The Guide to a Whistler Honeymoon for Outdoor Romance

If you and your spouse-to-be are serious powder chasers, then it's no surprise you're considering a Whistler honeymoon. Situated just north of Vancouver, British Columbia, and easily accessible from most major US air hubs, Whistler is known as a world-class ski-and-snow-sports destination on the West Coast. The town once hosted the Winter Olympics, back in 2010, and Whistler is also often synonymous with Whistler Blackcomb, aka the primary ski resort in town and one of the largest ski resorts on the entire continent.

However, if you don't exactly enjoy zipping down slopes on your skis or snowboards, or even snow in general, don't fall for the misconception that snow is all this Canadian honeymoon destination has to offer. The mountains provide plenteous adventure opportunities during every season, with a generous side of luxury, relaxation and romance. From hot tubs and saunas to spa treatments, fine dining to luxury shopping, you can find all this in Whistler as well—though you might need to pay a pretty penny. Whistler isn't known as a particularly budget-friendly honeymoon destination.

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Is Whistler Good for a Honeymoon?

The Pros of a Whistler Honeymoon

For active couples, Whistler offers lots to fill your itinerary, not just if you're planning a winter honeymoon. "Whistler is obviously an excellent choice for couples planning a ski honeymoon, but its location among mountains, lakes, forests and rivers also makes it an ideal base for couples looking for an active summertime trip," says Emily Anstee, product executive for Audley Travel. "Activities include zip lining and kayaking, as well as once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as taking a helicopter flight with a landing on a glacier, or bear spotting with a local."

Cons of a Whistler Honeymoon

Whistler offers plenty of spas, shopping, dining and other diversions, but the real star of the show here is the great outdoors. If you don't plan on taking advantage of the abundant outdoor activities, you might do best planning a honeymoon elsewhere. Additionally, while Whistler accommodations and activities may vary in terms of price, if you really want to experience the destination to the fullest, you'll need deep pockets.

The Best Times of Year to Go on a Whistler Honeymoon for Good Weather

Ideal honeymoon weather ultimately depends on your dream activities at the destination of choice. For couples who enjoy hiking and warmer days, Anstee recommends visiting Whistler in the early summer. "June is a great time to visit as the full peak summer season hasn't quite started, but the days are warm and long," she says. "Hiking trails are open, the lakes and rivers have thawed and wildlife is increasingly active."

Couples looking specifically to hit the slopes will find the ski season is quite long in this portion of the country. At Whistler, it starts as early as mid-November and lasts through late spring.

Things to Do During a Whistler Honeymoon

Partake in a Variety of Snow Sports

This one seems obvious, but there's more to do than standard snoow sports. In the winter months, obviously skiing and snowboarding are on tap, but other activities include dogsledding, snowshoeing and bobsledding. Away from the ski resorts, couples can visit Whistler Olympic Park, where they can be an Olympian for the day by signing up for a biathlon class. Honeymooners can also take a guided snowshoeing tour or go tobogganing if that's more your speed.

Appreciate the Après-Ski Scene

Whether you ski or not, most travelers can find something to love about après-ski, the after-skiing tradition of kicking back with some great beverages and maybe some live music or other entertainment. You'll find a range of apres-ski spots in Whistler, from craft brew pubs to high-end lounges. The town, after all, has been deemed the best for its après-ski offerings in the world.

Dine in a Snow Globe

Make reservations for several romantic dinners during your trip, too. Jenkin recommends the lakeside restaurant Table 19, Nita Lake Lodge and Il Caminetto. For something a little more unique, she says to try to snag one of the winter-only dining snow globes at Fairmont Chateau Whistler. If you're a foodie couple, you may even want to plan your honeymoon for November, when Whistler hosts its Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival over the entire month.

Play Outdoors All Day

Whistler is just as beautiful in the summer, especially with kayaking, hiking and biking trails readily available. What you choose to do in Whistler will entirely depend on the season of your visit. "For the active couple, days filled with hikes, downhill or trail biking and some kayaking or lake time would be a must," says Devon Jenkin, travel consultant for Whistler.com.

Audley Travel

Indulge in a Rest Day

If, during your itinerary, you need a little downtime to let those muscles recoup, you'll find plenty to keep you busy at a slower pace. "Culture buffs [will] enjoy many of our interpretative walking trails [and] the cultural and art museums," says Jenkins. "A visit and a meal at the Squamish Cultural Centre are a must! … The Peak to Peak Gondola is on everyone's bucket list. … The Scandinave Spa, a Finnish thermal bath experience, is another must-do, and a great way to relax and unwind."

Best Hotels and Resorts in Whistler for a Honeymoon

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

This luxurious resort is located at the bottom of Blackcomb Mountain, putting you within easy reach of all the snow sports you and your sweetheart could desire. When you're not exploring Whistler, you'll enjoy the property's many romantic amenities, from in-room fireplaces to a fantastic spa.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

If you'd like a little more privacy for your honeymoon, you might want to book one of the private retreats at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. You enjoy more of a homestay-like environment, but with all the luxury amenities you would expect from a Four Seasons stay, including 24-hour in-residence dining and hotel services, access to a residences hot tub and heated pool, a complimentary house car and more.

Nita Lake Lodge

If you prefer a boutique hotel experience, try Nita Lake Lodge. Here, you'll find luxurious suites outfitted with double soaker tubs (perfect for an after-ski soak with your sweetie), rain showers and fireplaces.

What to Pack for a Whistler Honeymoon

Whatever season you visit, pack all the necessary outdoor gear you'll need. In the winter, this will mean snow boots and warm coats, hats and gloves. In the summer, you'll want to bring hiking boots and similar outdoor-ready apparel that'll keep you comfortable, no matter what adventures you and your honey pursue.

Like the sound of a Whistler honeymoon, but don't think you'll have time to renew your passport before the big day? Consider similar experiences with either a Montana honeymoon or a Lake Tahoe honeymoon.