

A little way out of Whistler - about five minutes in the car if that - is a complex of accommodation called Whiskey Jack. It's pretty quiet and wooded so great for people wanting a bit more of a chilled time or with families. We were a couple and the apartment we had was massive. It was like flat sitting for a mate. Set over two floors, balcony, two double bedrooms, huge lounge with TV and a great kitchen and all for so much cheaper than we were being quoted for Whistler Village itself. The one downside is the drive to the slopes (although there's loads of parking in Whistler) and home from a night out which can limit your hedonism somewhat but for the money you save you can easily treat yourself to the odd cab.
Head office (where you need to go to pick up your keys: 4314 Main Street Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, Canada
+1 (604) 932 6599
Actual apartment complex: 2400 Cavendish Way
Whistler, BC
+1 (604) 932 6500
Google map: bit.ly/SixGn5
Fantastic exhibition of beautiful artworks by Bill Reid in downtown Vancouver.
Bill Reid was an acclaimed Haida master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer and spokesman, and one of Canada's greatest artists.
His artwork ranges from exquisite gold and silver jewellery to full sized totem poles and ocean-going canoes carved from massive timbers. These pieces embody his evolving interpretation of his native heritage and how he extended the traditional artistic vocabulary to embrace modern ideas and forms. He played a pivotal role in reviving interest in native art forms among the younger generations of Canada's First Nations, and in presenting those arts to a wider world.
There is a small entrance fee for the museum but it is worth every penny to see such a great collection of Reid's work gathered together under one roof.
www.billreidgallery.ca
639 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 2G3
+1 604 682 3455
Google map: bit.ly/z0j18u
This is much larger than i had anticipated and could be a full day trip with a picnic. The walk or preferably a cycle around the water's edge is a good starting point but there is so much more to it. Go up to the viewing point to see Vancouver beneath you - cruise liners and sea planes etc. A great way to start a Canadian adventure.
vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/
Google map: bit.ly/nwh96q
I had booked a standard SUV for our three-week trip for four adults. We had a Ford Edge from Alamo at Vancouver airport. It was ideal as it took all the luggage and allowed us to sit high to take in the views. A top of the range model that made driving to Vancouver Island and then across to Calgary a pleasure. I booked through Trailfinders in the UK who were excellent brokers. Check-in was speedy and return at Alamo in Calgary airport was almost instant. Highly recommended.
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