Seattle + Whistler Winter Travel Guide

Okay, okay, I feel like every time I blog about my travels it’s like “you haaave to go here, this place is amazing.” Buuut, I totally understand that going on vacay can get pricey and girls gotta work sometime. I feel ya! M and I are currently eating PB&Js and coming up with free date nights, while we recover from our last trip. Time to save for our next one! That’s why I’m starting this blog post short and sweet. If you enjoy mountain towns, any season, Whistler is the place to go. It’s sooo dreamy!

M and I had been planning this trip since my 25th birthday (an entire 365 days). Side note: planning that far ahead is extremely rare for us. We usually book trips a few weeks out, on a whim, after deciding we have time to spare and extra money in our pockets to spend. For the last few years, we celebrated my bday on the slopes with friends in Steamboat Springs, CO (a place dear to both of us). However, it was time for a change of scenery. The two part trip was inspired by a couple of my fave bloggers (shoutout Rachel Parcell + Amber Fillerup), who were sharing their experiences together with their fams in Seattle + Whistler, at the same time as my 25th bday trip. “That’s where I want to go for my birthday next year,” I explained to M. And so I called my parents, invited them to tag along, and the dreaming began!

Here’s my Seattle + Whistler travel guide on where to stay, what to do, and a list of gluten-free dining options along the way.

<<SEATTLE>>

Days there: M and I flew in on a Saturday morning and stayed for two nights (48 hours) before driving a rental SUV to Canada with my parents. I was pleasantly surprised with how much we enjoyed Seattle. It is such a cool city—super hazy, hipster, and health conscious. And since we only had a short amount of time there, we’d most certainly like to visit again. We have family in Seattle, so a huge thanks goes out to them for showing us around town!

Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle  

Extremely accommodating and conveniently located close to all the top tourist attractions. It also has the most breathtaking views of the Great Wheel, Harbor, and snowcapped mountains in the horizon. Be sure to take a dip in the heated outdoor pool + hot tub. The view doesn’t get any better than that! Plus, I found a great nightly rate through my member’s deals on Expedia!

What to do:

• Seattle Aquarium
• Pike Place Market
• Gum Wall
• Space Needle
• Chihuly Glass & Garden
• Original Starbucks
• Museum of Pop Culture
• Seattle Art Museum
• Nordstrom Flagship Store

Gluten-free dining options:

• Capitol Cider (100% GF, peanut-free kitchen)
• Frankie Jo’s (GF ice-creamery) 
• Westward (oyster bar on the harbor)
• Nuflours Bakery (GF baked goods)
• Razzi’s Pizzeria (GF pizza)
• Lark (GF comfort food)
• Wood Shop BBQ (GF bbq)
• San Fermo (GF Italian)

<<WHISTLER>>

Days there: On a Monday, M and I drove with my parents in a rental SUV approximately 4.5 hours from Seattle, WA across the border of Canada to Whistler, British Columbia. The closest International airport to Whistler is located in Vancouver (YVR), about 1.5 hours away. M and I took a direct flight home out of YVR on a Saturday afternoon, after 5 nights in Whistler. This was the peeerfect length of time to see and do a good amount without breaking the bank. And let me tell ya, I fell head over heels for this incredible place. The best way I can describe the feeling in the air…during our dog sledding tour, our guide explained how much he enjoyed living in Whistler, saying, “Last year was my first year living in Whistler and I skied every day of the season. And at some point, I started wondering how life could really be this good.” By the end of it, he had me all like I want a sip of whatever Cool Aid these people are drinking. There’s something so serene about the mountains. The combination of natural beauty all around, endless outdoor adventure, and a quaint social scene makes this ski town one of a kind. And if your looking for good powder, this is the place. Located only a couple of hours from the ocean, the mixture of ocean moisture + arctic blasts creates the fluffiest of snow. Plus, Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America, with two mountains—Blackcomb and Whistler—which are connected by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. It was the beeest skiing I have ever experienced and I caaan’t wait to go back for more!

Hotel: Four Seasons Whistler

Exceptionally accommodating and conveniently located in walking distance of the slopes. Not to mention the ski concierge, outdoor hot tub & sauna, house car & shuttle services, onsite 5-star dining, and spectacular mountain views. Talk about first-class skiing. Plus, I found a great nightly rate through my member’s deals on Expedia!

Activities:

• Skiing/Snowboarding – to purchase lift tickets 7+ days for the biggest savings, click here.
• Helicopter Tour (w/ a glacier landing) at Blackcomb Helicopters – M and I did the Ultimate Experience with my parents and it was hands down the most magnificent way to see God’s beautiful creation. For more information and to book your excursion, click here.
• Dog Sledding at Blackcomb Snow – Balto was one of my fave movies growing up, so I was super pumped about dog sledding. M on the other hand, thought it was a bit childish. In the end however, we both had the best, most romantic time all cuddled up in the snow covered sled as a team of the sweetest Canadian short-haired huskies happily pulled us through a winter wonderland. I was grinning from ear to ear the entire time. Click here for more details.
• Snow Tubing at Coca Cola Tubing Hill – This is something we planned to do, and then never got around to. However, I really wish we could have, as we heard nothing but great things. Click here for more details.
• Winter Ziptrek – This ultimate ziplining experience was another activity M and I did not get a chance to do, but received a lot of great reviews. You can find more information by clicking here.
• Ice Cave Tour w/ Four Seasons Whistler – This experience is still on my bucket list!
• Whistler Village Nightlife – Pack your party pants! The night scene in Whistler Village is hopping. The bars are packed, music great, and moods jolly. M and I even ran across the best little dance club on our third night there, while venturing around town after dinner. I was so surprised by this. With that said, the winter Olympics were hosted in Whistler previously, so I guess it makes sense.

Gluten-free Dining Options:

• Sidecut (GF Steakhouse in the Four Seasons)
• Basalt (GF wine bar, *say hi to Cavan)
• Portobello (GF comfort food)
• Bar Oso (GF bar food)
• Fifi’s Bistro (GF brunch + comfort food)
• Rim Rock Cafe & Oyster Bar (GF seafood)
• The Wild Flower (GF Canadian food)
• Purebread (GF bakery)
• Milestones (GF Canadian food)
• Crepe-Montagne (GF brunch + crepes)
• Caramba (GF Italian food)
• Sushi Village (GF sushi bar)
• Christine’s (GF slope side restaurant)

For questions regarding my trip to Seattle + Whistler, or travel in general, feel free to DM me on IG @xokristenfaith. You can shop my travel styles + ski gear on the LIKETOKNOW.it app by clicking here, or visit the “Shop” page on my blog.

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XO,

Faith