Whistler in April: Scenic Hikes, Great Eats, and Jet Lag Recovery

Whistler in Mid-April: Recharging in the Mountains After Southeast Asia

After two incredible months exploring Southeast Asia, we knew the long haul from Bangkok to Montreal would be tough on our bodies. So we made a strategic stop: one week in British Columbia to ease the transition. With two long flights ahead of us, we stayed near Vancouver International Airport our first night, trying to beat the jet lag before heading into the mountains.

Road to Whistler — With a Pho Stop

The next morning, under a perfectly blue sky, we picked up our rental car and drove the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. About halfway, we stopped in Squamish for Vietnamese food at Anh Noodle Fusion — the perfect warm, comforting meal for weary travelers. (Highly recommend this route if you’re flying in and driving to Whistler — it’s one of the most stunning drives in Canada.)

Jet Lag & Hilton Life

We arrived in Whistler absolutely wiped. Day one was a blur of fresh air, sunshine, and checking out the gym at the Hilton. I tried not to nap — but I failed spectacularly. A 4 p.m. nap turned into five hours of sleep... followed by six hours of middle-of-the-night TV... then another five hours of sleep. We woke up at 10 a.m. totally disoriented but committed to getting back on track.

We stayed at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa and took advantage of the $24 daily food and beverage credit per person. We used it smartly: breakfast in the room and Buddha Bowls or Ahi Poke Bowls (both gluten- and dairy-free, with extra chicken) for lunch. Pro tip: do not skip the lemon sesame dessert — one of our favorite surprises on the menu.

Dining Around Whistler

We sampled three notable restaurants in the village:

• Red Door Bistro – Small, cozy, and tucked away. Good food and intimate vibes.

• Rimrock Café – A larger space with classic Whistler charm. Solid dishes and friendly service.

• Wild Blue – Trendy and lively. Great cocktails and a menu with a modern twist.

Hiking Around Whistler and Pemberton

Mid-April in Whistler is shoulder season: some people ski, others hike. After weeks of Southeast Asia’s heat, beaches, and jungle treks, we weren’t feeling the snow — so we went for the trails instead.

We squeezed in two hikes in one day to show our friends visiting from Kamloops. We started with Nairn Falls, a short and scenic trail just south of Pemberton. Afterward, we made our usual stop at North Arm Farm, one of our favorite places in the region. With Mount Currie towering in the background, sunshine, swings, animals, and farm-fresh food, it’s a spot we never skip. We grabbed gluten-free sandwiches and savored their coconut chocolate ice cream. The next day? Mango, of course — a little nod to Thailand.

Later that same day, we explored the Whistler Train Wreck Trail, a unique forest path that leads to a collection of brightly painted boxcars scattered among towering trees and suspension bridges. We’d done it before (first time’s in our fall blog post: https://www.nomadiclovebirds.com/post/beautiful-british-columbia-adventure-and-tranquility-in-the-great-outdoors), but it was fun reliving the magic with friends.

Cool Creek Trail — More Than Just Cool

One of the highlights was Cool Creek Trail. It was a bit of an adventure just finding it — we missed the parking area because Google Maps wasn’t clear, and there was no sign. A quick AllTrails check helped us backtrack.

This hike is steep, rugged, and rewarding. You follow a stunning waterfall the entire way — first on the right side, cross it, then descend on the left. In mid-April, there was no snow, but the dry trail was slippery in spots. I had to stash the Insta360 camera to use both hands. My husband loved it and said he’d do it again next time.

Note: There is no reception and limited signage, so come prepared and download the trail info in advance.

We had hoped to return to North Arm Farm after the hike, but Easter weekend meant it was packed — next time.

Back to Vancouver

Our final day was a relaxed drive back to Vancouver. Since our rental car had a small trunk, we had left our large luggage at the airport hotel, which made life easier. We returned the car, took the shuttle, and got ready for the flight back to Montreal feeling refreshed — if still slightly jet-lagged.

Travel Notes

• When to go: Mid-April is a quiet time in Whistler. Some ski lifts are still open, but the crowds are gone. Trails are accessible and weather can be surprisingly mild.

• Where to stay: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa — great location, useful food credit, and comfy beds.

• What to eat: Don’t miss North Arm Farm

• Pro tip: Don’t nap at 4 p.m. after a 24-hour travel day. Just… don’t.