Editor’s Note: This post was originally written in 2013, but because love is eternal we’ve kept the sentiment the same while updating it with some new ideas, images and links.
First off, the most important thing to remember about Valentine’s Day (and/or Galentines and Palentines) in Whistler, is that it doesn’t matter what you do with your sweetheart as long as you are together, feeling loved 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 It (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). If you’re not in a rush to get up the hill first thing, Stonesedge Kitchen has excellent brunch options, including mimosa flights for those looking to start their day off with bubbles.
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Working It – Whistler’s Fresh St. Market has pre-made bouquets, custom cakes and chocolate strawberries though they don’t open till 8 AM so you may want to get there the night before. If your other half is a keen rider, consider buying them a First Tracks ticket which gets you to the top of Whistler Mountain ahead of the crowds, you could always grab a gooey cinnamon bun and coffee from Hot Buns Bakery for the gondola ride up.
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DIY – Fresh St. Market also does roses by the stem and Tim Horton’s, right next door, will likely have a themed-Valentine’s donut. If you’re up for going full DIY, grab some pancake mix, Canadian bacon and don’t forget the maple syrup!
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 Fairmont’s Portobello. Bonus. If you’re keeping your skis on the ground then another option for high-end dining on the mountain is Christine’s on Blackcomb Mountain (make your reso in advance).
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Working It – Who needs a heli? There are lots of good turns to be had on Whistler Blackcomb 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, especially if you head to The Deli by Picnic Whistler or Flute & Fromage for stunning to-go cheese boards and charcuterie. If the weather isn’t cooperating you can hit up the food hall inside Glacier Lodge, with its new pasta, taco and fish and chip stations.
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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. Another idea is to try snowshoeing, having that extra bit of buoyancy on the snow can get you to some stunning locations and who doesn’t appreciate a lovingly made PB&J sandwich?
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. For a more boho feel, try Three Singing Birds at Marketplace too.
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Working It – Again, jewelry never fails so head over to Ruby Tuesday on Main Street and let the sweetheart pick out something nice. Also check out Arthentic, Art Whistler’s gift shop inside the Maury Young Arts Centre; they carry unique jewellery made by local artisans at different price ranges.
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DIY – Whistler also has two thrift stores in Whistler Village, F as in Frank and Vula Vintage, and the Re-Use-It Centre at Nesters. Locals know that these places offer hidden gems for those willing to have a rummage.
Chocolate
High Rollers – Every Valentine’s Day the team at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory get up super early and hand-dip about 1800 strawberries in rich chocolatey 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.
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Working It – At the Great Glass Elevator Candy Shop you can roll two gifts into one with a chocolate rose, handpick your love’s favourite candies and/or a helium balloon that you request that they wear around their wrist all day.
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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 Kitchen Works in the Marketplace usually carries heart-shaped cookie cutters and sprinkles, and you’ll find cake box mixes in all the grocery stores.
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 to 5 PM. Their Grey Goose Ice Room is also worth checking out; at -32C (-25F) it’s the coldest vodka-tasting room in the world. Araxi is another upscale apres option with their fondue for two being served from 3 to 5 PM. Or if your other half likes to go big and loud, go for the Champagne Blasters at the Longhorn Saloon.
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Also, The Spa at the Four Seasons has an après-ski massage that soothes the soul and will make their feet feel human again after a long day in ski boots. If you’re looking for more outdoor action try ziplining in the dark. Nothing says I love you, like a shove off a high platform into the night.
Working It – If Lady & the Tramp taught us anything, it’s that sharing food is pretty romantic and Whistler has an après-style sharing plate that fits the bill. Read our Where to Get Nachos in Whistler blog for a full rundown on five hot spots known for their nachos.
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For more adventure, consider heading into the forest for a multi-media show. Vallea Lumina is visually stunning, with lots of places to ooh and aah along the one-kilometre trail. For a more relaxed après activity, take them to the Scandinave Spa and insist they do at least three rounds of hydrotherapy (heating and cooling); they’ll thank you for it!
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DIY – Grab a thermos and head to the fire pit at Whistler Olympic Plaza for beautiful views of both ski hills and some good people-watching. There’s also a skating rink there if you feel like holding hands and ice skating under a disco ball. End the night in your hotel hot tub or in front of the fire with a romcom.
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.
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Another option is to dine at the award-winning Wild Blue, winner of Best Restaurant in Whistler, 2024 among other accolades. There’s also the new and funky Balam restaurant serving up Latin-American cuisine, trust me, share the plantain croquette with Oxacan cheese and roja salsa.
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Working it – Whistler Village has dozens of excellent places to eat so take your pick, but if you want some more off-the-beaten-path suggestions that won’t break the bank try Ohyama Ramen, Alta Bistro and 21 Steps. Another idea is to make dinner a touch earlier and hit up happy hour; Pizzeria Antico, Table Nineteen and Earls are just a few favs.
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DIY – Okay, we’re trying to stay clear of doing the dishes so one way around this is take-out. One of the best places to go for take-out in Whistler is Main Street, as you have a plethora of options from Aussie pies to fresh pasta, deluxe burgers to sushi and Indian. Either eat back at your accommodation or wrap up warm and get a fireside spot at Olympic Plaza or bring some candles and head to one of Whistler’s parks for a winter picnic.
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