An Adventurous Bachelorette in Whistler & Tips to Keep it Affordable
Hosting your bachelorette party in Whistler? Great idea! With many accommodation options, great restaurants, bars, and nightlife, fun activities, and natural beauty, Whistler is the smart choice when planning your last weekend on the town as a single lady. It’s also super close to Vancouver along the infamous Sea to Sky Highway, so pack your bags – it’s time to plan your Whistler bachelorette party!
Where to Stay in Whistler
There are many fantastic options for your Whistler bachelorette party, but it is important to note that some properties have restrictions. For example, many require that the cardholder is aged twenty-five and older, and some hotels do not allow bachelor or bachelorette parties. It is best to disclose this information upon booking so that everything goes smoothly upon check-in.
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler
For brides looking for a touch of luxury, the Fairmont is fit for a queen and your group will love the amenities, special touches, and excellent customer service. Rooms and cozy and can fit up to four (in their double queen rooms) or splash out and book the penthouse suite. The pool area is spa-like and the restaurants within the hotel are excellent. Try the breakfast buffet at the Wildflower, lunch in the Grill Room, or apres and live music at the Mallard Lounge.
- Montebello
Groups looking to rent their own private home will love Montebello. It’s only a few minutes walk from Whistler Village and has three-bedroom units with full kitchens and a private outdoor hot tub. Montebello is popular with groups who want their own space and privacy right in Whistler Village.
- Pangea Pod Hotel
For budget-conscious brides, the Pangea Pod Hotel is a great alternative to hotels and hostels and best of all, is located smack dab in the centre of Whistler Village. With a super affordable price point, it’s one of the most unique lodging options in Whistler – modern pods in well thought out rooms with all the amenities and essentials you might need. If you book far enough in advance, your group may be able to reserve an entire room to yourselves.
The Entertainment Factor, Activity Guide
Sure, you could just book a hotel room and live life by the seat of your pants but why not plan to add in some fun activities to your Whistler bachelorette party itinerary? Whistler has so many tour options that are unlike anything you’ve experienced before that will keep your crew smiling and laughing the whole time.
- Forged Axe Throwing
We may be biased, but we think that throwing axes at Forged Axe Throwing will kick off your Whistler bachelorette party in the best way ever. Experienced and enthusiastic hosts will show you the ropes before unleashing the competition during fun games and challenges. The sessions are one-hour long and located in Function Junction (south of Whistler Village) and conveniently located right next to Coast Mountain Brewing for post-axe throwing beers.
- Bobsleigh at the Whistler Sliding Centre
Experience the feeling of G-force as you slide down the Olympic track in a bobsleigh at the Whistler Sliding Centre! No experience is necessary and not only will you feel the G-force as you fly down the track, but you’ll also learn about the sliding centre’s Olympic legacy and history as the fastest track in the world. Finish the activity with a photo certification and podium finish.
- Skiing & Snowboarding
If your Whistler bachelorette party is in the winter, heading up the mountain for a day up the slopes is a must-do! Rent all the equipment you need from Black Tie who will deliver the gear to your accommodation the night before, purchase lift tickets ahead of time, and catch the gondola. Those who do not ski or snowboard will enjoy sightseeing and taking the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and meeting at Christine’s for a champagne salute or the Umbrella Bar for some well-deserved Bailey’s hot chocolates.
Where to Take the Party After Dark
The sun goes down on another fun day in Whistler, but it’s not over yet! Experience Whistler’s nightlife scene or choose other activities that come alive in the evenings. During your Whistler bachelorette party, there’s something for every bride-to-be.
- Vallea Lumina
An evening activity that doesn’t involve going underground to a nightclub but has all the allure of lights and song is Vallea Lumina. A multimedia light show in the forests of Cougar Mountain is the perfect after-dinner activity or pre-dance floor activity. Buses take you from Whistler Village to Vallea Lumina and the walk takes about one hour.
- Fondue Tour by Snowmobile or Snowcoac
Another spin on late-night activities is taking an evening snowmobile or snowcoach tour to the Crystal Hut on Blackcomb Mountain for a fabulous fondue dinner. Get geared up at the base and begin your ascent up the mountain with the help of your guide (and strong headlights!). Alternatively, you can take a comfortable snowcoach to the top. From the hut, view the village down below as you dine on cheese fondue and traditional broth fondue
- Pub Crawl
If the underground nightclub crawl isn’t your scene, there are so many great pubs, bars, and restaurants to frequent during your Whistler bachelorette party. Start the night at Bar Oso for Spanish-inspired tapas and cocktails, then onto Beacon for a game of pool and people-watching, then to the Living Room for espresso martinis and Jenga, stop in at the Ketel One Ice Room for a shot of vodka (or three) in the coldest vodka room in the world, then end the night at Dubh Linn Gate for live music and a pint of Guinness next to their outdoor firepit.
- Late Night Snacks
If all the dancing has worked up your appetite, Whistler has you covered for late-night food. Earls Kitchen & Bar is a popular spot for their happy hour menu that runs from 10:00 PM until close but if you’re after something quick and greasy, Zog’s will fuel you with the best poutine around and Misty Mountain Pizza will satisfy your need for pie.
- Dance the Night Away
There’s always a party happening in Whistler, and why just choose one venue! Tommy’s, Buffalo Bill’s, and Garfinkel’s will have you busting a move to the hottest tracks most nights of the week, call in advance to get on the guestlist so you don’t have to wait in line.
Many pubs in town also offer live music that turns into a singalong and dance floor – notably the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub and the Longhorn. If you’d rather leave the party planning to someone else, sign up with Whistler Club Crawl who will take you around to several clubs in one night and best of all, there’s no waiting in line and you get snacks and drinks at each location!
The Morning After
A late night filled with too much dancing and too much drinking calls for a hangover cure – Whistler style! Drag yourself out of bed and put on some pants, this Whistler bachelorette party isn’t over yet!
- Brunch & Caesars
Knock that hangover out with some cheesy, eggy concoction washed down with a spicy, pickle-y caesar. The best brunch spots can be found at Stonesedge, Elements, and Crepe Montagne – all located in Whistler Village. Locals swear that a caesar is the cure to all hangovers (the drink, not the salad) which is a concoction of vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. It’s usually topped with a celery stick but can also include a bacon strip, pickled beans, and even mini burgers or deep-fried goodies. The best caesar can be found at the GLC, Dusty’s, or Stonesedge.
- Coffee & Village Stroll
Throwing on some comfy clothes, grabbing a coffee from local favourites Ecologyst, Lift, or Portobello and walking the Village Stroll will set things right in the world again. A little fresh air, a hit of caffeine, and reminiscing on the night before makes for a pretty good morning in our books.
- Scandinave Spa
When your head is pounding, slip into silence and tranquillity at the Scandinave Spa. Relax in outdoor hot tubs, rejuvenate in the eucalyptus steam room, wood-fired sauna, and rest in heated solariums or in outdoor hammocks. You can choose to book a massage treatment (reservations highly recommended if you seek an RMT massage) or just spend a few hours in the facility overlooking Sproatt Mountain and surrounded by forest.
- Take a Hike
Nothing beats a hangover quite like taking in a breath of fresh air, and in Whistler, we have some of the freshest air in the world. Take a drive down to Cheakamus Crossing and hike the infamous Train Wreck Trail which is open year-round, or if you’re visiting in the summer, drive up the dirt road and hike to Cheakamus Lake. Carless? No worries – head over to Lost Lake and explore their web of trails close to Whistler Village.
Tips for Keeping it Affordable
There’s no doubt that Whistler is an expensive place to visit, but with these tips, you’ll be able to save your dollars to put towards buying your bride shots at the bar.
- Buy Drinks & Snacks Beforehand
Save yourself time and money by packing snacks and drinks for your stay in Whistler. Many hotels and condos have fridges and can keep your wine, cheese, and charcuterie meats chilled and ready for snacking before a big night out. Alternatively, Fridge Full in Whistler offers grocery and meal delivery right to your accommodation and can create extravagant platters, breakfast necessities, and other snacks and meals that are ready to eat. Blackcomb Liquor Store also offers liquor delivery should you run out.
2. Book Accommodation & Activities in Advance
By booking your accommodation and activities in advance (at least three months), you will take advantage of the best savings the resort has to offer. May 31st is typically the cut-off for the deepest savings during the summer months, and August 31st for the winter. If your group is organized and committed, locking in accommodation early can save you up to 40% off the regular rate. Activities also want you to book early and offer early booking discounts and most run rain or shine so you don’t need to worry about the weather.
3. Travel in Shoulder Seasons
Travelling to Whistler in high season (December to April and July to September) leads to high accommodation rates, sold-out activities, and all-around busyness in the resort. Travel during the shoulder season (May and June, October and November) for the best rates and discounts on activities. Shoulder season is a great time to visit as many activities are still going on, dining specials take effect, and your dollar will stretch further.
4. Use Splitwise App to Track Purchases
Splitwise is a free tool for people to track shared expenses so that everyone gets paid back. It’s an app that everyone in your group can download and input anything they pay for that is shared by the group (whether it is equally or between certain people). Instead of doing a dozen etransfers at the end of the trip, Splitwise calculates it out so there are minimal transfers between many people but that everyone still gets paid their full amount. It is key for any group travel, and works exceptionally well during Whistler bachelorette parties!
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Planning your Whistler bachelorette party will be a walk in the park with so many great activities and attractions to visit. No matter your budget, there’s something for every bride and her best friends in Whistler. Remember – what happens in Whistler stays in Whistler!