The best food and drink options in whistler.
Mike and I are here in Whistler 2-3 months each year and we always take advantage of all the dining options just to see what’s new and of course, to visit old favorites. The food options here in Whistler (we’re here right now as I’m writing this) are pretty world-class, so if you’re here for more than just skiing, this is the best food on the Whistler list for you.
Whistler Blackcomb is one of the top rated ski resorts in North America, if not the world. With over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, the world’s longest gondola, and the cutest village ever, Whistler is a must-see. It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re a skier or snowboarder – there’s so much to see and do in the town of Whistler. Vipas, as the children say, are immaculate. Moreover, the food scene eats and leaves no crumbs.
Most of the best food and drink options lie in Whistler’s main village, which is at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. It’s a completely walkable, pedestrianized village that has super cool architecture with a mix of smaller houses and luxury hotels overlooking the castle. There are so many places to eat and drink and because the options seem endless, don’t waste your time with overdone and bad food. Here’s what to eat while in Whistler!
Need reservations in Whistler?
Whistler is busy. It is the largest resort in North America and attracts many people. This means, in general, you can’t walk into a hot ticket seat and expect to be seated. Reservations are a must in peak season, which is obviously winter, but also summer. If you have a must-visit restaurant, make a reservation to avoid disappointment. That said, some of the best eats in Whistler are casual options that don’t need reservations, such as almost everything on the list below:
BeaverTails
Have you gone skiing unless you end your ski vacation with a beaver tail? Beavertails are a distinctly Canadian flavor: wonderfully warm and crisp from the batter of whole-wheat pastries that are a combination of chewy and crisp. Think of them as a giant flat donut, shaped like—you guessed it—a beaver tail! My favorite is the classic cinnamon and sugar, but if you’re a toppings person, they have plenty to choose from. Indeed, there’s nothing quite like standing in the snow as the village lights twinkle, eating a hot and sweet steaming tail after a day on the slopes.
BeaverTails
4293 Mountain Square, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Open: 14:00 – 20:45
Chubby Ducks Donair, Kebab & Poutine
If you’re staying at an airbnb or somewhere that has a kitchen, but you don’t want to cook, but also don’t want to go out to eat, grab some food from Chubby Ducks! They have the best poutine in town, no question. It is not in the middle of the village, but it is just a short passage across the main road on one side. They are not an on-site meal, so keep that in mind. Also, they make the fries to order, so there’s always a bit of a wait, but it’s worth it! You can also order in advance to make it a little more efficient.
Chubby Ducks Donair, Kebab & Poutine
4122 Village Green Unit 9, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Open: 11-02:30
provisions
This is a newer, fast-casual restaurant brought to Whistler by the Toptable group, which is also behind Araxi and Bar Oso. It’s an all-day neighborhood cafe with 30 seats that seems constantly busy. It’s a pretty cool scene, but with that comes the inevitable fight for table seats. I think they intended it to be more of a grocery store, but Whistler is dying for a cozy cafe while it’s far from the cafe and it seems like all the non-skiers like to hang out here to watch the scene. That said, they do great coffee and pastries, so pop in, grab some and wander around the village for the ultimate Whistler experience.
provisions
4222 Village Square Unit 120, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Open: M-Th 08:00-17:00, Fri 7:30 am – 17:00
% Arabica Whistler Village
If you’re looking for an aesthetic cafe AND good coffee, a stop at % Arabica is a must. Direct from Kyoto, the Whistler location is the first this side of Canada, with the other two locations in Toronto. % Arabica is a cult coffee classic in Japan and they have brought that success to the rest of the world. Their custom-made espresso machines combine proprietary coffee blends that have notes of chocolate, nuts, caramel and wine. The shop itself is sleek, white and reminiscent of an ice cave, which is exactly what % Arabica was going for. Try their specialty lattes, each mixing a different coffee blend or single origin bean, the right amount of sweetness and condensed milk.
% Arabica Whistler Village
4295 Blackcomb Way #123, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Open: 08:00 – 18:00
Portobello
Located in the Upper Village within the gorgeous Fairmont Whistler, Portobello is a hidden gem for daytime dining. They have a big cozy room with lots of big tables for groups and corners to hang out. Breakfast and lunch are the times to hit Portobello, they have a huge selection of freshly baked pastries and build your own breakfast bowls or sandwiches. During high season, they also open at night with a Smokehouse dinner featuring juicy brisket and a variety of sides, including mac and cheese.
Portobello
4599 Chateau Blvd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Open: Sat-Th 07:00 – 15:00, Fri 07:00 – 15:00; 5 – 8:30 p.m
Splitz Grill
Splitz is a local favorite and has been for what seems like forever. It’s close to Whistler’s premier grocery store, Fresh Street Market, and while it seems like a long walk from the slopes, it really isn’t, unless you’re in ski boots. I like it there. Just a classic, mountain burger, no fuss, no fuss. They have TVs where you can ask to watch your favorite team’s games as well as beer on tap. The burgers are juicy and made to order, with plenty of customization options, and their fries are crispy and piping hot. Mike always gets a burger and I always get chicken strips because chicken strips and skiing just go hand in hand in my mind.
Splitz Grill
4369 Main St, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Open: Sat-Th 11:00 – 21:00; Fri 11:00 – 22:00
That’s it for now! If you’re interested in reading and/or eating more, check out our Top Five Restaurants in Whistler.
