The Scenic Route to Whistler

18^thSeptember 2019

Finally there is some sunshine and the promise of perhaps a fine day ahead, although some showers are forecast. It is still cool, around 9 C when we depart from the hotel, heading for Whistler on a scenic route.

The first part if the trip is far from scenic, just flat pastureland and some cropping but the land quality deteriorates as we go further West. About 2 hours out, it is time for our morning cup of coffee and the small town of Clinton seems to be about the right time to stop. A coffee shop looms ahead, and we pull in off the highway for a well earned break.

On entering the shop, smoke starts emerging from out the back, the oven and the owner is in a bit of a panic. He said something about an electrical short circuit, but is smells like his cookies are burning. Anyway, his first priority was to stop whatever was going on, open all of the doors to let the smoke out, silence the smoke detectors by ripping the batteries out, and then he was ready to take our order. Three old blokes sitting in the corner enjoying a yarn and their coffee continued chatting and were totally unconcerned by what was going on.

Still a bit of smoke around

The coffee was pretty good, and we were soon back on our way. As we drove out of Clinton, the whole scenery changed. We dropped down into a large valley and once again we were heartened that this may be the scenic drive we were expecting. From here on the scenery just got better and better.

This side of the road was irrigated

This one clearly wasn't. There are signs around warning of  fire danger. 

Soon after Clinton we entered Marble Canyon, at the entrance of which, was a huge quarry. The road wound its way through the canyon with stunning views all of the way along.

Approaching the town of Lillooet, The Fraser river has carved a deep canyon into the landscape

High up on the canyon walls, the rail line cuts through the rugged landscape

A little further on, we can see the town of Lillooet on the opposite side of the canyon

The Welcome sign says it all

Next town is Lillooet. This place was a real surprise and sits on the massive Fraser River, that we first saw in the early part of our journey at a town called Hope, not far out of Vancouver. The canyon the river has carved through this landscape is amazing and very rugged. This was gold mining country, and a surprise discovery alongside the gold was high quality Jade. The Chinese miners quickly saw the value in this and Lillooet became the Jade Capital of BC, and Jade is the official gemstone of BC.

There is a lot of history in this town (and a lot of tourists). We had only pulled in for a “comfort” stop but were pleased we had. Times have moved on bust much of the history has been preserved. New developments include a substantial winery at the entrance to the town.

Jade features highly in the tourism offer (next to the Gold Rush Museum)

The visitors information centre

A few old historical exhibits

The journey must go on, and it is too early for lunch, so we continue through more stunning countryside, stopping occasionally for more photos including a substantial beaver dam.

Beaver Dam on the road to Pemberton

Eventually we come to the town of Pemberton, where we decide to have lunch. Options are pretty limited, but we find a “gourmet” deli where we manage to get a half reasonable sandwich.

Whistler is only a stone’s through away, so we arrive at our hotel, very close to the village centre, at just after 2 pm. 

Lunch spot at Pemberton

We have missed out on our bushwalk today, so drive out to the Brandywine Falls Trail, about 17 km out of town to stretch our legs and see the falls. On the way back we saw a sign with directions to a bungee jumping site. We drove through 3km of pretty ordinary unsealed road to come across a suspension bridge across the river valley where a bungee jumping operation had been set up. No one appeared to be jumping at the moment, especially us.

Brandywine Falls

Bungee Jumping anyone ?

Backtracking to the hotel, we had a short rest, and then set out to see Whistler Village. It is very touristy, there are lots of people, but it is not tacky. 

The ski fields have been set up for mountain biking and that seems very popular with the young people. 

Mountain bikers coming home

By 5pm, we needed a drink and stopped in at the Longhorn Saloon, near the ski fields. We were promptly served by a nice young girl from Castle Hill, in Sydney. Drinks are hardly a bargain here, so we moved on to find a place to eat.

Finally we chose 21 Steps Kitchen, where the only seating that was available was at the bar, and people were lining up at the door waiting for tables to become available. Most places do not accept bookings for groups of less than 6. The food was very good.

It is an interesting place that offers something for everyone and it is not hard to see why it is popular all year round.