It’s almost Valentine’s Day, time to prove your love for someone. Creativity is always welcome this time of year (a heliski or catboarding trip never fails to get the romance flowing) but there is also something to be said for tradition so whatever you choose for your sweetheart this February, it’s never a bad call to add in some chocolate.
The earliest recorded human use of chocolate dates back to around 1100-1400 BC in central America and contemporary science has proven chocolate contains alkaloids that effect serotonin levels in the brain– we’re literally wired to enjoy it. Plus, dark chocolate (70% or higher) apparently contains high levels of antioxidants and is also said to relieve stress, cure all forms of disease, reverse aging and make you popular.
Okay, I made that last part up but in reality, a moderate amount of chocolate is good for you, it tastes awesome, and it always gets the romance flowing. The Insider hit up Whistler’s finest chocolatiers to see what’s hot, what’s new, and what will work this Valentine’s Day.
Rogers’ Chocolates
“I don’t think it’s rocket science,” says Alison Pasemko, manager of Rogers. “Chocolate is popular on Valentine’s Day because it makes women happy.”
You can’t argue with that. Alison adds that champagne truffles are big this year and so are heart-shaped versions of Charles Rogers’ original 1885 creation—the Victoria Cream. Real high rollers can pick up the large red velvet Valentine’s box—it holds 50 Victoria Creams plus a handful of other delights and since there’s only one available you’re basically guaranteed no other suitor will be able to out-chocolate you.
Find Rogers’ in the Eagle Lodge along Village stroll, just a bit south of the Olympic Plaza. Alison always has some good samples out too.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Open since 1986, Rocky Mountain is Whistler’s oldest sweet spot and it offers everything from nut clusters and fudge to chocolate-dipped marshmallow kabobs or the infamous caramel apples– all of it made in-house.
“Chocolate makes everyone feel good,” says Scott Grieve, owner “I can see it when people come in here, kids especially. Sometimes even before they eat anything that sugar high kicks in and the smiles appear.”
Rocky Mountain’s Valentine’s Day specialty is the chocolate-dipped strawberry. Sold long-stemmed, in bouquets, or just in a box, there is no more popular treat in Whistler. “We come in early and hand-dip 1800 strawberries,” Scott says. That’s 30 cases of berries for one day. Get ‘em while they last—fruit and chocolate are the most underrated food group.
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is located near the Whistler Village Gondola base. Follow your nose, it always smells amazing in there.
The Great Glass Elevator Candy Shop
Chocolate is only a fraction of the good times available at Whistler’s most expansive confectionary. This month they’re offering a special Valentine’s popcorn. It’s a red and pink cranberry/raspberry/marshmallow concoction good enough to make your tastebuds scream with delight.
“It’s all about having fun right?” says store manager Kelly Czekurlon. “Candy and chocolate remind us of childhood. Everyone is happy in a candy store.”
Chocolate lovers can also get their fix with imported British chocolate or Whistler Chocolate, a made-in-Whistler bar that will pair nicely with one of Kelly’s heart-shaped balloons. Inhaling helium and talking like a duck is actually way more romantic than it sounds.
Find The Great Glass Elevator in Whistler’s Marketplace. Also, it’s nice to leave your change in the jar at the desk for the small kids who come in with only a few cents and don’t understand things like sales tax.
7-11
It’s nowhere near as classy but there are more than a few Whistler locals who put things off long enough that this 24-hour junk food joint will be their only option. There are no velvet boxes and pretty much nothing made on-site but “The Sev” does sell candy (and ice cream) and if you do get lucky this Valentine’s Day and end up waking up somewhere unexpected a handful of cinnamon heart candies is almost as good as brushing your teeth… Go get ‘em Casanova.
7-Eleven is found on Main Street behind Whistler’s Marketplace and is a great spot for people watching at 3am.
There’s more to true love than just stuffing your face with chocolate so check out these other romantic Whistler activities. And if you do go heliskiing, make sure to shower before using the body paint. Happy Valentine’s Day.