Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/68789
24 Hours: Whistler Always Peak Season Whistler, B.C., is one of North America's top destinations for snow-seekers, but what about after the slopes close? Summer brings a whole new energy to this alpine village, as the focus shifts from ski slopes to bikeable mountain trails, artisan shops and farm-to-fork feasts. by Joe Wiebe WHISTLER'S UPPER VILLAGE hosts a popular farmer's market Sundays from mid-June to Thanks- giving, selling produce from the nearby village of Pemberton and beyond (whistlerfarmersmarket.org). Many of the Village's restaurants embrace the farm-to-fork concept. Gourmet "mountain cuisine" purveyor Araxi Bar and Restaurant even hosts long-table dinners in local farm fi elds (araxi.com/long table.html). • In the off-season, Whistler hotels slash their prices, making a stay at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Whistler (fairmont.com/whistler) or boutique Nita Lake Lodge (featured on The Real Housewives of Vancouver) more affordable. Sticking to a budget? Try the Alpenglow, a condo-style hotel (book at enjoywhistler.com) and use the difference to relax and recharge at Spa Scandinave, an outdoor spa in a spectacular forest setting. IF THE TRENDY franchises in the Village make you yearn for something local, drive 10 minutes south to Function Junction. Over the past decade, local artisans, eateries and entrepreneurs have set up shop here, creating a funky, cultural community that most tourists pass on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. For lunch, try Pat's famous pulled pork at the Cracked Pepper Café (crackedpeppercafe.ca). Shop for local paintings, photography, jewellery and other arts and crafts at the Art Junction (artjunction.ca) or White Dog Gallery (whitedogwhistler.com). Then take a tour of the Whistler Brewery and sample handcrafted beers, such as Black Tusk Ale or Bear Paw Honey Lager (whistlerbeer.com). When it's time to go, fi ll your picnic basket at Purebread bakery (purebread.ca): try the hazelnut fi g loaf or Disfunction Ale bread, made with spent grains from the brewery. Hiking among wild lilacs on Whistler's High Note Trail; (far left) an Araxi long-table dinner in a farmer's fi eld; (below) Whistler Mountain Bike Park; (top) savoury brioche from Purebread. TAKE THE RIDE of your life at Whistler Moun- tain Bike Park, open mid-May to early October and offering more than 200 kilometres of chairlift-accessible, cross-country trails for all skill levels (whistlerbike.com). Advanced riders, try the breathtaking new Top of the World trail, high atop Whistler Mountain (whistlerbike.com/information/ peak). Valley Trail is a less intense option. Perfect for families, this 40-kilometre paved route mean- ders among forests, lakes and beaches, with play- grounds and picnic spots along the way. AMA MEMBERS SAVE MORE Before you go: Soar through the air between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains with Zipline Adventure. From US$109 per adult. 1-866-667-4777; AMATravel.ca While you're there: Save 10% on green fees at Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler, and up to 15% at the Westin Resort & Spa, plus earn Starwood Preferred Guest bonuses. AMARewards.ca/SearchforDiscounts 6 WESTWORLD >> JUNE 2012 (centre) Steve Rogers/Tourism Whistler, (long table) David Buzzard Photography, (bike park) Sterling Lorence, (Purebread) David McColm Photography