Whistler is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts who come to Whistler to ski, snowboard and snowshoe. The Canadian mountain town hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010. Whistler is a popular summer destination for those who enjoy hiking, mountain biking and relaxing by the lake. Whistler is a beautiful mountain resort town that offers a more affordable price and fewer people. Fall is the best time to go.
I was a guest at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre. and discovered what makes Whistler such a great fall destination. The luxury hotels are more affordable, and reservations are easier. You can also sample the local cuisine at restaurants that offer three-course prix fixes and take advantage of Whistler’s unique activities for off-season prices. Whistler is a must-do in the off-season.
The Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre
Pan Pacific operates two hotels in Whistler. The Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside hotel is the closest to the ski slopes and ideal for skiers. The Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, located in the centre of the village offers skiers amenities in wintertime. However, because it is closer to dining and shopping options in fall, this hotel is the ideal choice.
Both hotels provide COVID-19 travel safety guidelines. COVID-19 Guidelines can be viewed on the website.
Click here to view Pan Pacific Whistler village Centre. Check out the COVID-19 guidelines.
Pan Pacific Whistler mountainside here. Please check online for fall closure dates.
The Pan Pacific Whistler village centre is just a short walk away from shopping and dining. Pan Pacific Photo.
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The hotel offers a wide range of suites with kitchens in different configurations. These include studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, three-bedrooms and penthouses. Pet-friendly rooms are also available if you’re traveling with your pet.
My stay was in a luxury upper-floor one-bedroom apartment with a lot of storage and a balcony.
A guest room at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre with a balcony. Photo by the Pan Pacific
My private balcony became one of my favorites as I could see Whistler Village, and the mountains beyond.
View of Whistler Village as seen from the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre. Photo by Lara Dunning
The living room of the suite featured comfortable seating around a gas fireplace. It also included a dining area and a full kitchen with breakfast bar.
The Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre’s guest suite. Photo by the Pan Pacific
Hotel Perks You’ll Love
The Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre offers a free breakfast, which includes pastries, fruits and cold meats. It also has eggs, cheese and other items. In the evenings, the dining room transforms into a bar and restaurant called The Raven Room. You can also bring your breakfast up to your bedroom.
Breakfast is included for hotel guests. Pan Pacific Hotel Photo
A spa, a fitness center, a heated outdoor L-shaped swimming pool and two hot tubs are also available on site. The pool area is outside and takes advantage of the mountain views.
After a long day of exploring Whistler, the hot tub is a great place to relax. Photo by Lara Dunning
The sister hotel offers free ski valet service and lockers for those who are interested in winter sports. Valet parking is free for golfers and bikers.
The hotel may have made changes to the valet parking policy due to COVID-19 safety measures. You can choose between both options, but you won’t need your car much since you will be able to walk or take the shuttle everywhere. There are parking lots that offer free parking during off-season.
Whistler Dining
I love to travel and explore the local cuisine. Whistler’s off-season makes it easier to try a variety of cuisines, as many restaurants have prix fixe menus. I ate at Bar Oso a Spanish tapas bar located a few minutes walk from my hotel.
I began with a rich and flavorful tomato soup.
Bar Oso’s tomato bisque is a great way to warm up. Photo by Lara Dunning
Next, I ordered the local beets salad with chopped nuts and fresh greens.
Bar Oso’s local and fresh beet salad. Photo by Lara Dunning
When I saw that octopus was one of the options for the prix-fixe menu, I knew I had to order it. The octopus was served with potatoes that were seasoned with garlic and paprika. Yum! The portion sizes were perfect and I highly recommend this Whistler restaurant.
Octopus is tender and flavorful. Photo by Lara Dunning
Whistler Cultural Heritage: Discover the Cultural Heritage of Whistler
Visit the Audian Art Museum or Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn more about British Columbia’s rich First Nation’s history.
The Audain Art Museum collection is a focus on the celebrated artists of the province, but they also have a large First Nation’s Art Collection, both historical and contemporary. There are many highlights but the mask collection, and contemporary cedar dance screens stand out.
The Dance Screen, a masterpiece of carved cedar by First Nations artist James Hart, is a must-see. Photo by Lara Dunning
We at Wander With Wonder highly recommend Mondo Trading if you’d like to own a piece.
Mymondotrading – Highest quality First Nations Artwork by Pacific
Etsy
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre reflects the history of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat. Arrive on time as the Cultural Ambassador will welcome visitors with a song. The Cultural Ambassador will show a short video to the group before guiding them through the exhibits.
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre exhibits capture the present and past lives of Squamish Lil’wat Nations. Photo by Lara Dunning
The top floor has a forest trail with signs about the local flora and fauna. Check with the front desk if there are any forest walks being offered before you leave. The gift shop downstairs has a cafe and serves dishes inspired by indigenous cuisine, such as this homemade venison Chili with Bannock (frybread).
Thunderbird Cafe serves up a delicious homemade venison Chili. Photo by Lara Dunning
Whistler’s Spa is a Spa Like No Other
Plan a day of pampering at the Scandinave spa Whistler if you enjoy a spa experience while on vacation. This traditional Scandinavian spa is tucked away in the woods. It features hot and cold outdoor baths with waterfalls and sleeping rooms. There are also hammocks and lounge chairs near cozy firepits.
Scandinave Spa offers multiple outdoor hot and cold pools set in a natural environment. Photo credit Scandiave Spa Whistler
The cafe offers a light meal and massages. The pool area is cell phone-free, allowing you to completely detox your digital life. After my own experience, I would recommend you allow yourself at least 4 hours to enjoy the spa. If you’re staying at Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre arrange to have your car picked up and dropped off at the front desk.
Whistler Spots for Adrenaline-Loving People
Whistler offers two places that will not disappoint if you are looking for a little adrenaline rush while on vacation.
You can book a zip line tour with Superfly ziplines. It is located a few miles out of town, at Cougar Mountain. The bus will pick you up downtown and drop you off. You’ll get a safety demonstration and then hop into a 4X4 for a ride up the mountainside. There are stunning views in all directions. There are four ziplines on the course, some of which can be raced.
Superfly Ziplines’ zip line course is surrounded by stunning views in every direction. Photo by Lara Dunning
Forged axe throwing is the perfect place to learn to throw an ax. Voted Whistler’s #1 Group Activity, everyone will enjoy this experience. My guide made the experience for a solo first-timer super fun. He also brought in another group to do some competition games.
Forged Axe throwing teaches the fine art of ax throwing. Photo by Lara Dunning
Whistler Family Adventures
In 2019, Vallea Lumina, a multimedia nightwalk was launched in Whistler. Tours are held at specific times every night at the Superfly Zipline Basecamp. You can walk through the forest at your own pace to listen to stories, watch visual displays, and follow clues. Dress appropriately for the weather, as this is an outdoor event. Wear sturdy shoes and prepare to climb some hills at the start.
Vallea Lumina offers a great activity for people of all ages. Photo by Lara Dunning
You have a Gondola all to yourself? Yes, Please!
The Peak to Peak 360 Experience Gondola Ride lines are short in Whistler during the offseason, and you’re likely to have a gondola to yourself. This means that you can take a photo of one of Whistler’s most Instagrammable spots, the Inukshuk.
After lunch, you can enjoy a cocktail or have a meal at the Umbrella Bar to keep warm and admire the views of the snowcapped mountains.
The Umbrella Bar on Whistler Mountain. Photo by Lara Dunning
Whistler Village Centre is a Must-See If You Visit
The Pan Pacific Whistler village centre was a wonderful place to stay for two days. I enjoyed the opportunity to see Whistler without the crowds.
I had plenty of room and comforts, including a cozy fireplace and a private balcony with stunning mountain views. The central location of the village allowed me to walk to the restaurants, shops and museums. I could also easily catch a shuttle or meet up at the pick-up points for activities such as zip-lining. The hotel is a great place for travelers who want to explore this resort town.
Visit Tourism Whistler for more information. Check out for more things to do in British Columbia. Thanks to our Wander writers.