by Nune Travels

Created on: July 24, 2008   Last Updated: July 31, 2008

Sleepy little fishing village? Not on your life! Sure, Whistler Mountain got its start as a small fishing resort once known as Alta Lake, but has seriously added to its repertoire since then. It has quickly become the pinnacle of winter skiing as well as a kick butt mountain biking locale. Whistler Mountain holds a staggering amount of outdoorsy options, as well as festivals and events that lure in the intrepid tourist year round.

Located just two hours from Vancouver, Canada, Whistler Village is the epitome of pedestrian friendliness. Once you park your car, forget about it! Everything is in close reach on the cobblestone paths complete with free shuttle system. More than 200 shops and 90 restaurants and bars are all conveniently located around the picturesque little town. Check out the snappy local items in Skitch or hunt for Canadian treasures in Carlbergs Gifts. Dine in your choice of delightful restaurants like Quattros for excellent Southern Italian dining, Sachi Sushi for Whistler Villages best sushi locale, and the award winning RimRock Cafe for unbeatable seafood and game. Beetroot Cafe in the Marketplace has yummy deli style meals perfect for those on the go! For a memorable fine dining experience, saber a bottle of champagne in a tradition that dates back to the Napoleonic Wars, at Bearfoot Bistro, a worthy splurge for an exceptional meal and alluring atmosphere. But be sure and leave some room for the amazing outdoor activities!

Cold winter snow transforms Whistler Mountain into a majestic and fun filled winter getaway. Possessing more than 8000 acres of immaculate terrain, Whistler Mountain skiing ranges from easy beginner slopes to a fast and furious downhill rush trying the skills of even the most expert of skiers. Travelers come from near and far to sample this and a slew of other fun winter activities like dog sledding, snow shoeing, backcountry tours, even charming sleigh rides. But don't think it is just for adults. There are fun filled snowboarding and skiing classes just for kids, providing everyone with a vacation to remember.

When summer approaches, Whistler Mountain becomes a bee hive of frenetic activity. Mountain biking rules the summer, with hundreds of local carved and maintained trails featuring some pretty gnarly runs. Whistler's Bike Park holds rocking trails include features like teeter totters, slick rock faces, tiny little bridges, and big jumps that test the nerves of expert riders. Whistler also hosts CrankWorx, an epic biking event held every summer. Hey, there is more than just biking in Whistler!

Sink a birdie at one of four championship golf courses in the area, each one a study in skill and beauty. Brave the nerve-wracking heights as you cross over the series of suspension bridges, platforms, and boardwalks that overlook tree tops on the easy walking TreeTrek tour. Better yet, slide through the treetops on the Skyline Zip Line Tour, the longest in the world. Seek out the burly Black Bear on a guided tour or roam the forests with an ATV, horse, or on your own two feet. Take a scenic gondola ride, bungee jump, or simply "be" and relax at a luxurious spa. Drop the kids off at Whistler Mountains Summer Camp, or bring the entire family to Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone, an exciting theme park featuring unusual attractions. It's summertime and the living is good!

There is always so much to see and do - and so little time. Whistler Mountain, British Columbia; the perfect vacation for the perfect adventure. Summer or winter, Whistler has it made.

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