Shop Neighbourhoods
If every town was like every other town, it wouldn’t really matter whether you were here or somewhere else. But you know that’s not the case. You especially know it if you’re here because Whistler isn’t like any other place.
And as odd as it may seem, parts of Whistler are as different as golf and tennis. Especially if you’re shopping. Don’t believe me? Let’s take a tour.
Let’s start south of the village.
Creekside is Whistler’s original neighbourhood. A vital focal point if you’re staying there and definitely worth a trip if you’re not, Creekside’s got more than the only gas station in town. Among the shops at Franz’s Walk, you’ll find home furnishings, clothing, outdoor gear, Internet access, inviting patios and more. A well-stocked grocery has everything you need to fill your fridge and pantry and, if you search a bit, there’s a liquor store boasting a selection of your favourite beverages. Some of Whistler’s best restaurants are at Creekside, plus professional services for you and your pets, a great ski shop and a block down on Lake Placid Road, Whistler’s train station and an inviting lakeside patio.
You might have discovered part of Whistler’s
Main Village , but I’ll bet you haven’t found it all. Chock-a-block with galleries featuring local, regional and international artists, outstanding clothing stores tucked away in lobbies, hidden paths and around corners, great restaurants and local’s favs for quick snacks, the village is Whistler’s lifeblood. Finding all the shops is half the fun.
The other half is choosing a perfect patio from the many in the area to indulge in lunch or après or just sit and watch the armoured mountain bikers careen down Whistler Mountain. Ranging from the base of Whistler Mountain to the bridge across Village Gate Boulevard, the Main Village encompasses a large area with distinct subzones. Some of these include the cluster of shops, pubs and restaurants near the Whistler Conference Centre, Little Seattle, the main stroll, the subterranean shopping down the steps under the Hilton and unique stores tucked into the Westin and Pan Pacific hotels. Put on your explorer’s hat; the main village will bring out the adventurer in you.
Head east and follow the path across the cedar bridge, climb the stairs to the
Benchlands on Blackcomb and try something completely different. There’s a wide variety of family outdoor entertainment each summer at the Adventure Zone, everything from mini golf to the thrilling Westcoaster luge ride, and a colourful, vibrant farmers’ market every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon during the warm weather. Shopping is clustered along the walkways and inside the Fairmont Chateau and Four Seasons hotels. Souvenirs, luxury goods, stunning art and some wonderful opportunities to refuel will greet you around every twist and turn. Sunny patios serve up leisurely lunches and people-watching. Don’t miss the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre while you’re there. The Benchlands offers a refreshing retreat from the faster-paced heart of Whistler Village.
Meander back toward Whistler Olympic Plaza and
Village North . You’ll find an eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, art, items to mystify the new-age mystic, luxury personal items, hand-knit sweaters, tasty chocolate treats and a playground where energetic children can tire themselves out while their parents enjoy a coffee at a nearby patio. Services in the area include a cellular provider, mountain guides, the municipal offices and Maurice Young Millennium Place, Whistler’s community centre offering a variety of art and music programming throughout the year.
A few steps further north,
Marketplace has something everyone loves… free parking! It also boasts Whistler’s largest grocery and liquor stores, post office, medical clinic, dentists, optometrists, lawyers and other professionals. The largest concentration of Realtors work here. Marketplace has some of the best shopping for outdoor gear, home décor items, kitchenware, beachwear and boasts a varied selection of reasonably-priced restaurants. It also provides islands of comfort to recharge with coffee, lunch or a candy-coated sugar rush. This hood is both laid-back and hectic.
Nesters, less than a kilometre north of the village, can provide all the necessities of life. Groceries, cold beer and wine, flowers, sushi, a quick nosh, pharmaceuticals, cellphones, running gear and the friendliest barbers in Canada all hang out at this local’s locale.
Explore all of Whistler’s shopping neighbourhoods… but take your time.
SHOP FUNCTION JUNCTION
Heard the latest? The global economic recession is over. Markets are back up, the Loonie is back down, a bit, and unless you stashed your nest egg in Cyprus, it’s time to get shopping.
Got the urge? Swing on down to Function Junction. Function is a close-to-the-village destination that will surprise and delight the most discriminating shopper. It is Whistler’s increasingly discovered gem.
True, it started out as Whistler’s industrial ‘hood. But that was then; this is so now. You can still get your car fixed down at Function Junction, your metal welded and all the building supplies you need to renovate your home. But it ain’t your father’s industrial enclave. With so many artists’ studios, it’s more like Whistler’s Soho.
Jump into the middle of it; after all, that’s where you enter Function. Head north or south and you’ll discover custom furniture you can’t find anywhere else. There are shops bursting with unique art and objets d’art, delicate glasswork, ceramics, custom glass, garden supplies and plants galore to brighten your indoors, outdoors or balcony.
Take a break; stop to smell the fresh bread and have a bite at any one — or two — of the home-grown restaurants spread conveniently across the neighbourhood. Wash it down with samples from Whistler’s eponymous brewery.
Function rewards the patient seeker. Poke your head into all the stores and you’ll be amazed at what you find: eclectic treasures, antiques, modern necessities like computer repair, talented caterers, body art, chic salons, office supplies, carpets, hair care, modern lighting fixtures and just about anything else you desire.
So break away and head south on your journey of discovery. You haven’t shopped Whistler until you’ve shopped Function Junction.
