Seattle - Vancouver - Whistler

Travel is another one of my passions! I'm fortunate that my husband also loves exploring new destinations and is an exceptional trip planner. Truly, he organizes the most incredible trips, and all I need to do is pack my bags and enjoy the journey!

We ended 2024 and started 2025 in the snowy mountains of Whistler, Canada.

Our journey began with a flight to Seattle, Washington, with plans to rent a car and drive to Vancouver the following day. After checking into our hotel, we visited Pike Place Market and grabbed a quick refreshment at the original Starbucks. We strolled around the Market before enjoying a tasty meal of lobster rolls and chowder at Luke's Lobster.

Sign at the original Starbucks

Connecticut style lobster roll and clam chowder

Following a quick breakfast at Tim Horton's, we packed the car and set off for Vancouver. We enjoyed a chilly yet stunning walk around Stanley Park and through Canada Place. Our next stop was the Vancouver Lookout, an observation deck standing 553 feet tall, providing a 360-degree view of the city. Afterwards, we warmed up with lunch at The Steamworks Brewpub while waiting for The Gastown Steam Clock to chime.

Left to right: View from Stanley Park. View from Vancouver Lookout. Gastown Steam Clock

That evening, we explored the Capilano Bridge, which was another chilly yet beautiful experience. The bridge and its surroundings were adorned with sparkling Christmas lights. We crossed the 450-foot bridge and meandered through the smaller bridges in the treetop adventure.

The following day, we relished the food and shopping at Granville Island Public Market. Afterwards, we attended a Vancouver Canucks game where they faced off against The Seattle Seahawks.

We loaded the car once more for the next part of our trip, setting off towards Whistle, our ultimate destination. Along the way, we paused in Squamish for a brief lunch and a trip on the Sea to Sky Gondola. This gondola offers a stunning journey up to a 2900-foot peak, where you can step out to enjoy even more incredible vistas. While at the summit, it began to snow, adding a magical touch to the experience. This was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my trip.

That evening, we arrived in Whistler and checked into our condo at Whistler Peak Lodge. Once we settled in and had a quick dinner, we explored the Whistler ski village.

As our son spent the next two days skiing, we seized the chance to enjoy and explore the village. We rode the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which transported us to the summit of Whistler Mountain and then over to the summit of Blackcomb Mountain. These mountains hosted events during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

We celebrated New Year's Eve in the village by enjoying a delicious dinner at Mongolie Grill Whistler, followed by watching a show and fireworks to ring in the new year.

On our last day in Whistler, we did some more shopping and enjoyed one of our favorite Canadian treats, Beaver Tails. If you visit Canada, you have to try one! Later, we packed up and traveled back across the border to Seattle. Once there, we settled into our hotel and went to dinner at another favorite spot, The Crab Pot.

On the last day of our journey, we explored Pike Place Market, where we encountered the renowned gum wall, did some shopping, and enjoyed hot chowder at Pike Place Chowder. Later, we set out on a final excursion to the Seattle Space Needle, ascending 605 feet in the elevators to take in the stunning city views through the glass floors.

Overall, this trip was incredible, filled with numerous beautiful moments and delicious food. Despite not being fond of cold weather, I had a great time.