Updated April 2021
Whistler’s parks are a place where you can feel lush lawns underfoot, take a dip or a paddle in the mountain-fresh waters of the lakes and let your babies (fur and otherwise) run a little more freely in the park’s wide-open spaces. However, we’ve still got to keep in mind that COVID-19 isn’t on vacation.
With Whistler’s parks and green spaces officially open, we’ve put together a few of the things you need to know and consider when planning a trip to the park, as well as some yummy picnic suggestions.
Whistler Park Etiquette 2.0
As we transition into this new era, there are a few changes to our typical park etiquette that the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) would like us all to bear in mind when using these amazing outdoor spaces;
- Stay home if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, and get tested if your symptoms are consistent with COVID-19.
- Stay two metres apart from others outside of your household bubble and avoid social gatherings
- Bring a face mask and wear it when you’re not able to physical distance by two metres
- If it’s too busy, come back another time or try another park
- Bylaw Officers and Parks and Trails Ambassadors are out and about to remind people about physical distancing. They are there to help everyone have a positive park experience, so say hi and shoot them a distanced high five.
- Be courteous and kind to others – everyone has their own version of what is and isn’t safe right now, give people space and the benefit of the doubt
For more COVID-19 information visit Whistler.com/covid.
Suggestions and Tips:
- Pack some hand sanitizer and wipes
- If you use a bench or picnic table, wash your hands afterward
- Think about going at non-peak times, like early in the morning or in the evening (romantic sunrise / sunset anyone?)
- If you see a family with small children, give them extra space (toddlers = touching)
- If you’re going to play a game like Frisbee, go at off-peak times as no one wants to be ducking a disc right now
- Pack out what you pack in, and if the garbage is full take it home with you
Picnic Ideas Supporting Local Business
Here are some mouth-watering suggestions for take-out picnics that make the most of our mountain vistas. From Australian pies to Mexican tacos, Japanese sashimi to Indian butter chicken, Italian pizza to French pasteries, there’s a lot to choose from. Here are just a few picnic-friendly food suggestions and some silly puns for you to enjoy, for a full list of who’s open see Whistler.com’s Doors Open Directory.
Taco ‘Bout Awesome
The team at La Cantina is as busy as ever serving authentic, fresh Mexican street food for lunch and dinner, and they’ve just launched a new Verde beef taco, which we’ve yet to wrap our greedy hands around.
So Grilled to See You
Starting in June and available every Tuesday, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre will be doing a picnic for four that you will need to grill, but trust us, they’ve done the hard work for you. Part of their Bring Home the Bannock take-out range, the new, summer picnic includes short ribs that have been marinated in maple and juniper berries, sprinkled with smoked mushroom salt, a roasted Pemberton potato and arugula salad with berry vinaigrette, fried bannock with whipped herb butter, and rhubarb and strawberry scones for a sweet finish. It’s time to get your grill on!
Maki Today Special
Sushi is an easy-to-eat picnic option, although we wouldn’t suggest travelling too far with it in the heat before you tuck in. For lunch, try a Bento Box from Fuji Market and if you have a sweet tooth, add some Japanese candy into the mix when you order online.
Spring is all around us, so we couldn’t help but think of the Kani Blossoms served at Sachi Sushi. Open for dinner, Head Chef Toshiyuki Kobayashi has been making sushi in Whistler for over 25 years and he’s not stopping now. Sushi Village is also open for dinner picnics with those epic SMASS rolls we all know and love.
In Pizza We Crust
Pizzeria Antico is Whistler-famous for giving out scissors with their pizzas and also for their epic lineup of craft beers. They have paired the two (the pizza and beer, not the scissors) on Wednesday nights for their takeaway pizza and growler deal for $25. We’d say that’s a fine picnic in the making.
Better Latte Than Never
For picnics on the lighter side, you could opt for a coffee and sweet treat. Many Whistlerites rejoiced in the news when purebread reopened their doors earlier this month with takeaway window service and pre-order pick-up. Owned and operated by a local husband and wife team, this bakery has become part of the Whistler experience and they’re located right at Olympic Plaza.
If you’re around that area, Blenz Coffee is another option. They serve hot and cold chocolate made from single-origin Columbian chocolate (it’s dreamy creamy) and you can even make it dairy-free with the dark chocolate option and your milk-alternative of choice. Of course, there’s all the java options too, we just really like chocolate…
Keep Korma and Curry On
Authentic garlic naan anyone? Tandoori Grill is open for lunch and dinner orders and along with the curry of your choice, you get a complimentary serving of garlic naan – yum! They have a great selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes too. Order online and pick up.
You Wanna Piece of Me?
No, we don’t want a piece, we want it all. An Aussie-style pie (meat and veggie options available) is topped with mashed potato, mushy peas and gravy, this is Peaked Pies. They also have barista-quality coffees and sweet treats with an Australian twist, like their chocolate- and coconut-covered sponges, aka, Lamingtons. They’re open for take-out every day of the week.
So…We Meat Again
Although Hunter Gather has some tasty vegetarian options, we can’t help but sing the praises of some of their meat-filled menu items. Just take a look at this lamb shoulder baguette – remember to grab napkins.
Owned and operated by the husband and wife team behind Whistler Cooks Catering and Fridge Full, you can also round out your take-out with a can of something cold from our local brewery, Coast Mountain Brewing, at the same time.
Wok This Way
We’re big fans of noods, therefore we’re also fans of Main St. Noodles, where you can choose your own flavour profile, spice level, protein addition and order it all to go on an easy app, or their website for lunch and dinner.
We hope that you’ll practice safe picnicking, social responsibility and remember that we’re all #InThisTogether. It’s a huge learning curve for everyone, we’ll have to be patient, and work together to make sure everyone stays safe and has a good time.
