Travel: Whistler

There is a formula that exists that calculates the ratio of effort to view. By this I mean that it helps determine the best scenic views based on having to exert the least amount of effort to see them. Take for example the Space needle. Effort is very minimal, you take an elavator up all 604 feet. The view is amazing too. So plugging that into the formula and one could say the Space Needle does pretty well. Now take the Oyster Dome hike down off Chuckanut. Like the Needle, the view is great. The San Juans have never looked better than from the peak of the Oyster Dome. However, you have to put in a fair amount of energy to reach said view. Is it a hard hike? no. But is it more energy than going up the space needle elevator? No doubt. So plug that into the formula and unfortunately the Oyster Dome doesn't do so hot. Naturally, this all leads me to Whistler. While strolling about the peaks and ridges of this beautiful mountainous land, Ellen, my Father and I discussed said formula. As it turns out, Whistler does fantastic. The majority of the hiking to get up to the views is just riding a ski lift. The only weight you lose comes from handing over some doller bills in exchange for a lift ticket. You can basically put in no effort and end up at the peak of a very high mountain with 360 degree views of a plethora of Canadian mountains and natural beauty. Are there better views than that from the peak of Whistler? Maybe, I haven't seen them all. All i'm saying is you can be lazier than a football fan on a sunday afternoon in November and still find yourself staring at one of those views kids write home to tell their mothers about.