Mountain air has a way of working up an appetite. Whistler’s bounty of fresh and fun dining options will sate even the most frugal adventurer. Eat your way through Whistler’s summer season with this list of deliciously affordable eats.
Whistler Farmer’s Market
When I found out the Farmer’s Market was going to take place on Sundays and Wednesdays through the summer, I did the happy dance. Located in Whistler’s Upper Village at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, you’ll find the stroll between the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Glacier Lodge jam-packed with kiosks offering farm fresh fruit and produce, baked goodies and delicious artisan treats. Bring cash!
Karsten at the Maluma Bison kiosk serves up free range bison sausages smothered in homemade onion relish and authentic German sauerkraut on a crusty bun so you can munch while you stroll. I also love grabbing a crusty loaf of bread from Purebread Whistler – my fave is the Tortano, a loaf made with roasted potato and honey - and stocking up on organic cheese, sun warmed tomatoes, fresh raspberries and gooey, just-baked cinnamon buns before heading to Lost Lake for a picnic.
Typical Meal Range: $6-$15
BBQ Bob’s
This little gem is located in Creekside Village just down the street from Whistler’s only gas station. Chef “BBQ Bob” Hasselbach serves up low and slow barbequed meats and tasty sides like yam fries with reduced balsamic drizzle and warm cornbread muffins. Bob’s garden patio is the perfect place for a carb load after a long ride or afternoon SUP session on Nita Lake. The Key Lime Pie, made by Bob’s mom, is absolutely to die for. If you are too bagged to make it out for dinner, BBQ Bob’s also saves the day with delivery including cold beer from Roland’s Beer and Wine Store located next door.
Typical Meal Range: $8-$20
Sushi To Go
Who knew Whistler’s Visitor Information Centre housed one of the village’s best sushi take-out joints? Now you do. This little food stand tucked within the Info Centre is rolling out some of the freshest, tastiest sushi in Whistler. The Alaskan roll, chock full of fresh salmon and avocado, is fabulous.
Typical Meal Range: $10
Garbanzo Bike & Bean
Don’t let all the mountain bikes fool you, Garbanzo Bike & Bean, located at the base of Whistler Mountain, offers up great grub alongside their gear. Downhill mountain bikers can be seen getting their breakfast burrito on before heading up the mountain for their gravity-fed adrenaline fix. The Bean’s espressos and smoothies made with Happy Planet juices and fresh fruit are also positively life-giving after a night of debauchery in Whistler and pair perfectly with people watching from their large outdoor patio (from behind dark glasses, naturally.)
Typical Meal Range: $8-$12
Whistler Children's Art Festival 2009.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Unexpectedly, the de luxe Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers some of the best value in Whistler for foodlovers. This grand hotel located in Whistler’s Upper Village is home to Fairmont Fridays, the perfect way to end the week. The Mallard Lounge and the sunny terrace rocks with live music (often featuring a very talented Aussie named Colin Bullock and a signature cocktail or a frosty pint of Whistler Beer for just $5. A selection of appetizers like duck springrolls and potstickers, or BBQ pulled beef sliders and onion rings are available for $5. You can also take advantage of 50 per cent off everything on the menu in the Wildflower Restaurant from 5pm to 6pm any day of the week through the summer.
Typical Meal Range: $5-$20
Lucia Gelato
