Travel for Goodwill: Give Back on Your Holiday Trip to Whistler

I’m a big fan of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Years ago, I toured its Vancouver home-away-from-home for children fighting critical illnesses and their families. When I was recently invited for a one-night stay at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre in support of three local charities, including Canuck Place, I was in.

Although I’m happy to say the Canuck Place Suite was booked during my visit (I stayed in the comfortable three-bedroom and den penthouse suite complete a deck perfect for curling up with a blanket in the mountain air), I got a chance to tour the beautifully appointed mountainside-view Canuck Place Suite. A portion of the room rate from a guest booking the suite is donated to Canuck Place, the only pediatric palliative care provider in B.C. and Yukon.

“It’s hard for anyone to imagine the journey some children with life-threatening diseases and their families go through,” says Denise Praill, chief executive officer (CEO) at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. “Guests who stay in Pan Pacific Whistler’s Canuck Suite can feel good knowing that 10 percent of revenues from year-round stays support Canuck Place families. In addition, each year, one or two of our families facing unimaginable circumstances stay in the suite for free.”

The Pan Pacific’s Purpose Trees initiative is also running at both of its Whistler locations, the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre and Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside. Guests can leave a donation and tie a ribbon on the tree until December 31, with the funds going toward Canuck Place, Whistler Animals Galore Society and Whistler Food Bank.

“The holidays are a time for giving, so we are proud to debut our Purpose Trees program, which will raise vital funds for all our charity partners,” says Julie Lanteigne, general manager of Pan Pacific Whistler Hotels. “We are inspired by the amazing work each of our partners does in the community every day, near and far. We hope the funds raised will make a meaningful difference.”

Since 2011, Pan Pacific Whistler has raised close to $200,000 for Canuck Place. All donations made to the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice via the Purpose Trees will be matched by the charity’s match partners.

Where to Dine in Whistler

1. The Raven Room in the Pan Pacific Whistler

Ranked 23rd on Canada’s Best 50 Bars list for 2024, The Raven Room is a popular, vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant, which has Christmas turned up to the max. Every inch, from the ceilings to the walls and everything in between, has been transformed by some of the most kitschy Christmas decor you’ve ever seen.

The scheme is led by the Miracle Pop-Up, launched in 2014 in Manhattan’s Mace bar. Originally, the idea was to bring holiday cheer, which included immersive decorations, themed glassware and festive cocktails, to different restaurants and bars. Today, Miracle Pop-up is a worldwide phenomenon, with restaurants such as The Raven Room being one of its many international locations to feature a Christmas-themed cocktail menu that is sure to lift your spirits.

The mountainside bar menu was another pleasant surprise. The tantalizing menu showcases Atlantic snow crab and whipped gorgonzola dips, pan-seared black cod and raw elk tartare, just to name only a few of its culinary delights. If you love cocktails, The Raven Room is renowned for its artistic and creative blends.

2. Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar

For a lot of travellers, the après-ski experience is just as important as the skiing itself. Even if you aren’t a skier like me, you can experience an upscale après ski at Araxi. Located in Whistler Village, this multiple award-winning culinary bar features a seafood-centric menu with a world-class wine list. Cozy up with B.C. albacore tuna tataki, fresh shucked oysters or a traditional aged gruyère fondue and local baby kale Caesar salad. Best of all, this fine dining restaurant has no dress code, so feel free to “ski in” for locally-inspired dishes paired with superb local B.C. wines.

Try These Hiking Trails in Whistler

Nothing is more recharging than a hike or walk through Whistler’s alpine trail system. One of my favourites is the Nita Lake trail. Stretching over 40 km, this picturesque path weaves past towering mountains, lush forests and pristine lakes. Another great (and longer) option is the 50 km Valley Trail, which links neighbourhoods, lakes, parks and mountain vistas.