Insiders view on Whistler

The Wanderers in conversation with Carly McMillan

Everything the guide books or tourism websites won’t tell you about the place..

One little known fact/trivia that everyone should know about Whistler..

Whistler was the official host mountain for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

What is a must buy when in Whistler?

A Toque (Canadian word for a beanie)

One take-away after a visit to Whistler?

The magical Whistler winter experience!

What is your advice to first time travellers?

Stay for at least 03 – 04 nights and start planning all the fun and amazing things you wish to try while you are here. There is more to do than you realize and even four nights will not be enough to experience it all.

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Whistler ?

Your camera!

One activity anyone travelling to Whistler should not miss..

Zip lining is one of the most popular things to do when visiting Whistler. Whistler has the longest zip line in Canada!

Where should anyone, travelling to Whistler, definitely get their picture taken..

Up on the mountains (perhaps in the Peak 2 Peak Gondola) – no better view than from up there!

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo of Whistler?

From the Peak 2 Peak Gondola on a clear day.

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise in Whistler?

Experience an exclusive sunrise by going up the mountains for Fresh Tracks breakfast early in the morning. Sunset can be experienced at the Whistler Brewhouse, for après after a day on the mountains.

Most romantic place to take a special someone to?

A sleigh ride & fondue dinner

Best place to have local food?

Multiple restaurants support the local community, but Pasta Lupino is a great local spot.

Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend..

These suggestions reflect my personal opinion:

Budget: Poutine and a Caesar

Otherwise: Super Hiro Roll and Spicy Tofu at Sushi Village with a Sake Margarita

One place only the locals would know..

If you want to join the locals for après, go to the Crystal Lounge, Araxi Bar or Cinnamon Bear Bar.

The best pub and best place to catch up for a drink..

Garibaldi Lift Co. (aka. GLC)

A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see.

Wanderlust Festival and Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival.

The things guide books won’t tell anyone about Whistler?

Stay longer than you originally planned – you won’t regret it!

Is there any particular month you wouldn’t recommend travel to Whistler and what would that reason be?

There is no bad time to visit, but check out the events calendar before you book so you don’t miss anything you might find interesting!

In one sentence, Whistler is.. The best, most unforgettable place that will create everlasting memories for you and your family.

Carly McMillan has been living in Whistler for the past 6.5 years.  A native of England, UK, she came to experience one ski season and never went back home!

She now lives in a year round resort in this magical village that is amazing all year round, and loves taking about life in Whistler.

Insiders view on Tahiti”

The Wanderers in conversation with Rob Thompson

Everything the guide books or tourism websites won’t tell you about the place.

One little known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to Tahiti.

Tahiti is on the other side of the dateline from India and New Zealand, which technically means you will arrive before you depart. So try and leave on your birthday and you can celebrate it twice!!

What is a must buy when in Tahiti?

A Tahitian Black Pearl!
The most valuable black pearls in the world, they are heavily monitored for quality and retain their value overseas.

One take-away after a visit to Tahiti?

Your photos! There are always as good as the brochures, but still not as good as the real thing.

What is your advice to first time travellers?

Make sure you plan your connections well. Remember that French Polynesia comprises of 118 islands that cover an ocean area the size of Europe. You will need to fly to Bora Bora or any of the other islands you are going to.

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Tahiti.. your swimsuit!

One activity anyone travelling to Tahiti should not miss.

Feeding the sharks and stingrays, with a picnic on a motu (little reef islet) – it is the only place in the Pacific and the rays are wonderful creatures!

Where should anyone, travelling to Tahiti, definitely get their picture taken..

In front of Mount Otemanu and the lagoon on Bora Bora. Also, from Point Belvedere up in the mountains of Moorea!

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo of Tahiti?

Any of the hotels surrounding the lagoons of Bora Bora looking back at the vista of Mount Otemanu.

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise in Tahiti?

There are many places, but from any of the hotels on the west coast of Tahiti looking over moorea with the sun setting behind is an INCREDIBLE sight!

Most romantic place to take a special someone to..

The whole country!

Best place to have local food?

The Roulottes, which are caravans that pull up in the main port are of the capital city – Papeete.
Food vans that open up to numerous restaurants – local Tahiti, Italian, Vietnamese and many more.

Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend..

Poisson Cru – the local Raw fish in coconut milk. It is Amazing!

One place only the locals would know..

One of the best restaurants I have been to in the world – Le coco’s on Tahiti’s east coast.

The best bar and best place to catch up n a drink.
Hmmm, there are many. Make sure you go to Morrisons Bar in the main city of Papeete, Tahiti for a drink and a dance.

A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see

The FIFO each year in January is a festival of documentary films that have the Pacific as their main subject matter and is growing every year on the global film festival circuit.

Things guide books will not tell anyone about Tahiti?

It is not as expensive as you think.

Is there any particular month you wouldn’t recommend travel to Tahiti and what would that reason be?

Not at all, Tahiti is a year-round lagoon destination

In one sentence, Tahiti is.. Breathtaking

Robert Thompson has been representing the Islands of Tahiti for over 12 years now in various capacities, and in the New Zealand, Australian then Indian markets.  His time with Tahiti Tourism is directly related to his passion for the destination, from his first trip many years ago, where he immediately fell in love with the people, the landscape and the experience of what Tahiti actually is.  After over 100 trips in his career with them, he keeps looking forward to the next one!