Alternative Activities in Whistler

Whistler's reputation as a skiing and snowboarding destination is rightly justified, but what if you don't ski or you don't snowboard? More and more people are discovering that Whistler is a fantastic location for a range of activities and are finding that there are more ways to enjoy themselves than sliding down a mountain. For those that do love the Winter activities they are finding that they are breaking up their time more to sample everything that Whistler has to offer.

Whistler Village is a shoppers dream. The pedestrian village is full of nooks and crannies and passageways, each with a new shopping discovery. Because the layout of the village all of the shops are within easy walking distance and you get that intimate shopping experience. There is also always a bistro or cafe nearby should you need a break.

Many people are surprised by the variety on offer in the shops in Whistler. With the obvious proliferation of sports shops selling the latest equipment for the outdoor enthusiast, there are many souvenir shops, furniture shops, jewelry, clothing and sweet shops. There are also numerous merchants in Whistler offering everything from art to hardware.

Whistler is attaining a reputation for being a great place for nightlife, for people of all ages. The pubs cater for all tastes, you can try out one of the local pubs and mingle with the friendly residents of Whistler or try out the upscale lounges with luxurious surroundings and array of cocktails. For the hardcore there are many underground clubs offering all kinds of music which stay open until the early hours. Live music is also popular and big acts find there way up to Whistler for certain occasions, up and coming bands also ply the bars and clubs regularly. For a more relaxing evening there are hundreds of great restaurants to choose from.

A great option for those in need of relaxing after a day's action on the slopes is a beauty and fitness spa, and Whistler has a variety of places offering numerous ways to indulge. Your body may look and feel better when you leave than when you arrived! You can choose from massage therapy to mud baths to manicures. There are treatments for every muscle, pore and fiber in your body. If your muscles need more stimulation there are fitness centers around Whistler offering swimming, squash, hot tubs, tennis, weight training, circuit training and yoga.

Other interesting activities include eagle watching which is possible through much of Winter, and day trips to Vancouver, which is consistently voted the most desirable city to live. Just hours from Whistler, this makes a fantastic day or 2 day trip. There is an indoor rock climbing center for adrenaline junkies who need a break from the slopes, as well as an indoor ice rink. For a change of pace there is the Whistler Art Walk tour - a great way to experience the local galleries and the many public works of art displayed throughout the village. Some artists will open up their studios with advanced notice, and even the art on display in cafes and restaurants are often for sale.