We went for a day trip up to Whistler. We love going to Whistler, normally we would try to do a one or two-night stay, but that was not working out this winter break. This is one of our favourite destinations and often our go-to when we are on the search for snow. Our day trip was thankfully a success this time and the girls were thrilled that they got to see snow before going back to school.
The weather has been very rainy back home, which is why we wanted a winter activity. We wanted some winter weather. It just didn’t feel like the holidays to all of us. My husband and I were keeping an eye on the weather and thankfully there was a day that showed it was going to snow in Whistler! We found all the snow gear, double-checked that everyone had snow boots. Forgot my gloves at home, and we made the drive up. It took us over 3 hours to get there thanks to a couple of pit stops along the way. What’s with needing bathroom breaks, food, and wanting to stop to do some shopping?
By the time we finally got to the village in Whistler, it was lunchtime and we all needed something to eat. We scored some parking near the Library at a decent price for the day. The lot was empty when we got there, but full when we left. Our favourite place to get food is El Furniture Warehouse. Everything is just under $6 per dish for food. Bonus is that its full-size portions. It’s brilliant. No wonder the place is always packed. Get the perogies if you are thinking of going! They’re a favourite with us. Plus you can’t go wrong with the mini donuts for a treat.
WE FOUND SNOW!
The girls were freaking out as soon as they spotted snow out the window while we were driving. They were beyond thrilled to see it all over the ground. While we were having lunch the snow started to fall outside. This wasn’t missed by them while they were eating lunch. We had found snow, and they were ready to go play outside.
A couple of years ago we bought the green sled in all these photos from a tourist in the village who was leaving. It’s been the best couple of dollars we’ve spent. It’s been used every winter since. The crazy carpets are from my husband’s childhood, his parent’s just brought them down for us from Kelowna. If you go to Whistle, make sure to bring your own sleds, saucers, or carpets. We were asked by many people where we got them from and had to explain that we brought them from home. We have no idea if you can buy them anywhere in Whistler. Does anyone know?
Now, if you have older kids… you can pay to go tubing up on the mountain. But, this perfect hill is right in the village near the Whistler Olympic Plaza. It’s free and just the right size for kids and kids at heart to have some fun.
FREE ICE SKATING IN THE VILLAGE
Did you know that there is a skating rink in the Whistler Olympic Plaza where you can go ice skating for free? The catch is that in order for it to be free you need to have your own skates. Otherwise, it’s $7 to rent. There is a maximum of 150 people allowed on the ice. The rink hours can vary, but in general, the rink is open from 11 am to 8 pm. It is closed a couple of times during the day for maintenance and the Zamboni tractor is brought out to clear the ice.
Being an outdoor rink, with a small area that is covered, the ice does get covered by snow quickly when it is snowing out. This can make it a bit tough on novice skaters. It is, however, fun to be on a true outdoor rink. Our oldest daughter recently learned how to skate on her own, she is gaining confidence each time she is on the ice. Our youngest is still learning, but this time she attempted to go on her own a little. Even if it was a few steps. She tried! Their smiles said it all for how happy they both were.
We were only there for the day and knew we wanted to head back home for bedtime. We made sure to stop in at Pure Bread to get some treats for the road. Plus, we let the girls play a little more in the snow before we had to load back up in the car.
The trip home was a bit interesting with the snow coming down. There were several cars in the ditch. We lost track of how many drivers appeared to not know what they were doing when it comes to driving in the snow or didn’t have good enough tires. Which is odd, considering you have to have winter tires on the road to Whistler. We saw a couple vehicles in the ditch.
It took us over an hour and a half to get from Whistler village to Squamish. Normally that takes about 30 minutes. We stopped, grabbed some dinner, then hit the road again. Things were slow going back home. Thanks to a show on the iPad, the kids were happy and not complaining too much. Just be prepared that if it is snowing when you are heading home, it will take much longer than you think!
