“Away from the smog in cities, our hearts are drawn west, where the only dust is earth, and the only barrier is the sky. Head west for the silence that roars from a wild heart.”
– Lily Moon River
Just two hours north of Vancouver, British Columbia by road lies iconic Whistler, where the stunning natural beauty and mountain lifestyle offers a unique wellness escape. Visit any season of the year and you’ll be warmly welcomed, and quite likely swept up by the special energy here.
Nestled on the shores of a glacier-fed lake, Nita Lake Lodge is the perfect sanctuary, boasting genuine service, oversized suites, and a full-service spa. This luxe, boutique property is a four-season oasis for wellness, whether for you that means massage and spa, indoor fitness and yoga, or getting active outdoors – or all of the above.
The Location
Once the original Whistler mountain base and site of the first gondola, Nita Lake Lodge is found in Creekside (“The Creek” to locals) – a laid back alternative to Whistler’s main bustling Village and just a 5-minute shuttle ride away.
At Nita, unpack your bags and stay as long as you like – though Creekside has myriad options for adventure, everything you need for a wellness retreat is literally at your doorstep here. A genuine Canadian mountain lodge experience, Nita is Whistler’s only lakeside property, with an outstanding reputation for its relaxed vibe and friendly, personalized service.
Walking distance to the base of Whistler Mountain and Creekside gondola, and on the paved Valley Trail and boardwalk network, Nita’s location offers exceptional proximity to Whistler’s activities in every season.
Whether you need to relax and recharge or are longing to feel reinvigorated, clean mountain air, evergreen forests and breathtaking views that feed your soul await you at luxe Nita Lake Lodge. There is nowhere quite like the authenticity of the mountains to make you come alive, clear your head, and shake off the cobwebs of the daily grind.
The Lodge
Breathe in that pure mountain air, then exhale as you enter the main lodge, with its stone flooring, huge wooden beams and cozy mountain decor – you’re home.
Awarded both Travellers’ Choice and Certificate of Excellence in 2018 by TripAdvisor, Nita redefines upscale mountain comfort. This luxurious boutique hotel feels authentic Canadian lodge without a hint of pretension.
Blissful accommodation options include spacious studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and larger specialty suites, each featuring a double-soaker tub, separate plate glass rain shower, floor to ceiling basalt gas fireplace and sumptuous king-size bed. Feel at peace with mountain vistas or forest views, or upgrade to Lakeview and start your day gazing upon Nita Lake, mirror-smooth in summer and snow-covered in winter.
Complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout the dog-friendly property, which also features accessible facilities, on-site laundry, and multilingual staff. Cozy up in the guest lounge, or take in the mountain views in the adult-only rooftop hot tubs. Feeling tired? Nita now offers an incredible Sleep Therapy package option to get the rest your body craves.
The Spa
Feel the tension melt away during your visit – or visits – to Nita’s full-service spa. Enjoy a hot stone massage, rejuvenating body scrub, or HydraFacial treatment; whatever you need to restore your body and mind, their skilled therapists will provide a warm and memorable experience.
Post-treatment, lounge in the rooftop hot tubs with spectacular views of Whistler Mountain, detox in the eucalyptus steam room, and curl up in your robe to sip on a fresh-pressed juice or smoothie in the tranquil relaxation lounge.
The Spa offers seasonal packages and specials, like its Mountain Après Package with Swedish Massage and Moisture Restore Facial, and features sustainably sourced, organic products from ila. We recommend their signature ila Kundalini Massage – a gentle, nurturing massage that uses chakra and sound healing to restore mind and body.
The Fitness
Staying fit at the lodge is easy at the Basecamp 24-hour fitness center. You can work out your way with weights and cardio, opt for 1-on-1 personal training (additional fee, basecampfit.ca) or try a boot camp class in the bright studio (highly recommend a water bottle and change of clothes!). After a good sweat, jump into the year-round lakeside plunge pool for instant invigoration.
Outdoors, the world is your blissful oyster. In summer, jump in for a dip or paddle pristine Nika Lake using your complimentary canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Experienced riders should definitely visit nearby Whistler Bike Park, with lift-serviced, adrenaline-fueled descending mountain bike trails.
In winter, make strides in the fresh air on your complimentary snowshoes or climb aboard a fat bike for a wild and scenic trail ride.
Skiers and snowboarders will appreciate Nita’s complimentary slopeside ski lockers and easy access to Whistler Mountain via the Creekside Gondola. The Creek offers the same amenities as the main Village, including Whistler Blackcomb ticket sales, Snow School, rentals and tuning shops.
Sipping a coffee and then taking in the sunrise during a leisurely stroll around the serene lake on the Valley Trail is extraordinary in any season. Stretching over 20 miles through Whistler’s valley, this scenic trail connects the area’s neighborhoods, parks and lakes with a paved, very accessible path that’s also perfect for jogging and cycling.
Finally, find your balance with a spiritual and uplifting yoga class – Nita has outdoor and event-specific offerings depending on the season (check ahead).
The Food
Food is an integral part of wellness, and Nita Lake Lodge does not disappoint. Remember we said you never had to leave? We know what you’re thinking, but this isn’t your typical hotel food.
A rooftop garden supplies an array of fresh herbs and vegetables, and curated local suppliers bring in the season’s very best. Even in the depths of winter, the culinary team dreams up plant-enhanced offerings, like macaroons infused with homegrown dried lavender, and there are vegan and gluten-free options throughout.
Whether you crave a luxe lakeside dining experience, a speedy pre-hike breakfast, or a social cocktail, Aura Restaurant, Fix Café and Cure Lounge & Patio will absolutely satisfy.
Aura at Nita Lake Lodge is known for being Whistler’s best lakeside dining, where contemporary Canadiana decor brings the outdoors in, mixing well with the picturesque mountain scenery. Aura’s game is high-quality, west coast ingredients with a global influence.
The open kitchen allows you to experience the energy of the culinary team, led by Chef James Olberg, while they create delicious and creative dishes. Best to follow up a day at the spa with a 3-course dinner including wine pairings, non?
Fix Café offers a wide selection of house-made and healthy treats while Cure Lounge & Patio is where you should go for hand-crafted cocktails and share plates. We love the focus on supporting local farms and utilizing the rooftop garden to make the most of fresh herbs and homegrown vegetables.
However you decide to spend your time at Nita Lake Lodge, when you find yourself here in the mountains, breathing in the fresh air, you will discover the very “silence that roars from a wild heart.”
Get inspired on Instagram @nitalakelodge and plan your wellness escape at nitalakelodge.com.