Nothing whets our appetite for adventure like a well-written, exquisitely photographed travel blog – you know, the kind that has you spending the next week of your life staring at Kayak on your phone as you try to find the cheapest available flight to the Congo, Belize, or some other weird and wonderful destination.

At the moment we’re rather busy building Canada’s first pod hotel, but if we weren’t, these are the bloggers that would be inspiring our own adventures…

Australian culture vulture Michael Turtle worked in broadcast journalism for a decade before he gave it all up to travel the world indefinitely. What we love about the Turtle is his ability to seek out and find some of the most unusual experiences. Spend half an hour reading his blog and you’ll be asking yourself why you aren’t out there learning how to charm snakes in Morocco, drinking yak’s milk with herders in Nepal, or going toe-to-toe with a sumo wrestler in Tokyo.

Recent destinations: Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka
Niche: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Blog: www.timetravelturtle.com

We came across Nadine Sykura’s travel blog a while back, and we’ve been hooked ever since. Nadine is a Vancouver-based travel vlogger whose recent adventures have seen her canoeing in British Columbia and tasting the “best beer in the world” in the Czech Republic. For each destination she visits, Nadine produces a short, slick video with lots of useful information and plenty of travel inspiration.

Recent destinations: Canada, Eastern Europe
Niche: Travel vlogs
Blog: www.heynadine.com

Having travelled from coast to coast over a period of five years, Saskatchewan-born blogger Corbin Fraser knows Canada better than most, and his blogs and guides are a constant and reliable source of inspiration and information. Focusing on outdoor adventure and budget travel – but not averse to a little bit of luxury (the two aren’t mutually exclusive, you know – just look at our pod hotel!) – Corbin’s blog is an absolute must-follow if you’re planning a trip to British Columbia. Oh, did we mention he’s won tons of awards for his work?

Recent destinations: Whistler
Niche: Budget travel and affordable luxury, Canada
Blog: www.ibackpackcanada.com

In 2010, Miami-based freelance photographer Matthew Karsten decided to go backpacking for a year and started out by buying a one-way ticket to Guatemala. Seven years and countless countries later, he’s still at it (albeit now for ‘only’ only six months of the year). His most recent adventures have seen exploring Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies on foot, mountain bike and motorcycle. Follow the Expert Vagabond’s blog if, like us, you can’t get enough of GoPro photography.

Recent destinations: British Columbia
Niche: Insane GoPro photography and video!
Blog: www.expertvagabond.com

Specialising in adventure travel with an emphasis on hiking, biking and canoeing, Leigh McAdam is an award-winning Canadian blogger who seems to have seen and done it all.  The former geologist and dietician gave up everything to explore the world and is now one of Canada’s foremost travel bloggers. As well as having hiked, biked, climbed and paddled her way across large parts of Europe, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, Leigh has spent a good deal of time getting to know and reporting on her home country. We should add that Leigh has an incredibly stylish website with plenty of inspirational travel imagery. Her blog really does make us want to hit the open road again!

Recent destinations: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ivvavik National Park
Niche: Hiking, biking
Blog: www.hikebiketravel.com

 

Please note this is just a partial list of the incredible travel bloggers and vloggers we respect.

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experience the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experience the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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It’s summer and Whistler’s patio season is in full swing. Who are we kidding? Unless it’s raining (and we mean a torrential downpour), it’s always patio season in Whistler. Après is, after all, the most important meal of the day. As such, we’ve put together a few of our favourite patios in Whistler Village to toast the day’s adventures.

Whistler may not currently have any rooftop patios, but that is going change in April 2018 when Pangea unveils The Rooftop Patio, dishing up elevated après in the centre of the Village.

Our third floor rooftop patio will be a smaller version of The Living Room, our design-forward interior bar + lounge + cafe on our second floor, and will feature a small bar, standing counter and sensational views up to snow-capped peaks and down over the pedestrian-only Stroll to Village Square.

Quench your thirst with an ice-cold craft beer in the summer or warm your inner soul (and your body) under a patio heater with a Baileys-infused gourmet hot chocolate in the winter. This is going to be a game-changer, and with its limited capacity it’s going be kept a secret by Whistler locals for as long as they can.

Whistler’s largest patio bar is home to the infamous Bulldog cocktail – an inverted Corona beer stuck deep in a mini pitcher of lime margarita. If you’re hitting up the Longhorn make sure you’re ready for an epic après – the Longhorn does not do low key. This huge patio with outdoor firepits and signature yellow umbrellas is a favourite with locals and visitors – you’ll understand why as soon as you grab a seat front-and-centre at the base of Whistler Mountain.

Still referred to by many locals as Citta’s (its former name), this popular spot in the centre of the Village is just a stone’s throw from Pangea and sports an impressive selection of craft beer. Take a seat, slip on some shades and revel in the sights and sounds of Whistler Village as the day winds down. Add a side of the Beacon’s deep-fried pickles and wings (with a helping of their homemade hot sauce), and you’ll feel like a local pretty quickly.

The GLC, as it’s more commonly known, is perched right on Whistler’s shoulder in Skier’s Plaza. It offers front-row seats for watching skiers and snowboarders gliding into the Village in the winter and mountain bikers airing over the drops in the summer. A recent renovation that introduced outdoor firepits on the GLC’s side patio overlooking Skier’s Plaza has created a buzzing lounge vibe. This patio mainstay ups the ante on typical après fare – think epic nachos served with fresh homemade guacamole, an impressive selection of local and imported beers, and their signature appetizer, “Sex Cheese”.

Another close neighbour to Pangea, La Bocca’s sunny patio is a superb location for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. Their menu has a strong Mediterranean influence and an overarching European feel. Grab a cozy table for two, pair an antipasto platter with a bottle of wine, and you’ll know your night is getting off on the right foot.

This patio is mid-stream on Village Stroll, across the way from Pangea, and really shines after the sun goes down. Basalt’s cocktails aren’t just mixed here, they are crafted, and there’s a unique urban vibe to the space. You don’t want to miss their exceptional cured meat and cheese platter.

The BrewHouse is adjacent to the most photographed location in the Village – the giant Olympic Rings. Grab a seat in the summer and enjoy fresh pizza or hot rotisserie delights from their wood-fired ovens, all washed down with ice-cold, brewed-on-the-premises, craft beer. They do beer flights too, so you can taste a variety of brews before ordering a pint of your favourite (our summer beer of choice is the Lifty Lager). Even better if you do it on a night when you can listen to music during the free Whistler Presents concert series.

Yes, this is part of a “chain”, but we’re not sure why that matters when the food and service are always on point. Earls offers a slightly more upscale patio experience and an elevated view across the Village Stroll. Their menu is excellent. And, most importantly, there are always drink specials.

Please note this is just a partial list of the incredible patios in Whistler. 

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experience the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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This may come as something of a surprise, but more people now visit Whistler in the summer than in winter. Why? Because although Whistler enjoys international renown as a ski resort (one of the finest in the world, we might add), Canadians and travel-savvy adventure seekers everywhere know that Pangea’s home has a hell of a lot to offer after the thaw. Make no mistake, this is a year-round town.  

So what exactly is on offer? Here we take you through some of our favourite summer activities, how to do them, and who to go with.

When the snow melts in late spring, the wooded slopes around Whistler echo to the sound of merry mountain bikers taking on the bumps and jumps of mile after mile of single track. Whistler is a world-class destination for downhill and cross-country mountain biking, a veritable hotspot for those who love off-road adventures.

Many of them flock to Whistler Mountain Bike Park for knuckle-whitening downhill runs, all of which are well-maintained (and some of which are just about gentle enough for Pangea’s owners). The Park also offers tuition and guided tours.

Away from the Park, a number of operators offer bike rentals and guided tours on the trails around Whistler. Cross Country Connection is one of them.

Who doesn’t love a summer hike? Around Whistler you’ll find scenic alpine trails that’ll have you traversing through pristine forests, across gorgeous flower-filled meadows, and alongside some of British Columbia’s most beautiful lakes and rivers. Don’t miss the High Note Trail, which offers unforgettable views over Cheakamus Lake.

If you’re looking for a guide, Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures can help. They offer half-day, full-day and multi-day hikes around Whistler and Blackcomb.

Also highly recommended are Whistler Eco Tours, whose tour options include short interpretive nature walks, a ‘moderate’ rainforest walk and full-day adventures with private guides that have expert knowledge of the local flora, fauna and geology. They also specialise in kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking adventures.

Fancy hurtling head first towards the glacial waters of the Cheakamus river from a 50 metre high bridge? Of course you do.

Around 15 minutes south of the village is Whistler Bungee – “Whistler’s Ultimate Adrenaline Rush”. Admire the basalt cliffs, old growth forest and stunning mountain vistas before launching yourself into the abyss.

Whistler Bungee have operated since 2002 and have a perfect safety record.

Reconnecting with nature is easy in Whistler (did you know it was named after the whistling sounds the local marmots make?), but one way to take your love of the wilderness a step further is to head out on a bear watching tour. As well as finally finding out the answer to that age-old rhetorical question, you’ll get to see (and take pictures of) black bears in their natural habitat and learn about local ecology. Keep your eyes peeled and you may even catch a glimpse of a coyote!

Whistler Discovery Tours offers various Land Rover excursions led by knowledgeable guides with expertise in ecology and wildlife photography. One of the most popular is their ‘Evening with the Bears’ sunset tour.

If it’s high-octane, adrenaline-pumping, paddle-until-you-can’t-feel-your-arms-anymore kind of adventures you’re after (just kidding about the arms), we recommend you head straight down to one of the local rivers for some white water rafting. It’s without doubt one of our favourite summertime activities in Whistler.

One very popular local outfit is Wedge Rafting. For over 20 years they’ve been helping thrill-seekers experience what they call ‘riverspeed’ – the ancient rhythm of the river. Wedge Rafting offer tours on the Cheakamus (family-friendly), Green, Elaho, and Squamish rivers. Our co-founder, front and centre in the photo, was so scared he wet himself…

Also offering a variety of tours, including an epic 10-day adventure on the Tatshenshini, are Canadian Outback Rafting, another highly reputable operator. Check out their ‘Scenic Twilight Float’ on the Squamish for something a bit more sedate.  

One of the best and most exhilarating ways to take in Whistler’s jaw-dropping scenery is to get up above the forest canopy and glide across the valley on a zip line. This is probably the closest you’ll ever come to knowing what life’s like for a bird! Just ask our Tech Head who’s trying his hardest to fly in this photo…

Whistler is blessed with two great ziplining operators. Ziptrek Ecotours offers an “entertaining combination of aerial adventure and exploration” with a dose of education on the environment. Most tours start from the Carleton Lodge, just across from the Whistler Gondolas.

Superfly Ziplines promise to have you soaring across mountain valleys and through old growth forests. Their adventures begin with a 4×4 trip up Rainbow Mountain.

Taking a backcountry ATV tour of British Columbia is one of our favourite things to do during the summer here in Whistler, and of course it’s a great way to really get to know the region’s diverse terrain. Several operators offer tours departing from the Village.

Check out Whistler ATV for open and private tours for riders of all experience levels. Canadian Wilderness Adventures also offers multiple tours around Whistler, Blackcomb Mountain and the Callaghan valley.

Please note this is just a partial list of the incredible activities and operators in town.

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experience the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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One of the best things about Whistler in the summer is the line-up of free concerts that take place at Whistler Olympic Plaza over the weekends. This summer the Whistler Presents live outdoor performances will take place over select weekends in August and September and will showcase musical genres and styles as eclectic as Whistler’s summer guests.

Here’s who will be in Whistler Village performing free concerts this summer:

Date: Thursday, August 3

Time: 6:30pm

Description: Elijah Ray’s soul pleasing sounds showcase a wide scope of genres, including soul, world, funk, reggae, and hip hop.

Date: Thursday, August 3

Time: 8:30pm

Description: New York Times branded this group as an “innovative circus performance” and Whistler can expect an extravaganza of performance art that includes dance, acrobatics, projections and experimentation.

Date: Friday, August 4

Time: 7:00pm

Description: This West Coast institution is the offspring of seven musicians with diverse backgrounds and a shared love for vibrant Bay Area funk and psychedelic-soul sounds.

Date: Friday, August 4

Time: 8:45pm

Description: Named one of Spotify’s Artists of 2016, Charlotte Cardin will perform her brand of sultry, mesmeric electro-jazz.

Date: Saturday, August 5

Time: 7:00pm

Description: Original soul and blues sounds will power positive lyrics that resonate as Ron Artis II & The Truth brings the funk to the village.

Date: Saturday, August 5

Time: 8:30pm

Description: This riveting live performer will bring the heat and fill the valley with his soaring voice. Charles Bradley was top of Paste Magazine’s Best Live Acts of 2015 and Rolling Stone called his album Changes one of the “Most Anticipated Albums of 2016.”

Date: Friday, August 25

Time: 7:30pm

Description: This hybrid live-electronic act is famous for its energy onstage, where the five-member crew blends a heavy electronic backbone with live traditional Indian instruments (dhol, tabla), fiddle, electric guitar, and the stunning Punjabi-English vocals of frontman Sanjay Seran.

Date: Saturday, August 26

Time: 7:30pm

Description: Best known as the lead singer of Canadian folk-rock band Great Big Sea, Alan Doyle and his ace six-piece band will fill Whistler Olympic Plaza with their rousing Canadian songs that evoke his ethos of “we’re lucky to be here so let’s make the most of it.”

Date: Friday, September 1

Time: 7:30pm

Description: Jann Arden is one of Canada’s most celebrated and loved artists, and this brilliant and multi-dimensional talent will captivate with her heartfelt music and quick wit. Famous for her ballads and beloved for her spirit, her show will see locals and Whistler guests alike turning out in force for this free outdoor concert by a Canadian legend.

Date: Saturday, September 2

Time: 7:30pm

Description: This alt-soul band from Vancouver blends Latin, folk, reggae and rock for an energizing show that won’t disappoint.

Date: Saturday, September 9

Time: During GrandFondo Whistler Celebrations

Description: Whistler’s official anthem band, Ruckus Deluxe will celebrate at the GranFondo finish line in Whistler Olympic Plaza. As one of Whistler’s most popular bands, the duo is a fitting close to Whistler Presents’ line-up of free live concerts for the summer of 2017.

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experience the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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We get it. You’re thinking: “I’d love to go to Whistler, but I really don’t want to go broke.” Well, the good news is that you can enjoy Whistler without maxing out your credit or condemning yourself to years of back-yard vacations. In fact, it’s very easy to keep the costs down if you plan ahead – and in the case of choosing a hotel, if you use your head (cue a shameless plug about staying at Pangea). 

If you’re heading to Whistler for the summer season, here’s how you can save money and still have an incredible time.

We really don’t want you to spend all your money on an oversized, pricey hotel room that you aren’t going to use. Why would you want to sit in a hotel room when Whistler is out there?

When our pod hotel opens in 2018, we’re going to be in the centre of the Village, we’re going to cost a lot less than the hotels down the Stroll, and we’re going to offer all the amenities you really need (like, actually need) – for instance a very comfortable bed in which to recharge at night. Even better, you’ll be staying in a boutique hotel with incredible interior design and a super-cool vibe.

Learn more about Pangea.

You wouldn’t walk up to an airline counter and expect the best deal for a flight that day, right? If you want to save some of your hard-earned dollars, pre-purchase your Whistler Blackcomb lift tickets online for mountain biking, sightseeing and skiing/snowboarding (yes, Whistler has summer alpine skiing). That way you’ll get the best possible rates.

What’s more, pre-purchased tickets are good for a range of dates so you don’t need to figure out your exact plan before you go – perfect for those of you who like to remain flexible. There are a variety of ticket options and deals.  

Check out all the deals.

Whistler, especially in the summer, is home to tons of world class events like:

• Crankworx
• Wanderlust
• Red Bull 400
• Tough Mudder
• Mudderella
• GranFondo
• IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3
  

Whistler celebrates with each special event that rolls into town, throwing free concerts over most weekends at Whistler Olympic Plaza in July and August. Watch for demo booths and free or discounted activities associated with these Whistler special events.

Check this calendar for a few events worth planning a visit around.

Whistler is foodie heaven and much of the bounty is locally sourced from Pemberton, just 30 minutes north up the valley. When the Living Room, Pangea’s café and bar, opens in 2018 you’ll be able to get simple, delicious food that doesn’t break the bank, and you can pair your plate with icy cold craft beers, a cocktail or a glass of wine. In the meantime you can venture into the village. Though not always “cheap” per se, you can get to experience a lot of Whistler’s best restaurants “on the cheap” during weekdays in the summer when they run specials.

Check the Whistler Bites website for daily deals on food and drink.

Make the most of your mountain pass by lacing up those boots and hitting one of the many hiking trails that can be accessed with it. Highly recommended is the High Note Trail, which takes you right up to the top of Whistler Mountain. Get up there first thing in the morning and you’ll be rewarded with limitless views, fresh mountain breezes and fewer crowds. Pack a picnic, not your cash.

There are also many hikes in and around the valley to explore, including the famous Train Wreck. One of the best websites we’ve found for hikes around the region, including how to get to Train Wreck, is Whistler Hiatus.

If you prefer exploring on two wheels than on two feet, you’ll be pleased to know that the Whistler valley also has hundreds of kilometres of single-track looping through the forests surrounding the village. So while Whistler Mountain Bike Park is undoubtedly something every biker wants to check off their bucket list (and we recommend you do), you can also bike for free if you’d rather save money.

Find your routes here.

Whistler’s highly convenient paved Valley Trail connects five lakes in which you can take a plunge into cool, clear waters on a warm summer’s day (for free of course). You’ll find sandy beaches (some with volleyball courts), smooth green lawns with picnic areas, docks to swim to, and even paddleboards, kayaks and other water gear to rent in a couple of places. All of this makes the freshwater lakes of Whistler some of the hottest places to see and be seen.

Hop on a bike for a cruise through each lakeside park and take a mandatory dip in each lake, or catch a ride with Whistler Transit’s free shuttle to lakeside parks on weekends and holiday Mondays. The Lost Lake shuttle from the gondola transit loop is free throughout the summer season.

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experience the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Want to know what the word on the street is about Whistler’s new pod hotel? Here’s what the key movers and shakers of Whistler, BC, are saying about Pangea.

Nancy Wilhelm-Morden

Mayor, Resort Municipality of Whistler

“Congratulations to the Pangea Pod Hotel team on the announcement of their newly updated hotel. This is an excellent example of a substantial reinvestment in the Village, something that has been a priority of council, and important in keeping Whistler fresh and competitive.”

Dave Brownlie

Chief Operating Officer, Whistler Blackcomb | CEO of the Year, 2016 Business in Vancouver

“I look forward to seeing Pangea in action.  I think it is a winner and could be applied across different resorts.”

Melissa Pace

CEO, Whistler Chamber of Commerce

“On behalf of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, we welcome the Pangea Pod Hotel to our community.  This unique and innovative concept fills a short-term accommodation option not yet offered to travelers visiting Whistler. In addition, the careful redesign of the exterior of the building will significantly enhance the overall feel and vibe on the Village Stroll.  Congratulations to the Pangea Pod Hotel!”

Barrett Fisher

President & CEO, Tourism Whistler

“The entire team at Tourism Whistler are delighted to welcome the Pangea Pod Hotel to Whistler.  We are exceptionally excited about the potential for this unique, high quality concept in the heart of Whistler Village to serve and grow visitation from a new customer segment.”

Drew Meredith

Former Mayor of Whistler | Freeperson of the Municipality | Founder, Whistler Real Estate Co.

“This was one of the most interesting and challenging properties I have ever worked on in over 40 years as a realtor in Whistler. Jelena and Russell’s concept was a hard sell initially, but their logical and determined approach won over the decision makers. From tired condos owned by more than a thousand uninterested timeshare owners to a vibrant hub in the heart of the Village, this is a historical project for Whistler. I look forward to Pangea opening.”

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experience the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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