Whistler, BC is widely known for world class skiing and snowboarding, the 2010 Winter Olympics, spectacular hiking trails, and delicious cuisine, but none of these things were paramount for me. As a dog-lover, in planning a fall getaway I was primarily interested in finding a place that would accept my canine companions while still providing fun for me! Thankfully I found an destination that encapsulated all of these requirements and more: the Pan Pacific resort in Whistler Village. This luxury hotel has direct access to skiing and hiking trails, shops, restaurants and, *sigh*, is totally dog friendly! Upon our arrival we were delighted to find a large, alpine-style suite complete with in-room kitchen and generous balcony to enjoy the magnificent mountain views that surrounded us. The posh bathroom featured a tile shower and separate bath, and, best of all, Aveda products. Hooray! Having known in advance that we were travelling with our dogs, Roxy and Cash, the staff kindly stocked our room with dog dishes, biscuits, and blankets to help make their stay as wonderful as ours.

Once we settled in to our luxurious lodgings, we ventured out just outside the hotel doors into Whistler village to explore the shops, two delighted dogs in tow. Looking for eats that you can enjoy with your canine compadres? Try Zog’s where you can share a poutine and a beavertail (that would be delicious fried dough sprinkled with sugar and cinnamin) on the beautiful terrace with your salivating companions. (If you’re bad like me, you’ll let them lick the gravy off the pie plate when you’re done.) If you’d like to read up on local history or just get a new book to snuggle up with in your room, wander into Armchair Books, a beautiful and cozy bookstore that happily welcomes well-behaved dogs such as my own.

Once we’d explored the village and the pooches were worn-out, we tucked them into their beds in the room while we sought out dinner. (Another bonus with the Pan Pacific — you’re allowed to leave your dogs unattended in your room so you don’t have to tie them up outside the restaurant, not a viable option for my dogs!) After much deliberation, we decided on the Dubh Linn Gate Irish pub located in the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside to honour Jeremy’s heritage and my love for beer. Offering traditional Irish favourites, a vast selection of on-tap beer, and live entertainment, it was exactly the type of human-only night we were after. Although I’m not usually a meat-lover, I opted for the corned beef brisket served with mashed potatoes and gravy, a decision I did not regret.

Despite an evening full of over-indulging in rich local pub fare and entertainment, we rose bright and early for a hike up to Canine Cove at Lost Lake, an incredible dog friendly beach that is well worth the one hour+ walk. This picturesque trail is a great option for senior or less active dogs, although Roxy and Cash still had more than enough energy to swim and chase sticks once we reached the beach.

After a long day of hiking, swimming, and dodging bear poop (oh my!), we settled into our suite to make a home cooked meal in our fully stocked kitchen so that we could share with our starving four-legged friends. Once the food was devoured and wine depleted, we headed off to the outdoor heated pool for a late-night bevy and unbeatable star gazing. All in all, a perfect dog-inclusive vacay!

Rates start at $169 for a one-bedroom suite, plus $25 per pet per night. Visit www.panpacific.com/WhistlerVillageCentre for more details.

Jeremy and Cash enjoying the view from our large balcony.

Roxy and I sharing an early-morning shnuggle!