Between leaving Phoenix and crossing the Canadian border we opted to visit as many friends and family as we could. The next day we crossed into British Columbia gunning for the much-anticipated Sea to Sky Scenic Byway and the town of Whistler.
Despite low overcast clouds and rainy weather, we could tell that the scenery along the Sea to Sky Scenic Byway would be jaw-dropping in the right weather. We stopped to walk to both Shannon Falls and the Brandywine Falls before reaching the town of Whistler.
Sadly, I didn’t see much of Whistler. The morning after we arrived was the first day that I was really alone with my thoughts following the passing of my stepmom and my heart sank. I missed my family and worried about them and about me as we were all still adjusting to her absence. For me, the three days in Whistler were a time for reflection so I didn’t take advantage of all the activities this town has to offer, but Doug did.
Doug had high expectations of this small but mighty mountain ski resort that had been host to two different winter Olympics and Whistler exceed those expectations. Doug called it a “bikers paradise” because of its many trails. There are paved trails on the valley floor and bike lanes all around town. There are well groomed trails above and extreme descents atop mountains. The walking and biking trail systems are superb and with such variety, there’s a trail for every cycling level.
We stayed at Riverside RV Park, which had full hook-ups and was nice in that multiple trails took off from behind our site. This series of trails went all the way to Whistler Village where connections could be made to many other trails. Several of the trails were cross-country ski trails, others were beautifully groomed mountain biking trails or ski trails. Separate from all of these you can cycle along a paved trail that follows the Sea to Sky Scenic Byway or visit Black Comb Ski Resort to have you and your bike hauled to the top of the mountains via chair lift so you can glide down.
Doug’s first ride was the Green Lake Loop. The weather in the afternoon had cleared a bit, providing perfect conditions for this 4.5 mile ride which required 500 ft of climbing before swooping downhill with sweeping views of Green Lake. Although this was a wide and well-groomed trail, it had very tight switchbacks – a moderate level trail.
The next day he took the paved path into Whistler Village. The Olympic village is set up with high end outdoorsy stores and great places to dine. Think over-the-top, high-end ski town.
There are several different trails that start behind the village. Doug took one that went to Lost Lake and then he zigzagged his way back to the campground. This was a wide and easy trail had great scenery, but because it was easy, there were also a lot of people walking it. All in all, he clocked 8 miles before a lunch break.
Later that afternoon he took a quick ride to the bank and fit in a few more downhill routes.
Doug left Whistler with a thirst for more adventure and I left feeling more calm and more at peace, knowing that my stepmom Sue would want us to be taking in all that life has to offer. We were both excited for whatever the rest of this year has in store for us!
