By Natasha Netschay Davies
One warm August afternoon, I sat down with David MacKenzie, owner and managing director of Pemberton Valley Lodge. We found a quiet spot and talked about why this place feels so different from a typical resort town. David knows the valley well, and it’s clear he’s as passionate about the surrounding wilderness as the guests who come to enjoy it.
Natasha: What makes Pemberton such an ideal location for someone looking to connect with nature?
David: I’d say we’re the gateway to the backcountry. We see many guests passing through on their way to various activities, both in Summer and Winter. In Winter, it might be ski touring, hut-to-hut trips, ice climbing, or heli-skiing, which operates right here in our area.
In Summer, the Pemberton Valley is the convergence of several rivers, so you’ll find kayakers, hikers, climbers, paragliders, horseback riders, and we’re especially well known for our mountain biking. We have hundreds of kilometres of trails, and in recent years, our trail association has put a lot of work into adding beginner and intermediate options. When the trails first started, they were pretty advanced, and we wanted to make it easier for newcomers to get involved without having to dive straight into expert-level rides.”
Natasha: When it comes to wellness and relaxation, what about the lodge itself? How does it help guests connect with nature without even leaving the property?
David: First and foremost, it’s our location. Being in Pemberton — and not in Whistler — is probably our greatest strength. We’re based in a small, quaint mountain town where the pace is slower and the atmosphere is authentic.
If you go to a restaurant here, you’ll often see the owner behind the counter or in the kitchen. It’s the same in our delis and coffee shops. People live here because they value nature, wellness, and community, and this is evident in how they interact with visitors.
Inside aviation-themed Café YPS where guests can dine and enjoy happy hour
Natasha: What else makes the Pemberton community such a good fit for people seeking wellness?
David: We’re a very healthy community overall, both in terms of wellness and in our arts scene, and I think those two go hand in hand. Because we’re smaller, it’s quieter. You don’t get the constant hustle and bustle you find in a big resort town. For people looking for that, Whistler is fantastic. It offers a lot. But if you want a quieter escape where you can really breathe, reset, and take things at your own pace. Pemberton Valley Lodge is the place.
See Pemberton: Where Water, Mountains, and Warm Smiles Heal You to read Natasha’s review of Pemberton Valley Lodge where David is proprietor.
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.
