Canada---Not Just A Winter Destination

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

23 Jan 2007 12:00 PM

My brother has been a competitive surfer for more than 20 years. He has traveled the world over competing in surf contests from Bali to Japan, which is why many people question why he makes an annual trip to Canada each year to "surf" on snow. Snowboarding has become a relatively new passion for him, but when he does take a break from riding the waves on Hawaii's North Shore he heads north to Whistler, which is nestled in the hills of British Columbia, Canada, about 80 miles from Vancouver. While the village may be widely associated with skiing and other winter sports, those who visit Whistler know it offers more than just snow.

Location, Location, Location

The saying is true in real estate and in the world of travel---location is everything and the wonderful part about the town of Whistler is that it's right in the middle of all the action. The village itself was designed to evoke the feeling of a bygone era. Residents refer to Whistler as a pedestrian village. It is void of cars and has a vibe like a European village. Step into the village's visitor center and you will learn that centuries ago, before Western civilization reached Whistler, the area was populated by Inuits, the people indigenous to Canada.

A Reason For All Seasons

The other reason many visitors make Whistler an annual stop on their journey is the fact that the area offers a host of year-round activities from beach volleyball to canoeing to golf. You name it, and there's a way you can do it there. One of my family's favorite attractions is the Whistler Mountaineer train, which travels the scenic route (most notably breathtaking views of the shoreline of the Coastal Mountains and cascading waterfalls framed by snow covered mountain peaks) between Whistler and North Vancouver. The train couldn't be easier to access. It departs daily from North Vancouver and journeys through the famed Sea-to-Sky Corridor, along North America's southern-most fjord, Howe Sound, past the mountain peaks and waterfalls I referred to earlier and spectacular glacial-fed rivers canyons. If you have children (or you are an avid photographer) I would recommend spending time in the train's restored, century-old open-air observation car. It slows down for all the best vistas allowing you to capture some incredible Kodak moments. The Whistler Mountaineer is extremely popular, so if you want a seat you'll want to plan ahead. Once you are there you will see why the members of the Winter Olympic committee chose Whistler to host the 2010 Winter Games.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Katie-Anne Gustafsson (604) 24 Jan 2007 01:34 PM

It's a beautiful part of the world - not just with scenary, but with the warm welcome that people get from the locals. If I was given a blank check and told I could go anywhere, I'd immediately head off to the Kootney region of BC, nestled not far from the foothills of the Rockies, and a place my spirit calls home.

Michele Cheplic (37236) 25 Jan 2007 01:42 AM

Thanks for the comment Katie-Anne BTW my brother couldn't agree with you more, oh and he raves about the food there as well!