ALOHA WHISTLER ACCOMMODATIONS BLOG

If you ask any local what their favourite thing aboutThanksgiving in Whistler is (apart from Thanksgiving dinner) it’sthe annual Turkey Sale! Unfortunately there are no turkeysfor sale, but this is THE weekend of the year to buy all your ski,snowboard, gear and winter clothing at greatly discountedprices.

This year, Canadian Thanksgiving falls on Monday October10th.  The Turkey Sale is on all weekend from October7th to the 10th.  The sale takes place at the Blackcomb DayLodge, just at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in the UpperVillage.   This annual sale is legendary.  You canshop for top name brands in ski and snowboard equipment with hugepre season savings!  You will find sales throughout WhistlerVillage as all the stores and restaurant like to participate in thefun of Turkey Sale weekend.

Happening at the same time, will be the annual WhistlerMountain Ski and Snowboard Swap.  This is alsolocated outside the Blackcomb Day lodge in the tent. The SWAP has aproven reputation for quality pre-owned equipment for both kids andadults.  There is a huge selection and you will findunbeatable prices.  This is also a great place to sell yourused skis, snowboard and boots.

Thanksgiving weekend is the also the last Whistler FarmersMarket of the season.  The market is held on Sundayfrom 11am to 4pm in the Upper Village outside the Fairmont ChateauWhistler.  This is the place to shop for your ThanksgivingDinner.  There will be local produce from the Pemberton Valleyincluding pumpkins, carrots, squash and Pemberton Potatoes. The market also features fresh baked goods including deliciouspumpkin pies.  The Whistler Farmers Market also featuresartisans, crafts, organic and local produce, honey, pottery,jewellery and more!

Once you have shopped until you have dropped you may stillhave some energy for a Whistler activity.  This isthe last weekend that the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is open, sohead on up and experience one of the best mountain bike parks inthe World!  This is also the last weekend that the golfcourses will be open.  Have a great game of golf at TheFairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course, Nicklaus North or theWhistler Golf Club, all of which are open over the ThanksgivingWeekend.

Looking for a Whistler CONDO for thanksgiving?

Contact our staff todaywho can help you find the perfect Whistler accommodation for yourstay in Whistler.  We also have some great rates available at the moment.  Checkout our great selection of Whistler luxury homes, condos and townhouses.

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September is a wonderful month to visit Whistler andthere is so much going on. There is more sun in theforecast and this is the perfect time of year to experience alpinehiking.

There are many great hikes in the Whistler areaincluding Rainbow Mountain, Wedgemount, Garibaldi Lake andBrandywine Meadows to name a few.  The WhistlerVillage Gondola and Peak to Peak gondola make alpine hiking onWhistler and Blackcomb Mountains more accessible than ever! Some of the favourite trails on Whistler Mountain include High Noteand Half Note trails.  On Blackcomb Mountain try the DeckerLoop trail which offers incredible views of Black Tusk and OverlordGlacier.   The wildflowers are in full bloom, so don’tforget your camera.   After your hike, relax with a colddrink and snacks on the patio of the Roundhouse Lodge or Rendezvouson Blackcomb.

September is also a great time to hit the WhistlerMountain Bike Park. Experience this epic bike park beforeit closes for the season on October 10^th.  The bikepark is suitable for all tastes and abilities and you will find agreat mix of trails.

Other September activities include golf, zip trekking,ATV tours, canoeing, fishing or just relaxing at one of thelakes.

Also head over to the Upper Village on Sunday andWednesday afternoon for the Whistler’s FarmersMarket.  There is plenty of local organic produce andother delicious goods available at this time of year.

Events this month include free concerts by Kuba Oms and 54-40 at theWhistler Olympic Plaza. The RBC Whistler GranFondois taking place on Saturday September 10^th.  Thisis an epic bike ride not too be missed.    Be sureto check out the movie premier of All.I.Canon September 23^rd as well as the WhistlerSpirit Run on September 24^th.

On September 25^th head to the Istken Hall atthe Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for a Yoga Jam! This popular event focuses on elevating spirit, cultivatingcommunity and generating abundance.  Admission is by donation(minimum $20) with proceeds going to the Africa Yoga Project.

Are you Looking for Whistler accommodation this September?

Contact ourstaff today who can help you find the perfect Whistleraccommodation for your stay in Whistler this September.  Wealso have some greatrates available at the moment.  Check out our greatselection of Whistlerluxury homes, condos and townhouses.

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A new festival is coming to Whistler over the Labour Daylong weekend from September2^nd to4^th.

The Jazz on the Mountain festival is a weekend filled withconcerts by top international and Canadian jazz artists, freeconcerts around Whistler Village, a street festival with children’sentertainment and family fun and a master class series for selectedstudents.

Outdoor concerts at Whistler Olympic Plaza

Daily outdoor ticketed concerts will be at the WhistlerOlympic Plaza. Jazz on the Mountain will feature jazzgreats including Kevin Eubanks Quartet, Stanley Jordan Trio, OliverJones Trio, The New Gary Burton Quartet, Spyro Gyra, TheRippingtons and more!

The Whistler Olympic Plaza will play host to theinaugural Jazz on the Mountain at Whistler, offeringfestival goers the opportunity to be among the first to experiencethis incredible facility.  This outdoor venue featuresstunning views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Tickets are available as a 3 day pass or single daypasses and will provide access to the Whistler OlympicPlaza venue from noon until night, with in and outprivileges.   Tickets are valid for all shows each day inthe Whistler Olympic Plaza.

The venue will also feature the Jazz Bistrosponsored by Heineken, Appleton Estate Rum and its Festivalbeverage The Appleton Pentatonic, and by WineOnline.  Relax in this great venue and enjoy snacks,cheese, gourmet food, beer, wine and other beverages.

There will be a Solo GuitarSeries at MillenniumPlace. This late night series ofperformances is set to thrill as three jazz guitar masters eachtake to the stage for a solo performance.  This is a ticketedevent and will feature guitar virtuosos Stanley Jordan, KevinEubanks and Russ Freeman (of The Rippingtons) in their element.

Free outdoor concerts

Whistler’s Village Square, at the very heart ofthe resort will host a stage for the duration of thefestival.  Daily free shows are at 2pm and 4:30pm and willfeature the powerhouse jazz fusion ensemble Five After Four, bassvirtuoso Michael Farquharson, drum wizard Mat Marucci, Five AlarmFunk and more!

Street Festival

Throughout the three-day Jazz on the Mountainfestival, Whistler Village will come alive with anincredible street festival featuring acoustic musicians,face-painters, jugglers and acrobats. This is the perfectentertainment for kids and all the family.

Jazz on the Mountain Schedules

For more information check out detailed schedules of…

• Day 1 featuringKevin Eubanks, Stanley Jordan and more;
• Day 2 featuringGary Burton, The Rippingtons and more;
• Day 3 featuringOliver Jones, Spyro Gyra and more;
• or visit the Jazz on the Mountainwebsite.

Are you looking for Whistler accommodation for the Jazz on theMountain Whistler Festival?

Check out Aloha’s complete listing of accommodations in Whistler.Then contact our in-resort localexperts to get more information or book your lodgings, eventsand activities!

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Crankworx has pushed the boundaries of freeridingfurther than any other festival out there.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Red BullJoyride on Saturday July 23^rd which combineselements of slopestyle, dirt jump and North Shore mountainbiking.  Over 20,000 spectators are expected to watch the RedBull Joyride in Whistler Village, evidence that the Crankworxfestival is huge and getting more popular each year.

There are many events taking place over the duration of theKokanee Crankworx festival showcasing the sports many differentangles including freeride, trick and slopestyle events, races ofall descriptions, trial riding and even pump track racing.

Don’t miss the Canadian Cheese RollingFestival!

The Whistler Kokanee Crankworx festival is a greatspectator event for families and all ages. Anotherhighlight of the festival and the only non-mountain bike themedevent is the Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival on July23^rd. This hilarious event is so much fun for the wholefamily.  Head over to Blackcomb Mountain to see what thisevent is all about. Visit the Canadian Cheese RollingFestival for more information.

For more information you can read the day by dayevents for the Whistler Crankworx festival.

Still Need Whistler Village Accommodation for theCrankworx Festival?

Check out Aloha’s complete listing of accommodations in Whistler.Then contact our in-resort localexperts to get more information or book your lodgings, eventsand activities!

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The Whistler Farmers Market is one of the highlights ofthe summer in Whistler.

Featuring fresh local produce from the Pemberton Valley andbeyond.  Stock up on local strawberries, raspberries,blueberries, Pemberton potatoes, greens and beets to name a few! Aswell as amazing produce the Whistler Farmers Market  featuresan array of artisan foods, home baked goods, fresh bread,jewellery, textiles, pottery, woodworks, bath & body productsand art work.

Every Sunday from 11am to 4pm allthrough the summer until October 10^th.

The market located in the UpperVillage, outside the Fairmont Chateau Whistler at the baseof Blackcomb Mountain.

New this summer, the Farmers Market will also be open onWednesday evenings from 3pm to 8pm. The Wednesdaymarket will be a smaller market and will concentrate on offeringfresh produce and food items.

The Farmers Market is fun for the wholefamily.

Combine your shopping with a visit to the BlackcombAdventure Zone.  Located at the base of BlackcombMountain the Blackcomb Adventure Zone is a kid’s paradisefeaturing, mini golf, a bungee trampoline, luge track, climbingwall, horse rides and many more fun activities.

Looking for Whistler Village Accommodation thisSummer?

Check out Aloha’s complete listing of accommodations in Whistler.Then contact our in-resort localexperts to get more information or book your lodgings, eventsand activities!

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Spring skiing means finding things for the whole familyto do. In Whistler, there’s no shortage of activitiesperfect for the kids as well as mom and dad. And surprise,surprise, some of them are free.

10. Movies, Movies, Movies

Whistler’sVillage 8 Cinema shows first-run films on its eight screens.Kids fare is well represented here with many movies opening thesame weekend in Whistler as they do in major cities. Bargainmatinee prices in effect daily until 6 pm.

9. Whistler Olympic Park

The whole family can cross-country ski on the same trails as theOlympians in the beautiful Callaghan Valley at the Whistler Olympic Park. Or theycan try out snowshoeing. Rentals for both sports are available.About 9 kms south of Whistler, WOP is located in a unique microclimate that often has snow when Whistler Village is bare.

8. Ziptrekking

Ziptrek Eco Tours offers great viewsto those courageous enough to buckle in and fly along one of their10 forest canopy-skimming ziplines. Speeds can reach up to 80 km,so this is definitely not for the wimpy. Kid have to be at least 6years old and 65 lbs to ride alone, tandem rides can be arrangedfor younger and lighter visitors.

7. Coca-Cola Tube Park

A little ways up Blackcomb is the Whistler Blackcomb Tube Parkfeaturing multiple lanes that average 1000 ft in length and whereriders can attain speeds of more that 80 km an hour. Tickets areeither 1-hour or 2-hour passes for the park; the average rider cando five to seven runs in an hour. Children (under 12) must be 36inches tall and accompanies by an adult. Magic carpet lift inplace.

6. Meadow Park Sports Centre

With a six-lane lap pools, kids pool, hot tub, wet and drysauna, fitness centre and an NHL regulation size ice sheet in thearena, there’s always something fun to do at MeadowPark Sports Centre.

5. The Valley Trail

Walk, run or ride a chunk of The Valley Trail. The 30 km trailwinds in and around Whistler from just outside of Emerald Estate toSpring Creek. If you’ve left the bikes at home, don’t worry;rentals are available at sports stores throughout WhistlerVillage.

4. 7-11Fire & Ice Show

On Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m., the place to be is at the baseof gondola in Whistler Village. There, amid twirling fire spinnersyou’ll see the area’s best skiers and boarders jumping throughrings of fire and performing stylish aerials. Fireworks cap offthis great free experience.

3. Skate on a frozen lake

Ice isn’t always guaranteed, but bring your skates just incase.

2. Drink hot chocolate outside

Snow and hot chocolate gotogether extremely well. The best way to enjoy both is to take yourbeverage outside to a heated patio.

1. Ski Whistler Blackcomb

What would a Whistler vacation be withoutskiing? Whistler Blackcomb’s diversity of terrain is perfect foraccommodating family groups with varying skill levels. Ski lessonsand ski tours can be arranged.

Looking for Spring skiing accommodations?

Check out Aloha’s complete listingof accommodations inWhistler.

Then contact our in-resort localexperts to get more information or book your lodgings, eventsand activities.

Photo Credits: Chad Chomlack / Tourism Whistler

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Beyond Fast Food – Five Faves for Family Dining Whistler

For vacationing parents, successfully dining anywhereother than where you place your order through a speaker,can feel like a victory.

A favourite foodie destination, Whistler is also one resort thathasn’t forgotten about the mac and cheese set. Here are a fewkid-friendly places that adults will also enjoy.

Pasta Lupino

Kids likenoodles. And no one does noodles like this hole in thewall next to the 7-11 on Main Street in Whistler Village.

Pasta Lupino specializes insimple, delicious fare: fresh, fabulous noodles available with red,white or meat sauce with a few other Italian favourites on themenu.

Most meals are under $12. With it’s small tables and limitedcapacity, Pasta Lupino is great for smaller groups.

Samurai Sushi

Withlocations in the Nester’s Market complex and in Creekside,this local favourite has one of the best deals for kids’ plates inall of Whistler offering omnivore and vegetarian versions. It’spossible for a family of four to walk away from Whistler Samurai Sushi stuffedfor under $40

Splitz Grill

There’s a lot of healthier burger fare at thisVillage joint on Main Street, but it’s also the place togo if you just want to remember how great life tasted before youeven knew you had a cholesterol number.

With Splitz Grill handcut fries, crispy onion rings and impressive array of condiments,Splitz puts the chain burger places to shame.

White Spot

For kids, this BC institution hasalways been about the Pirate Pak.

Prepare to leave White Spot carryingat least one of the cardboard pirate ships designed to hold agrilled cheese, hamburger or chicken nuggets in its hull, alongsidesome fries, a container of ice cream, some chocolate milk and achocolate gold coin.

Creekbread

Organic, entirely homemadepizzas (right down to the house-cured pepperoni) give thisCreekside eatery the edge when itcomes to producing a nice wheel. This is good food that’s familiarenough that even picky eaters will come onside, but differentenough to amuse mom and dad’s pizza-jaded palates.

Looking for Spring Break accommodations?

Check out Aloha’s complete listing of accommodations in Whistler.Then contact our in-resort localexperts to get more information or book your lodgings, eventsand activities.

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If you’re Whistler getaway is all about non-stop fun,you have to stay in where the fun never stops:Whistler Village. The village is where it allhappens in Whistler, from free outdoor concerts with bands likeBroken Social Scene to a dance club scene that attracts the world’sbest DJs and MCs. And with festivals like the TELUS World Ski & SnowboardFestival and Crankworx bringing in entertainmentfrom around the world, there is always new sounds to be heard inthis awesome mountain setting.

Enjoy Whistler night life on foot

The biggest advantage of staying in Whistler Village isthat you can quickly walk anywhere. (The interior villagewalkways are pedestrian only.) There’s absolutely no need to drive.And with BC’s new drinking and driving restrictions, it’s waybetter to be safe than sorry – especially with “sorry” meaning ablood alcohol rate of .05 or one drink. Why stay at your aunt’stime-share at the other end of town and risk it?

Tips on staying steps away from The best clubs, pubs &bars

While life is lived inWhistler on the slopes and the golf greens during the day, at nightthe village’s dozens of clubs, pubs, bars and restaurantscome alive. The fun can kick off with après at one of Whistlersgreat heated patios, continue over some amazing regional cuisine,move over to a pub for a set by a local singer-songwriter and endthe night one of Whistler’s many night clubs – all within a blockor two of your hotel’s lobby. (Checkout the entertainment sectionsof Piqueand TheWhistler Question for what’s happening.)

Taking advantage of staying in the heart of the action doesn’thave to mean a heart-attack hotel bill, if you look into affordableoptions. And if you’re coming to Whistler for the party, spendingextra dollars for an in-house spa or 24-hour room service thatyou’re not going to use just doesn’t make sense.

Looking for Whistler Village Accommodations?

Check out Aloha’s complete listing of accommodations in Whistler.Then contact our in-resort localexperts to get more information or book your lodgings, eventsand activities!

Photo Credit: Steve Rogers

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Say “Whistler” to people of a certain age and theirmemory clocks will spin back to the days when “Cocktailsin Whistler” meant either sitting in one of the trailers thathoused the original Dusty’s at Creekside ordriving north to The Boot, a pub in the hostel at the other end oftown.

There was a time when drinking in Whistler meant hanging outinside and not talking advantage of the spectacular views. Today,Whistler offers some of the most beautiful locations in the worldfor where visitors can sit back, relax, and enjoy a top notchcocktails take in the natural surroundings.

Discover five favourite Whistler waterholes with greatviews!

CREEKSIDE

Located in The Nita Lake Lodge, this waterfront hotel has abeautiful lakeside lounge. With a fireplace to add warmth to itsdark wood/leather ambience, Cure Lounge &Patio has the added foodie appeal with a menu dedicated to OldWorld charcuterie.

Dusty’s

The dark days are over for this Whistler stalwart. Out of thetrailer and into the light, Dusty’s Bar has nowtaken advantage of its location by creating one of the sunniestpatios in Whistler.

VILLAGE

The Longhorn

On a sunny ski day, getting a good seat on the patio is achallenge worth undertaking. Lively and convivial, The Longhorn hasgood pub grub, a wide selection of bottled and on tap beers, aswell as daily specials and a great view of Blackcomb.

UPPER VILLAGE

The Mallard

Large, open lounge space in the Chateau Fairmont with itswindows looking onto the foot of Blackcomb Mountain with centralbar, awesome servers and a baby grand in the centre of the room, The Mallard Bar is oldschool luxury. Bonus: They will most likely have the obscure scotchyou order. Bonus: Live entertainment.

5280 Bar & Bistro

A ‘leather and oak establishment old club’ feel in Four Season’sWhistler location, 5280 Bar& Bistro married “gentleman’s club” with modern West Coastconstruction. The Four Seasons is renowned for stellar service andthis Upper Village destination lounge is no exception. EnjoyBlackcomb along with your handcrafted cocktail.

Get Connected with Whistler

Before you partake in your favourite beverage while enjoying theWhistler view why not check out Aloha’s accommoodation listings forWhistler, then contactour in-resort team for full vacation planning… includingdinner and apres reservations!

Photo Credit: Steve Rogers, Tourism Whistler

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The Core is your one stop Whistler gym for physicaltraining.

Building the skills necessary to get the most out your skiing,rock climbing or mountain biking vacation.

It also provides excellent activities for your kids; so they canhave a blast while you’re out on the mountain, well, having ablast!

Where else could you find all the following provided by onefacility?

There is no other gym in Whistler like The Core.

• Weight training to build your strength and muscle tone
• Cardio machines to stretch your endurance
• Ashtanga vinyasa power yoga sessions to stretch and tonemuscles and improve pulmonary function
• 5500 square-foot indoor rock climbing wall with a BoulderingZone with hundreds of holds for intermediate to advancedclimbers
• Introduction to Climbing Courses including belaying, routefinding skills, rope management, and basic movement technique
• Advanced Outdoor Courses that guide experienced climbers to thetop of the Squamish Chief
• Beginners’ Outdoor Courses teaching novice climbers aboutlaybacks, cracks, slabs, dihedrals, and introducing them to some ofthe less demanding multi-pitch climbs
• Basic Rescue Courses to prepare you to assist other climbers introuble
• Test of Metal Spin Classes to get ready for the Test of Metalmountain bike race
• Geocaching Whistler Fun Tour – a GPS hunt for hidden geocachesfocusing on Whistler’s history & ecosystem
• Geocaching Whistler Action Tour- a GPS hunt over challengingterrain
• Women Only climbing sessions for the perfect girls’ dayout
• Equipment rentals and retail sales

For The Young Ones | Whistler Children’sActivities

• Guided Climbing Sessions including belaying and coaching forchildren ages 4 and up
• Kids Climb and Dine – three hours of guided climbing forchildren 6 to 12, including climbing gear, a climbing guide, anddinner
• Kids’ birthday parties
• Rock Monkeys 4-hour adventure winter day camp, featuring indoorrock climbing, and tubing at the Coca Cola Tube Park
• Rock Solid’ Two Day Camp on the outdoor wall at the base ofBlackcomb, including fireman’s rope, suspension ladder, flying foxzip line, a high ropes course and for the daring, the famed leap offaith

Only The Core offers so much convenience and expertise under oneroof.

For more information check out WhistlerCore.comor view other year-roundactivities in Whistler.

Photo by Steve Rogers

Want To Save Money? Whistler Vacation PackagesAvailable

If you’re looking to book your next Whistlervacation accommodations packaged with any one of more Whistleractivities, don’t hesitate to contact one our in-resort vacationspecialists.

Save money and valuable time by booking your next Whistlerreservations with us.

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