ALOHA WHISTLER ACCOMMODATIONS BLOG

Whistler is home to some of the greatest skiing, andsnowboarding in the world, but what you may have not known is thatWhistler offers a huge amount of family friendly diningchoices. Here is our list of the Top Five family-friendlyrestaurants, to enjoy after your day on the slopes, or tore-energize yourself on a lunch break.

1. Old Spaghetti Factory

The Old Spaghetti Factory opened in Whistler on December1st 1994 and is open daily from 11 am to 11pm.  It islocated in the Crystal Lodge in the heart of Whistler Village. Thisrestaurant is great for families with good food, service and value.Included with the purchase of any main dish are a crisp greensalad, sourdough bread, coffee, or tea, and Spumoni Ice Cream at noadditional charge! Great food at reasonable prices is what you needwhen you have got a family to feed.

2. Milestones

Milestones is a Canada-wide restaurant bringing you theextra touch of class. It is located at the base ofBlackcomb Mountain, just in front of the Blackcomb Daylodge. The location is perfect for lunch or a bite for après! Milestonesis open Monday to Wednesday & Sunday from 11 am to 12 am andThursday to Saturday 11 am to 1 am, which is great if you and yourfamily enjoy a little late night fun!

3. Creekbread

Creekbread cooks pizza the way it’s supposed to beeither in a wood fired cauldron, or in a hand built wood burningearthen oven. Creekbread is located in Creekside, just offHighway 99 on Karen Crescent. At Creekbread they believe their foodis sacred, with only the use of fresh, local, and organicingredients, and cooking with only the use of fire. The openedended kitchen, and oven are available for everyone to see, so youare able to get the full dining experience from preparation toplate, which is exciting especially if you have little ones runningaround. Creekbread is open daily from 2pm onwards.

4. Uli’s Flipside

Uli’s Flipside is known for its good food, funky tunes,and local colour. Uli’s is located accross from the DeltaWhistler Village Suites hotel and The Gap. Family dining iswelcomed at The Flipside, they offer kids meals, and family-styledmenus from 4 to 104 people! The quality food and fair prices arejust two of the many reasons to treat your family out to dinner.The atmosphere is friendly and uplifting, ideal for any family.Flipside is open from 6pm to 11pm 7 days a week, and as of November22nd 2011, their hours change to 5:30pm to 12 am.

5. Portobello

Portobello is ideal for that family on the run, grabbinga quick bite between skiing, or if your tummy is grumbling and youjust want your food fast. Portobello serves a wide varietyof dining options to suite anyone’s taste buds. The historic westcoast decor gives the restaurant that warm country atmosphere,providing comfy couches, and an open kitchen, this truly is aunique. Portobello is located in the lower lobby of the FairmontChateau Whistler, and is open early morning until mid-evening.

Are you looking for whistler accommodation for your family skivacation?

Contact our staff todayfor more information. Check out our great selection of Whistler luxuryhomes, condos and townhouses.

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Whistler is an outdoor playground for both adults andkids.  There are so many fun activities to do, it is hard tochoose which one. We have compiled a list of the 5 bestactivities suitable for children during the winter months.

Whistler Kids Ski and Snowboard School

Whistler has one of the best kids ski and snowboard schools in thecountry.  Lessons are available from ages 3 years to 17years.  There are a number of different programs availablefrom daily lessons to weekly adventure camps.  Lessons are agreat balance of skill development and fun.  At the end of theday your children will tell stories of visiting Magic Castles andTree Forts!

Tube Park

The tubepark is located at Base 2 on Blackcomb Mountain.  Cruisedown a variety of lanes in an inflatable ring! It is easilyaccessible via the Blackcomb Gondola from Whistler Village. The park is open from 12noon to 6pm daily during the winter. It is a great place to bring the whole family.

Climbing Wall

The Whistler Core is located in the heart of Whistler Villageunder the Whistler Conference Centre.  It features an amazing5500 square-foot indoor rock climbing wall.  There are anumber of kids programs available for children aged 4 years andup.  Visit the Whistler Core for moreinformation.

Meadow Park Sports Centre

Meadow ParkSports Centre features a great kid’s pool complete with lazyriver and whirlpool.  In the main swimming pool there is arope swing, perfect for the older children.  Meadow Park isalso home to Whistler’s ice rink.  Check out the weeklyschedule for drop in skating times.  Skate rentals areavailable.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

The Squamish Lil’wat CulturalCentre is an Aboriginal Museum and Cultural experience. It is located in the Upper Village close to the Four SeasonsResort.   Explore the museum, workshops, indoor andoutdoor exhibits, gift shop and cafe.  Located at the end ofthe Great Hall is a children’s activity zone. Perfect for all ages,guest can play a drum, try on authentic aboriginal regalia, readbooks and try a craft.

Looking for a Whistler Accommodation this winter?

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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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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