For the first time ever our family packed up and ventured to Whistler for a little Winter vacation. Whistler has always been a fun place for us in the Summer, but we started to think we’d never seen in it in the Winter. Which if you know Whistler its a pretty popular place in the Winter. Massive ski hills and gondolas that explore all the trails. It’s a very fun and exciting place all year long but in Winter it is the place to be. This trip we didn’t get a chance to strap on the skis and snowboard but we defiantly did find some Winter activities to do that were just as fun!
Mazda Canada CX-9
On this road trip we had the chance to test drive the 2022 Mazda CX-9. It’s a multi-diverse SUV with tons of space for our whole family and two dogs. With 7 seats and a third row that collapses down for more trunk space. We folded down the third row and filled it with our pups, Winter gear and luggage. The kids sat in their own separate captains seats with a middle console, an area for themselves for their belongings and a charging station. Up front sat Drew and I. If there is one thing that makes us light up, it’s literally seat warmers in the cold. It’s perfect! Smooth leather seats that are comfy and warm up. I’m here for it!
With a big and beautiful sun roof, display screen and reverse images. Details like a beep when another vehicle is driving too close or to warn you of something nearby is always handy. The Mazda CX-9 is such a smooth drive with the best fuel efficiently and a dynamic pressure turbo engine. The CX-9 if functional and elegant for a busy and active family. A connected service for your device with a Bose premium speaker system. Window display speedometer is a really cool added touch as well for long road trips. We drove the Mazda through the Sea to Sky Highway all the way from Chilliwack to Whistler. The drive is one of my favourites that views the sea in between the British Columbia border and Vancouver Island.
Bayly Park
Our first stop on this road trip was to find a dog park for Ruby & Macy. We found the perfect, hidden spot called Bayly Park. It had beautiful views and a mountain of snow the dogs loved running around, stretching their legs at the fenced in playground for dogs!
It also is equipped with washrooms and a really cool kids playground. With a soccer field, loads of parking and tons of space to run around.
Address: 1005 Legacy Way(link is external) Whistler BC
Blackcomb Springs Suites
Then we made our way to check into the Blackcomb Springs Suites. Right past the village and up the hill is this amazingly lit up, gorgeous resort. Easy to get to and minutes away from Whistler Village. It was the sweetest hidden away place to stay. Easy check in. Shuttle service and all sorts of amenities. We checked into the two bedroom suite. With two bathrooms and a full kitchen, dining spot and living room. Lots of space for the whole family. We also were super happy to know that they were very pet friendly to! Our room had a cozy balcony where we could spot the Blackcomb Gondola! The dogs loved seeing it roll by.
It was a warm welcome and we enjoyed three nights cuddling up here. The dogs loved it to! At the Blackcomb Springs Suite you’ll find a games room, pool and two hot tubs. One hot tub for the family and one adult only hot tub which are both booked by appointment only. We downloaded the Blackcomb Springs app and each morning we would book the hot tub for the evening! The kids just loved the outdoor pool. We were busy swimming everyday!
There is also free underground parking, a coin laundry room, vending machines and for eating we ordered a lot of Whistler Dine In service which delivered right to our room door. It’s the perfect spot for skiing and snowboarding they have a ski in and ski out service right in the lobby. They also offer storage for equipment to which I thought was pretty cool and will be keeping in mind for next Winter visit. It was such a welcoming stay and we just loved it there.
Eating In Whistler
Well, this is the biggest question… Where do we eat?? Okay, I have all the best places for you… We ordered a lot with Whistler Dine IN . It’s a food service delivery service where you pick a restaurant online order what you’d like and then they deliver it to your door. It was such a fun service, we used it a lot while in our room relaxing. Made it so easy. We did pizza, ribs and of course Cows Ice Cream for dessert. You can also order groceries to!
We also had the best night out eating at Caramaba Restaurant in the Village. It was SO delicious. I defiantly recommend visiting when your there next and maybe book a reservation.
Another easy to-go place was PureBread. We did a lot of coffee and bakery goods here on the go in the morning!
Peak 2 Peak
On our first day in Whistler, we were all planned to visit the Peak 2 Peak gondola. Which is a really cool experience in Winter or Summer. We love the view points and jut the beauty of this area is incredible. A couple things to note, be prepared in Winter gear. It’s very cold at the top and be sure to bring a mask to wear inside the gondola. We parked across the village in the lot, walked across and met the line in the main area where the ski hill is. From there we grabbed the Whistler Blackcomb gondola which is a 4 seater smaller gondola. From there it’s about a 25 minute ride up to the very very top of the mountain. From the top, you’ll spot the peak 2 peak building. You’ll get on the big red Peak 2 Peak gondola where it takes about 11 minutes to ride across the valley to the other side of another mountain. It’s amazing!
There you see some amazing viewing spots, an indoor viewing area, restrooms and restaurant. We think it’s just an awesome place to visit and to glide over a valley in a gondola, I mean it just doesn’t get any cooler than that. In Summer they do have gondolas that have a thick glass bottom so you can get a full 360 view!
Tag Whistler Adventure Group | Snow Mobile Tour
For our second day we had a really fun adventure to look forward to for the first time, a Snow Mobile Tour with Tag Adventure Whistler. The four of us packed up the Winter gear we needed for the day and drove to Cougar Mountain to the meeting spot of Tag Adventure Group. From there we filled out our forms, geared up with official D.O.T (department of transportation approved) helmets. Met our tour guide Andy where he spent a fun few minutes teaching us driver license holding adults how to drive the snow mobiles.
Drew and Ella jumped on theirs and Owen and myself grabbed the other. With both kids in back and us parents driving we were off. We toured for 2.5 hours. Going through snow covered trails, rivers and mountain views. It was such a fun day and we laughed a lot. We were just amazed at how high we got on the mountain.
Both kids even had the chance to learn how to drive their own kids ski doos. They raced and drove around like professionals. They were so good! They had so much fun.
The day we toured was an amazingly beautiful day full of sun and clear skies. The kids, if 12 and under ride for free, they played in the snow and loved sitting on the back with us. Tag Adventure Group was awesome and we had the best time. It was a bit thrilling and I gotta say, I kinda want one now! haha
Things to Know:
Check in: Cougar Basecamp – Please check in at our basecamp 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Follow any map app to Sixteen Mile Creek Forest Service Road, Whistler BC, just a 10 minute drive north of Whistler Village. After turning off the highway at our large wooden sign that says Welcome to Cougar Mountain, a short uphill drive through the forest will take you to the basecamp. Complimentary parking is available at the venue. Rides are rain or shine. COVID-19 Measures in Place: Guests will be required to consent to a non-invasive temperature check, and as of July 1st, 2021 masks for staff and guests are optional for all activities. For a complete list of new procedures, please visit tagwhistler.com/covid19.
Green Lake
On the way to Cougar Mountain you will pass Green Lake, it’s a must see and a perfect spot to pull over and view. The lake is huge and the surrounding mountain range is so beautiful to see. We always pull over and gaze it all in. Take a break, grab a snack and just take it all in! It’s an easy one to get to, it’s right there on the side of the main road, with a pull off section to park safely!
Last Day -> Home
Our last day we made our way home and it was again, another smooth drive home to unpack and unwind. This vacation was just what our whole family needed. Being able to take the kids out of school for the week was an added bonus for them. They’ve been working so hard these past two years and really deserved a fun time away. No stress just fun. We loved each activity and will for sure be back to Whistler again next Winter. There really is so much to do in the Winter and would recommend visiting Tag Whistler & Whistler Blackcomb website to find a full list of fun Winter things to do with the family.
Whistler is always such a fun and easy getaway for us only being 2.5 hours away. If you have any questions about the places we visited or about the Mazda CX-9 please feel free to message me!
Keisha Lynne, xx
Disclosure: {This review is part of a sponsored post with collaboration Mazda Canada. All opinions and thoughts are that of my own}