Best Whistler Guest Guide - Q &A Format
Bike, Ski and Snowboard Rentals
Q: Where can I rent skis, snowboards & bikes in Whistler?
Spicy Sports offers premium rentals for skis, snowboards and bikes just a 5-minute walk from Best Whistler Rentals @ Skier’s Plaza. Located at 110-4557 Blackcomb Way, Spicy Sports offer online booking with up to 30% savings at BlackcombSkiRentals.com. For walk-in rentals use promo code 432 for 10% off. Derek’s tip: “Spicy has the best selection and rates in Whistler.” spicysports.com/ref/whistlerrentals
Q: Where can I find affordable bike rentals in Whistler Village?
Visit Whistler Sports Rentals – Gateway Bikes at 4205 Village Square. They offer downhill, trail, and e-bikes with pro maintenance and great prices. Derek’s tip: “Don’t rent without comparing—these guys offer unbeatable value.” Reserve at: https://funloops.com
Grocery Stores
Q: Where is the largest grocery store in Whistler?
Fresh St. Market in Whistler Marketplace offers the widest selection of fresh produce, ready meals, and a bakery. Derek’s tip: “It’s walkable and surrounded by useful shops—perfect for one-stop shopping.”
Q: Can I order groceries for pickup or delivery?
Yes! Use Sewak’s Independent Grocer for online ordering and pickup.(make sure to select Whistler Store Location) For Grocery order and delivery use Upper Village Market. Derek’s tip: “Upper Village Market is a small gem—with all the basics and treats just 5 minutes away." Tell them Coach Schu sent you:)
Dining
Q: What are the top fine dining restaurants in Whistler?
Wild Blue, Rimrock Café, Araxi, and Il Caminetto lead the list. Wild Blue offers Pacific Northwest cuisine and is rated among Canada’s Top 100. Derek’s tip: “Book early—Wild Blue is Whistler’s best new restaurant walking distance from Best Whistler Rentals”
Q: Where can I find the best breakfast in Whistler?
Wild Wood Café in Function Junction serves hearty portions and local favourites. Derek’s tip: “Biggest, best breakfast in Whistler—order The Giant.”
Q: What’s the best place for take-out or casual dining?
Try Portobello Market (Fairmont), Hunter Gather, or Barn Nork Thai. Derek’s tip: “Fast, quality comfort food—great for groups or nights in.”
Transportation
Q: What’s the best airport shuttle from Vancouver to Whistler?
Book LuxBus.com for private service with flight tracking and scenic stop options. Derek’s tip: “They’ll treat you like family—safe, smooth, stress-free.”
Q: What’s the most affordable way to get from Vancouver to Whistler?
EpicRides.ca offers the best value with frequent bus service from downtown Vancouver and YVR. Derek’s tip: “Hands down the cheapest and most reliable option.” Drop off in Whistler Village Centre only 5 minutes walk from Best Whistler Rentals dot com.
Indoor Activities
Q: Where can I work out or stay active indoors in Whistler?
Visit Altitude Fitness in Creekside, The Core Climbing Gym in the Village, or Meadow Park Sports Centre. Each offers state-of-the-art facilities for fitness and recreation. Derek’s tip: “The Core is a serious gym—no posers allowed and only 5 minutes walk from Best Whistler Rentals dot com.”
Q: What are fun indoor activities besides the gym?
Check out Audain Art Museum, Whistler Escape Room, Forged Axe Throwing, or Whistler Racket Club for tennis and pickleball. Great options for rainy days or off-slope fun. These are less than 5 minutes walk from Best Whistler Rentals dot com
Private Chefs & Catering
Q: Can I hire a private chef in Whistler?
Yes—Chef Frédéric Royer, Chef Mike Caron, and Chef Koji Chiba all offer in-home dining experiences. For catering, try Whistler Cooks or Picnic Whistler. Derek’s tip: “Chef Frédéric’s food will blow you away—perfect for a special night in.” All Best Whistler Rentals feature fully equipped kitchens.
Babysitting & Dog Boarding
Q: Where can I find a babysitter in Whistler?
Use Babysitting Whistler for trusted childcare at your accommodation, available day or night. All Best Whistler Rentals dot com offer free Pack n’ Play(s) & High Chair(s).
Q: Are there dog boarding services near Whistler?
Yes, several options include Ruth’s Pet Hotel, Ruff Stuff Dog Services, and Country Ranch Dog Boarding. All located within 30 mins of Best Whistler Rentals dot com.
Luggage Shipping & Storage
Q: Can I ship my skis or luggage to Whistler in advance?
Yes, use Ship Skis, Luggage Forward, or Luggage Free. Contact your hosts at Best Whistler Rentals dot com to arrange a temporary delivery address for early shipments.
For Whistler Village Centre storage, visit Whistler Bag Storage.
Best Whistler Guest Guide: Rentals, Groceries, Dining & Local Tips
Welcome to Whistler! We’ve called this mountain town home for over 15 years, raising our family here and enjoying everything it has to offer in every season. From powder-filled winters to bike-filled summers (and everything in between), Whistler has a way of capturing your heart. As hosts, we love helping guests make the most of their stay, so we’ve put together this guide with our favorite local tips for rentals, groceries, dining, and more.
Bike, Ski & Snowboard Rentals
After so many winters on these mountains, we’ve learned that having the right gear makes all the difference. The shops we’ve listed here are ones we trust for their quality, convenience, and friendly staff. Plus they’re just a short walk from your door.
Spicy sports - Base of Blackcomb
Why we like it: Huge selection, friendly techs, 5-minute walk from your door.
Whistler Sports Rentals – Gateway Bikes (Locally Owned)
Downhill, trail, e-bikes, cruisers, kids’ bikes & trailers. Expert service and value—ideal for Valley Trail days.
Location: 4205 Village Square (by Conference Centre & Taxi Loop) Funloops.com
Giant Bikes Rental Centre — New for 2025
Brand-new fleet tuned after every ride; safe, reliable, great value.
Location: 4205 Village Square
Grocery Stores & Delivery
Fresh St. Market (Marketplace)
Largest selection of fresh produce, bakery and ready-to-eat—walkable from your townhome.
Derek’s tip: One-stop shop with pharmacy, liquor and fast food next door.
Sewak’s Your Independent Grocer (Pickup Available)
Order online; open 7:00am–10:00pm.
Phone: 604-932-1128 • Address: 8200 Bear Paw Trail
Visit site
Upper Village Market (Local Favourite)
Full-line grocer with gift baskets and prepared foods; 5-minute walk beside the Fairmont.
Order here
Nesters Market (+ Pharmacy & Liquor)
Great value, quality and selection; ~3 km away. Pre-arrival concierge delivery available.
Order delivery here
Fridge Full — Groceries & Ready Meals
Easy online ordering and door delivery for fully stocked fridges and catered meals.
Order delivery here
Blackcomb Liquor Store (Open Late)
Boutique wines, premium spirits, cold beer—near the Fairmont. Why we like it: Sommelier-run; great finds.
Dining: Our Shortlist
These are the places I go back to again and again, and I’m always excited for guests to try them too.
Wild Blue (Top 100 in Canada)
Elevated Pacific Northwest cuisine; book early
Red Door Bistro (Creekside)
Intimate 40-seat French-West Coast spot; reservations open 3 months ahead.
Rimrock Café
Legendary service; seafood & steaks in a cozy, upscale room.
Araxi
Village icon with award-winning wine list; consistently excellent.
Bearfoot Bistro
For a memorable night—cellar tour & sabering fun.
Hy’s Steakhouse
Best steaks in Whistler; great bar program.
Sushi Village
Vibrant, iconic, and social—don’t miss the sake margarita.
Casual & Take-Out Faves
Caramba (Mediterranean)
The Keg (reliable steaks)
Royal Taste of India (top Indian)
Dusty’s (BBQ at Creekside)
Creekbread (thin-crust pizza)
Ed’s Bred (vegan sourdough bakery)
OSO (cocktails + bites)
Christine’s on-mountain (book for views)
Portobello (sandwiches/soups)
Hunter Gather (comfort food)
Brewhouse (rotisserie & pizza)
Il Caminetto (upscale Italian)
RMU (burgers)
Barn Nork (authentic Thai)
HandleBar Pizza (by Blackcomb Gondola; order online).
Private Chefs & Catering
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to meet some incredible local chefs, and these are my top recommendations if you want a memorable in-home dining experience.
Whistler Cooks
Full-service events to drop-off catering using seasonal local ingredients.
Picnic Whistler
Beautiful charcuterie boxes and tables; perfect for arrivals or celebrations.
The Collective Kitchen
From intimate dinners to large gatherings—custom menus and spotless kitchens.
Chef Frédéric Royer
Mediterranean bistronomy, bespoke in-home menus.
Chef Mike Caron
Market-fresh, high-end in-home dining.
Chef Koji Chiba (Private Sushi)
Elevated sushi experience at home.
Family Services
Babysitting
Babysitting Whistler — day or evening sitters Book here
Dog Boarding
Ruth’s Pet Hotel
Ruff Stuff Squamish
Annie Let The Dogs Out
Country Ranch
Luggage Shipping & Storage
Ship Ahead (Skis & Bags)
ShipSkis
Luggage Forward
Luggage Free—door-to-door global service.
Note: We can provide a local business address for pre-arrival deliveries.
Bag Storage (Village)
Whistler Bag Storage—large lockers steps from the gondolas.
Indoor Activities (Weather-Proof)
Gyms & Fitness
Altitude Fitness (Creekside)
The Core Climbing & Fitness (Village)
Meadow Park Sports Centre (pool, rink, courts)
Culture & Fun
Audain Art Museum
Escape! Whistler,
Whistler Racket Club
Forged Axe Throwing
Getting Around (Car-Free Tips)
Walk the pedestrian-only Village Stroll; you’re steps from lifts at Skier’s Plaza and the Blackcomb Gondola.
Explore farther on the Valley Trail (snow-maintained in winter, e-bike friendly in summer).
Transit & Taxis
Frequent buses north–south; kids 12 & under ride free.
Taxis run 24/7 and can handle skis, bikes & pets.
Airport & Private Transfers
Whistler Executive Transportation (Private)
Flight-tracked YVR pickups, scenic stops, and flexible schedules.
Book here
EpicRides (Shuttle)
Downtown Vancouver and YVR options; best value for groups on a budget.
Book here
We hope this Whistler guide helps you plan the perfect trip, whether you’re looking for the best ski and snowboard rentals, local grocery stores, top restaurants in Whistler, or insider tips from long-time residents. With so many activities, dining options, and services just steps from your door, Whistler is a destination that truly has something for everyone. Bookmark this guide, and enjoy an unforgettable stay in the mountains!
- Angela & Derek (Hosts)