Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/157485
24 Hours: Whistler The go-to city guide — when you just happen to be in the 'hood whistler, b.c., is one of north America's top destinations for snow-seekers, but what about after the slopes close? Summer and fall bring a whole new energy to this alpine village, as the focus shifts from ski slopes to bikeable mountain trails, artisan shops and farm-to-fork feasts. Whistler's upper village hosts a popular farmer's market Sundays from mid-June to Thanksgiving, selling produce from the nearby village of Pemberton and beyond (whistler farmersmarket.org). Many of the Village's restaurants embrace the farm-to-fork concept. Gourmet "mountain cuisine" purveyor Araxi Restaurant + Bar even hosts long-table dinners in local farm fields (araxi.com/long table/index.html). In the off-season, Whistler hotels slash their prices, making a stay at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Whistler (fairmont.com/whistler) or boutique Nita Lake Lodge (featured on The Real Housewives of Vancouver) more affordable. Sticking to a budget? Try the Alpenglow, a condo-style hotel (book at enjoywhistler.com) and use the difference to relax and recharge at Scandinave Spa, an outdoor spa in a spectacular forest setting. Hiking among wild lilacs on Whistler's High Note Trail; (left) an Araxi long-table dinner in a farmer's field; (below) Whistler Mountain Bike Park; (top right) savoury brioche from Purebread. Take the ride of your life at Whistler Mountain Bike Park, open mid-May to early October and offering more than 200 kilometres of chairlift-accessible descending trails for all skill levels (whistlerbike.com). Advanced riders, try the breathtaking Top of the World trail, high atop Whistler Mountain (bike.whistler blackcomb.com/information/peak/index). The less intense 40-km paved Valley Trail, perfect for families, meanders among forests, lakes and beaches, with playgrounds and picnic spots along the way. 10 G O I N G P L A C E S p10-11_24Hrs_Whistler.indd 10 >> Fa l l 2 0 1 3 If the trendy franchises in the Village make you yearn for something local, drive 10 minutes south to Function Junction. Over the past decade, local a rtisans, eateries and entrepreneurs have set up shop here, creating a funky, cultural community that most tourists pass on the Sea- to-Sky Highway. Shop for local paintings, photography, jewellery and other arts and crafts at the Art Junction (artjunction.ca) or White Dog Gallery (whitedogwhistler.com). Then take a tour of the Whistler Brewery and sample handcrafted beers, such as Black Tusk Ale or Bear Paw Honey Lager (whistlerbeer.com). When it's time to go, fill your picnic b asket at Purebread bakery (purebread.ca): try the hazelnut fig loaf or Dis Function Ale Bread, made with spent grains from the brewery. –Joe Wiebe go with CAA With ski season just around the corner, give your Whistler dreams a lift with CAA's Ultimate Ski Package at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Enjoy mountainside resort accommodations and a Whistler Blackcomb dualmountain ski lift pass per adult, per night. From $404 (for two people, per night), plus taxes. Airfare available; call us to book. (centre) Steve Rogers/Tourism Whistler, (table) David Buzzard Photography, (bike) Sterling Lorence, (Purebread) David McColm Photography 13-08-14 1:25 PM