Anyone who knows their winter sports will have heard of Whistler. This compact resort town, located on the Sea to Sky Highway about an hour and a half north of Vancouver, is surrounded by the largest skiable area in North America and was the base for the 2010 Winter Olympics. It is a bit of a year-round mecca for outdoor pursuits, and indeed the array of activities on offer here is enough to keep any adrenaline junkie occupied for quite some time. However, the stunning alpine location also lends itself to some more genteel pastimes, such as hiking on the many trails, finding a scenic picnic spot by the river, playing a round of golf, or wildlife spotting — black bears are often seen on the nearby hills.

The village itself is situated in two distinct parts. Whistler Village is the main activity hub where you will find an eclectic range of restaurants, cafés, and bars, while five minutes away, Whistler Creekside — actually the original ski base and official location of the Olympics — is a quieter proposition with a handful of low-key services. Close to both are a series of lakes, which provide locals and visitors alike the opportunity to escape the bustling streets and take a stroll by, or paddle on/in, the water.