Destinations Canada
Christine Estima
The couples that ski together, stay together. It’s a theory thoroughly explored by pro-skiers Elyse Saugstad and Cody Townsend, who made a funny short film about the romance of skiing, called “Cheaper Than Couples Therapy.” In that case, you and your partner might want to strap on your skis and head to the nearest slope. Whether they’re near or not, consider the slopes of Whistler-Blackcomb in British Columbia, because the village of Whistler, and all of the activities you can do together there, are a romantic dream.
You might remember that Whistler was the location of many events during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, including the luge, bobsleigh, ski-jumping, and alpine skiing. But that’s not its only claim to fame: it’s also the favorite skiing location for Hollywood celebrities. Justin Bieber, Jason Momoa, Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart, Neil Patrick Harris, Tom Hanks, Ashton Kutcher, Katie Holmes, David and Victoria Beckham, and even King Charles have enjoyed the famous Canadian slopes, per Narcity, so if you and your partner want to rub shoulders with A-listers while rekindling the spark in your relationship, here’s why the mountains of Whistler-Blackcomb and Whistler Village should be your next stop.
Indulge in some luxury at Whistler’s 5-Star resorts
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The Whistler-Blackcomb mountains are a popular destination because the skiing season can last as much as six months, and the area is vast, spanning 8,171 acres, containing three glaciers, and sporting 16 alpine bowls. The top ski resort in town is the Four Seasons, which offers many packages for couples and especially honeymooners. Their website boasts romantic canoe rides, al fresco picnics atop a glacier, and a private aerial tour of the area from Horseshoe Valley to Pemberton Valley, known as the Sea To Sky corridor.
The Sydney Morning Herald gushed about the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, where couples looking for a luxurious getaway can be treated to the Fairmont Gold Experience package, which includes a dedicated concierge, access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge with complimentary breakfast, canapés, and sweet treats.
Once you’re settled, the number one activity to enjoy together, and to get the best views of the area, is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Tripadvisor users have named it their fave activity for couples, with its glass bottom, and the majestic landscape views as you travel from the top of Whistler mountain to Blackcomb mountain. Users of the Tripadvisor forums have even advised that you can rent out an entire gondola to yourself if you’d like to pop the question, or even have your wedding ceremony in one of the pods!
Whistle also boats summer activities for thrill-seeking couples
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If you’re more excited about the adventure activities you and your partner can partake in while in Whistler, there are thrills to be had all year round. If you miss skiing season, you can get your heart racing and blood pumping by bungee jumping. The Whistler Bungee allows you to jump from a bridge 160 feet above the Cheakamus River. You can also zip-line between the Whistler-Blackcomb mountains at the Whistler ZipTrek, which conforms to ecotourism guidelines as set out by the United Nations by reducing its impact on the landscape.In the summertime, the ski slopes turn into downhill mountain biking trails, and you can rent bicycles, gear, take bike lessons, as well as take a bike-friendly lift up the mountain.
Once you’ve had your thrills, you can indulge in a decadent, romantic meal with your significant other at some of the most cosy and snuggle-worthy restaurants in Whistler. Here are some highly rated romantic restaurants, including venues with lakeside views, firepits, blankets and cushions, and, of course, delicious food. The Araxi was named the Best Restaurant in Whistler, and offers an oyster bar, a wine cellar, and famed surf-and-turf fare.
But if you’re more budget-conscious, the best thing about Whistler is just enjoying the breathtaking nature, the nights under the stars, and staying warm as you cozy up to your loved one.
