By Natasha Netschay Davies
I’d been craving a BC summer escape. A few days to unwind, recharge, and soak in nature before fall creeps in. In early August, my husband and I packed our car for a four-day, three-night getaway. We wanted somewhere close enough for a leisurely drive, yet far enough to feel like we’d left routine behind. Our wish list was simple: good restaurants, beautiful lakes, and activities that felt restorative rather than rushed. Pemberton checked every box: a small, welcoming valley town just 20 minutes north of Whistler, with a slower pace, sweeping mountain views, and a way of wrapping you in calm the moment you arrive.
Where Water Works Its Magic
What I didn’t realize until I got there was how much the water would shape my trip. In Pemberton, you’re never far from it. Numerous creeks and rivers, including the Lillooet River, Ryan River, Miller Creek, Pemberton Creek, and the Green River, all converge into the valley, surrounding you with the sound and sight of moving water. That constant downward rush seemed to take every worry I’d brought with me and carry it away.
And these aren’t just any waters. In summer, during glacier melt, they turn a luminous green. It’s a colour so vivid you almost can’t believe it’s real. It comes from rock flour, fine sediment ground by glaciers and carried downstream, which reflects sunlight to create a milky, green glow. Sometimes, algae with tiny calcium carbonate scales contribute to the shimmer. It’s nature’s therapy, in living colour.
First Impressions & First Plunges
From the moment we arrived at Pemberton Valley Lodge, the tone was set. The staff were warm, smiling, and oh-so-helpful. The Lodge itself was airy and spotless, and when I stepped into our one-bedroom suite complete with a full kitchenette, patio, and walk-in shower, it felt like we had far more space than we needed. I dropped my bags, and within minutes, I was in the pool cooling off from the 35°C afternoon. And it just happened to be happy hour.
The next morning began with a long walk around One Mile Lake, its boardwalk wrapping around sparkling green water. By 11 AM, the heat was intense, so I jumped straight in. A cold plunge that sent an icy shock through my body and left me euphoric. Mountains above me, meadow in front of me, crisp alpine air in my lungs. It was almost spiritual.
Markets, Trails, & Falls
Later, after some poolside reading, I wandered to the Friday Farmers’ Market. The scent of Indigenous-inspired elixirs drifted through the air, a folk band played nearby, and I indulged in ginger raspberry chews while browsing stalls of produce and artisanal goods. Around 5 PM, I hiked to Nairn Falls. As I got closer, the sound of rushing water grew until I finally saw the powerful, noisy, and exciting waterfall.
Dinner at Fescues, located at the Big Sky Golf course, capped the night with vineyard mist, meadow views, the friendliest staff and my adoring husband wearing his favourite Hawaiian shirt.
Horses, Meadows, & Glacier Lakes
The next day brought my trip’s highlight: a two-hour horseback ride with Copper Cayuse Outfitters. My horse, Captain, carried me through riverbeds, his hooves clicking on unseen stones beneath the water. We wound through warm, sunlit trails before stopping in a meadow so beautiful it felt like a dream. Mountains in every direction, Captain grazing contentedly, a permanent smile on my face.
After the ride, I recharged with a kale-spirulina-spinach smoothie from an organic food shop before driving to Birkenhead Lake, a glacier-fed oasis perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. I swam, then read under a willow tree, the day slipping away in quiet bliss.
Leaving Lighter
Our final morning was slow and sweet. Cuddling lambs at North Arm Farm, buying jams, sipping a refreshing cider at The Beer Farmers, and admiring their highland cows before heading home.
Four days, three nights, and I left lighter. In Pemberton, the water, the mountains, and the warm, easy smiles all work together to heal mind, body, and soul.
Natasha Netschay runs a PR and Communications agency in Vancouver and teaches writing courses at SFU. She also writes wellness articles for travel, yoga and mental health media outlets.
Pemberton Valley Lodge is a prominent partner with Wellness Travel BC. Located about a half hour north of Whistler, the valley affords a more peaceful ambiance to the vibrancy of Whistler, with the Lodge providing the perfect place to call home base as you explore the area. Learn more at https://wellnesstravelbc.com/partners/pemberton-valley-lodge/.
