Posts tagged with “Summer”

There are very few summertime events in Whistler that can be considered one for the locals.  The attendance at most outdoor events, whether it be a concert, Crankworx, or even the oft-scoffed yet oft-attended Full Moon Party series, is usually a pretty solid 50-50 mix between local and tourist…. sometimes more, sometimes less.

Not today, however – July 28th was the date for the first annual Flash Mob Floatie Party!

For those that weren’t there… sorry to say but you missed out.  Who am I kidding, I’m not really that sorry.  There was plenty of buzz around town, and if you had checked your Facebook account in the past month you would have probably seen an invite.  If you didn’t receive one, you probably have either not been in town that long, or your friends don’t like you.

I’d say everything went off without a hitch – aside from the frustratingly high amount of garbage left behind.  Luckily there were even more good people spending a few minutes to pick up litter.  If that was you… gold star!  It’s in the mail.

I had a lack of photos because I spent most of my day on the water and chilling with my new puppy friend, Doya – she was taking up most of my time (and pretty much every female in a 20 meter radius).  But here are a few random snaps from the afternoon that will make you jealous, and that will make sure you don’t miss it next year!

The scene... not too shabby

Icebreaker, anyone?

not a bad place to drop some beats, eh?

"Here, let me take a pic for you. No I insist. Please can I take a picture?"

If there is a next year… Fingers crossed!

Whistler Olympic Plaza Will Host Free Concerts August 10-11 Including Arkells And Said The Whale

 Crankworx Whistler will be back August 10-19, 2012 and besides offering the most intense mountain bike action in the world, Whistler Olympic Plaza will play host to some of Canada’s hottest musical acts. The Bud Light Crankworx Concert Series will drop free concerts on Friday, August 10 and Saturday, August 11. These concerts in Whistler Olympic Plaza are partially funded by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) through the Province of British Columbia’s Resort Municipality Initiative grant.

Friday, August 10 features the high-energy rock of Young Empires and Arkells starting at 8pm at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Young Empires are a four piece world beat, “haute rock” band that released a debut album called “Wake All My Youth” in February 2012. Watch their interactive video at www.whitedoves.me.

Young Empires will be followed by Arkells, the band awarded “Best Group Of The Year” at the 2012 Junos – Canada’s music awards. They are one of the country’s most acclaimed rock groups and have also taken home the Canadian Music Week Indie Award for Favourite Live Artist/Group; and a Canadian Radio Music Award for FACTOR Breakthrough Artist. Their latest album “Michigan Left” combines the bombast of Bruce Springsteen, the infectious 80′s R&B sounds of Hall & Oates and the delicate studio touches of Spoon; resulting in a sound that is undeniably that of the Arkells. http://arkells.ca/ Read more

David Buzzard photo

The Bull’s-Eye Canadian National BBQ Championships return to Whistler for the 11^th year in a row, adding a little extra sizzle to the August long weekend. From August 3 through 5, BBQ chefs from all over North America will compete for the honour of “Canadian Champion.” Up for grabs is $5,000 in cash and prizes, and an invitation to the World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Tennessee and World Barbecue Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. For spectators at this year’s competition at Dusty’s Bar & BBQ in Creekside there are plenty of things to see, do, and taste.

“The BBQ Championships is a ‘must experience’ event for meat lovers,” said Joshua Kearns, Dusty’s Bar & BBQ Manager at Whistler Blackcomb. “With great music, a mechanical bull, and mouthwatering food and drink, it’s a great way to spend the B.C. Day long weekend.”

New this year, on Saturday and Sunday, guests can purchase one dollar tokens to participate in activities such as the mechanical bull ride or a BBQ food sampler (while quantities last). There will also be hourly prize draws.

Friday, August 3: Festivities Kick-Off

• 4 p.m. BBQ Judging Class takes place. This course is taught by judges of the Pacific Northwest BBQ Association and educates “wanna-be” judges on how to rate the food that is served over the weekend.
• 9 p.m. Dusty’s presents Whole Lotta Led, a Led Zeppelin tribute band. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.

Saturday, August 4: Local’s BBQ Day

12 p.m. – 5 p.m. local rock band Ruckus Deluxe will be entertaining the crowd.

Amateur BBQ aficionados compete for a chance to win over $2,000 in cash and prizes, split among the winners of the days’ events.

• 1 p.m. the Backyard BBQ Burger Competition presented by Bull’s-Eye BBQ Sauce takes place. The winning burger earns the honour of being featured on Dusty’s Bar & BBQ menu for a year.
• 2 p.m. the C.A.S.I International Chili Championships.
• 3 p.m. the Budweiser King of the Grill competition takes place and requires contestants to submit their best grilled or smoked item cooked on-site to the judges. Each dish must consist of a meat or vegetable or combination of the two. Registration for the King of the Grill, Chili Championships and Burger Competition is open to the public and can be done online.

7 p.m. is the mouthwatering Whole Hog BBQ Dinner. In addition to pork, the dinner includes: baked beans, tossed greens, and Dusty’s famous buns and butt rub mayo. Tickets are $20 and available on site.

9 p.m. the day will be rounded out by music from The Matinée. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Dusty’s.

Rich Glass Photo, courtesy Whistler Blackcomb

Sunday August 5: The Main Event 

Professional BBQ chefs will battle it out for the title of ‘Canadian Champion” in five categories:

• 11 a.m. Pork Butt judging
• 11:30 a.m. Ravenswood Cork & Pork judging
• 12:00 p.m. Beef Brisket judging
• 1:00 p.m. Chicken judging
• 2:00 p.m. Ribs judging
• At 4:30 p.m. the awards ceremony will commence. Pacific Northwest BBQ Association (P.N.W.B.A) judges will score all entries with 25 per cent weighted on appearance, 25 per cent weighted on texture/tenderness and 50 per cent assigned to taste.

9 p.m. Darren Lee and the Memphis Flash – A Tribute to Elvis will take the stage at Dusty’s. Tickets are $10 at the door.

For more information the Bull’s-Eye Canadian National BBQ Championships please visit Whistler Blackcomb’s event page.

Italian words and phrases have a tendency of turning the ordinary into something spectacular; words like cappuccino, gelato, Mafioso, vino, and even spaghetti sounds really exotic if you say it just right. Via Ferrata is just such a word, except it’s not transforming the ordinary into the spectacular – Via Ferrata is spectacular.

Via Ferrata is the Italian word for “the Iron Way,” a system of cables and iron fixed into the mountainside allowing access to mountain terrain previously only available to rock climbers and adventurers. Originating in Italy during wartime as a means of moving troops quickly and safely through steep mountain terrain, Via Ferrata has morphed into a one-of-a-kind adventure activity.

This week local photographer Erik Mauer and I had the chance to walk Whistler’s Via Ferrata with an adventurous Washington, DC couple and led by our guide Matt of Whistler Guides. After gearing up with ice axes, helmets, harnesses and safety sauce, aka sunscreen, we began our trek to the base of the climb.

A short & mellow hike brought us almost immediately to the Whistler glacier and the chance to put our ice axes to use. That said, by this point in the tour the most used piece of equipment in the group was the camera. It’s easy to be amazed by the mountains and, even though the Peak-area of Whistler is my winter playground of choice and I see it daily from my home patio, I’m always awed when I stop to really look at it.

Now, gazing up at what we were about to climb, awe turned to “This looks awesome, let’s get’er done.” As an avid rock climber I was curious to see how the Via Ferrata would stack up against and feel different to rock climbing. In rock climbing there is a certain amount of risk, strength, and technical skills required to climb a steep mountain face, however, the views, exposure, and feelings of adventure and of conquering a climb are like nothing else.

Whistler’s Via Ferrata offers all of the perks of climbing, but with no experience necessary and the added bonus of a knowledgeable guide who also doubles as cameraman. And trust me, you’ll want both!

The actual climbing starts off pretty mellow and progressively becomes more difficult but is always fun. As you begin feeling more confident, try using the iron steps less and less and ascend the mountain using the natural rock features for foot and handholds. You’ll really get a sense of what it’s like to be on the side of a mountain climbing up it. Either way, you’re bound to have fun!

Maybe the best part though, is popping out over the top of the climb and watching jaws drop and eyes pop as tourists exploring Whistler’s Peak via chairlift are shocked someone would climb up. The comments are predictable and you’ll feel pretty good about yourself walking around the tourist area with an ice axe on your back – you can just feel the admiring eyes on you in this moment, your moment of Edmund Hillary-esqu glory. Bask in it. After all, you deserve it; you just climbed Whistler’s Via Ferrata!

Buona fortuna!

Check out Whistler Guides to climb the Via Ferrata or to try out other adventure mountain pursuits. Their professional guides are passionate about the mountains, know how to travel safely through them, and are a lot of fun to be around. To book a Whistler Guides tour check out their website www.whistlerguides.com

Close to Half a Million Free Slurpee® Drinks up for Grabs on July 11!

7-Eleven® Celebrates 43 Years in Canada 

VANCOUVER, B.C. – July 4, 2012 – It has become a long-standing and much-anticipated tradition. Each summer, 7-Eleven Canada serves up hundreds of thousands of free Slurpee drinks to toast the company’s birthday – and this year is no exception. Over 470 stores from B.C. to Ontario will be giving away 1,000 7.11 ounce Slurpee drinks to customers. The big day? Wednesday, July 11 between 11:00am and 7:00pm or while stocks last.

The fun and colourful giveaway is one of the largest of its kind in Canada marking not only more than four decades of growth in the country but also the brand’s 85 years in existence.

Die-hard fans and Slurpee newbies alike will have the chance to kick-off the summer in true Canadian style by enjoying a brightly coloured and refreshing Slurpee drink. In some cities, guests will even get the opportunity to meet Mr. Slurpee who will be touring the country to celebrate 7-Eleven’s birthday.

“It’s incredible to see just how the Slurpee has evolved over the years and how it has become a significant part of our everyday culture,” says Tim Donegan, vice president for 7-Eleven Canada. “It’s our birthday but we want the gifts to go to our loyal customers as a thank you for their continued support. There’s no better way to do this than through the one and only Slurpee drink that everyone loves.”

Slurpee Capital of the World

For the 13^th consecutive year, Manitoba has been crowned the Slurpee Capital of the World for having the highest average number of Slurpee cups sold per store in a region. But its challengers are getting closer – Calgary and Detroit are hot on the heels of the Slurpee-loving Manitobans claiming second and third place respectively.

“It’s always a close battle but ultimately it’s a friendly one in North America,” says Donegan. “That said, we want to keep first place in Canada!”

To ensure visitors are reminded of this passionate past-time from the get-go, 7-Eleven is opening a store at Winnipeg airport in the fall and our store on Portage and Rouge is back having re-opened in June.

New Summer Flavours

To kick off the summer, 7-Eleven Canada has introduced a number of new Slurpee flavours including:

• Crush Lite Cream Soda®: 30% fewer calories than regular Crush Cream Soda®, with the same great taste
• Exclusive Mountain Dew flavour lineup: Mountain Dew Citrus Charge®, Mountain Dew Whiteout®, Mountain Dew Code Red® and Mountain Dew Blue Shock®

More information on Slurpee is available for Canadian consumers at www.slurpee.ca or www.facebook.com/slurpeecanada. 

Is there such a thing as the ultimate Whistler summer bike? This one comes pretty close I think, with its cruiser looks, fenders included, as well as a sneaky internally geared hub and mandatory basket on the front. What better way to arrive at the lakes in style? Think you’ve got a nicer summer bike? Let us know in the comments or drop us a line.

As Whistler Blackcomb transitions from winter to summer, a new variety of activities on and off the mountains become available, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for guests of Whistler Blackcomb.

“We’ve really been looking forward to our summer season this year,” says Doug MacFarlane, Mountain Manager at Whistler and Blackcomb. “It’s an exciting time because we have new products available to guests, including opening a new challenging bike trail in our Bike Park and introducing a breathtaking new sightseeing walk on Whistler Mountain. These and other new activities will expose our guests to unforgettable new ways of experiencing the mountains.”

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY AT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB:

Paul Morrison photo

“SPEARHEAD WALK”
As Whistler Blackcomb transitions into summer, the mountains’ abundant trail network returns from the depths of winter for guests to enjoy, featuring this season’s newest trail called The Spearhead Walk. Located on Whistler Mountain, the trailhead is accessed directly in front of the Roundhouse Lodge and is a short, 1km walk with slight elevation changes and features incredible alpine vistas. Alpine wildflowers also are in bloom during the summer months from late-July to early-September, accentuating the alpine experience with a wide range of beautiful colours.

“TOP OF THE WORLD” AT WHISTLER MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

New this summer, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park will open its first lift-accessed alpine mountain bike trail from the Peak Chair. The alpine mountain bike trail, named Top of the World, will descend from the summit of Whistler Mountain leading riders into the Garbanzo Zone of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. This expansion will increase the Bike Park’s vertical by 1,091 feet to a total of 4,946 feet, making it the largest and highest Bike Park in North America. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park officially opens May 18 and runs through to October 8. Top of the World is limited to 100 riders per day and costs an additional $15 to reserve a spot and purchase a ticket.

GLACIER SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
As temperatures rise and the summer season kicks into gear, guests can cool down by heading up to the Horstman Glacier for a day of skiing/riding. Beginning June 23, guests can check out the summer glacier experience from 12pm to 3pm daily until July 29. This summer the public terrain park has added new features including a toblerone box, a big round bar, elbow rail and two large metal tubes – perfect for pushing and improving park skills.

Upload to the Horstman Glacier starts at 11am from the base of Blackcomb Mountain via the Wizard Express and Solar Coaster Express to the Rendezvous Lodge. Guests then take a shuttle bus to 7^th Heaven Express which takes them to the top of Blackcomb Mountain. Sightseers are also welcome to check out the alpine vistas by following the same upload route. Lunch and great views are available at the Horstman Hut.

A number of ski and snowboard camps will also use the Horstman Glacier during the summer months and will have Olympic champions and the hottest pros in the industry as coaches. These camps are perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders and offer campers the opportunity to improve their jump and freestyle skills. For more information on skiing and riding on Horstman Glacier please visit, www.whistlerblackcomb.com/todo/summer/glacier.

Paul Morrison photo

PEAK 2 PEAK ALPINE EXPERIENCE
Beginning May 26, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will reopen for summer sightseeing through to October 8. Spanning the distance between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is the “must do” summer experience in Whistler.

The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola breaks three world records:

• At 436m (1,427ft) above the valley floor, it’s the highest lift of its kind
• The longest unsupported span at 3.024km (1.879mi)
• Part of the longest continuous lift system in the world (Whistler Village Gondola, PEAK 2 PEAK, Solar Coaster Express, Wizard Express loop)

And while the record-setting statistics are impressive, nothing compares to the experience itself. The journey between the two Mountains unveils a 360-degree window of Garibaldi Provincial Park and the Coast Mountain Range.

Toshi Kawano photo

FAMILY ADVENTURE ZONE PRESENTED BY NINTENDO
Head to the Family Adventure Zone presented by Nintendo, located in the Upper Village at the base of Blackcomb Mountain for a variety of activities guaranteed to keep the whole family happy. Opening June 16 until September 3,it’s a short walk from Whistler Village or take the Wizard Express Chairlift down Blackcomb Mountain. Activities include:

• Little Mountain Golf Centre
• Westcoaster Luge
• Blackcomb Trail Rides (horse & pony rides)
• Kiss the Sky Bungee Trampolines
• Batter-Up Batting Cage
• Hot Wheelz Go Carts
• Spider Web
• Balloon Slide and Bouncy Castle

Guests can order packages online of three activities for $25, five activities for $37 or ten activities for $72. Individual activities can also be purchased, prices vary. For more information and bookings please visit the Family Adventure Zone Presented by Nintendo page on the Whistler Blackcomb website.

FARMER’S MARKETS

This summer the Whistler Farmer’s Market returns to the base of Blackcomb Mountain in the Upper Village every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons. On Sundays the market runs from June 17 until October 8, and is open from 11am to 4pm, featuring a variety of locally grown produce, tasty artisan foods, local artists, musicians and face painting. Building on the success of 2011, the Wednesday afternoon market operates from 3pm until 7pm at the base of Blackcomb Mountain July 4 to August 29.

Michael Allen photo

BEAR VIEWING AND ECOLOGY TOURS
With a population of over 60 black bears, sightings from Whistler Blackcomb chairlifts and gondolas are a common treat. For a closer look, guests can book a bear viewing tour with Whistler Blackcomb’s resident bear expert, Michael Allen. Guests will learn how conservation and enhancement initiatives help to sustain healthy populations, and how Whistler Blackcomb designs recreational experiences to ensure a sustainable future. Choose between a tour around the mountains in a 4×4 vehicle or a gradual walk down the ski trails allowing guests to safely watch and photograph bears. For reservations and pricing please visit Bear Viewing and Ecology Tours.

Blake Jorgenson photo

SUMMER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Bull’s Eye Canadian National BBQ Championships – Aug 3-5 - From local legends to world champs—the Canadian BBQ Championships attract competitors from all over the world to battle it out for cash, prizes and entry into the World Barbecue Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Crankworx Whistler – Aug 10-19 - A showcase of the best freeride mountain biking for amateurs and professionals along with an outdoor expo, demos, and much more.
• 5 Peaks Trail Running Series – August 25 - Running over rocks, roots, tree stumps and logs, up ski hills and hiking trails, through puddles, mud, snow and much more…these courses take people off-road and into the hills.

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The month of May is a ‘down-season’ time, or for many Whistlerites, ‘bikini-ready-season’. The perfect opportunity to pound the valley trail, slay the mountain-bike trails or ramp up the body beautiful techniques in preparation for baring it all at one or many, of the lake-side sand-spots between July and August (and parts of June and September if we’re lucky!), arguably the world’s shortest, yet most celebrated and utilised Summer periods. Here’s your guide to making the most of our ‘beaches’ in Summer, whatever your pleasure, fetish or past-time. Here’s Part 2 of Miss Whis’s “Beaches In Whistler” feature. Read Part 1 here.

For Adrenaline Junkies and Party People:
There’s only one place where you’ll be sure to stumble into a party where everyone’s invited, and that’s at Rainbow Park. As one of the more inaccessible beaches, being off the beaten path of Highway 99, on the far side of Alta Lake, only the committed will attend, and this ensures a universal acceptance of the good times to be had. Rainbow Park is the spot for sports lovers and beverage consumption, and the park has a huge grassed area, perfect for slip’n’slide, and two beach volleyball courts.

You can bring your mutt along to the dog-friendly dock at Rainbow, and there’s a refreshment stand with obligatory popsicles, ice-cream bars and delicious snacks for all ages. Rainbow attracts kayakers, canoers, swimmers and party-barges from all over Alta Lake, on which it’s situated, and will more likely than not have a bunch of 20-somethings with a boombox and slushie drinks occupying the volleyball courts and having a jolly old time.

David Buzzard Photo

For Nudies:
The only place this is even remotely acceptable in our now overly-governed town is the nudie-dock at Lost Lake, just a short 10 minute stroll from the Upper Village. A classic addition to any beach-ridden area, the Nudie-Dock is a staple representation of Whistler’s free and liberated culture and still attracts a vast array of characters, and body types. The dock is a 5-minute jaunt around Lost Lake and is in full view of the main Lost Lake beach, so don’t think you’ll be basking in all your glory on your lonesome. Be warned, your privates are public knowledge at this location.

Michael Overbeck Photo

For Hikers, Strollers and Nappers:
The previously mentioned Lost Lake Park, being a little out of the way, is a great beach to end up at after a saunter around the Lost Lake trails. Boasting BBQ’s, grassed areas and a sandy shoreline, Lost Lake Park is perfect for getting lost in. The trails around the lake are used by hikers and bikers, so stay alert, make your way around to the park again and settle in for a much deserved nap under the huge trees, to the dulcet tones of patrolling RCMP on alcohol watch, and the excitable nudists across the pond.

Whistler always has a new surprise up its sleeve. Whether it’s powder in May, or a new rope-swing just erected, you can be sure that there’s always more to discover. Get on your bike, or lace up your running shoes, pack a bag with a towel and sunscreen, and get out and discover your piece of paradise. Hit the Valley Trail and you’ll be sure to stumble upon a beach you never knew existed, or even better, the nudie-dock. Want to read about more of Whistler’s Beaches? Read Part 1 here. 

To most people, Whistler equates Winter. Endless snowfall, epic backcountry, a gnarnia of Winter Wonderland proportions. However, those who have stuck around after the snow has melted, and after the tourists have locked their cabins and vacated their holiday homes for the sunny climes of Vancouver or Seattle, know there’s more to Whistler than snowflakes and ski-dooing.

The month of May is a ‘down-season’ time, or for many Whistlerites, ‘bikini-ready-season’. The perfect opportunity to pound the valley trail, slay the mountain-bike trails or ramp up the body beautiful techniques in preparation for baring it all at one or many, of the lake-side sand-spots between July and August (and parts of June and September if we’re lucky!), arguably the world’s shortest, yet most celebrated and utilised Summer periods. Here’s your guide to making the most of our ‘beaches’ in Summer, whatever your pleasure, fetish or past-time.

Alta Lake near The Point. David Buzzard Photo

For Water-Babies:
Our lakes are somewhat.. refreshing. Most of them are glacier-fed, or at the very least, completely frozen over in Winter, and with Summer air temperatures rarely breaking 30 deg C for more than a couple of days consecutively, the water can range from shocking to pleasantly invigorating. For avid swimmers, the latter is a little more acceptable, and the gorgeous Alta Lake usually gets to a level that supports long-distance swim missions.

David Buzzard Photo, Lakeside Park

Being one of the larger lakes, Alta offers a number of entry points but the best route would be from Lakeside Park, a family-friendly locale, where your friends can chill on the sandy shores or grassy knoll. They can also be on hand to watch your precious towel/bike/gear whilst you freestyle it over to the Blueberry docks to the right, the art-house dock ahead or all the way to Rainbow Park, a solid 1.5km swim diagonally across the lake. Boats and motorised barges troll the water, but at a slow pace and are always a welcome sight when swimmer’s fatigue starts to set in. Always let a buddy know where and when you’re going.

Dock at Arfa Dog Park, adjacent to Alpha Lake Park

For BBQ’ers and Family-time:

South of the Village, next to the community of Creekside, Alpha Lake Park has a little something for everyone. Offering a kid-friendly section in the sand, complete with rocking horse toys circa 1982, to a beach volleyball court and a dog-park, this little gem has picnic tables and BBQ spots which you can fire up to enjoy some delicious bratwurst by the lake. The grassed area at Alpha Lake Park is perfectly suited to an Ultimate Frisbee match or a quick game of hide-the-sausage, if BBQ produce is all you happened to bring.

For Sun-Worshippers:
Wayside Park, a short stroll from both Lakeside and Alpha Parks, is a small but punch-packing beach with kayak and canoe rentals for the active lot and plenty of long-lasting sunshine for those seeking some colour. There have been numerous times when not-so-smart people have unwittingly poached the nearby private docks, assuming that they would be garnering the most sun-time. They have subsequently been the ones looking forlornly over at Wayside Park, at the lucky lot who secured a spot on this sun-soaked beach whilst the swiftly setting sun casts long shadows on their not-so-wisely-chosen locales. Stick to Wayside for the best in tan-lines, ice-cream consumption and sun-scoping.