VANCOUVER

Vancouver Restaurants:

Vancouver has long enjoyed tremendous acclaim for its culinary scene and the latest MICHELIN Guide Vancouver (released October 2023) further elevates the city's reputation as a global dining destination. Vancouver now has 77 restaurants in the guide, with 9 One Star restaurants and 17 Bib Gourmands.

Newest culinary offerings to open in Vancouver include:

Cocktail venues Jungle Room, Vancouver's first jungle inspired cocktail lounge; and The Watson, housed in a gorgeous building with impeccable vibes.

Bar Corso – This chef owned and operated Italian tapas restaurant has a tight menu of innovative dishes that combine classic techniques with modern flavours.

Bar Bravo – This new Fraser Street neighbourhood hangout features a menu focusing on seafood, playful cocktails and carefully curated wines. 

Dahlia – Located inside the new art deco downtown hotel, Azur, Dahlia's menu is inspired by that of the French Riviera and Italian Coastline.

Vancouver Accommodation:

The AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel (opened September 2023) is the first and only property in Western Canada to join a distinguished Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) portfolio that includes over 400 boutique luxury properties in more than 80 countries worldwide. From its elegant and expansive lobby through to the height of luxury on the 13th-floor Penthouses, bespoke elements and a simple yet dignified design influenced by the glamour of the 1940s Art Deco style abound throughout AZUR. Each of the 104 rooms, suites, and penthouses on AZUR's 13 floors seamlessly blend classical style with integrated wireless technology to help create the most comfortable and convenient stay for guests.

Vancouver Experiences:

Vancouver Toonie Tours offers bicycle tours highlighting the most treasured locations of Vancouver, including Stanley Park, Granville Island and more. They also offer Street Art and Craft Coffee/Craft Beer Tours that connects locals and their communities to visitors while sampling some of BC's local beans and brews.

Vancouver Film and TV Tours - Experience the real Hollywood North with local actors and witness the glitz and glam of the third largest production city for film and tv in the world. Learn about the ins and outs of the local industry, hear local stories, and set foot in common film locations of major Hollywood movies and TV shows in Vancouver.

Taste Vancouver - Taste Vancouver's Gastown Food tour takes diners through the cobbled streets of Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood. This 2.5-hour walking food tour is led by talented and amazing storytelling tour guides who will share fascinating and little-known stories about Vancouver and its “Wild West” history that dates back 150 years.

What's on in Vancouver:

Vancouver Cocktail Week | 3-10 March - The third annual Vancouver Cocktail Week will be a toast to the art of the cocktail, and so much more. Taking place at various venues across the city, the event brings together cocktail enthusiasts, bartenders, industry professionals, and spirits connoisseurs from around the world to indulge in a plethora of unique and innovate libations. Throughout the week, participating bars and restaurants will hold seminars, happy hours, and cocktail-paired dinners that highlight local ingredients, innovate techniques, and creative flavour combinations offering attendees a taste of the city's diverse culinary landscape.

For more information, visit Destinationvancouver.com

WHISTLER

Whistler Restaurants:

Whistler Blackcomb in partnership with the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre's (SLCC) Thunderbird Café is now offering Squamish and Lil'wat inspired cuisine on-mountain at Whistler Blackcomb's Skewk' / Yecwláo7 / Ravens Nest Restaurant. Visit the restaurant on Whistler Mountain via the top of the Creekside Gondola or skiing down to the base of Red Chair. The new menu includes Venison Chili, Salmon Chowder (both with baked Bannock), Candied Salmon Caesar Salad with Baked Bannock Croutons, Elk and Venison Sandwiches, and other delicious specials. Other authentic Indigenous partners being showcased include Spirit Bear Coffee Company, Nk'Mip Cellars, Ravens Brewing Company, Boreal Heartland, and Authentic Indigenous Seafood.

Whistler's newest café, Provisions, is now open in the heart of Whistler Village, located in a beautiful space tucked between fellow Toptable Group restaurants, Araxi and Bar Oso. Provisions is an all-day neighbourhood café that offers a variety of take away items and dine in service, featuring a full espresso bar, freshly baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, make-to-order sandwiches and salads, slow-roasted rotisserie chicken and a selection of seasonal sides.

Whistler Accommodation:

The 12,000-square-foot Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa – opened November 2023 – has been thoughtfully crafted to fully accommodate a diverse range of groups from corporate retreats and weddings to intergenerational family getaways and intimate gatherings. Wedge Mountain Lodge boasts ten meticulously appointed bedrooms to accommodate 20 guests and up to 50 for a reception, also offers a private spa facility with a sauna, steam room, gym, massage rooms, hot tubs, refreshing pools and more. The Lodge also offers a conference room, a state-of-the-art movie theatre, an impeccably curated wine cellar, poker and billiards room, a bar, and a dedicated children's area. Full-service rates start at CA$12,500 per night in the shoulder season and up to CA$26,450 per night during the holiday season with a three-night minimum stay.

Whistler Experiences:

Whistler Mountain's Fitzsimmons Express upgrades were completed in December 2023. The existing four-person Fitzsimmons ('Fitz') chairlift, located at the Whistler Village base, was replaced with an eight-person high speed chair, increasing uphill capacity by 73 per cent in winter. This upgrade will also provide major benefits for Whistler Mountain in Summer 2024, reducing lift line wait times and increasing capacity for the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. The Fitzsimmons upgrade is the next phase in Whistler Blackcomb's continued infrastructure investments for the resort.

Since 1981 Whistler Heli-Skiing has brought unmatched adventure to skiers and riders visiting Whistler, BC. Their mission is to provide the 'Experience of a Lifetime' and cancelling a heli-ski day due to weather doesn't achieve that goal. Enter 'Dawn Patrol', an exclusive add-on option for Whistler Heli-ski guests, that offers a unique experience for those days that the helicopter is unable fly. Guests will meet their guides at 7:30am for a private First Tracks experience on Blackcomb Mountain, not available to the general public. They will enjoy lift line priority with their guide until noon.

A new Private Nordic Ski Lesson Bundle is on offer this winter at Whistler Olympic Park (WOP), venue for the Nordic events at the 2010 Winter Games. This all-inclusive package (ski lesson, day ticket and classic rental package) is perfect for guests who have never tried cross-country skiing—or haven't done it in a long time. WOP offers a serene and inspiring natural setting, access to 120 kilometres of trails for all abilities, and a chance to hear stories of glory and gold. The fully licensed Day Lodge at WOP is the perfect spot to relax and take a break après lesson and it offers breathtaking mountain views and First Nations art to take in as well.

What's on in Whistler:

Gathie Falk: Revelations | 25 November – 6 May - The Audain Art Museum is hosting a special exhibition, Gathie Falk: Revelations. This exhibition explores the life's work of renowned Canadian artist Gathie Falk, who has dedicated over 70 of her 95 years to her artistry. Celebrated as one of Canada's most accomplished artists, Gathie Falk has received numerous awards, including the Order of Canada. The new exhibition pays tribute to Falk's contributions to contemporary art, focusing on her unique perspective that combines nature, human existence, and everyday objects.

World Ski & Snowboard Festival | 8-14 April - Known to locals as WSSF, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival combines spring energy with Whistler's unique mountain culture with events and action on and off the slopes. This April event brings ski and snowboard competitions, music, art, photography, filmmaking and exciting nightlife, plus some of the best skiing and après sessions of the season.

For more information, visit Whistler.com