Why We Chose Whistler for a Family Getaway

Whistler is known for being a winter sports hub, but what many don’t realize is that it’s just as stunning and family-friendly in the warmer months. Whether you’re hiking through alpine meadows or enjoying the serene lakes, there’s something for everyone. For us, it was the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and laid-back luxury.

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler: A Luxurious Retreat

Our home base for this trip was the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, and it was absolutely perfect for a family-friendly, luxury experience. One of the highlights was arriving to find a crib already set up in our room, along with a miniature Fairmont robe and children’s toiletries for our toddler. These small touches made us feel like we could relax right from the start without worrying about what we may have forgotten to pack.

It’s always a plus when hotels are dog-friendly, and the Fairmont didn’t disappoint. Louie, our dachshund, got to enjoy the trip with us, which made the experience even better.

Poolside Fun

One of the highlights of our stay was lounging by the outdoor heated pool. If you’ve never experienced the mix of warm water and cool mountain air, it’s an absolute must. Whether we were soaking in the hot tubs or splashing around with our toddler, it was a rejuvenating experience. There’s something about being surrounded by the majestic mountains that makes pool time extra special.

Our little one absolutely loved it. We spent hours just enjoying the sunshine, fresh mountain air, and some much-needed family bonding.

Exploring Whistler’s Natural Beauty

Whistler isn’t just about the slopes. During our trip, we took multiple family walks on the scenic trails. We loved how the paths intertwined with the natural beauty of the area—towering trees, crisp air, and stunning vistas around every turn. Walking these trails became a part of our daily routine, and it was a great way to burn off some toddler energy!

What’s more, many of the trails ran alongside the golf courses, so we got to enjoy some lovely views while dreaming of when we could hit the greens. For now, we’re more into family-friendly activities like walking and hiking, but mountain biking and other summer activities are high on our list for future trips.

Louie, being the adventurous dog that he is, made sure to lead us to one of his favourite spots—Lost Lake. The serenity of the lake, paired with the beautiful surroundings, made it a wonderful family spot. Watching Louie splash around in the water while our toddler giggled made for some heartwarming memories.

Making the Most of Family Walks in Whistler

Walking with a toddler has its own pace, so we focused on shorter, more manageable trails. We brought our Uppababy Vista for the longer walks, but mostly we let our little one roam freely, exploring sticks and rocks along the way. These walks weren’t just about covering ground—they were about soaking in the present moment, enjoying nature, and just being together.

Dinner at Araxi: Fine Dining with a Family Twist

One evening, we treated ourselves to dinner at Araxi, one of Whistler’s finest restaurants. Known for its farm-to-table dining experience, every dish was fresh, seasonal, and absolutely divine. If you’re into food, this place should be at the top of your list when visiting Whistler.

Dining at a fine restaurant with a toddler can be intimidating, but Araxi made it easy. They were incredibly prepared for kids, offering little colouring pages to keep our child entertained while we enjoyed our meal. It was a seamless experience—one that we’ll definitely remember and look forward to repeating.

For families wanting a more laid-back meal, Whistler has a range of dining options that cater to different tastes. But for us, this was a special night, and Araxi made it all the more memorable with its impeccable service and unforgettable food.

A Memorable Family Escape

Our Whistler trip was the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and quality family time. Staying at the Fairmont made us feel pampered, while the natural beauty of Whistler provided all the outdoor activities we could dream of. From leisurely poolside days to exploring the trails, it was a trip we’ll cherish for years to come.

We can’t wait for our next visit—whether it’s skiing on Blackcomb in the winter or discovering new summer activities, Whistler has something for every season and every member of the family.

The post Whistler Family Getaway: Our Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler appeared first on The Lifestyle Of Us.

1. Four Seasons Whistler

This all-time favorite is the epitome of alpine luxury. They cater to both pets and their owners with thoughtful amenities like pet beds and bowls, plus a staff that makes Louie feel like a star. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or relaxing by the fire, it’s perfect for a chic mountain retreat.

2. Fairmont Miramar Santa Monica

One of the standout features of this beachfront beauty is that dogs are allowed poolside! The stylish bungalows and ocean views make this hotel a perfect mix of laid-back California charm and indulgent luxury.

3. Encore Las Vegas

You may not expect Vegas to be a pet-friendly destination, but Encore proves otherwise. Not only does this hotel ooze sophistication, but they also welcome pups, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice your travel style for pet accommodations.

4. Fairmont Pacific Rim

This ultra-luxe hotel offers the ultimate bonus: no pet fee! Their stylish rooms and exceptional service make the Pacific Rim one of our top choices for a downtown Vancouver stay. Your pup will feel as pampered as you do.

5. Shangri-La Vancouver

With its serene ambiance and top-tier service, Shangri-La Vancouver is a perfect urban escape. They go above and beyond to accommodate pets, making it a sanctuary for both us and Louie in the heart of the city.

6. Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver

Another Fairmont gem, the Waterfront offers stunning views and warm hospitality. They treat dogs like family, and the pet-friendly walking paths nearby make it easy to take Louie for an afternoon stroll along the harbor.

7. The Westin Rancho Mirage

In sunny Palm Springs, this hotel offers a blend of wellness and luxury, all while welcoming pets. Louie loved the open spaces and golf course views as much as we did!

8. Sheraton Wall Centre Vancouver

For a chic stay in the heart of Vancouver, Sheraton Wall Centre is an excellent option. The central location, stylish rooms, and pet-friendly services make it a staple on our list.

9. Marriott Pinnacle Vancouver

Marriott Pinnacle combines comfort and convenience in a pet-friendly package. This downtown Vancouver hotel offers easy access to pet-friendly parks, making it a breeze to explore the city with your dog.

10. Parc 55 San Francisco

Last but not least, Parc 55 in San Francisco offers a modern escape in the heart of the city, perfect for pet parents wanting to explore the city with their furry companions.

Conclusion: Traveling with Pets in Style

Finding the right hotel that blends luxury with pet-friendly accommodations doesn’t have to be a challenge. Each of these properties offers a perfect mix of pampering and practicality, so whether you’re planning a mountain retreat, a beach getaway, or a city escape, you and your pup can travel in style.

The post Our Favorite Luxury Hotels That Welcome Dogs in Style appeared first on The Lifestyle Of Us.

Where we stayed:

We stayed at the Four Seasons Whistler and at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. We liked both hotels for different reasons. The Four Seasons has a very relaxed and private vibe, whereas the Fairmont had a lot more activities, restaurants, and offered a true resort-like feel. Both hotels were dog-friendly, but given the clientele that visits Whistler, I’d hazard a guess that most hotels here are pet-friendly.

Where we ate:

We did a lot of take-out back to our rooms, as well as ate on outdoor patios whenever we could. One of the highlights was dining at Araxi, where we also had Australian Wagyu. I put some Wagyu in my purse to bring back to our pups. We did takeout from Portabello and The Old Spaghetti Factory, both offering amazing comfort food.

What we did:

We went mountain biking, hiking, and golfing. We also got some yoga in. On the day we golfed, we went for two hikes beforehand. That might not have been the best idea, but we really enjoyed ourselves. Enjoy the photos, there are so many! You can click on any of them to see the image in a larger size. One notable highlight was getting to feed Australian Wagyu to Mia and Louie!

Pet friendly Four Seasons Whistler

Breakfast al fresco at the Four Seasons Whistler

Mountain biking in Whistler

We treated ourselves to electric mountain bikes for our bike rentals from Arbutus Routes, and cycled about 40km, mostly around Lost Lake Trails. There was so much to ride, and we had a lot of fun on the wooden bridge features. We stopped to fuel up at the little food kiosk at the entrance of the Lost Lake Trails.

Dining at Araxi

We switched hotels, going from the Four Seasons to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, and then headed to Araxi for dinner.

Feeding Australian Wagyu to Mia and Louie

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Hike Rainbow Falls

Whistler Train Wreck Trail

Golf at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler

This is not a first-time-friendly course! Be prepared to lose a lot of balls. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler has an absolutely gorgeous course and one of my favorites. At the time of writing this, I’ve had the pleasure of playing it three times. The course is scenic with views of Whistler and Blackcomb, and you might even see a bear on the course.

Relaxing hike before our drive home

The post Our Epic 9th Wedding Anniversary in Whistler appeared first on The Lifestyle Of Us.

Where to Eat

• Rich Table – this is hands down one of our favorite restaurants ever!! The beef tartare is a must. And you cannot go wrong with anything you order here.
• Frances – awesome farm to table style restaurant, California cuisine.
• Smitten Ice Cream – made to order nitro ice cream, you cannot go wrong.
• Salt and Straw – this is an ice cream shop out of Portland Oregon that has expanded nationally, but still phenomenal ice cream!
• Loving Cup – for velvety frozen yogurt in Hayes Valley.
• Johnny’s Donuts – a social enterprise kitchen. I love the concept of this coffee shop, and the treats are all delicious.
• Blue Bottle Coffee – this is a chain, but has pretty great coffee!
• In N Out – It’s not exactly a local homegrown San Francisco joint or anything, but it’s nice for a quick and tasty lunch while sightseeing
• Ghirardelli Square – have something chocolatey here!

Where to Stay

• Parc 55 San Francisco – dog-friendly and in a great location!
• Days Inn Hayes Valley – older hotel but in a great area for food and shopping

What to Do

• Rent bikes and cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge
• Walk around Fisherman’s Wharf and have lunch
• Check out Ghirardelli Square
• Hang out on Lombard Street
• Go for a run along Chrissy Field so you can see views of the Golden Gate Bridge
• Check out an Alcatraz Tour
• Hang out in the Marin Headlands and Sausalito

The post Our San Francisco Travel Guide appeared first on The Lifestyle Of Us.

• STAY: Westin Mission Inn Gold Resort and Spa
• DO: Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
• EAT: Bubba’s Bones and Brews

Traveling for the holidays can be total bliss, or a total nightmare. You hear about the flights that were delayed from Cancun, where passengers are stranded on the plane, in what seems like a weird “Lord of the Flies” scenario. It has been a few years since we traveled far for the holidays, and not the traditional road trip down to Portland. We were not planning on it up until a month out, but then a Black Friday seat sale to Palm Springs popped up, and we jumped on the deal and treated ourselves. Welcome to our Winter Getaway Guide to Palm Springs!  

Palm Springs

Palm Springs had been on our radar for a long time. We had heard great stories about how dog-friendly the resorts are, how great the food is, and the laidback lifestyle. We were finally convinced to go check out Palm Springs. Now, the trick to booking flights when flying with two doggos is to call ahead to make sure that there is room on the flights for the dogs. We have never had issues with this in the past, but we made sure to play it safe. Well, it was a good thing that we did, as it was harder to get dog flights to Palm Springs than human flights. Ultimately, we had to shuffle around our dates a little bit, but it ended up extending our stay a bit longer. Oh well, worse inconveniences could happen.

Going into this trip, we didn’t read too much about what to do in advance and decided to research what to do when we arrived in Palm Springs. When we first arrived, we were surprised by the airport, as it is not your standard arrivals hall. Similar to Hawaii and other tropical destinations, the airport is open air. Louie and Mia enjoyed the dog amenities at the airport. After flying for the day in their in-cabin carriers and one layover, they enjoyed the inviting dog culture as soon as they land.

Westin Mission Hills

When it comes to accommodation, several hotels in the valley are dog-friendly. We chose the Westin Mission Hills as it offers expansive grounds in a resort-style setting. Further, as loyal Marriott-SPG members, we usually stick to their properties for their excellent treatment of their rewards members. This stay was no exception.

Upon check-in, we were treated to a golf-course view room. Note: the hotel does charge a $35/day resort fee. Unless you are golfing, this fee gives you nothing of value other than a free drink. Internet is included, but it is free if you are a Bonvoy member (formerly Marriott Rewards). Using the Marriott App, we were able to message guest services and have this fee removed. Another big plus is that parking is free on the property, and there is no additional pet fee! Make sure to check out my separate post that highlights the unique features of this property.

Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

During our six days in Palm Springs, we enjoyed a mix of relaxation, shopping, exploration, and great eating. One of our favorite places that we visited was the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve. The preserve was about 30 minutes away from the hotel and is a beautiful, sandy hike. It is relatively flat and boasts a gorgeous landscape of the Coachella Valley. Be advised that this is not a place to take large groups. Parking is limited, so arrive early. The doggies got to enjoy the hotel while we went on this little trek, as no dogs are allowed on the trails. The round-trip hike/walk takes about 45 minutes and has a little bit of cover, so make sure to bring your sunscreen.

Where To Eat

When it comes to food, Palm Springs does not disappoint. We were impressed by the variety of food offerings, as well as the impeccable customer service. We were too busy eating to take any photos, so we will do our best to get you up to speed! Some of the places we hit up were:

• LG’s Prime Steakhouse
• Bill’s Pizza
• Las Casuelas Nuevas
• La Quinta Cliffhouse
• Bubba’s Bones and Brews

LG’s Prime Steakhouse

We visited LG’s Prime Steakhouse in Palm Springs (there is a location in La Quinta as well) for a family dinner two days before new year’s. The wine menu was extensive, but reasonably priced considering the atmosphere. Come hungry, as the portions are very generous.

Bill’s Pizza

Bill’s Pizza is a great place to pop into for a quick bite while in downtown Palm Springs. Seating is available both inside and outside. We opted to sit outside so that Mia and Louie could join us too. The large pizzas live up to their name– they are large. Our party of 5 could have done with one large pizza and a salad, but we had to try some of the different types! Two of the pizza’s that stood out to us were the “The Charlie Sheen” and “Christine’s Rocker Pizza”.

Las Casuelas Nuevas

Las Casuelas Nuevas was so good we ate there twice. With a unique outdoor dining room, Las Casuelas Nuevas had a particular charm to it. We were treated to traditional Californian Mexican food, like as carne asada burritos, and carne asada platters. The margaritas are top-notch (we recommend the Maestro Dobel Silver smokey). Tip: make a reservation ahead of time as the place was packed each time we went. We also recommend sitting outside versus inside. There are tons of patio heaters, so it is warm all year round.

La Quinta Cliffhouse

The La Quinta Cliffhouse is literally built into the side of a hill and gives you a unique atmosphere on their patio. However, we decided to sit inside since the weather was really cold that day. The La Quinta Cliffhouse is a large restaurant that features a great happy hour, and a sunset dinner menu. We heard that the sunset dinner menu was the way to go, and we arrived early to do so. The sunset dinner menu is only offered between 4-5 pm, so it is a little early, but it’s a deal with two courses for $22.75. We both did the caesar salad with the flat-iron steak, paired with the happy hour red wine (Pacifica Merlot). Outside of the sunset menu, the prices jump considerably.

Bubba’s Bones and Brews

Finally, we checked out a local favorite, Bubba’s Bones and Brews. On a weeknight, this place was packed, and rightfully so. With an extensive beer and bourbon menu, as well as great food features, go to Bubba’s if you are hungry. Our party did the street tacos (3 for $5 on Tuesday and Thursday), as well as 4 meats. During our travels through the States, we always try to hit up barbecue joints as the ones in Canada are average, and very place usually has chicken, but it is dry. Not at Bubba’s. This is probably the best barbecue chicken you can get without going to Texas.

Until next time, Palm Springs …

Next time we hit up Palm Springs, we have some longer hikes on our radar, but are looking forward to hitting up some of the same spots, and hoping to find some new favourites.

The post Winter Getaway Guide to Palm Springs appeared first on The Lifestyle Of Us.