It is easy to think that when you live in a small town your days of exploration are numbered, limited by space and amenities. Whistler, however, begs to differ. The only barrier to a staycation here in Whistler is your mind, and possibly the clock, as there never seems enough time to fit everything in. In seeking out a new view, I have recently discovered my new favorite spot for cocktail hour – and in the heat – a bottle of water is my flavor of choice while rounding out 9 holes of golf at Nicholas North Golf Course.

The speed of my golf game always offers time to admire the surroundings but at Nick North it is hard not to blame every missed swing on the distraction of the vista laid out in front of your game. Thankfully, the Sunday Backyard BBQ awaiting at the end – on a few key Sundays over the summer – keeps you moving along if you catch a whiff on course….it is truly a wonder more bears don’t RSVP as well. The buffet is set up on The Den’s stunning patio and offers a variety of salads, an assortment of vegetables and side dishes such as baked beans, grilled corn on the cob, roasted potatoes and sautéed vegetables…..all before you reach the chef’s BBQ bounty of grilled salmon, Maui ribs and pork.

Now understandably, any chef would be pleased to spend his evening tending to the open BBQ on a sunny patio as Papa Josh rolls out tunes, but here I have to say the sunny and welcoming nature of our BBQ captain was only rivaled by the sunset over Green Lake…..and possibly the nice selection of wines offered at 50% off on Sundays. While you do have the choice of a solo trip to the BBQ or an All You Can Eat adventure, I was thankful that we managed to leave a little room for the server’s recommendation of Chocolate Caramel Tart – with ice cream of course.

Yes, to the city naysayer who believes options are held within the physical space we live in, I would have to contest. If you have run out of new views in Whistler then you are under achieving, our scenic spots are truly endless.