Family Whistler Weekend Getaway with Must-Try Foods

We spent the weekend in Whistler celebrating my mother-in-law’s birthday. It’s a cozy family weekend getaway that’s become a bit of an annual tradition. This time, we stayed near Nita Lake, one of our favorite spots in the world, for a lakeside retreat. We also revisited some of our family’s top go-to places in Whistler Village. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekend escape, Whistler always gives us that perfect mix of nature, food, and quiet moments together.

How To Get To Whistler

Today, we’re heading from Vancouver to Whistler by driving. You can get to Whistler from Vancouver or Seattle via the Sea to Sky Highway. Like its name states, this drive has the incredible scenery from the Pacific coastlines up to the mountains. 

If you’re driving yourself, it should be about 2 hours. Keep in mind, some vehicles may require snow chains on snowier days. If you’d rather not drive, you can also get to Whistler from Vancouver airport via different shutter services.

Our 2 Day Whistler Family Weekend Getaway Itinerary

If you didn’t already know, Whistler is our favorite place in the entire world. The last time we visited, it was for a surprise snowmobile trip for Dom’s Birthday. This time, we are taking it a little slower with a family weekend getaway to Nita Lake. It’s one of Dom and my most sentimental spots, and we’re so excited to spend the weekend here.

Road Trip Burgers at Outbound Station

On the way to Whistler, we stopped by Outbound Station for some fresh burgers for the first time ever. We’ve done this drive so many times I’m surprised we’ve never stopped for a snack here. This little burger and coffee stall along the Sea-to-Sky Highway might be the best road trip rest stop ever.

We ordered their signature OG Burger ($18 CAD), a classic cheeseburger. Honestly, the burger was so good! The patty was super juicy, topped with buttery sautéed onions, the flavors were just chef’s kiss.

The vibe here is super chill, with some outdoor seating with beautiful views of the mountains. Many visitors also enjoyed eating in the car or taking it to-go on their way to or from Whistler. It’s opened at 6 AM daily. Depending on what time you pass through, it can work as your breakfast stop or your lunch and dinner fix. I’m already planning on coming back and trying their truffle fries ($9 CAD) next time!

Fergie’s Cafe

Our first official food stop for this Whistler weekend getaway is Fergie’s Cafe. Fergie’s cafe is tucked away in the forest by a beautiful icy river just outside of Whistler. It honestly feels more like a retreat than a cafe.

Known for its cozy comfort foods with a West Coast twist, Fergie’s menu is made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. We ordered the Elaho ($25 CAD), their breakfast plate and a Bison Pork Smash Burger ($27 CAD).

We came here a few years ago, but it was so busy we waited 2 and half hour to get a table. I’ve always wanted to come back and give it another try. If I’m being very honest the food here to me is just okay, but the beauty of the space totally makes up for it.

I love walking around the property, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and dipping my toes in the river when it’s not raining. It’s a type of place that really reminds me of how healing a good meal in nature can be. Fergie’s Cafe is opened everyday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Keep in mind that there may be a bit of a wait!

Staying At Nita Lake Lodge

Our stay for this trip is Nita Lake Lodge, one of the cutest hotels and our definite favorite here in Whistler. This Michelin Key lakeside resort and spa is where I surprised Dom for our first ever birthday trip together, and also where Dom proposed, so it’s a really special place for us.

The hotel offers lakeview suites accommodating up to 6 person per suite with cozy, cabin-like decor. It’s one of the most comfortable stays in Whistler in my opinion. For this trip, we’ve booked a two bedroom, two bathroom suite for Dom, his brother Ryan, and I.

The suite includes a beautiful balcony for both rooms with a full view of the lake, and a living room with a fireplace that’s perfect for the wintertime. Their bedrooms and bathrooms are huge, each with it’s own bathtub and the most upgraded amenities, like a Dyson blow dryer on the counter. After settling in, we headed over to their restaurant, the Den, for a complimentary glass of wine.

For more recommendations on where to stay when visiting Whistler, check out my TOP WHISTLER HOTELS!

Cocktails and Snacks at Cure Lounge and Patio

After a quick walk around the lake, we headed to Cure Lounge and Patio for a pre-dinner snack, cocktails, and live music. Cure Lounge and Patio has long been part of my TOP WHISTLER RESTAURANTS list. This restaurant is one of three here at Nita Lake Lodge, serving burgers, salads, and signature cocktails. Open from 12 to 10 PM, its patio has a perfect view of Nita Lake, and is an amazing spot for an afternoon snack session when the weather is nice.

We chose some of their unique cocktail creations, like the Royal Nita Nectar ($22 CAD) a gin cocktail with elderflower, rose, and hibiscus. There was also Her Majesty ($22 CAD), made with gin, lemon, and lavender. Of course, their savory-sweet mushroom pear truffle flatbread ($16 CAD) was a must-try for sharing. It was fresh, fluffy, and had the perfect cheese pull.

Birthday Dinner at Red Door Bistro

Right nearby our hotel is our favorite restaurants here in Whistler: Red Door Bistro, a hidden gem tucked near Creekside serving elevated French cuisine with a West Coast twist. This restaurant is such a special place for Dom and I, since we come there to celebrate many of our milestones, big and small. I really wanted to gatekeep this restaurant because of how hard it is to actually get a reservation, but it’s our little spot that always makes us smile and fills our belly with ridiculously good food.

Red Door Bistro’s seasonal specials rotate depending on local, in-season ingredients, and I’ve got a few must-try’s on their menu that I absolutely love. The first one is their pan seared Humboldt Squid ($23 CAD), which is ridiculously tender and delicious, drizzled with tangy tarragon sauce and garlic chili oil.

For the mains, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but we always come back to their West Coast Bouillabaisse ($47 CAD) made with seasonal local seafood, and the rich and tender Quebec Duck Breast ($50 CAD).

This might be a hot take, but I really believe that a restaurant is so much more than just the food. Red Door Bistro has been our place for almost a full decade, full of happy memories, celebration, and milestones. Every time we walk in, I’m reminded of all the happy memories and I fall in love with this place all over again. Definitely email them first for a reservation, because they’ve got a long waiting list!

Easy Brunch Sandwiches at Portobello

Since we’re heading back home today, we kept things simple. We’re doing late checkout to go on a peaceful morning run, and grabbed breakfast at Portobello. Everything was made fresh, generously portioned, and exactly the kind of satisfying meal you want before hitting the road.

We started with a comforting cup of rotisserie chicken noodle soup ($7 CAD). Then, we split a couple of sandwiches that were way more filling than we expected. The Cuban Reuben ($19 CAD) was loaded with pulled pork, Black Forest ham, banana peppers, and a tangy mix of mustard and Thousand Island. On the other hand, the roast turkey BLT ($19 CAD) was an explosion of flavor. Made with cranberry sauce and cranberry sourdough, it tasted just like a Thanksgiving dinner.

Located inside the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, this casual bistro has a cafeteria-style setuwith way more charm than you’d expect. It’s open daily with breakfast from 7–11 AM, lunch from 11–4, and dinner service from 5–8:30 PM. There’s no reservations, so just walk up, order what looks good, and grab a seat. You can order online if you’re short on time, but half the fun is seeing everything fresh from the open kitchen.

% Arabica in Whistler Village

Before heading back home, we made one last stop at % Arabica for a much-needed coffee break. Tucked right inside Whistler Village, this globally loved Japanese coffee chain is known for its minimalist aesthetic and top-tier espresso. The Whistler location is especially uniquely designed like a modern igloo, perfectly blending into the alpine charm of the village.

The coffee beans are roasted in-house, giving each cup that signature freshness and bold flavor % Arabica is famous for. The menu here is simple but intentional, with drinks ranging from $4.50 to $7.50 CAD. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic latte or a Kyoto-style drip, everything is crafted with care and precision. % Arabica is open daily from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, making it an easy stop whether you’re grabbing your first cup before hitting the slopes or winding down after a day of exploring.