So much to do — skis optional

On a tour of British Columbia, Tess Nichol finds there’s plenty to do in Whistler, even when you don’t feel like hitting the slopes

Have a shot-ski in the Ketel One ice room — The Listel Hotel, 4121 Village Green, Whistler. Don a fur-lined puffer jacket and step into the blue-lit, -32C vodka ice room at the Bearfoot Bistro inside the Listel Hotel. A bartender will take you through the flavoured vodkas on offer and line up a row of shots on a specially carved-out ski for a group to shot from simultaneously. A novel way to launch a night out. thelistelhotel.com Have a bocadillo at Bar Oso — 150-4222 Square, Village Whistler. Whistler Village has just had a revamp on the food and booze front and Bar Oso is an excellent example of just how far the adventure destination’s hospitality scene has come. The Spanish-influenced menu features a range of bocadillos, or small sandwiches, on amazingly soft fresh bread with exceptionally tasty fillings all for less than $10.50. The perfect carbo-load after a snowboarding session. baroso.ca Go to happy hour at Basalt and have a cocktail and charcuterie board — 154 Village Green #13, Whistler. The patio area outside Basalt is the perfect place to sit and people-watch on a chilly evening, cocktail in hand. Its happy hour deals are incredible, offering a perfectly executed martini for just $8.50 and glasses of wine or beer for even less. Unbelievable when you’re used to Kiwi prices. Braziers, friendly staff and tasty platters make it an excellent spot to unwind for the day. basaltwhistler.com Ride the Peak 2 Peak gondola and spot a bear — top of Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. The peak to peak has revolutionised skiing in Whistler, linking Whistler and Blackcomb mountain so snowbunnies can pick and choose from any slope they like throughout the day. The gondola ride is an experience in itself however, and worth doing for the incredible views of the mountains that surround the area — and the chance to spot a black bear foraging among the trees below. whistlerblackcomb.com GETTING THERE: airnewzealand.co.nz DETAILS ONLINE Go canoeing down the river of golden dreams. Meandering down a river on a sunny afternoon is an excellent way to pass the time. We did it by kayak, but passed a group of locals on the way who had made a train of inflatable rafts and were floating down with their dog and several cases of beer. The river is flanked with lush, old growth forest and wildflower-lined banks. Just challenging enough to keep things interesting