Whistler

Summer vacation on a mountain, especially a famous one, can be so different than some ordinary family vacation. Whistler is only an hour and a half away from Vancouver thanks to the newly updated scenic highway (some can make it in only an hour, with a realistic chance for a speeding ticket ...). and not short on anything including beautiful lakes, one in the Village and others reachable by easy or difficult hikes. And if you are missing skiing during the summer, climbing on some of the surrounding peaks will get you that enjoyment too. For the kids, Whistler Village has some of the coolest and most futuristic playgrounds around.
Food is great! Whistler has some great eateries, or if you still have some strength left for cooking after an exhausting days of activities, you will not be disappointed with a choice of fresh food finds at the local grocery stores situated in and around the Village. Those with a sweet tooth should try some local specialties. Let's say that "Beaver tail" is one of the favourites for all the ages.

Picking fresh berries is easy all around the Whistler area. 

Extremely hard 14 km hike (7 up, 7 down) to Wedgemount Lake, worth every step! Scenery is like from a science fiction movie, legs start to freeze after five seconds in the lake.

Cabin at Wedgemount open for everyone to rest.

Going back down is as tricky as it looks!

There was still ice on a Rainbow Lake

Glacier over Joffre Lake got that unrealistic bluish colour

Treat

Back in Whistler, everyone get energy back with famous Canadian  "churros" : "Beaver Tail" . It's fried (of course) dough, but unlike churros it can have some additional flavors. Use your imagination here, but let's say that the most popular are chocolate and apple cinnamon.  Obama had to take one box home after visiting Ottawa last year.

Beaver Tale Recipe:

Ingredients

For 3 dozen

Yeast mixture

- 1 tablespoon white sugar

- 1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F)

- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

Dough

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 2 1/3 cups warm water (110 degrees F)

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 4 tablespoons white sugar

- 5 - 8 cups flour

For frying

- canola oil

Garnish

- white sugar and ground cinnamon

- see also: Chef's note

Method

1. Dissolve 1 tablespoon sugar and the yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Set aside until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oil, 2-1/3 cups water, salt, and 4 tablespoons sugar. Add the yeast mixture, and gradually mix in flour to form a smooth supple dough that no longer sticks to your fingers.
3. Place the dough in a buttered bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp tea towel, and place in a warm place, such as a warm turned-off oven, to rise for 1-1/2 hours.
4. Form the dough into balls about the size of eggs, then roll flat to make ovals (beaver-tail shaped) about 1/4 inch thick. Cover with a cloth and continue with the remaining dough.
5. Heat the oil to 385° F (195° C) in a deep fryer, pot, or electric frying pan, checking the temperature with a candy thermometer. If you prefer the beaver tails slightly softer, you can decrease the temperature to 350° F / 180° C.
6. Fry the beaver tails one at a time, until light brown on both sides. Place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with white sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. 

This is recipe from http://www.theworldwidegourmet.com/

Homemade got almost same reaction as the original !