A Mother’s Day in Whistler
Mother’s Day in BC lands on Sunday May 12th this year, so why not treat mom to something special this year with a weekend getaway to Whistler!
Sure, you could do Mother’s Day in Vancouver but Whistler offers the perfect mix of fabulous restaurants, shopping, spas, and adventure that is sure to make you the favourite in the family.
Why Whistler Makes the Perfect Mother’s Day Destination
Flowers are nice, but a trip to Whistler is nicer
As if you need any convincing, but here are some reasons why Whistler makes the perfect destination to bring your mom on Mother’s Day.
- Close to the City From Vancouver, Whistler is a mere one and a half hour drive along the scenic Sea to Sky highway. Enjoy stops along the way, such as Shannon Falls and Brandywine Falls, to turn the drive into a sightseeing opportunity. There are many options to get yourself to Whistler, from self-driving to taking a shuttle or even flying, so the choice is yours and you’ll arrive in Whistler in no time at all.
- Easy Getaway Other than packing the essentials such as a couple of outfits, pyjamas, and a toothbrush, there’s not much else you need to bring on your Mother’s Day BC trip to Whistler. Even if you forgot something, it can be purchased or rented in town easily.
- Spring in Whistler Spring is a great time of the year to visit Whistler, and Mother’s Day BC just so happens to land in May which offers many benefits. The village is generally quiet, compared to peak times in winter and summer, and you can take advantage of “shoulder season deals” on accommodation, restaurants, and some activities. The weather can be sunny and warm and reminiscent of summer, or it can throw a surprise rain (or even snow!) shower in there. Come prepared with some layers to keep yourself warm and comfortable to walk through town and experience the sights and smells of flowers blooming.
Local’s tip: don’t forget your bathing suit, a pair of running shoes, and a waterproof jacket – they are often forgotten, but you’ll be grateful to have remembered them.
Best Mother’s Day Brunch in Whistler
Whistler is the master of brunch, and with so many options to choose from you’ll have to flip a coin to decide! Treat mom to an amazing brunch on Mother’s Day and choose from a simple, delicious meal to an extravagant all you can eat buffet in some of the most luxurious hotels in town.
- Fifi’s Bistro, Upper Village
Dig into brunch for the whole family at Fifi’s
Relatively new to the brunch scene in Whistler is Fifi’s Bistro in the Upper Village. A hidden gem that’s off the beaten path of the main Whistler Village that seats forty people in the dining room for coffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. They have a lovely patio overlooking the Blackcomb Gondola that is perfect for enjoying an expertly-made latte and bask in the sun.
While they do not accept reservations for breakfast or brunch, you have plenty of time to enjoy their morning-inspired menus as they serve brunch until 4:00 PM. There’s something for everyone at Fifi’s, and they do offer vegetarian and vegan options. Share one of their Platters for Two with mom – simply decadent!
- The Wildflower, Upper Village
For a special treat, head to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and enjoy breakfast at their restaurant, The Wildflower. Enjoy alfresco dining on their sunny garden patio while enjoying breakfast that is served from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on the weekends. Sunday brunch is offered on select holiday weekends from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM and reservations are highly recommended.
Fuel up before a trip to the spa or a hike with their Alpine Breakfast Buffet that includes an omelette station, eggs Benedict, a smoothie station, and a number of fresh pastries.
- Table Nineteen, Nicklaus North Golf Club
Watch floatplanes take off and land from Green Lake as you enjoy brunch on Table Nineteen’s expansive, sunny patio. The restaurant is part of the Nicklaus North Golf Club but the public is more than welcome to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or Happy Hour.
Table Nineteen is a quick five minute drive from Whistler Village, or if you’re feeling energetic you can walk or ride your bike on the trail behind Lost Lake Park or along the Valley Trail which takes you to the restaurant. If mom’s a golfer you could also tie in a round at Nicklaus North before or after your breakfast!
- Aura Restaurant, Creekside
With an open-concept kitchen, fresh decor, and stunning lake views, Aura is the perfect place to take mom for a Mother’s Day brunch. Fuel your Whistler adventure with a variety of menu options that are healthy and decadent and feature fresh and locally sourced fare.
Work off your breakfast by taking a stroll along the shores of Nita Lake, or book yourself in at the Nita Lake Lodge spa to pamper mom with a massage or a facial.
- Grill & Vine, Whistler Village
A perfect patio for Mother’s Day
Located inside the Westin Resort & Spa, Grill & Vine is the perfect place to bring mom for a luxurious Mother’s Day BC experience. Treat yourself to the Breakfast Table, which includes made to order eggs benedicts, pancakes, waffles, meats, cheeses, and beverages or order a la carte and choose from a variety of indulgent griddle items to energizing and healthy omelettes and scrambles.
Afterwards, take the time to browse the galleries and shops within the hotel such as the Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery, Soles of Whistler, and CanSki.
Local’s tip: pick up the latest Pique Newsmagazine as you arrive into Whistler to see what events are going on that weekend and any shoulder season deals such as discounts at some of the local restaurants.
Best Activities for Mother’s Day
Whether your mom is an adrenaline junkie or is craving a weekend of rest and relaxation, there’s something for her to do in Whistler this Mother’s Day BC.
Scandinave Spa
Do as the Finnish do and embrace the benefits of hydrotherapy at the Scandinave Spa in Whistler. Immerse yourself completely in the beauty and serenity of your surroundings and feel energized and relaxed as you follow the three steps – hot, cold, relax.
- Hot: Eucalyptus steam room, wood burning sauna, Finnish sauna, and hot pools.
- Cold: Nordic waterfall and plunge pools.
- Relax: Solariums, hammocks, outdoor fireplace.
The Scandinave Spa is a completely silent spa, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ambient sounds of the forest and waterfalls. Guests can stay for as long as they like, and they also offer massages for those looking to add onto their baths experience.
Local’s tip: bring a book – there are no cellphones/tablets allowed in the spa. While they do have a cafe on site serving hot beverages and healthy fare, eat beforehand so that you don’t have to leave the spa early.
Bear Viewing Tour
Spring is the best time to view bears as they come out of hibernation (some with little ones in tow!) and begin exploring and fueling up on vegetation and search for a mate. While you may see a bear unintentionally while in Whistler, Bear Watching Tours are the best way to see a bear in Whistler safely and, most times, successfully. Sit back and relax as guides tour you around bear territory in a Land Rover in search of our furry friends.
Zipline Tours
No need to exclaim “I need my mom!” on this tour – she’ll be right next to you as you fly through the air on four side-by-side ziplines in the Cougar Valley. Reach speeds of up to 100 km per hour at 600 feet above the valley floor – you and mom can conquer your fears and check ziplining off your bucket lists!
Tours run rain, shine, or snow and is the perfect way to enjoy pristine wilderness while getting your heart pounding.
Shopping
A little meander through the Village
Retail therapy is easily cured in Whistler with many unique boutiques and shops to choose from. Walk along the main Whistler Village stroll to peruse clothing shops such as Aritzia, the Beach, and Lululemon or jewelry shops like Ruby Tuesday and Keir.
For a shopping experience outside of the main Village stroll, take a trip down to Function Junction. Find treasures at second-hand shops Deja Vogue and The Velvet Underground, grab a coffee and shop local goods at Camp, and admire the beautiful home goods at Patina Home Interiors. Finish off your shopping with a local beer from Whistler Brewing or Coast Mountain Brewing, or throw a few axes at Forged Axe Throwing.
Celebrating Mother’s Day in Vancouver is great, but spending Mother’s Day in Whistler is better. It’s easy to get here, has many activity options, and is full of amazing shops and restaurants to make you wish you’d booked a whole week. Not to mention that May in Whistler offers many deals and discounts with hotels, some activities, and restaurants as it is considered a “shoulder season”.
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Make this Mother’s Day BC the best yet and show your mom (or motherly friends and figures in your life!) how much you care by showing them a great time in Whistler.