Anna Segal: Whistler for Aussies

Rachael Oakes-Ash is an Aussie travel writer and a self-confessed Snow It All who covers all things winter and ski.

Aussie Winter Olympian, pro skier, and film producer Anna Segal calls Whistler home. She knows the sweet spots for Australians—from where to get their caffeine fix to where to head on a powder day. This is her guide to her adopted home.

Best Coffee

I have two favourite coffee spots! First is Cranked in Whistler’s Rainbow neighbourhood. They have a great big table to work at, they serve good coffee and smoothies, and they sell an ever-changing list of beans from around the world.

Second is Camp, farther south in Function Junction. It’s half home interiors/gift shop and half café, filled with cool trinkets and coffee table books to flip through. Plus, they serve Aussie Campos coffee, which I love.

Best Cocktail

I’m a big G+T fan so my go-to is the gin and tonic flight at Bar Oso, located in the village. There are two different flights you can choose from—The BC flight, featuring four different gins from British Columbia, and the international flight, with four gins from around the world.

Best Après

The HandleBar at Blackcomb base. It’s a tiny bar, independently owned by locals, with an awesome selection of craft beers.

Power-Day Advice

On a powder day, I head to the trees on Whistler mountain for a few runs, then if I’m feeling lucky, I’ll wait in line for Peak Chair to crack (open), for my chance to ski some steep and deep powder turns.

Best Village Dining

Ohyama Ramen. It’s reasonably priced, casual, and so delicious! It’s my go-to spot when I’m feeling exhausted after a big day of skiing and don’t have the energy to cook for myself. My favourite dish is the Vegan Ramen.

Date Night

Alta Bistro. I only discovered this restaurant a few months ago, due to my friend getting a serving job here. She explained to me that the majority of their ingredients are organic and local, which means the menu is constantly changing.

Apparently the eggs and chickens are from the chef’s own backyard up in Pemberton! The chef is open to modifying food for dietary constraints and the staff are friendly and welcoming. No snobby attitudes here, just awesome food.

Best Shopping

I’m really excited about Evo coming to town this summer. They are a Seattle-based business, with stores in Portland, Seattle, and Denver. They stock all my favourite ski/surf/skate and outdoor brands and have a really great community program, where they host local artists, athletes, and film makers for shop gatherings. They just bought five separate stores in Whistler and I’m really looking forward to seeing what they do with them.

Where Do You Take Visitors to Impress Them?

I like taking visitors to Pemberton (30 minutes north of Whistler). It has this really authentic Canadian vibe with some great little coffee shops and eateries (Blackbird Bakery, North Arm Farm, and Stay Wild), plus stunning views of Mount Currie.

Header image: Anna Segal in Callaghan Valley, near Whistler | Guy Fattal