stay
Whistler’s best kept secret—till now—is Nita Lake Lodge. New ownership has brought in a killer kitchen brigade, an Ayurvedic spa, a rooftop garden and has stocked the lake with trout (they’ll even loan you a rod and tackle at the front desk). The large and luxurious rooms with lakefront views are just as inviting as ever. Rooms from $189. Nita Lake Lodge, 2131 Lake Placid Rd. Whistler, B.C., 888-755-6482, www.nitalakelodge.com

do
This serene part of the Valley Trail calls for biking or cross-country skiing, and once the lake freezes over, look for ice hockey games organized by the Lodge. In summer, the pretty Alta Lake park and playground with boat launch is just steps away. In November, it's wine-tasting time at Cornucopia.   
 
eat
Nita Lake’s Aura restaurant serves up locally foraged mushrooms, Pemberton-grown heirloom beets and artichokes from the Lodge’s own rooftop. Bison flatirons, Sloping Hills porchetta and side-striped prawns are the smartly-sourced support staff to the vegetable-forward menu.  
 
après
Cozy up by the fire in the Cure Lounge at Nita Lake where the thick-cut buttermilk onion rings ($5) are not to be missed. On tap is France’s Kronenbourg 1664—a match made in heaven. Or Whistler. It's all the same to us.