pambrown2

We're going to be based in Vancouver for 10 nights later this month. We will spend the first night at Whistler since our rental in Vancouver isn't available that night. We're wondering if it's worth spending a second night as well?

During our 10 days we will have a car and besides seeing the sights in Vancouver itself we're planning on other outdoors activities in the beautiful scenic areas such as a day trip up the Sunshine Coast, kayaking at Indian Arm fjord, and a hike or two in the North Vancouver parks, Grouse Mountain and the suspension bridges in Capilano and maybe Lynn Canyon. Given that we'll be doing those things and seeing that scenery, is there a reason to spend a second day in Whistler or is spending one full day there enough? We're from northern California and we go to Lake Tahoe in the summer quite a bit, so Whistler won't be our only experience in the mountains. Thanks.
Pam

sludick

We've not been to Whistler in the winter, only in summer/fall. At those times I can only characterize it as a ski resort waiting for the snow season. Maybe a bit like Squaw Valley, but without Lake Tahoe being that close.

It is huge -- a "village" cluster of big resorts separated by shopping areas and surrounded by parking lots. We've made several visits and never found anything very interesting other than the surrounding countryside. Which is beautiful, certainly, but not uniquely so by BC standards (IMO). Certainly there are hikes and some other activities - I suppose, but they have not been very apparent.

Prior to the Olympics, this was a pretty drive from Vancouver. The roads had to be improved and widened to allow for all the traffic, and we found in our last visit that those little turnoffs for natural gems were gone

So - bottom line, we wouldn't spend ANY nights here. We might go up the Sunshine Coast (beyond a day trip - it does take longer), or over to Vancouver Island, or even out to the Okanagan area. Something like that. No way that Whistler can compare to Tahoe (let the dissenting opinions begin, I stand on this one - and BC is our most favorite place by far.)

immimi

I agree, Sludick - and I'm a local. Great in winter, fine
in summer for golfing/mtn.biking/hiking but the in-between
season is meh. Especially if it's raining. But I think the
drive up from Vancouver would appeal to a first-time visitor.

pambrown2

Thanks for your responses. That mostly confirms what I suspected.

sludick

immimi is right, it is a pretty drive - you could do that as a day trip without any problems. Then, if you are so inclined, you could add an overnight to the Sunshine Coast.

snowgirls

I agree with above postings- have never seen so many expensive places to eat and stay in my life.Far and away enjoyed Vancouver, its sites, the country south to the ocean and the islands.

Sam_Salmon

<i>"have never seen so many expensive places to eat and stay in my life.</i>"

You probably haven't had much of a life. :'(