Header Image Photo Credit: Mirae Campbell
Whistler is known for adventure, so it makes sense that its dining scene is seasoned with a touch of it too. Thinking outside of the restaurant table, we’ve looked into adventure dining experiences you can have with a distinctive, Whistler twist.
From seared salmon at 6,000 feet to picnics at glacial lakes only accessible by air, here are some of Whistler’s dining experiences that put the thrill into meal time.
What’s SUP? Blackcomb Heli Picnic w/ Paddleboard
That’s right folks, the ultimate adventure-food combo deal is here! Instead of ordering a side of fries with your next meal, why not upgrade to a slice of idyllic alpine life? Blackcomb Helicopters offer the ultimate alpine picnic package. Be swept away as you rise along the Coast Mountains, taking in a bird’s-eye view of the alpine, before landing at your exclusive lakeside table.
Enjoy a gourmet picnic meal catered by local restaurant Portobello, before embarking on a guided alpine hike. For an extra taste of paradise, explore the crystal clear lake on a stand-up paddle board under the expert instruction of your own private guide.
Read more about this experience in our blog from the vault (2016), How to Rule at Picnics: A Whistler Recipe for Success.
Alpine Drive-Thru: Salmon Bake at 6000 Feet
Prefer to drive to your next meal? Power your way up Blackcomb Mountain in an ATV or 4×4 (you don’t do the driving in this one) on one of Canadian Wilderness Adventures’ signature Whistler tours.
Once at the top, enjoy a locally-sourced, chef-prepared meal featuring maple-glazed, wild BC Salmon and a spectacular sunset with live music.
Dinner with Altitude: Mountain Top Summer Feast
The Mountain Top Summer Feast is a banquet-style, all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet at the top of Whistler Mountain, and is the perfect way to top off a day of sightseeing and hiking on Whistler Blackcomb.
The combined banquet and sightseeing ticket offers the best value and is a great chance to check out the Raven’s Eye Lookout and, aptly named, Cloudraker Skybridge before you chow down. You might even be able to sneak a short hike in before you dine!
Make sure you leave time (before or after) for a lofty beverage or two at the Umbrella Bar too, which has panoramic views of the surrounding Coast Mountains. No need for a designated driver, at the end of the evening the Whistler Village Gondola will deliver you safely back down to your Village accommodation.
Two of our adventurous Whistler.com team recently went up the mountains for a feast and this is what they have to say…
“The views are incredible. It’s just so breathtakingly beautiful to sit on the patio and dine surrounded by snow-capped mountains. ” – Leah.
“It would definitely make a unique date night, but it’s also good for families as the ride in the gondola to and from dinner is a lot of fun. Kids under six are free with a paying adult, there’s a kids-only buffet and some fun lawn-style games like Jenga they can play with too.” – Jesica.
Culinary Culture: Alta and Audain
Looking to nourish your creative side as well as your stomach? Experience world-class British Columbian art on a personalized tasting tour of the Audain Art Museum, before sitting down to four courses of fine dining courtesy of the Alta Bistro. They have combined to create the alta + Audain Fine Dining Art Experience, which happens every Friday during the summer months.
On the Cutting Edge: Whistler Tasting Tours
With so many options, you could pass the menu and let someone else decide! Join a local guide on the Finer Things Dinner Tasting Tour and enjoy four courses across some of Whistler’s award-winning restaurants. You’ll also visit an impressive 15,000-bottle wine cellar where you’ll learn how to saber champagne.
Liquid Liaison: Brewery and Distillery Tours
With no shortage of breweries in the Sea to Sky, Whistler Valley Tours offer multiple transport-inclusive options to savour the crafty delights. If gin is more your thing, check out the Montis Distillery tour, which includes a guided tour of the facility as well as tastings of all their products paired with local charcuterie.
Read more about this experience in our blog, Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience.
Wheely Good Food: Park Eats
Lake days just got even better with the expansion of the Park Eats program. Featuring local favourites Folie Crepes, Lucia Gelato, The Island Oasis, Sargent Poppers Kettle Corn and Whistler Wood Fired Pizza.
These food trucks will keep you fuelled up for a day of fun in the sun and can be found in Whistler’s lake parks until September 5, 2022.
Go Your Own Way: Picnic Whistler
Whistler has no shortage of picturesque look-outs and secluded lakeside spots, so why not find your own picture-perfect location? Picnic Whistler offers a range of lovingly prepared charcuterie boards and boxes with vegetarian, vegan and brunch options available.
Beautifully arranged and designed to travel, these edible artworks look almost too good to eat! For an extra special day out try one of their gorgeous, picnic packages.
If you’re looking for inspiration for where to go, check out our blog on picnic spots with altitude, but always check which trails are open before you hike!
With sunny weather and so many options to choose from, there’s no better time to book an adventure dining experience that takes you beyond the restaurant table. Bon appétit!
If you’re thinking of a winter trip, take a look at Winter Adventure Dining in Whistler.
Book your winter holiday with Whistler.com by November 15 to secure the best rates for the winter 2022/23 season (save up to 40% on lodging and 60% on lift tickets). It's easy to book your vacation when you have the freedom of our Flexible Cancellation options backed by our Book With Confidence program.
