Vancouver and Whistler make the dream city and snow break
Picture this: You’re finishing up work for the day in the city and fancy some night skiing. You hop on a bus, and in less than half an hour, you’re carving down the slopes. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, in Vancouver, this is just every day life.
There are few places in the world where I can truly envision myself living, but Vancouver is definitely one of them. Why? Well aside from the city's laid-back vibe, trendy neighborhoods, buzzing food scene, and undeniable focus on health and wellness (it's the birthplace of Lululemon, after all), what truly sealed the deal for me was its proximity to the mountains.
I’m ski-obsessed — I’d pick a trip to the mountains over a beach holiday any day. My endlessly busy brain struggles to switch off; lounging on a sunbed just doesn’t cut it. But, call me crazy, the rush of whizzing down a mountain is one of the only moments that gives me true escapism. So, when I found out that Grouse Mountain is only 20 minutes from Vancouver—a city already tailor-made for my health-and-wellness-loving self—and even offers floodlit night skiing, I knew I’d found my place.
And if that weren’t enough, just 90 minutes down the breathtaking Sea-to-Sky Highway lies Whistler, one of Canada’s most iconic ski destinations and a bucket-list spot I’ve dreamed of visiting for as long as I can remember.
A city built around the great outdoors? Tell me more…
With Vancouver being the birthplace of brands like Lululemon and Arc’teryx, it’s no surprise that everybody who lives here is active, drawing in an outdoorsy, wellness-driven tribe of people that’s most evident in Kitsilano neighbourhood (home to the first Lululemon store!). The city is brimming with boutique fitness studios, brunch spots, organic markets, and chic shops lining the streets.
Stanley Park is a hotspot for locals out walking and running, but equally, the famous seawall—the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path—that spans 28km is another place to take in the beautiful vistas while getting your step count in. The city also has beaches where locals flock after work to watch the sunset with a picnic in the summertime. Further afield, the region is big for hiking, encouraging people to escape the city to hike the endless trails on camping trips with friends. It’s easy to see why this lifestyle has such a magnetic appeal.
What’s the food scene like? If you think Vancouver’s restaurants are all about quinoa, leafy greens, and acai bowls, think again. Sure, there are lots of healthy options in the city, but the cosmopolitan dining scene completely blew me away! Thanks to its large Japanese community, the city serves up sushi that ranges from quick street food to refined dining experiences. A standout in the latter category is Minami, located in the Yaletown district. Here, they elevate sushi with a blowtorch and bamboo charcoal, adding a smoky flavour that lingers in the best way possible. It’s the kind of sushi that makes you rethink what you’ve been eating all these years.
If you’re looking for something with more of a homey, soulful touch, Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro is an essential stop. Run by Inez Cook from the First Nations community, this cosy spot serves up authentic Indigenous dishes with an intimacy that feels like you’ve stepped into someone’s living room. The salmon, of course, takes the starring role, perfectly paired with wild rice and vegetables. It’s comforting, simple, and you can almost feel the love in every bite.
To dive deeper into Vancouver’s food scene, visit Granville Island Public Market and join a Vancouver Foodie Tour for an insider’s look at the market’s best offerings. From artisanal breads and charcuterie to wild sockeye salmon, handcrafted chocolates, and freshly baked doughnuts, this tour serves up the essence of Vancouver’s culinary identity—all in just two hours.
Give me the highlights...
In my opinion, there’s no better way to take in Vancouver’s stunning geography than from a seaplane. Not for the faint-hearted, this miniature plane takes off from the sea, cruises over Stanley Park, heads for the snow-capped mountains, then circles back across the cityscape before landing back on the Pacific Ocean.
If there's one thing I’ve learned about Canadians, it’s that they're obsessed with ice hockey. So, catching a Vancouver Canucks game at Rogers Arena is practically a rite of passage. Wearing my new Canucks beanie (or ‘touque,’ as they call it) and clutching the mandatory supersized soda, the atmosphere did not disappoint—electric halftime entertainment, non-stop music, and of course, a bit of fisticuffs, because what’s hockey without a little brawl?
The Hillcrest Centre is where all the winter sports action happens, with ice hockey, ice skating, and Olympic-level curling rinks under one roof. I gave curling a try, thinking, how hard can it be to push a rock across ice? Turns out, very! Curling is basically a physics lesson wrapped in a game of precision, and whether using the knee technique or a stick while seated, I quickly learned it requires far more skill than I expected. It’s tricky, but guarantees fun—especially with a group of you shouting cues to the rock in action as if it’s going to listen.
A weekend trip to Whistler? Why not…
I was itching to hit the slopes and dive straight into some downhill action. But my snowy debut took an unexpected turn at Whistler Olympic Park, where I swapped the adrenaline rush of downhill for the steady rhythm of Nordic skiing. As someone who thrives on the speed and thrill of skiing, I wasn’t exactly sold on the idea of gliding across flat terrain. However, much to my surprise, I ended up loving the graceful, yet deceptively strenuous, art of cross-country skiing—it’s not just scenic, it’s a serious workout!
The snow in Canada is unlike anything I’ve experienced before—it’s the kind of powder that makes every turn feel effortless. And when it comes to downhill, Whistler and Blackcomb’s wide slopes were an absolute dream to ski. Ranked as the largest ski resort in North America, with over 200km of slopes, the resort is connected by the impressive PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, offering jaw-dropping views in every direction. I’m used to skiing in Europe, but Canada’s wide-open terrain was such a joy to explore. From gentle beginner slopes to tree-lined runs and endless off-piste options, there’s truly something for everyone across the 8,171 acres of terrain.
Where’s the best to stay?
The Four Seasons Whistler is the ultimate cocoon of comfort after a day on the slopes, with plush suites, indulgent dining, and a spa complete with an open-air hot tub. After hours of carving up the mountains, there’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a mind-and-body-lulling spa treatment—which, naturally, I couldn’t resist.
The Sacred Space Massage is inspired by the traditions of the region's Indigenous communities. Using the healing powers of nettle and arnica, courtesy of the Indigenous skincare brand Sḵwálwen, this zen-inducing experience was just what my ski-weary muscles needed.
What about the food?
Away from the mountains, Whistler offers plenty to fill your evenings, with charming alpine boutiques and an array of options ranging from fine dining restaurants to cosy cafés. For a laid-back vibe and hearty Canadian comfort food, head to Hunter Gather. If you're in the mood for something more elevated, Wild Blue is a must-visit, showcasing Whistler's exceptional fresh seafood—some of the best I’ve ever tasted!
Anything else I should know about British Columbia?
Starting on the 8 February, Vancouver and Whistler will host the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick service members, both active and veterans. Founded by the Duke of Sussex (yes, Prince Harry) in 2014, the Games offer veterans the opportunity to compete in sports, e-sports, and adventurous challenges.
Over 500 competitors from more than 23 nations will come together in Vancouver and Whistler, and for the first time in the event's history, winter sports will be part of the lineup! Thanks to the legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler is the perfect venue for these sports—especially adaptive ones. While classic events like indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair basketball will take place in Vancouver, new winter categories—including adaptive skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, biathlon, and skeleton—will be held against the stunning backdrop of Whistler's alpine snowscape!
The Verdict
I’m already planning my next trip to Canada—what does that tell you? With world-class skiing, endless outdoor adventures, and a city that blends cool modern energy with natural beauty, I’m convinced anyone who loves health and wellbeing will find their perfect match in British Columbia.
Go there!
Four Seasons Resort Whistler from £633 a night BOOK NOW. Purely Travel offers a seven-night trip to Vancouver and Whistler from £2,399 per person, including return flights with Air Canada from London Heathrow to Vancouver, three nights at the Douglas Hotel, Vancouver, and four nights at the Four Seasons Resort, Whistler, with transfers.
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