There’s a huge attraction to planning meetings and events in Whistler. The environment is known to detract from day-to-day stressors while invoking focus and inspiration. World-class attractions, events and dining add a new dimension to the mix.
It really is a wonderful environment for team building, corporate retreats, product launches, conferences, and seminars – you name it! Here’s 4 reasons to choose to hold your meetings and events in Whistler.
PC: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane.
Unique Meetings and Events Venues
Breaking away from the chain hotels, Whistler is home to a number of unique venues ideally suited to meetings and events. Our top 3 would be:
Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre
The Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre is a feast for the senses. Their website explains: ‘Animate your occasion with cultural enhancements through performance or workshop, or enjoy an indigenous-inspired feast through our fabulous in-house catering team.’
The Great Hall and The Mezzanine Patio are both great spaces, but the Istken Hall is definitely the cherry on top. Wrap around windows really bring the outside in, and stunning beams and joists add intriguing character to the space.
PC: Tourism Whistler/Destination Canada
Audain Art Museum
The contemporary architecture of the Audain Art Museum lends itself perfectly to meetings and events in Whistler. Large open spaces are essentially a blank canvas, which make creating a unique experience all the more possible.
The Cressey Hall is a popular space for events, however we were taken aback by the Upper Gallery. As the website explains the space offers: ‘access to elements of the current temporary exhibition juxtaposed with views of the forest, this space will immerse your guests in art and the environment simultaneously.’
Nita Lake Lodge
Located in the more secluded part of town, Nita Lake Lodge is nestled on a beautiful glacier-fed lake in Whistler’s Creekside neighborhood. The Lodge is home to several unique venues including the Train Station, and Library, but the stand-out space for many event planners is Aura.
Aside from the main dining room, Aura is home to a private ‘Chef’s Table’ as well as a Private Dining Room. Oversized windows frame the lake view incredibly and there are a number of access points to the lakeside patio too.
Great For Solopreneurs Too!
There are plenty of great places to escape to and get work in Whistler. When we need some time to focus or inspire we head here:
Space
Space is a 24/7, secure-access office space in Whistler’s Function Junction. Day passes start from $25 and offer access to flexible work spaces, meeting rooms, and call booths. Added amenities include a full kitchen, cozy lounge with fireplace, and Bose Sound System.
PC: Space/Mirae Campbell
Whistler Library
This is a wonderful resource in the heart of Whistler Village. Whistler Library is the place to go for any scanning, photocopying or printing needs. They have 12 P.C.s available, which offer free internet access, as well as venue rental starting at $40 per hour.
Fix Café
Just in search of a great place to get some work done or hold an informal meeting? Fix Café in Whistler Creekside is a locals’ favourite. As well as organic teas and coffees and tasty treats, Fix Café provide free wi-fi and plenty of power outlets for your devices.
Team Building in Whistler
Meetings and events in Whistler seem to naturally gravitate towards team building. With abundant exploration opportunities, adrenaline-fuelled activities, and good old-fashioned mountain spirit, it’s the perfect opportunity to encourage and build peer relations.
PC: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane
ATV
An ATV tour literally puts you in the driving seat of your Whistler adventure. This is an opportunity to experience some back-country terrain and really get your hands dirty. The guys at Canadian Wilderness Adventures do a great job and welcome groups with gusto. They’re very flexible to your requirements and may even be able to combine experiences and tailor a unique adventure/package to suit your team.
Ziplining
Another popular pastime in Whistler is ziplining – and rightly so! We love to fly with Superfly Ziplines. They’re based away from Whistler Village out on Cougar Mountain, which provides a more remote experience. Fly high above old-growth forest as you zoom from mountain to mountain on custom-built, tandem lines highlighted by two of Canada’s longest (at over 1km long).
Alpine Riding
Relatively new on the scene in Whistler is Alpine Riding. A-frames provide an incredibly unique way to see Whistler Blackcomb and explore the world-famous bike park trails. And it’s not as intimidating as it sounds! We found that the A-Frames are actually very intuitive to master, and the shift in body weight/centre of gravity will have you tackling the berms in no time. Check out their website and discover another way to ride!
Down Time in Whistler
When considering meetings and events in Whistler be sure to schedule some down time too. There’s lots of options available. Here’s what we would choose to do:
The Spa At Nita Lake Lodge
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Spas In BC by BC Living, this organic spa has everything you need to restore your body and mind. From body scrubs and RMT to Hydrafacial and manicures, The Spa At Nita Lake Lodge provides an unforgettable experience in a welcoming setting in Whistler Creekside. Enquire about their group bookings and they will be happy to create a special day tailored for you.
Scandinave Spa
A popular way for visitors to pass time in Whistler is Scandinave Spa. This outdoor hydrotherapy experience is based on a Scandinavian hot-cold-rest cycle. Visitors have access to a steam room, sauna, hot tubs and cold plunges, and are actively encouraged to refrain from speaking. If you need an hour alone with your thoughts, Scandinave Spa is for you.
Vallea Lumina
This incredible multimedia experience will undoubtedly be a stand-out memory for your group. Launched in summer 2018, and currently a summer-only activity, Vallea Lumina takes explorers on a journey in search of hidden wonders. It’s a great group activity: suitable for most people and can be undertaken at your own pace. For a more in-depth synopsis check out our dedicated Vallea Lumina post.
Any Other Business
We’d like to think that Whistler ticks all of your meetings and events needs. If you’re considering inviting your team to the mountains but need more information, please feel free to Tweet us @NitaLakeLodge. We’d be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, or at the very least point you in the right direction!