Whistler: A Road Trip with Purpose—Driving Smart, Traveling Sustainably

By Linda Lowry

Earth Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it represents a mindset and a way of living. It is a quiet commitment to honoring the planet that sustains us every day. I reflect on the early days of the pandemic, a time I refer to as “The Great Pause.” During that period, the world slowed down, movement came to a standstill, and nature—uninterrupted—began to reclaim its space. As engines fell silent and daily life subdued, the air cleared, revealing a crisp, fresh view of Seattle like never before.

The Earth has always made its presence felt, patiently waiting for someone to notice. As everything became quiet, people started to see what had always been there. Wildlife began to thrive in ways that had not been seen for decades, reclaiming areas that humans once occupied. It was proof of nature’s resilience, a reminder that, when given space, the earth recovers. That brief pause offered a lesson: our presence has weight, and our choices create ripples. When we move mindfully, when we tread lightly, the earth responds.

Closer to home, the Pacific Northwest experienced its own quiet resurgence. With human activity at a lull, Puget Sound became calmer, creating ideal conditions for marine life to thrive. Gray whales returned to North Puget Sound, their massive forms gliding through the water as researchers documented at least four Sounders feeding near the Snohomish River delta. Further out, the J-pod orcas reappeared in the Salish Sea, a sight both thrilling and reassuring—proof that, given the chance, ecosystems can heal.

As we departed from Seattle, the Cascade Range rose majestically ahead, inviting us forward while reminding us to tread carefully. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV smoothly shifted into electric mode, its quiet hum blending with the rhythm of the road and the tranquility of the season. Sitting behind the wheel, the world felt different—quieter and smoother. The Outlander's quiet propulsion made the sound of the wind whispering through the fir trees seem surprisingly loud.

There was a subtle thrill in knowing that such power could exist without waste and that adventure could unfold while leaving only a gentle mark on the environment. Boasting 248 horsepower, the Outlander moved confidently, delivering crisp yet controlled acceleration. On winding roads, the Super All-Wheel Control system gripped the pavement, navigating hairpin turns and steep inclines with precision.

Its handling instilled trust—a reassuring feeling that, no matter where the road led, the journey would be seamless and responsive. Beyond its capabilities on the road, the Outlander PHEV was designed for the travel experience itself. With three rows of seating, it is one of the few plug-in hybrids built for families and groups, ensuring that space is never compromised. The interior combined comfort and technology, featuring plush materials, a panoramic sunroof that welcomed daylight, and an intuitive 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for effortless navigation.

We entered British Columbia, and the 38-mile all-electric range proved to be invaluable. Certain stretches of the journey allowed us to travel using only electric power, gliding past the stunning sapphire waters of Howe Sound, leaving behind just the quiet hum of the tires on the pavement. The gasoline engine engaged seamlessly as needed, extending our total driving range to an impressive 420 miles. This experience highlighted that sustainability and capability are not opposing forces; rather, they can coexist.

There is something powerful about knowing that exploration doesn’t have to come at the cost of excess. As the Outlander PHEV merged back onto the highway, with mountains rising in the distance, it became clear: travel isn’t just about the destination, it’s about how we choose to reach them.

As the evening settled over Whistler, adventure took a turn into the unknown with Canadian Whistler Adventure. We climbed aboard a heated, luxury snowcat, its massive treads carving through the snow as we began our ascent up Blackcomb Mountain. The ride was surreal; darkness blanketed the slopes, broken only by the glow of the snowcat's headlights and the distant twinkle of Whistler Village below. The mountain felt alive, its contours shifting under the moonlight, the silence punctuated by the occasional gust of wind.

At 6,000 feet, Crystal Hut stood as a rustic log cabin perched high above the valley. Stepping inside, warmth wrapped around you, carrying the rich aroma of Gruyère and Emmental cheese. The fondue feast was legendary—bubbling pots of cheese paired with freshly baked bread, pickles, and an assortment of charcuterie. To finish, the cabin’s famous waffle arrived, adorned with delicate chocolate shavings and a generous swirl of homemade whipped cream. Live music set the tone, the gentle strum of acoustic guitar and soft vocals blending with the laughter of diners.

After an unforgettable evening high in the mountains, transitioning from the crisp alpine air to pure relaxation felt effortless. The next morning, the adventure slowed down at Scandinave Spa, which is nestled deep in Whistler’s spruce and cedar forest. Here, silence isn’t just encouraged; it’s required. No talking, no cell phones, and no distractions—just the soothing sounds of cascading Nordic waterfalls, the crackle of fire pits, and the gentle whisper of wind through the trees.

This serene atmosphere was a perfect contrast to the exhilaration of the Snow Cat experience. The thermal journey is a ritual of renewal—first, the heat: eucalyptus steam baths, Finnish dry saunas, and wood-burning saunas, melting away tension, opening the pores, and quieting the mind. Then, the cold: Nordic showers, icy plunge pools, and waterfalls, awakening the senses, invigorating. Finally, the rest: hammocks, solariums, and lounge beds, where the body settles into stillness, absorbing the benefits of the cycle. True relaxation is not an escape; it is presence. The absence of conversation allows thoughts to soften, while the absence of screens sharpens the senses. It is a gift—one that lingers long after leaving. 

Indulging in Whistler isn’t just about following an itinerary—it unfolds organically, with each experience flowing seamlessly into the next, creating a rhythm of adventure and renewal. The transition from deep relaxation to the lively pulse of Whistler Village is effortless, where Araxi awaits with its renowned culinary expertise.

At Araxi, dinner is more than just a meal; it is a story told through texture and taste, balancing elegance with the warm embrace of alpine hospitality. The evening begins with a fondue happy hour, a decadent blend of Gruyère and white wine, accompanied by pickled baby onions, crisp apples, and a variety of charcuterie—a perfect prelude to the feast to come.

Soon, a seafood tower arrives, an opulent display of freshly shucked oysters, chilled lobster, plump prawns, and marinated tuna, with each bite capturing the pristine essence of the Pacific. A velvety espresso martini enhances the experience, its subtle sweetness complementing the richness of the seafood. The highlight of the meal is the herb-crusted halibut, flaky and golden, kissed with fragrant herbs and served alongside thoughtfully paired accompaniments that enhance its delicate flavor. Here, every plate is crafted not just to be enjoyed but to be remembered.

Another day in the mountains brings new possibilities, but the evening calls for something different—an indulgence steeped in tradition. At Bearfoot Bistro, the experience begins underground within its expansive 15,000-bottle wine cellar, where guests participate in the exhilarating ritual of Champagne sabering. This tradition, tracing back to Napoleon Bonaparte’s cavalry, was once a celebratory act—victory marked by a swift stroke of the saber, with the explosion of bubbles signaling triumph. Tonight, it is a toast to adventure. The journey seamlessly transitions into the Grey Goose Ice Room, the coldest vodka-tasting room in the world, where sub-zero temperatures refine the spirit’s purity, creating an unmatched smoothness.

A nitrogen martini—arriving in a swirling mist—is impossibly chilled and intoxicatingly smooth. The menu reflects the drama, featuring herb-crusted lamb, wild-caught seafood, and nitro ice cream prepared tableside—a final flourish in an evening designed to surprise, delight, and leave a lasting impression.

The next morning, adventure takes a slower pace at Christine’s on Blackcomb, perched at 6,102 feet, where panoramic views stretch across the Coast Mountain range. Here, the transition from adrenaline to relaxation is seamless, with mountain air mingling with the warmth of a sunlit afternoon. The menu celebrates locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, offering perfectly seared salmon, rich braised short ribs, and fresh seasonal salads, all executed with precision. A curated wine flight rounds out the experience, encouraging guests to savor every moment and every flavor.

As the day fades, spring begins to emerge across the landscape, with wildflowers blooming in watercolor strokes of gold and green. Rivers rush forward, swollen with snowmelt, carving their paths toward the valley. There is an undeniable rhythm to travel—a cadence that speaks to both movement and presence. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hums effortlessly, its quiet propulsion blending into the stillness of the season. Each turn of the wheels serves as a reminder that travel is not just about the destination; it is about the choices made along the way, the moments collected, and the promise of new possibilities stretching ahead.