Tripping with MikenJudy 2012: Whistler, BC, Canada

We drove 71 miles (or as the natives say – 116 clicks, also known as kilometers) along the beautiful “Sea to Sky Highway” to Whistler. The highway meanders with water on the left and snow covered peaks on both sides. Our campsite has a million dollar view as we are facing snow capped mountains. Whistler was the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, but has year round activities where you can spend your money.

After enjoying lunch we followed the recommendation of the two gals in the campground office. Whistler is located in prime black bear country and they suggested a place where we would be sure to see bears……..and we did! Seeing five bears dining on tasty grass by the side of the road made our day! We headed to the second place they suggested, Alexander Falls, and we didn’t even have to hike to see them. They were full and beautiful!

Our next destination was the Olympic Village where we had been before, but again enjoyed walking around watching people and checking out some of the shops. For a while we watched mountain bikers going up on the chair lift and then riding down the mountain. There were lots and lots of young people enjoying this. Some wore protective gear, and others wore nothing for protection except helmets.

We had an enjoyable dinner in the village. Our table was inside and not by the pane less window since there was a steel band playing outside and it was very loud. We were far enough away that we could still enjoy listening to the music.

We strolled back to the parking lot slowly, even sitting a few minutes and enjoying the view of the mountains with the chair lifts in the distance. The sun was out at times, and the temperature was in the 60s…….ideal for us! Tomorrow is National Aboriginal Day. Mike visited with two Squamish Indian artists in the campground who told him about the events and showed him their wood carvings and silver jewelry they would be selling.

The next day we drove to see Brandywine Falls and returned for more bear watching. We lucked out again and watched two bears enjoying the grass together.