Whistler is home to countless luxurious hotels to stay in, along with some of the most expensive and high end estates, partially due to the proximity to nearby Vancouver, partially due to the jaw-dropping backdrop that living in Whistler provides. As I approach my 30’s, I have to admit that I appreciate those occasional opportunities to splurge on a higher end rental car, or order the lobster from that fancy restaurant, or say screw it and book a luxury villa in the mountains. Life in hostels or campgrounds is still fine, but when you’re gathering a group of friends together the extra room and extra quality is sometimes worth it. After being coaxed by some friends to look into a mountain getaway this winter, I began researching Whistler vacation rentals. Rather than leave my research to the dusty inbox of a handful of friends, I figured I’d compile it into a quick blog post here. In case there’s any other aging backpackers who have enough friends to go splitsies on the Ritz of Vacation Rentals.
For the hard-working class
Creekside Villa
Whistler, Whistler (BC), Canada
Sleeps 10: $1,188 – $3,588 / night
- 5 Bedrooms
- 7.5 Bathrooms (4 Ensuite)
This Whistler Rental Villa might give you a bit of sticker shock if you’ve never looked at luxury places before, but when you consider staying with 9 of your closets friends, you’ll realize that the nightly cost actually works out to be fairly close to typical hotel rates of $130-$200/night. But picture this, 5,000 square feet of living quarters. A homely, western red cedar log home that sits right across the street from Alpha Lake Park. Hit up the beach, smack a few tennis balls, go for a swim, canoe, fish, or take your kids to the playground. If you’re simply there for the nature, you’ll be happy to hear that this property is surrounded by the woods.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy the night after a long night on the slopes. This villahas fireplaces and mountain views galore, including two bars, a dining area, leather sofas, and a cappuccino machine. Sporting Five bedrooms and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, ski schools, and rentals. The Creekside Villa is a short five minute drive to Whistler Vilage and ten mins to the nearby local golf courses. Not bad!
For the upper class
Big Timber Chalet
Whistler, Whistler (BC), Canada
Sleeps 14: $4,506 – $8,971 / night
- 7 Bedrooms
- 7.5 Bathrooms
When you’ve got money to burn, or if you’re simply planning an important event such as a wedding or anniversary, spending what some might call expensive, then saying “screw it, might as well go all in”, is a simple road to go down. I can’t say for sure if it’s smart, but it’s certainly an option. Check out the Big Timer Chalet. This villa is perfect for nature junkies. A contemporary designs with countless ammenities, located just minutes away from Whistler Village, Whistler Blackcomb, and several nearby top tier golf courses.
If you want Canadian-Posh, look no further. Seven breath-taking bedrooms can sleep up to twelve guests. Shoo your kids off to the kids play-den, which is filledwith a games room and bunk beds. This year round villa rental is perfect inthe summer for nearby hiking and exploration, as well as a superb option for winter visitors taking in the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb. The views in this one will blow you away!
For the Oprah Rich
Stonebridge Retreat
Whistler, Whistler (BC), Canada
Sleeps 12: $11,470 – $13,928 / night
- 5 Bedrooms
- 7.5 Bathrooms (6 Ensuite)
When money is no longer an object and you’re able to not gasp for air upon seeing a nightly price of over $11,000, you know you’ve made it. You’re officially Oprah rich and able to make it rain on your friends and family. When you’re burning a hole through your pocket, consider checking out Stonebridge Retreat. This photo really says it all. It’s a stunning mountain property with lush grounds, nestled in between the mountains on a massive property in an exclusive Whistler neighbourhood. Sporting jaw-dropping views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountain views, this villa is a photographic paradise. The Stonebridge Retreat boasts easy access to skiing, dining, shopping.
The property features a modern take on the traditional lodge style homes you see throughout Whistler. Stonebridge includes five bedrooms, and comfortably sleeps twelve people. If you’re spending mad money on a wedding, the lucky couple will be happy to read that they also have access to a separate guest house, perfect for escaping the family. This luxury rental features several outdoor spaces to enjoy nature during the warmer months. After a long day on the slopes, snuggle up inside and take in the breath-taking panoramic views of the mountains.
Wake up early and get easy access to the fresh powder. Both Blackcomb Excalibur gondola is only 6 miles away, and the famous Peak 2 Peak gondola can be found 6.5 miles away. This means you’ll get a head start as long as you’re able to coax yourself into the cold after living in this amazing property for the evening. Your stay at this luxury villa also includes a chef as well as a chalet host, who will help plan and coordinate all tastes of travel throughout British Columbia. Experience luxury living at its finest at Stonebridge. Here’s to hoping we all have rich friends!