Whistler & Sun Peaks - staff visit by Mark Hill

My excitement was tangible as I boarded the Air Canada flight to Vancouver. As with the entire trip the service levels were first class, we had the metaphoric red carpet rolled out.

Once in Vancouver the drive downtown was spectacular with the Coastal Mountains as the backdrop. After a quick shower at our hotel, The Fairmont Waterfront we were met in the lobby by the first of many friendly faces for a tour of this wonderfully positioned hotel. Dinner that evening was in the Pan Pacific which is the envy of all the Vancouver hotels with its position directly on the Waterfront with views of the Harbour & Mountains.

Our one & only full day in Vancouver was certainly action packed. It started with a tour of China Town & Gastown which are interesting areas & rich in history. Then to the Sky Tower which affords glorious 360 degrees views of the downtown & surrounding areas (you can actually see the Mountains of Washington State in America). The highlight of the day was a visit to Granville Island which actually isn’t an Island but a Peninsula. They have a wonderful market & lots of lovely craft shops, the whole area had a very laid back atmosphere. The afternoon was spent visiting the Vancouver Aquarium located in the heart of Stanley Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge & Grouse Mountain where we partook in some Snowshoeing.

I’d heard so many great stories about the Sea to Sky highway & wasn’t disappointed when I finally got my chance to experience this breathtaking journey. Once in Whistler I was extremely happy with my accommodation at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre. The highlight of the whole trip was this afternoon’s Snowmobiling. We were taken in small groups up a tree lined, snow capped trail to the summit of one of Whistler’s many mountains which afforded knock out views as far as the eye can see! Dinner this evening was at Nika Lake Lodge which is a new development in Creekside on the banks of the Nika Lake. The hotel has been beautifully finished in dark wood to an extremely high standard. Dinner in the Lodge’s restaurant was exquisite & the views afforded by its position overlooking Nika Lake were stunning.

The following 2 days were all about Skiing the famous slopes of Whistler. Being a complete novice I was relatively relaxed about stepping onto the slopes for the first time & very excited about the new powder that had fallen overnight (approx 5cm). By the end of the day my mood had changed considerably, I was frustrated, angry & ready to consign my ski career to the garbage but was determined to continue the following day. I had to quickly change for a site inspection & evening meal at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The Fairmont has a very imposing lobby which sets a president that thankfully the remainder of the hotel lives up to. The rooms are a good size, beautifully decorated & very sumptuous. We were spoilt in the restaurant to a 5 course marathon which was washed down with the finest BC wine.



I’d hardly had time for my head to touch the pillow when I awoke & headed straight for the Four Seasons Resort for what can only be described as a monster breakfast which included fruits, cereal, traditional & freshly made omelettes. After a hearty breakfast I headed for the slopes again for a more successful days skiing. Maybe it was the breakfast but something clicked up on Whistler Mountain & I returned to the base a jubilant mood.

After two wonderful days in Whistler we headed East to the much more peaceful resort of Sun Peaks. The drive between the two roads along the Duffy Lake Road was spectacular. It was a complete shock to the system after Whistler to walk from one end of the village to the other in a matter of 5 minutes. The first thing that struck me was the beautiful village stroll with the quaint properties on either side. We had another wonderful evening meal this time in the Delta Sun Peak’s restaurant “Mantles” again washed down by BC’s finest Vin Rouge.

My final full day in Canada was spent on the slopes of Sun Peaks. Sun Peaks is blessed with the second largest terrain in Western Canada behind Whistler. The three mountains that surround the village Mt Tod (the original), Mt Sundance & Mt Morrisey create a super backdrop to this fantastic family resort. I had my best days Skiing in Sun Peaks. Looking at the other properties the Delta Sun Peaks & the new Delta Residences stood out head & shoulders above the rest.

I’ve been asked many times what Canadian’s are like & I’ve found it a difficult question to answer. I still can’t pinpoint any specific mannerisms or traits but what I did discover is that they are the most friendly, helpful & welcoming people.