First off, the most important thing to remember about Valentine’s Day in Whistler is that it doesn’t matter what you do with your sweetheart so long as you are together and in love and no one has to do the dishes.
Having said that however, it’s also nice to step out of the routine and put in a little effort (sweethearts love extra effort).
Luckily, Whistler is naturally full of romance, magic and beauty so there are plenty of ways to make this Valentine’s Day special. Here are three perfect days laid out for three separate price points: High Roller (love ain’t cheap), Working Class (Love is grand) and Do-It-Yourself (Can’t buy me love). Have fun.
Early Morning – Rise and Shine
High Rollers – No sweetheart will complain when the first sight of the day is a bouquet of fresh flowers from Senka Florist, Whistler’s finest flower shop. Whether you opt for traditional roses or some rare orchid Senka has it covered (especially if you order in advance). Don’t worry about anything special for breakfast, just swoon over a gooey cinnamon bun at Hot Buns Bakery on your way to meet with the heli-skiing guides.
Working It – The Whistler Fresh Street Market has pre-made bouquets (or single red roses) that will also do the trick (they don’t open till 8 AM though so you may want to get there the night before.) If you’re not in a rush Stonesedge Kitchen has excellent brunch options, including mimosa flights for those looking to start their day off with bubbles.
DIY – Looks like you’re cooking breakfast (and doing the dishes.) But first, your bouquet. Walking around Whistler Village you’ll discover a lot of free colourful maps, magazines and brochures. All you need is scissors, a glue stick (available at the local pharmacies) and a bit of creativity in order to cut and paste together a totally recyclable, uniquely Whistler, hand-made paper flower bouquet.
Get Outdoors
High Rollers – Heli-skiing is sexy. The views are incomparable, the snow is untracked, and there’s something about flying around the BC wilderness that can really get a person’s motor running. As well, heli-ski lunches are often catered by high-end Whistler eateries like The Bearfoot Bistro. Bonus.
Working It – Who needs a heli? There are lots of good turns to be had on the ski hill and everyone loves a mountain-top picnic. There are tons of good flat, sunny rocks in the Glacier Express area on Blackcomb that are perfect for a quiet lunch on the hill. If the weather isn’t cooperating you can hit up Christine’s in the Rendezvous for full service food, wine, and views.
DIY – Fresh air is an aphrodisiac and you don’t need fat pockets to get the heart pumping in Whistler. A nice long stroll along Whistler’s Valley Trail is a great way to get out and enjoy the area without dropping a dime.
The Gift
High Rollers – Jewellery never fails, especially if you let her pick it out herself. Keir Fine Jewelry has been Whistler’s go-to spot for decades.
Working It – Again, jewelry never fails so head over to Ruby Tuesday on Main street and let the sweetheart pick out something nice. The Loft Salon also carries nice stuff and they do hair too (because everyone loves getting their hair done.)
DIY – If you’re on top of things and plan ahead there is a free drop-in craft station February 9-14th, 2013, at Millenium Place (2:30-3:30 PM). Otherwise, nothing says, “I love you, baby.” like a Macaroni Necklace!
Chocolate
High Rollers – There’s real science behind it: chocolate makes people happy. And if you want to have the happiest Valentine in town there is really only one option: Roger’s Chocolates has the largest red velvet heart-shaped-box in town. There is only one available though, so get it now and rest assured no one in town can out-chocolate you!
Working It – Every Valentine’s day the team at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory get up super early and hand-dip about 1800 strawberries in rich chocolate-y goodness. Whether you buy just one or an entire handful, it’s guaranteed to be the tastiest bouquet your sweetheart will ever eat. The Salted Skor Bark is no joke either and don’t even get me started on the Caramel apples. This place is love at first bite.
DIY – It’s tough to make your own chocolate but a plate of warm homemade fudge brownies cut in the shape of a heart is never a bad thing. Whistler Kitchenworks in the Market Place carries heart-shaped cookie cutters.
Après
High Rollers – Après is a romantic time, it’s when the day marries the night. Keeping in theme, The Bearfoot Bistro runs an oyster special in their Champagne lounge every day from 3-5pm. And their Belvedere Ice Room is also worth checking out. At -32C (-25F) it’s the coldest Vodka tasting room in the world.
Also, The Spa at the Four Seasons has an après-ski massage that soothes the soul and will make your feet feel human again after a long day in ski boots.
Working It – The hottest après going is fondue at Araxi (and the handmade ice cream sandwiches aren’t bad either.) Otherwise the Longhorn Saloon, Garibalidi Lift Company and Dusty’s are all legendary Whistler après spots. Nachos for two?
DIY – Grab a thermos and head to the fire pit at the Whistler Olympic Plaza for beautiful views of both ski hills and some good people watching. There’s also a free skating rink there if you feel like holding hands and ice skating under a disco ball. (Skate rental is 5 bucks.)
Dinner
High Rollers – Love feels like the top of the world so you may as well hop in a snowcat (or ride a snowmobile) and head up to the Crystal Hut atop Blackcomb Mountain for a Valentine’s Day mountaintop fondue dinner. Romance thrives at 6’000 feet above sea level.
Working it – Whistler Village has dozens of excellent places to eat so take your pick but if you want a romantic getaway with a bit mellower vibe The Den restaurant out at Nicklaus North Golf Course has a 3-course Valentine’s Day special dinner with wine pairing for $49 per person.
DIY – You’re cooking again! But to help out we’ve included a free recipe from Araxi superstar chef James Walt’s incredible cookbook . It’s not that hard to make and the flavours will surely impress.
