midget football the game when you’re tired from tion guaranteed. With a hungry four team had a great season, an amazing season, playing all day. The restaurant is year old in our party, we ordered some winning the Quebec Midget Football warm and family friendly with a great delicious bread cheese toast to fill his League (QMFL) Provincial Championship kids’ menu and a huge patio for Whis- empty tummy. The adults liked it as and getting their hands on the Doug Britton tler’s long, hot summers. The cuisine well. For appetizers we shared the Ahi Cup by shutting out the North Shore is an inspired and appetizing mix of Tuna and a nice Caesar salad while Mustangs 24 to 0. This victory led them to barbeque and rotisserie classics, with our little man requested and received take part in the Interprovincial Bowl where exceptional pizza and pasta options. a bowl of kid’s macaroni and cheese. they defeated the Ottawa Knights 37 to 1. These flavours are complemented by For the main courses, two of us select- While the last time that the Midgets were their range of handcrafted ales and ed the eight ounce filet mignon, it was awarded the Doug Britton Cup was in 2014, Assistant Captain Brendan the young athletes in this year’s team were lagers, brewed onsite. There are even perfectly grilled and cut like butter. signing a Montreal all part of the Bantam team that won both Gallagher four kinds of poutine. Our server, The 20 ounce bone in rib was more Canadiens jersey for Hornets Juilie, is from Sherbrooke, Quebec than enough for two others to share the provincial and interprovincial champi- Midget player . and has been here for seven years. Try while the remaining order consisted of onships in 2017. Jeff Medeiros the huge bowl of Matzo Ball Soup, the prawns and scallops. While we were Their awesome track record didn’t go unnoticed, especially by the Montreal Ca- Szechuan chicken lettuce wraps and all quite full, the six of us happily split nadiens. On December 3rd, the Midgets were gathered at Sun Youth’s former head- the tempura tuna maki roll, a brick a piece of chocolate bourbon cake. quarters (Baron Byng on St. Urbain) to celebrate their victories with coaches and oven pizza or the beef sliders. If you are looking for the best sushi parents but the Habs had a special surprise in store for them. In addition to the team’s One of our favorite and more unique in Whistler, consider Harajuku Izakaya mascot Youppi! (who caused quite a stir when he ﬁ rst walked in the room where the spots we recalled from our last visit (https://www.harajuku.ca). We were event was held), the Canadiens had sent three of their best men to congratulate the to Whistler was the Mongolie Grill delighted with the selection. Harajuku Hornets: Captain Shea Weber and Assistant Captains Paul Byron and Brendan Gal- (www.mongoliegrill.com). This is the has a very original menu. For start- lagher. “We heard about your season and we wanted to come and congratulate you ultimate “fun” dining experience with ers we recommend the tuna avocado guys”, said Montreal Canadiens Captain Shea Weber to the players in attendance. fresh and tasty ingredients grilled to yukke, the popcorn calamari, the brie This event was part of the Montreal Canadiens’ “Random Acts of Kindness” initia- perfection in front of your eyes! I love cheese, the black cod. We opted for tive. Bearing more than words of encouragement, the trio gave each player and their the creative aspect to this place, where three kinds of assorted sashimi (Alba- family tickets to a January 2019 game against the Florida Panthers and Montreal Ca- you go about choosing your own stir- core tuna, Sockeye salmon and Yel- nadiens tuques. They also presented a $4,000 cheque on behalf of Sports Experts to fry combination! Select your favourite lowtail). Next came Avocado Oshi Su- support Sun Youth’s Sports & Recreation program. After supper (also offered by the ingredients and flavour with your cho- shi, Salmon Avocado Poke, crispy tuna Canadiens), the Habs players and the Hornets went into the gym to play a friendly sen sauce combinations. Your meal roll and Rock n’ roll. Reservations are game of touch football. Paul Byron scored a touchdown on an interception while all will be weighed by the chefs then the- recommended. Call 604- 962-7222. in attendance had a chance to see that Weber’s throw of the ball is as powerful as his one-timers. muscles after a day of adventure. The game, difficulty and style. If you are an It was also a very emotional moment for Sun Youth’s General Director Johanne stylish living room has a double sized escape room veteran, you could be con- Saltarelli, who wished the organization’s late co-founder Earl De La Perralle had sofa bed, and three 37 inch flat screen fident to try any of the rooms straight off been there to see the smiles on the kids’ faces. This visit was a unique opportunity televisions, featuring HD programming. the bat. The Pinball Machine was our for the Hornets to meet their favourite hockey players, get their autographs and have The master bedroom includes a king choice. The games are suitable for all their picture taken with them. The event ended with Weber, Byron, Gallagher and sized bed while the second bedroom ages and this is fantastic team building Youppi! joining the Hornets in their team chant, a moment the young athletes will contains a queen. Alpine Two Bedroom or family outing activity for everyone to remember for a long time. Suites can connect to a Signature Spa enjoy. They are open seven days a week. Room to create a three bedroom suite. Info: 604-962-1117. This space is offered by a donor of Sun Youth in collaboration Escape Whistler (www.escapewhis- with The Montrealer. For more information on our programs visit our tler.com) was a lot of fun. There are four Mike Cohen’s email address is info@ website at www.sunyouthorg.com. For more news and information escape rooms to try: Pirate ship, Pinball mikecohen.ca. Follow his travels on Machine, Buried Cabin or Rabbit Hole. Twitter @mikecohencsl and at www. on Sun Youth and the community, like us on Facebook, follow us Each room is very different in terms of sandboxworld.com/travel. on Twitter and Instagram and connect with us on LinkedIn. The Montrealer, December 2018 • theMontrealerOnline.com 27