Whether you’re hiking, biking or skiing the peaks, Whistler is also one of the best places in Canada to party. Here are the best brunch spots to fuel up at before a hard day on the mountain, or to carb-load after the night before.
In a stylish and trendy dining room, brunch at Stonesedge Kitchen offers all your brunch superstars with distinctly Canadian twists, such as the English-style breakfast with eggs and maple sausage, the breakfast poutine and eggs benedict with British Columbia smoked salmon. For the fully Canadian brunch experience, be sure to order a mimosa or a Caesar, which is a bloody mary made with Clamato instead of tomato juice.
Perched atop Blackcomb Mountain, Crystal Hut is a bit of a mission to get to. But for warm Belgian waffles served all day long? Worth it. Topped with any ingredient you can dream of – whipped cream, chocolate, fruit or even bacon, to name but a few – they’re often lauded as the best waffles in town. Make sure to go on a clear day so that you can soak up the breathtaking views of the valley from the hut’s patio.
Outside of the village bustle, the Alpine Café is a local’s haunt. Founded by two former employees of Araxi Restuarant, an award-winning Whistler establishment, the menu is considered yet simple, such as eggs-any-style plates with a side of bacon, potatoes and toast or a variety of breakfast sandwiches, burritos and bagels. Those who are more partial to the lunch part of brunch can opt for a burger with a house-made patty or a made-from-scratch soup.
Get a little taste of France at Crêpe Montagne, which offers authentic French crepes, both savory and sweet, as well as omelets. Canadian flair comes in the form of breakfast crêpes served with back bacon, egg and cheese. The options extend to more intricate plates, like pancake stacks, toasted westerns and a choice of six different types of eggs benedict. Beverages range from your breakfast staples – such as freshly squeezed juice, smoothies and coffee – to a full cocktail menu if you want to make it a brunch of the boozy variety.
Wild Wood has been around since 2002 and is still revered by the community. In addition to its breakfast and brunch menu, it offers freshly baked goods, with gluten-free and vegan options available. But if you want to settle in and sit around for a while, you’ll have a list of mouth-watering meals to choose from. And if you can’t make up your mind, go for the Benny sampler, which lets you pick three or four different styles of eggs benedict – all on one plate!
A little detour off the Whistler Village Stroll will lead you to Elements for a more upscale brunch option. You can opt for your classic bacon-and-egg breakfast (or make it not-so-classic and substitute bacon for smoked duck sausage) or French toast. However, local picks include the benedicts – the version topped with British Columbia smoked salmon, crispy capers and citrus hollandaise, in particular – or a frittata made with free-range eggs and served with artisan bread. Lighter menu items include a vegan smoothie bowl made with coconut yogurt or a healthy hash packed with veggies.
Does anything hit the spot quite like diner food? Southside Diner doesn’t disappoint with its no-fuss, all-delicious menu of diner dishes: huevos rancheros, the Southside Slam (bacon and sausage with two eggs and two pancakes), and the ever-popular BELTCH sandwich, featuring bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato, cheese and ham on toast. There’s also a burger and clubhouse if you waited until lunchtime. It doubles as a laundromat, so you’re sure to be among Whistlerites enjoying a meal while waiting for clothes to dry.