British Columbia may be best known for its winter ski slopes and cozy firesides, but there's really no better time than spring to visit Whistler, BC as the days grow longer and warmer, this picturesque alpine mountain town offers plenty of adventures off the slopes. Take a bike ride through wildflower fields and past snowcapped peaks or enjoy a hike around a glacier-fed lake.  Catch a helicopter rider to tour an ice cave or simply relax and spend an afternoon at a scandinavian-inspired spa followed by an evening with s'mores and wine around an outdoor firepit.  And don't worry, if you make it before the end of May, those slopes are still open and the powder is as perfect as ever.



STAY
A crackling fire and mountain views greet you at the rustic-meets-elegant Four Seasons Whistler. Just a short stroll to the nearby car-free village and an even shorter walk to the ski lifts, the resort is nestled at the base of Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. It offers all of the luxuries you’d expect at a Four Seasons—from a firepit-side cocktail bar to Evian spritzes as you lounge poolside. Not that you’ll want to spend much time lounging in this adrenaline-fueled town.

In addition to gorgeous golf courses, a ski concierge experience, and horseback riding, the resort’s more exhilarating offerings include helicopter rides to explore ice chambers and even bear watching. And at the end of the day, the Four Seasons’ inviting rooms—each with its own fireplace and balcony—are perfect for unwinding in plush beds before setting out on your next adventure.


EAT
Whistler may feel like a remote Pacific Northwest village, but make no mistake, this is a food destination serving up sophisticated fare and global flavors. Tucked into the center of Whistler Village is perhaps its most well-known restaurant, Araxi, where James Beard–nominated chef James Walt has garnered international accolades for his focus on regional farms and seafood. Just down the street, you’ll find Araxi’s sister restaurant, Bar Oso. This tiny but lively spot is known for its tapas and cocktails. Snag a stool at the bar and start with one of the charcuterie boards, heaped high with cured meats and artisanal cheeses. This is the kind of place where you can start your night with a snack or settle in for an evening of flavorful small plates.
 
One of the village’s best dining destinations only has a few scattered tables and always requires a wait in line. Purebread bakery, which is known for its buttery croissants, creatively flavored scones (think Earl Grey with lavender icing), and savory pastries, is a favorite for fueling up before a day outdoors—and always worth the wait. For the best view alongside your bites, catch the gondola to the top of Blackcomb for a sunny lunch on the patio at Christine’s on Blackcomb in the Rendezvous Lodge.

Its perch offers panoramic views, and its menu features remarkably delicious fare (order the albacore tuna with black-pepper aioli) for a mountaintop restaurant. And wherever you choose to dine, plan on completing your culinary adventures for the day on the heated terrace of the Four Seasons’ Sidecut restaurant, where you’ll find a vintage camper serving cocktails perfect for sipping by the firepit late into  the evening.



OUTSTANDING IN THE FIELD
Each summer, the traveling dinner party known as Outstanding in the Field (OITF) sets its signature long table in the stunning emerald-green valley at the base of the Coast Mountains, just half an hour from Whistler. Set on a working fruit orchard and vegetable farm, the dinner is prepared by a notable British Columbia chef and then enjoyed familystyle in the lush field. It’s a magical afternoon and evening that includes summery cocktails in the gardens, a tour through bushes heavy with plump berries, and incomparable dinner views. To purchase tickets and learn more about the dinner, visit outstandinginthefield.com




DO
There’s no denying that this beautiful mountain village is a favorite for adrenaline junkies. Whistler Blackcomb has more than 2,200 acres of black and double-black runs. The Whistler Sliding Centre offers the chance to bobsled down a track at more than eighty miles per hour.

And the town boasts North America’s longest zipline, which spans more than 1.2 miles. With these kinds of stats, things like the Four Seasons’ helicopter ride to explore natural ice caves or whitewater rafting down one of the nearby rivers seem relatively relaxing. For those who prefer their fun with a slightly less elevated heart rate, there’s no shortage of easy hikes and bike rides in the area. Rent a bike from the Four Seasons and cycle to Rainbow Park for breathtaking views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Or hike from the hotel through wooded trails to Lost Lake, where you’ll find a sandy beach and a tree-shaded loop around the lake.

The most relaxing way to spend a day here, though, may be at the Scandinave Spa, a mountainside spa where outdoor baths are tucked among cedar trees. Warm up in a wood-burning sauna before plunging into an icy pool. Relax in a steaming hot bath before stepping under a Nordic waterfall. Or simply settle into one of the hammocks, breathing in the clear mountain air at this ultimate wellness destination.