Pangea News and Posts

If you’re coming from overseas you’ll need to get your work permit sorted before you land. You can apply directly via Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or you can get the help of an agency such as Global Work and Travel who will get this (and some of the below items sorted for you), taking the stress out of the planning process.

The nearest major airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Getting from YVR to Whistler is simple and the drive along the sea to sky highway is scenic with breath-taking views at every turn. Check out our blog on Getting to Pangea to explore all of your options. We’d recommend landing into Vancouver and making your way up to Whistler well before the ski season to give you time to find work and housing before things get busy!

Lock in your travel insurance before you fly. Don’t forget to get winter sports coverage so you can shred hard without any worries.

 

The Whistler housing market can be competitive, so securing a place to live is your top priority. While you search for a long-term rental or wait for your staff accommodation to open up a comfortable and affordable short-term place is essential.That’s where we come in! Pangea is the perfect landing spot, right in the centre of Whistler Village. Our location and rates are unbeatable but to make the deal even sweeter, check out our long term discounts, designed to save you $$$ when booking direct.

20% off our regular rate for stays of 14 days or longer using promo code PANGEALIVING14
25% off our regular rate for stays of 30 days or longer using promo code PANGEALIVING30

Don’t forget to also swing by The Living Room to grab your VIP card which will give you 10% off on food and drink all winter long!

Before you can start work, you will need to apply for the following;

• SIN number: Apply online here or stop into any Service Canada office.
  
  
• Canadian Bank Account: Whistler has a number of different banks. You can set up your bank account by going into any of these local branches in person. Remember to take all your documents with you.
  
  
• Canadian Phone Number: There are a number of phone stores in Whistler including Rodgers and Bell. If you are looking for a cheaper deal, check out Fido (located in Rodgers) or Koodo (located at Nesters) for more options.

If you haven’t already lined up work before you arrive, there are plenty of options to get you started in your search;

• Whistler has its own job agency – Whistler Personnel Solutions – who offer both casual temp jobs and longer term roles. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door at some of Whistler’s biggest hotels and restaurants.
  
  
• Check out the Whistler’s Job Board facebook group. Lots of companies will post their roles here as well as the usual online sites like Indeed and Craigslist.
  
  
• Whistler Pique is the local weekly newspaper. Each edition has a section for job listings and you can pick up a free copy outside any of the grocery stores.
  
  
• Walk-Ins: Don’t underestimate the power of the classic resume drop-off! Many restaurants, hotels, and retail shops will happily take your resume in person and it gives you a chance to introduce yourself and stand out from the crowd!

 

A lot of employers will offer a ski pass as part of their compensation package so check before you purchase. If you do need to lock down your own, there are a number of options available;

• WB unlimited ski pass: Gives you unlimited skiing at Whistler Blackcomb all season long. This pass is only available for purchase before the season starts.
  
  
• Epic Pass: Gives you unlimited skiing at Whistler Blackcomb as well as unlimited skiing at a number of other Vail owned resorts across North America and the world. As well as limited skiing at other ski resorts. It’s a great option if you want to check out other resorts too. This pass is only available for purchase before the season starts.
  
  
• Edge Cards: You can purchase edge cards which give you a set number of ski days. The edge cards are only available for purchase before the season starts.
  
  
• Whistler Experience Spirit Pass: Available via a Whistler employer, this is a reduced rate season pass sold in conjunction with the Whistler Chamber of Commerce. Your employer will let you know if you are eligible for this and the steps to take to secure one. This is the only ski pass which is available for purchase throughout the entire ski season

 

Apres ski is a fun part of Whistler living. Join us in The Living Room daily for drink specials with new friends. As the season kicks off we will have our DJ’s back spinning and will be launching more events. 

Once you’ve ticked everything off of this list you are set for a season in Whistler. With 8171 skiable acres, an average of 36-39 feet of annual snowfall and over 200+ marked runs, you are in for an unforgettable winter. We’ll see you on the slopes!

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

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Are you a regular visitor to Whistler Blackcomb? Do you want to be? Perhaps you’re flirting with the idea of an Epic Pass / Season Pass or an Edge Card – if only you could make the most of it without begging your boss for an extended vacation.

Many of us can’t commit to a single long stay in Whistler, but potentially could make it a semi-regular, on/off thing. Call it a fling – a situation where we’d prefer to stay in another bed, in another place, just for a night or three at a time.

For these situations there are what’s known as “packages”. The idea is that you purchase a block of nights, at a discounted rate similar to that which you might get for an extended stay, and then you redeem those nights in smaller chunks as-and-when you want. Stay two nights here, four nights there, perhaps squeeze in an overnighter when your partner isn’t paying attention (you get the picture).

This is, of course, subject to availability. A hotel can’t literally keep a spare bed for you at all times so that you can just rock up whenever you like (although in theory you could, providing the place isn’t booked out!). But, as long as there is room at the property on dates that you want to redeem your nights, you can pretty much come and go as you please. And the key thing is, you’ve already paid for your night’s stay, so you aren’t at the mercy of supply and demand economics.

Now, here’s the thing. Currently there are only two hotels in Whistler offering such packages, and one of them, naturally, is us. (Go research the other if you want – but don’t come crying over their eye-watering rates).

With Pangea Packages you can book 10, 25 or 50 nights right in the center of Whistler at a time, at a discounted ‘long-stay’ rate. Extra savings – above and beyond what all Packages offer – are available when you choose a weeknights-only package.

So if flexibility is what you’re looking for, but without the cost usually associated with attaining it, Pangea Packages are the solution. Loyalty rates and the freedom to choose.

Now go ahead and book your package. It’ll be our little secret.

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips.

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

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• Glass type: coupette
• Ice: straight up
• Ingredients: gin (1 ½ oz); lemon, (¾ oz); berries syrup (¾ oz); egg white (¾ oz)
• Method: dry shake; add ice; shake; fine strain
• Garnish: floating petals

Created in honour of Romina, the female protagonist in our cafe mural, this classy cocktail was conceived while imagining the kind of drink Romina might be sipping at a Pangea party. It’s an adaption of the classic Clover Club cocktail, using a homemade syrup made from four different berries, though don’t let the berries fool you – this drink packs a punch that belies its velvety texture.

• Glass type: rocks
• Ice: cubed
• Ingredients: vodka (1 oz); cracked black pepper syrup (¾ oz); grapefruit juice (1 oz); lemon juice (½ oz)
• Method: built
• Garnish: rosemary sprig

A drink that shouldn’t work but does, so much so that it’s come to be known as Pangea’s signature cocktail. A drink to be enjoyed while looking out from Pangea’s floor-to-ceiling windows in The Living Room or a little higher up on The Rooftop Patio. Intrigued by the genesis of the name?… You’ll have to ask Matt (nicely).

• Glass type: Collins
• Ice: cubed
• Ingredients: vodka (1 oz); white wine (1 oz); apple juice (1 oz); elderflower cordial (¾ oz); lime juice (½ oz)
• Method: shake; strain
• Garnish: apple slice

Designed originally for “Queer Wednesdays” – Pangea’s weekly LGBTQ2+ meet-up – we wanted to create a beverage that personified the LGBTQ2+ community in our neighboring “big brother” city of Vancouver, hence the name. It’s crisp and refreshing and most importantly still light – a combination that makes it perfect for a warm afternoon on The Rooftop Patio.

• Glass type: Nick and Nora
• Ice: straight up
• Ingredients: cognac (¾ oz); peach liqueur (¾ oz); lemon juice (¾ oz); simple syrup (¾ oz); egg white (¾ oz)
• Method: dry shake;add ice; shake; fine strain
• Garnish: bitters hearts

Adapted from the book The Flowing Bowl by A. William Schmidt (1892), this is a drink that harks back to a simpler time. Delicious by name and delicious by nature.

• Glass type: rocks
• Ice: cubed
• Ingredients: cachaça (1 oz); strawberry puree (1 oz); orange liqueur (½ oz); lime juice (¾ oz)
• Method: shake;strain
• Garnish: dehydrated lime; baby basil leaves; black pepper

This Frankenstein cocktail is the love child of two of the greatest summer inventions – the Caipirinha and Basil Grande. The seasonal strawberries and fresh basil give this drink a great fresh summer feel. To be enjoyed when the sun is high in the sky. All party, no siesta.

• Glass type: coupette
• Ice: straight up
• Ingredients: gin (1 ½ oz); lemon,(¾ oz); berries syrup (¾ oz); egg white (¾ oz)
• Method: dry shake; add ice; shake; fine strain
• Garnish: floating petals

Created in honour of Romina, the female protagonist in our cafe mural, this classy cocktail was conceived while imagining the kind of drink Romina might be sipping at a Pangea party. It’s an adaption of the classic Clover Club cocktail, using a homemade syrup made from four different berries, though don’t let the berries fool you – this drink packs a punch that belies its velvety texture.

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

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1. Glorious powder – that’s what we’re all here for, right? Symphony, Harmony and The Peak on Whistler, and Seventh Heaven, Crystal and Glacier Express on Blackcomb are the chairlifts to look for to access the best terrain.
2. If you’re looking for sunny runs, your best bet is to head up Whistler mountain in the morning and Blackcomb in the afternoon/evening. Or just ride the Seventh Heaven chairlift (on Blackcomb) all day long – it’s called that for a reason… Of course, that’s if the big ball of fire is around at all.
3. Advanced skiers/boarders should head to the alpine area accessible by the Glacier Express and Seventh Heaven chairlifts on Blackcomb and The Peak and Harmony chairlifts on Whistler. This is where you’ll find the most challenging terrain.
4. Not a lot of people are aware of this, but if you’re a complete newbie (or, in Whistler lingo, “never nevers”), there’s a significantly cheaper pass that gives you access just to the initiation terrain. It’s totally worth saving dollars if you’re not going to making full use of the slopes anyway. There’s not much information about it online (for good reason – they don’t want you to know about it) – just visit the lift ticket window for details.
5. Plan your adventures on weekdays if you have the chance. Fewer crowds means more riding, fresh powder and even better rates at Pangea.

1. If you’re thinking of taking a lunch break at The Roundhouse on Whistler or Rendezvous on Blackcomb, avoid doing so between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Waiting around for a table is the best way to waste precious time. Heading back down to the village for lunch, on the other hand, will save you both time and dollars. Remember, the best pizzas (and sandwiches and salads) in town are just a few steps from the gondola (that’s Pangea’s The Living Room, of course!).
2. Lifts busier than you’re willing to accept? Check out Garbanzo chairlift on Whistler and Excelerator on Blackcomb – both tend to be ignored by the crowds and give you access to great skiing terrain.
3. Many people like to go out of bounds in pursuit of fresh powder. If you’re a high level skier/rider and that’s what you want to do, make sure you’re accompanied by someone who knows the area. Better yet check if one of Pangea’s shredhead managers are heading up for a morning of riding and ask to join them! Following random tracks can be very dangerous.

1. Don’t let rain in the village dampen your spirits. Rain down low generally means snow up high…
2. If you don’t love the snow conditions where you are on the mountain, try going higher or lower. With the amount of vertical Whistler Blackcomb has, the snow can change dramatically.
3. This is Canada. It’s f@$king cold. Whistler locals know that a couple of hand/toe warmers can really fix your day, especially if you plan to be up on the mountain for a long time. These can be purchased from The Shop at reception in Pangea (and they’re about half the price here as they are on the mountain).

1. Keep in mind that getting to Symphony Bowl takes some time, so don’t leave it for the end of the day. By the time you get there you might find it closed.
2. Get up early, eat breakfast at Pangea, and be at the lift line 15 minutes before the official opening time. The lifts open practically every day at least 15 minutes before the published opening time – that’s something only the locals know (and like to keep to themselves). Consider yourself a local now.
3. Take the lift after it’s officially closed. Confused?… Again, nearly every day all the chair lifts will run a 15-minute “grace period” after the official closing time. So when the liftie tells you “last chair”, well, try your luck. You can nearly always get another run in. And again, it’ll be just you and the locals out, desperately trying to keep that secret.  Shhh… (Note: the gondolas only run a 5-minute “grace period”, so plan accordingly.)

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

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Since we’re writing this blog we might as well start here… but seriously, with gourmet eggs benedict (bacon or salmon if you’re feeling “West Coast”) and latte art to accompany from Whistler’s slickest espresso machine (it’s a White Eagle for those of you who know your stuff), there are few better ways to start the day. Open to the public from 8 AM in the summer and 7 AM in the winter, The Living Room at the Pangea Pod Hotel is perched above the pedestrian Village Stroll, offering incredible views and “people-watching” opportunities while you sip on your Americano. Don’t like eggs? Try the Avocado Toast which comes on sourdough and is dressed with feta, chili, coriander, red pesto and lime.

Without doubt one of the best burger joints in B.C., Splitz Grill is where to head to when you need to satisfy your carnivorous cravings. Their Legendary Burgers are big, tasty, and served in a super laid-back environment where you don’t have to worry about appearances – which, as we all know, can easily be compromised by a good juicy burger! Best of all, you can have it your way by constructing your own burger from an array of fresh ingredients.

We’re not done with the back-patting quite yet. Serving handcrafted flatbread pizzas (all dough made in-house) on both The Rooftop Patio and The Living Room, Pangea has upended the  pizza offerings in the Village with its creative, delicious fare. House favourite pizzas include the Butternut Squash + Goat’s Cheese as well as the Broccoli + Fennel Sausage. Pair it with one of Pangea’s signature cocktails or craft beers, enjoy it with Whistler’s best views from the Village’s only rooftop patio, and you’ll understand why it’s become so popular.

Run by Canadian-Australian couple Kerri and Alex, Peaked Pies is a solid bet for a hot ‘n’ hearty meal at the end of a day’s skiing or boarding. Handmade and baked fresh daily, their Australian meat pies with peas and mash potato are something of a godsend when it’s cold outside and you’re running on empty. If you’re asking us which pie to try, we’d have to say the steak, bacon and cheese. Yum!

Specialising in authentic Mexican burritos and tacos with mouth-watering fillings such as cochinita slow cooked pork and pasilla beef, La Cantina is one of our favourite eating establishments in Whistler. The food is fun and vibrant, as is the atmosphere, so it’s no surprise that both branches tend to fill up fast.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Canada, eat Poutine. If you’re still wondering what the hell Poutine actually is, or indeed what it tastes like, we recommend you find out by heading down to Zog’s Dogs, a take-out joint serving up seven different variations of it. Opt for the classic fries with cheese curds and gravy, or try the Zog’s special with spaghetti meat sauce. Either way, Poutine is just what you need after a good night out.

For over 30 years Sushi Village has been pleasing both locals and visitors with its fine food, vibrant atmosphere and legendary sake margaritas. As well as the usual maki and nigiri rolls (with fresh fish shipped in daily from Vancouver), the menu includes teriyaki, Japanese hotpots, tofu, and udon noodle soups, all of which are a taste sensation. Reservations at Sushi Village are only necessary if your party numbers 6 or more.

Owned by husband-and-wife team Kevin and Kendra, Pasta Lupino is an Italian-inspired restaurant and deli that focuses on freshly-made pastas, sauces and bread. It’s a cozy, laid-back dining experience with a menu that features all the classics, from oven-baked lasagne to spinach and ricotta ravioli.

If you’re hankering after a curry, Tandoori Grill is where it’s at. Serving an array of classic dishes from the subcontinent, this large and fairly informal restaurant is a favourite of Whistler locals looking for something to keep the cold at bay – i.e. spice. That being said, one of our favourite dishes on the menu is the deliciously creamy and not-so-spicy butter chicken (don’t judge us). Pair it with a peshwari naan and a cold glass of Cobra and you’re onto a winner.

First things first, we need to deal with the bag you’re planning on bringing to Pangea. Although there’s no restriction on size if you’re staying in one of our standard pods, there is if you’re booked into one of our Mezzanine pods (if in doubt, check your confirmation email). These have a separate storage cubby which can accommodate luggage with dimensions of up to 32” x 22” x 15”. That being said, we recommend something around this size regardless of the pod you’re staying in… it’ll just make your life easier!

Padlocks are available from The Shop at reception if you forget them, but we do recommend that you bring your own. The maximum you’ll need is four (see our “So I guess I need locks?” answer on our FAQ page). Generally we suggest that you bring combination type padlocks instead of padlocks with keys – it’s just one less thing to lose while you’re out on the slopes (don’t make us get our bolt cutters out!).

All of Pangea’s bathrooms include complimentary toiletries in the form of hand soap, shower gel and shampoo. However, anything else (think toothpaste, razors and the like) you’ll need to either bring with you or buy when you get here. Many of the basics are available from The Shop at reception.

Without wishing to point out the obvious, Whistler is a mountain town, and unless you plan on renting you’ll want to bring your own gear (tip: if you are renting you might want to consider reserving gear ahead of time directly with Whistler-Blackcomb’s network of rental shops – you’ll receive a generous discount of up to 20% off by doing so). 

And in case you were wondering, Pangea does have dedicated storage for outerwear and accessories (helmets, goggles etc.) as well as skis, boards and bikes, so there’s really no need to compromise by leaving these off your list. It’s another easy way to save some coin – renting gear in Whistler may be easy, but it’s definitely not cheap.

More info about The Toy Box, our dedicated gear storage area, can be found here.

Sorry, Aussie friends. If you simply can’t do without your favourite yeast extract, you’ll just have to remember to bring a jar with you, as unfortunately we don’t stock it in The Shop at reception (though we’re sure you’ll find it somewhere in Whistler). Same goes for Marmite and Yorkshire Tea, Brits.

We probably don’t need to remind you to pack your phone, camera or tablet. In fact, they’re likely among the first things on your list. However, in case you were wondering where you’re going to store them, remember that the pods at Pangea have integrated lockable cubbies where you can simultaneously store and charge your electronic devices (with the exception of our Mezzanine pods, which have a separate locker for such things).

Just like a regular hotel, we provide fresh, clean towels upon your arrival (and are happy to change them every day for a small additional fee). In terms of toiletries, we also have hand soap, shower gel and shampoo, so you won’t need any of those (as explained above).

Another thing you won’t need is a hair dryer. Although our vanities are fitted with electrical sockets for such things as straighteners, razors, electric toothbrushes and the like, we’d prefer you borrow (at no charge) our own high-powered dryers. Just ask at reception.

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

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Located in the heart of the Village, the highly popular Fanatyk has some of Whistler’s best rental bikes. Their fleet of downhill and trail bikes are built with premium Shimano components and other high-end parts. Dedicated bike mechanics service them after every use, which is probably why Fanatyk has an excellent reputation for quality and reliability. You can book your rental online via their website where rates are clearly displayed. Fanatyk also has a huge catalogue of spare parts and offer full service repairs.

4433 Sundial Place

Evolution is another top rental centre, with a large fleet of bikes in outstanding condition. Not only do Evolution’s technicians tune their bikes after every day of riding, they also rebuild the forks on their DH bikes every 5-7 days of riding. Pads and tires, meanwhile, are replaced at 70% wear. One advantage of going with Evolution is that they fit springs and adjust brakes according to your weight and other factors, which keeps them well-conditioned and makes for a better ride. You can preview bikes (including their new for 2018 full suspension E-bikes) and book online via their website. Evolution also offers bike servicing and spare parts.

4122 Village Green

As well as being a great place to grab a post-ride cappuccino (the clue is in the name), Garbanzo, which is the official store of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, is a sure bet for bike sales, rentals and repair. The gear is top quality, as is the service, and its proximity to the Bike Park is highly convenient (it’s literally right at the base of the mountain) if you’ve done some damage on the way down.

4282 Mountain Square

This well-organized outfit has a large range of top-of-line rental bikes, all of which can be viewed and booked online via their highly intuitive website (book online for a 20% discount on in-store rates). The team here has an expert knowledge of the Bike Park (being located right next to it) and is always happy to offer their advice. Summit Sport also have a bike workshop where they’ll help you get tuned up for a day on the trail.

4293 Mountain Square

Locally owned since 1994, Bike Co. is another good option if you’re looking for a top-quality rental and personal service to go with it. They have a fleet of Giant, Devinci and Kona mountain bikes (which are available as long-term as well as short-term rentals), and are well-stocked with spares. They also offer bike servicing, including safety checks, minor tune-ups, brake bleeds, wheel builds, fork adjustments and more.

Marketplace

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If epic aerial action shots set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping mountain scenery is your kinda thing, Austin Ross is your kinda guy. A professional skier and “good ol’ fashioned” adventurer, his Insta feed is filled with material that is both awe-inspiring and, we have to say, a little envy-provoking (Why can’t we all be super suave adventurers who spend all their time in the mountains?). When he’s not skiing he’s out there paragliding, climbing, hiking, trail running, mountain biking, camping… it’s the endless outdoors.

@austinross88

Whistler resident Anna Segal takes instagramming to dizzying heights with some truly epic action shots from the snow-covered mountainsides of Whistler and Blackcomb (interspersed with a few cheeky selfies, of course). Segal seems to live and breathe adventure, especially the kind that involves snow and ice, and judging by her feed, she’s far more at home on a pair of skis than in shoes.

@anna_segal

There’s a reason this dude has over 60,000 followers. KC Deane‘s well-curated feed is beautiful and inspiring to look at thanks to a combination of high-wire skiing/biking stunts and gorgeous alpine vistas. KC features the mountains around Pangea heavily in his work, and thanks to him and the photographers he works with, Whistler’s spectacular beauty is done full justice in this feed.

@kcdeane

Mark Abma is another pro skier based in Whistler whose feed is both exciting and inspiring, which is why he too has a robust Instagram following (clearly we’re not the only ones who can’t get enough of big air shots and powder shredding). Always smiling, one of the things we like about Abma is how patently clear it is that he’s loving every minute of the time he spends outdoors. No wonder, when you look at the magical scenery around him.

@markabma

Not only does she have a great Instagram feed, Miss Snow It All has a blog (SnowsBest.com) that’s a goldmine of information about… well, just about anything to do with snow sports. While not a native of Canada, she’s written tons of material on Canada and B.C. in particular that you’d do well to check out before visiting. And, if you like photos of shoulder-deep snow and the odd snow dog, you’ll certainly like her work.

@misssnowitall

If Mason Mashon‘s Insta feed isn’t enough to have you pining for the great outdoors, nothing will be. This pro photographer based out of Whistler offers an artful take on B.C.’s breathtaking scenery, capturing patterns and forms that most of us are simply not smart enough to see. Add to that a fine selection of moody low-light landscapes (and the occasional tropical seascape when Mason’s on holiday) and you have something really worth following.

@mason_mashon

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

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Whether you’re nursing a hangover or you just fancy a day off from the slopes , there’s plenty to do in Whistler that doesn’t involve gear or gondolas. Here we look at some of the other, less obvious experiences that Whistler has to offer – from catching the latest flick to dosing up on local culture.

There’s nothing quite like a duvet day, even when you’re on holiday. It’s like taking a holiday… on your holiday. And by duvet day, we mean just generally lounging about Pangea, having a snooze in your pod, venturing out and having a pizza in The Living Room, sipping a glass of red wine in the late afternoon, boasting about your previous day’s exploits on Instagram, etc. And once you’re done with that, grab a board game and invite your fellow loungers to play at one of our family-style tables. Just remember that the only thing worse than a bad loser is a bad winner, so none of that ‘humble’ smiling as you force them to mortgage all their property on the Monopoly board.

Have you ever wanted to launch an axe at something? Like that person loudly munching chips on a train, that novice boarder who just cut across your line, or Big Bird from Sesame Street? Well, at the aptly named Forged Axe Throwing centre, you can launch an array of axes at targets (just not living ones). Offering drop-ins, party bookings and even league play, the centre is a fun (and scarily therapeutic) diversion from other Whistler activities. Drop-in sessions last one hour, during which you’ll receive professional instruction and thorough safety advice. Just remember to wear closed-toed shoes!

Spectacularly showcasing the art of British Columbia from the late 18th century to the present, Whistler’s stunning new gallery is a great place to wile away an empty afternoon. At the heart of the collection is James Hart’s The Dance Screen, which, according to the Audain, is the “most significant contemporary carved cedar Dance Screen in the world”. Other highlights include a collection of First Nations masks and a few works by celebrated Canadian artists Emily Carr, E.J Hughes, Jeff Wall and Stan Douglas. Best of all, it’s all housed within one of the most architecturally striking edifices in town, if not the province (or the country).

Voted Whistler’s best rainy day activity, Escape! Whistler is, aside from shredding the slopes, one of the most fun and engaging activities you’ll find in Whistler. A team of puzzle masters and builders have created four immersive escape rooms – called Pirate Ship, Pinball Machine, Buried Cabin and Rabbit Hole – which will have you and your buddies (up to 6 per game) racking your brains and scouring for clues as you try to fathom your way out within 45 minutes. And if you don’t? Well, you’ll be locked in forever! Just kidding.

A bad weather day is a good Guinness day, so if you just want to cozy down in a warm pub for the afternoon, we recommend Dubh Linn Gate, where “Irish comfort food meets West Coast mountain goodness” (as the proprietors like to put it). Bringing Irish cheer to Whistler for more than two decades, this joint is a favourite watering hole for locals and visitors alike. Practise your accents as you cradle your perfectly pulled pint of the black stuff, or tuck into some traditional pub fare as you enjoy the sounds of high-energy Celtic classics.

If your body is crying out for some TLC after a long day on the piste, or a long night on the town, we recommend checking yourself into the Scandinave Spa on the edge of Lost Lake Park. Take your pick from a number of traditional Scandinavian baths set amongst the spruces and cedars of the forest, and then indulge in a whole menu of hydrotherapy treatments designed to ease those aches, pains and hangovers.

(Yes, this is in Whistler!) Whistler sits squarely on First Nations’ territory, giving all the more reason to discover the legends, people, art, history and culture of the Squamish and Lil’Wat Nations. As part of its mission to “inspire understanding and respect among all people”, the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre runs hour-long tours that include a welcome song and offer the opportunity to don traditional First Nations regalia, bang a drum, and even try your hand at some craftwork. There’s also a cafe and gift shop where you can get your hands on some authentic First Nations art and handicrafts. As far as we’re concerned, this informative centre is not to be missed.

Yes, we have a cinema here in Whistler, so if you fancy catching the latest flick on your day off from the slopes, or have little else to do, head down to the Imagine Cinemas duplex (a three minute stroll from Pangea).

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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