While Whistler is well known as one of the world’s leading ski resorts, the stunning landscape and mountain vistas double up as the perfect summer playground. The annual spring thaw reveals miles of mountain trails and luscious backcountry, so it’s hardly surprising that this Canadian resort proves so popular with dog lovers.
If you’re planning a summer getaway to Whistler, check out these dog-friendly hotels and activities for some V-I-Pooch treatment.
As one of the most pet-friendly hotels in Whistler, The Aava has seen animals of all shapes and sizes pass through its Bavarian-style entrance. From porcupines to snakes, and ferrets to house rabbits, seemingly nothing surprises the friendly front desk staff who offer a warm welcome complete with cuddles and vegan doggy treats!
In contrast to the exterior, the hotel’s lobby and 192 rooms are contemporary and modern. Take a seat at the lobby’s long communal table situated next to a requisite fireplace with contrasting stone wall and watch the comings and goings of the hotel residents. Inside the spacious rooms, a colour palette of soft neutrals is contrasted by wooden feature walls and the double walk-in rainfall showers are most welcome after a day of outdoor adventures.
The hotel’s proximity to Whistler’s mountain trails make it particularly popular with biking enthusiasts, and the bike vault, bike valet, wash and tool station are all offered at no extra charge. Hire a GoPro Hero 5 HD camera from reception (also free of charge) and head out on a long bike ride with your dog. Edit your footage later on while sipping a cappuccino at the hotel’s Nespresso Café Corner.
Up to two dogs per person can stay at the hotel and the hotel operates a $25 CAD one-time charge for dogs, to cover any additional housekeeping services.
At Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre all 83 suites allow pets (cats and dogs) and the Service One Team at reception even provide a blanket, bowls, poop bags and treats for each pet guest. A maximum of two pets per suite are allowed and a charge of $25 CAD per pet per night is charged for additional cleaning. $5 CAD of every fee charged is donated to the Whistler Animals Galore animal shelter, and the hotel raised an impressive $4,800 CAD in 2018 alone.
The modern residence-style suites are tastefully decorated, and soft earth tones fit perfectly with the reddish-brown wood furniture. Each suite has a gas fireplace and full kitchen with granite counters and stainless-steel appliances, and the private balconies offer village or mountain views. Stunning photographs hanging from the walls add an injection of colour, each boasting a different view of the Whistler scenery.
The hotel offers an abundance of amenities too, and The Whistler Day Spa is located just off the lobby. The mountain recovery massage is their signature treatment using Swedish relaxation techniques that incorporate a herbal topical pain reliever, China-Gel. The treatment is designed to ease sore muscles and promote circulation – perfect after a long Whistler dog walk. Take advantage of the local dog sitting services while you indulge in some much-needed R&R.
Don’t forget to share images of your pet’s stay at Pan Pacific using the hashtag #pawsatpanpacific.
It’s worth noting that there are two Pan Pacific locations in Whistler, and only Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre is dog friendly.
As you pass through the stone floors of the lobby of Summit Lodge, plush tufted couches and armchairs invite you to take a seat beside an inviting fireplace. Take a look at the hotel walls where you’ll see bold, playful photographs of dogs adding a playful feel to this traditional mountain lodge. The playful tone is continued throughout with quirky artwork on the walls and retro-style lamps.
Expect cuddles (for your dog) from front desk staff before you’ve even picked up your room key and check out the VIP pets board where you’ll likely see your pets name! The “dogs stay free” policy was allegedly introduced by the two canine members of staff, Talitha and Zoe, two office Rottweilers who can often be seen playing with tennis balls, bones or sleeping on their thrones.
Each of the 81 deluxe studios, executive and one-bedroom suites, are decorated with flashes of pink, blue and green; a striking and tasteful contrast against the charcoal gray furniture and granite kitchen countertops.
Just a few steps from the hotel you’ll find Rainbow Park and a dog-specific beach known as Barking Bay. Off-leash times are before 10am and after 8pm in the main park but dogs can run off-leash all day long in the designated dog area. Lost Lake Park is also not far away and Canine Cove is a favourite sandy beach spot among local dog owners.
There are dining options aplenty in the very same building as Summit Lodge, and Elements Urban Tapas Parlour serves up a famous French toast recipe and legendary egg dishes. Alternatively, dine on casual Japanese cuisine including sushi, tempura, noodles, and hot pots at Sachi Sushi.
If a comfy bed tops your list of hotel requirements, look no further than the Delta Hotel – home to arguably the most comfortable mattresses in all of Whistler.
The hotel has a modern feel while still maintaining a rustic mountainside ambience. The lobby’s tile-floor is complemented beautifully by intimate seating areas, a cosy fireplace and an array of mismatched chairs. Wooden book cases with an abundance of reading material and vases add to the charm.
The dog-friendly rooms are spacious and decorated in contemporary shades of brown, beige and white with espresso accent walls striking an attractive tone against the white bed linen. Blond wood furniture makes the room feel light and airy, and balconies with mountain or village views are standard throughout.
The famous Olympic Rings of Whistler’s Olympic Plaza are just a three minute walk away and while there are a number of dog-friendly patios in the area, Brewhouse is a legendary local watering hole. While it does get busy during the summer months, the staff are only too happy to provide a water bowl on hot days for your dog. While you may have to wait for a space on this perfect patio, the window-shopping nearby is sure to keep you occupied. Pick up a great read at Armchair Books or browse the rails of Lululemon Athletica where you’ll find functional and fashionable yoga clothing and activewear perfect for your Whistler adventure.
Back at the hotel, the onsite Hy’s Steakhouse is the place to enjoy Prime-grade steaks, cold martinis and trademark warm hospitality, while expert pet sitters take care of the doggy!
If your dog dreams of waking up in a chateau surrounded by miles of walking trails and fresh mountain air, look no further than the Fairmont Chateau. The Fairmont’s exclusive dog program – The Furrmont Club, means your pooch will benefit from plush dog beds and dog bowls on arrival. They even provide complimentary dog towels for scrubbing those muddy paws after a day on the mountain trails or dog-friendly beaches.
It’s hard not to be impressed by the grandeur of the 550-room Fairmont Chateau, perched amid a number of Bavarian-style buildings near to Whistler Village. While the décor is typical of a Fairmont, there’s a definite blend of classic luxury and mountain charm with stone-tiled walls and exposed wooden beams.
Take advantage of the hotel’s dog sitting service and enjoy dinner at Wildflower, where chefs serve up delicious Northwest cuisine and extensive “by the glass” wine selections. During the warm, summer evenings, enjoy alfresco dining with a view on The Wildflower’s garden patio.
The heated indoor and outdoor pools play underwater music, providing something of a rather different audio experience, and two eucalyptus steam rooms really invigorate the senses.
The peaceful roads in this part of the village are perfect for dog walks, and Whistler Village is just 15 minutes away. The Fairmont’s Upper Village location means you’ll be close to the action of the Village without being in it.
The Listel Hotel takes the comfort and happiness of its doggy residents extremely seriously – they even provide a checklist and advice on how to help your dog settle in to his new surroundings. While the hotel has a central location, its position in a quiet cul-de-sac off the main stroll means guests can enjoy the best of all worlds.
The tile-floored lobby is atmospheric and modern, and an adjoining door leads into the world’s coldest ice bar, the Ketel One Ice Room. Sampling the huge selection of vodkas is sure to warm you up but the Bearfoot Bistro, Whistler’s premier fine-dining restaurant, is also onsite if that’s more your thing. Executive Chef Melissa Craig serves up a real celebration of the season with exceptional modern Canadian cuisine championed by food critics the world over.
All rooms boast a classic feel to their décor and layout, with light walls and blond wood furniture seeming to add to their spacious feel. Some of the rooms even inter-connect, ideal for families and groups. Touches such as in-room controlled heating mean you can keep your dog at exactly the right temperature, and the windows open too to allow in the fresh mountain air.
There are a limited amount of pet-friendly rooms available, so be sure to contact the hotel and check availability in advance. A charge of $25 CAD per night is applied to cover additional housekeeping and there are a few areas of the hotel where dogs are not allowed.
The Hilton Whistler is located right in the heart of Whistler Village with an abundance of shops and restaurants on its doorstep. With a minimum guest age of 25 during long weekends and public holidays, the hotel is ideal if your dog prefers a slightly quieter location.
The 287-room, four pearl hotel offers a warm welcome for dogs with a “pooch case” of toys, treats and pet sanitary items provided on check-in. The large rooms are decorated with warm color tones and light woods, and the salmon-coloured down duvets are particularly welcome after a busy day on the mountain.
Lavish Peter Thomas Roth bath and body products and specialty Lavazza Single Serve Coffee Makers are additional touches, and the on-site Cinnamon Bear Bar has won awards for its impressive vibe and drinks selection. Try the Polar Bear, a comforting mix of Bailey’s, peppermint Schnapps, hot chocolate and cream, or opt for a glass of Gehringer Dry Rock Merlot from the impressive wine list.
If you’re planning a day of adventure without your dog, drop him off at Alpine Dogs and let him make four-legged friends on a hike (under human supervision of course). All dogs are equipped with GPS collars for extra safety and peace of mind. They even provide training if your pooch is a little less obedient than you’d like!
All doggy residents are welcomed to Evolution Whistler with a pet bed, towel, two bowls for food and water, and a tasty treat. The hotel even offers two sizes of pet bed available to accommodate furry visitors, both large and small.
The spacious suites are adorned with autumnal tones, and notes of brown and orange are offset with flashes of beige and white. Ample seating, a large bed and warming fire adds to the cosy feel of the one, two- and three-bedroom suites. Large windows keep the room feeling light and airy, as well as offering views of Whistler.
The hotel is located just steps away from the less crowded Creekside Express Gondola and the Valley Trail is right on the doorstep. This means you can head out on a guided hike, try fishing in Whistler, or experience the thrill of zip lining.
Nearby Alpha Lake Park has a designated dog area where dogs can run off-leash all day. Known as Arfa Park, the big grassy field is the ideal way to let off steam and soak up the sunny rays of summer. Back at the hotel, grab a comfy seat for one of two daily movie viewings in the media room.