NoNames Xmas Vacation 2: Some Things Old + Some Things New

[NoName]

Day 23 - Continued……





The sun had really started to go down now and being across the canyon, this is where the park really came to life. I will let the pictures do the talking but this was unbelievable!

Big Doug!

We wandered around for quite a while taking it all in. Made sure to walk down all the different paths to see the entire display. Loved the whole thing! Eventually though it came time to make our way back over the bridge to the exit.



Made it and then out to the carpark to await the shuttle bus. So obviously we thought this attraction what amazing and it was obvious to see why it is so popular. I would put it as a must do, particularly if you are in Vancouver at this time of year when the Canyon Lights are on display. Would definitely return.

Bus took off and we were back in our hotel room for the final night of our stay. Shovelled down some leftovers from the room fridge, packed the backs and called it a night. Whistler was up next and we were all excited to get there and experience it again.

 

[NoName]

Day 24






We’d booked a 7:45am bus to Whistler so not too bad in terms of wake up time. Pretty leisurely actually. Just got up at 7, showered, changed and went to check out. Grabbed a couple of items from the Starbucks and went to wait for the bus. NoName Jnr still not 100%. Hopped on board and took our seats for the 2ish hour ride. Pretty uneventful really, smooth sailing until about half an hour out when traffic became pretty jammed. All good, these things happen on the Sea To Sky Highway and reality was it can and does get much worse.

Got out of the bus at the Gateway Loop around 10:15am and prepared to make our way to the hotel. I had originally booked Crystal Lodge again as we had enjoyed it last time and the location in the heart of Whistler Village about 100m from the Whistler Gondola had suited us perfectly. Around July something had popped up on my Instagram from a Snow travel agent and I investigated other options. With Mrs NoName not skiing I wanted to make sure she was comfortable in a place where she could enjoy plenty of time without having to go anywhere if she didn’t want to. And so I ended up settling on the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Cancelled my existing booking for a small fee and we were set. 6 nights (Saturday to Friday) in the 2nd week of January in Deluxe Slopeside View Room (2 queen beds) was $5,623.35 through MySnow Holidays. Price booking directly with the hotel was close to $2k more. Also booked ski hire and transfers to YVR at the end through MySnow as they were cheaper than I could find elsewhere as well.

I had only informed Mrs NoName of the accommodation change a few days earlier. I’d wanted to keep it a surprise until we arrived but after she sarcastically asked if we could stay somewhere else, I couldn’t keep it in any longer. She was thrilled and still was as we looked for the shuttle bus pickup point. Easily found and shortly after we were in the bus being driven around to the hotel. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is located at the base of Blackcomb mountain in the Upper Village area. I’d had slight reservations of the location as it is about a 10 minute walk to Whistler Village but with shuttle busses running all day that proved to be a non-issue. Being 50m from the Blackcomb Gondola was also perfect!

Went to the front desk and checked in, nice prompt service. Reasonably efficient process. Room not ready which was expected but we were given keys to access the hotel facilities if we wanted. Took the opportunity to go for a walk around the hotel to get our bearings. Pool area is great! Multiple different swim options, several hot tubs and a couple of saunas. Fantastic!

Went downstairs to Portobello for lunch. We loved the pork rolls previously so it was a no brainer to come back. These things are great!

 

[NoName]

Day 24 - Continued……





Time had come for our first planned activity and that was tubing at the Bubly Tube Park. The park is located just above the Excalibur Gondola mid-station on Blackcomb Mountain. If coming from Whistler Village you can ride the gondola for free to the mid station before crossing the adjacent ski trail and them climbing up a bunch of steps through some trees. If coming from Blackcomb it would likely require a more roundabout route. Not ideal. So we did the only logical thing and took one of the house cars. One of the staff kindly drove us up and 5 minutes later we were there. Gave him a small tip as appreciation.

A couple of months prior to our trip NoName Jnr randomly found out that one of his good school friends was also going to be in Whistler with his family at the same time. This was a nice surprise and would be good for the boys to catch up somewhere like this. First up they were joining us for tubing. They soon appeared walking up the stairs and at 2pm we all went in to have some fun. Tickets options are 1hr or 2hrs. We just went for the 1hr which was C$32.50 per adult + C$25.50 for children 7-12.

We paid, grabbed our tubes and jumped straight in. I will say straight up this was a little disappointing. There were 6 different lanes open so a few different options to try, we were able to go separately or together including all 3 kids being able to go at once, everyone had fun doing the actual sliding. However things moved very slowly. The magic carpet to get to the top seemed to move at a snails pace, took a long time. There were also limited staff monitoring the lanes which meant that waiting time at the top was also excessive. In the end I got 6 runs in over the course of the hour and that was only because I really hustled. Everyone else in the group only got 5 or in a couple of cases 4 runs. It was a bit of fun but I wouldn’t do it again.

Made our way down the steps and then down the gondola to the village for a quick look before walking back over to our hotel.

Apres just getting going in Whistler Village

 

[NoName]

Day 24 - Continued……





Quick detour to the bottom level and Fairmont Rentals to sort our gear for the week. The experience getting fitted out was pretty good. The shop was pretty quiet so that may have helped but in any event we had two staff come over to help us and 10 minutes later we were done. Gear stored at the other end of the shop ready for us to pick up in the morning. I had got some kids rent for free deal through the agent so performance skis, poles & boots for the two of us came to $533.95 for 6 days. Another $60.99 for helmets.

By now the room was ready. Keys had now been automatically programmed so we were able to go straight up to get settled in. Luggage had been brought up as well as a package I had had delivered the previous week so nice service there. The room was exactly what we like. They have been renovated in the last couple of years so have a modern feel to them. Spacious, clean, nice décor. The view was slopeside and looked out over the pool and beyond that out to the ski trails. Loved it.

Kids robe for NoName Jnr



Blackcomb Gondola right next to the hotel!



We got settled, went for a quick dip in the pool before coming back up to get ready for dinner. Another of our friends from Brisbane were also here and we had organised to dine with them tonight. Downstairs and out to the front of the hotel to wait for the shuttle bus. Didn’t have to wait long. On and then off again about 2 minutes later right in Whistler Village and walking to the venue.



Apres still going strong!

Teppan Village tonight for Teppanyaki which is probably not surprising given the name. We all went for one of their signature teppanyaki set menus with the kids going for the kids teppanyaki. Pretty good mix around the group between The Village (mix of seafood, steak & chicken), The Ocean (seafood) and The Land (steak & chicken). Haven’t had teppanyaki for a while but C$68 for my choice of The Land seemed reasonable. Washed down with a couple of beers for good measure.

Lots of fun with the chef doing the usual teppanyaki show of fire, throwing things around and having the customers catch the food. Always entertaining. Seems socialising took preference over getting photos so just the below video of the chef’s performance.

We were now done for the evening. First day of skiing tomorrow so would need the rest. Grabbed a few breakfast items from the supermarket and then back on the shuttlebus to the Fairmont. Up to the room, freshen up and then bed. Looking forward to going up the mountain with NoName Jnr tomorrow.