A picturesque, alpine ski resort in the heart of British Columbia's backcountry wilderness, Whistler lies a mere 73 mi/118 km from Vancouver, making it a popular weekend retreat for busy urbanites. The absence of cars and abundance of cozy cafes, boutiques and gourmet restaurants give Whistler the look and feel of an idyllic European mountain village.
But the town's charms go far beyond its aesthetic appeal and walkability. Whistler is one of the leading areas in the world for winter leisure activities and is one of the top ski-resort towns in North America. Visitors continue to flock to the area for what locals describe as the two greatest vertical-rise mountains in North America: Blackcomb Mountain's vertical drop is a whopping 5,280 ft/1,609 m, and Whistler Mountain's is close behind at 5,020 ft/1,530 m.
The town was founded on these natural skiing attributes, but visitors can choose from an ever-growing selection of additional snow-related activities, including snowboarding, dogsledding, snowshoeing, sleigh riding and snowmobiling. There's no doubt that Whistler helped Vancouver win the bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. All the Olympic alpine and Nordic skiing events, sliding events and the Paralympic contests will be held at Whistler.
With easy access to British Columbia's endless resource of natural treasures, the region also serves as a playground for outdoor summer activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, climbing and other eco-adventures. It is also a golfer's paradise, with four of Canada's top 100 golf courses. Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Robert Cupp have each designed championship masterpieces in this magnificent setting, earning Whistler a spot among the top golf destinations in the world.
Must See or Do
Sights—Panoramic mountain views from the Whistler Village Gondola Ride and Peak Chair; stunning views on the Sea to Sky Highway en route from Vancouver.
Museums—Educational exhibits and slide shows at the Whistler Museum and Archives; local First Nations culture at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre.
Memorable Meals—Chef Melissa Craig's lauded creations at the swank Bearfoot Bistro; authentic Tuscan fare at the elegant Trattoria di Umberto; expert pub grub and lively atmosphere at the Garibaldi Lift Co.; fueling up on the breakfast buffet at the Roundhouse Lodge before hitting the slopes.
Late Night—Apres-ski dancing and revelry at Garfinkel's Night Club; sampling draft beers from around the world at the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub; after-dinner strolling and shopping in Whistler Village.
Walks—Summer hiking through alpine meadows on Whistler Mountain; exploring nature trails in the Whistler Interpretive Forest.
Especially for Kids—Whizzing down chutes at Whistler Tube Park; zip lining through the air and into the village with Ziptrek Ecotours; ice skating and swimming at Meadow Park Sports Centre; taking a ski or snowboard lesson from a veritable United Nations of instructors; stopping mid-piste for a snowball fight.
History
Home to pioneers and early adventurers in the late 1800s, Alta Lake was the original name of the region's main settlement. Trappers and fur traders unofficially named the area Whistler after the shrill sound made by the groundhog-sized western hoary marmots that live among the rocks in the area. In 1914, the Great Pacific Eastern Railway expedited what had been a three-day journey by steamer ship and horse. This linked the valley to the outside world, turning the region into a viable logging and mining center. Soon after, the area discovered its appeal to tourists when it became a fashionable holiday destination for wealthy, sophisticated Vancouverites. By the 1950s, Alta Lake was a popular summer retreat for the middle class, packed with backcountry lodges and fishing-charter operations.
Whistler took off in the early 1960s, when a failed bid for the Winter Olympics turned into a serious attempt to kick-start an alpine ski resort. By 1965, Whistler Mountain was equipped with a four-person gondola, a double chairlift and a day lodge. When the town officially opened for skiing in 1966, its population totaled a mere 25 people.
Through the 1960s and '70s, the area grew and eventually became the Resort Municipality of Whistler in 1975. Three years later, the government of British Columbia granted Whistler 53 acres/21 hectares for expansion. This resulted in the development of Whistler Village. Blackcomb Mountain opened for skiing in 1980, merging with Whistler Mountain to form the largest combined ski area on the continent, officially becoming Whistler Blackcomb in 1998. Preparations for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are under way, including widening and grading improvements to the Sea to Sky Highway, which connects Whistler to Vancouver.
Sightseeing
Most visitors go to Whistler for the sports and outdoor activities, but there are additional sightseeing highlights beyond snow and woods. The picturesque Village itself is a major draw for many, combining opportune photo backdrops with leisurely shopping spots. Summer brings out the more casual side of Whistler: A variety of buskers and colorful street entertainers strut their stuff in the town square, creating all the more reason to relax and enjoy the alpine ambience.
Those interested in the area's pioneering past—a history scarcely revealed among the town's sparkling resort developments—should consider a visit to the Whistler Museum and Archives. And for those who do make the trip for Whistler's outdoor attractions, we recommend the stunning gondola ride in the summer. Perhaps the most anticipated addition to the resort is the Peak to Peak Gondola, which will transport passengers a mind-blowing 1.9 unsupported mi/3 km from the top of Whistler to Blackcomb's peak in 11 minutes, when it opens in the 2008-2009 season.
Recreation
Whistler is the accessible heart of British Columbia's natural paradise. It's hard to think of a single outdoor activity that Whistler doesn't offer: in-bounds skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels, heli-skiing, hiking, biking, dogsledding, sleigh riding, ice climbing, aerial sightseeing, jet boating, river rafting, paintball, ziplining—you name it. And if you're still looking for something to write home about, try the 160-ft/49-m bungee jump into Cheakamus Canyon.
If you like to explore the outdoors on foot, head to Whistler Mountain or pick a trail through the Interpretive Forest for a pleasant day hike. Whistler's Valley Trail System includes more than 19 mi/31 km of trails suitable for walking, biking or cross-country skiing, with pleasing interludes such as the playground and beach at Lost Lake.
Also a big draw is the town's booming mountain-biking network and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, which is the site of an increasing number of international competitions.
Skiing
Whistler boasts the longest ski season in Canada, the greatest vertical rise in North America and—at more than 8,000 acres/3,238 hectares—the most terrain of any resort on the continent. All this is covered by an average of 30 ft/9 m of snowfall every year.
Along with excellent cross-country runs and adventurous heli-skiing options, Whistler and Blackcomb mountains offer an incomparable selection of more than 200 downhill ski runs to suit all tastes and skill levels.
Whistler is hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. In addition to serving as the venue for the downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom and super-combined events for men and women, the Whistler Sliding Center will host bobsled, luge and skeleton events.
The Olympic and Paralympic biathlon, Olympic and Paralympic cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping will take place at Whistler Olympic Park.
Nightlife
After a muscle-wrenching day of outdoor activity, most visitors in Whistler prefer to soak in their hotel's hot tub and turn in early. But those with greater stamina can find plenty to keep busy after the sun goes down.
Shopping
Shopping is a popular apres-ski pastime in Whistler Village. Visitors stroll through the pleasant plazas—without a car in sight. Most of the town's 200 or so boutiques are evenly divided between sports gear and contemporary art, but you'll also find the basics: a post office, liquor store and grocery store—useful for those staying in a chateau or a suite with a kitchen.
As you might expect from a resort town, Whistler's shops cater mainly to an upscale crowd—especially those in search of ski and outdoor gear. You can find the hippest activewear in many of the shops.
Shopping Hours: Most stores are open 10 am-10 pm daily. Some shops stay open until midnight on busy nights.
Galleries
Whistler teems with private art galleries that feature a wide range of contemporary and native paintings and sculpture, some of which retail for thousands of dollars. If you've already blown your budget on exorbitant deep-heat and aromatherapy spa treatments (Whistler's spas are luxuriously decadent), it's still fun to browse.
Day Trips
To
Brackendale. Winter is the best time to visit this quaint town 32 mi/52 km south of Whistler on Highway 99. The splendor of British Columbia's natural wilderness and the majesty of the region's wildlife come alive during the annual Bald Eagle Count, held November-February. The town's bald eagle festival takes place in January, but you can witness hundreds of eagles soaring overhead and diving into the Squamish River to feast on the abundant salmon throughout winter. Eager eagle-spotters should head to the Eagle Watch Interpretative Centre. Several wardens stick around on the weekends to offer information to visitors.
To Britannia Beach. Despite the region's gold fever, it was copper that initially took the area by storm during the first half of the 20th century. This defunct mining area, 30 mi/48 km south of Whistler on Highway 99, now operates as a tourist attraction of weathered seaside heritage buildings, restaurants, souvenir shops and a summer craft market. Britannia Beach's largest mine, the Britannia Mine, produced more copper than any other mine in British Columbia. Although the mine is no longer in operation, the BC Museum of Mining has successfully restored the building and resurrected it as a popular tourist stop. This national historic site—used for filming occasional episodes of The X-Files—offers a fascinating 90-minute tour through the mine on a bone-shuddering underground train. Take a light sweater—the temperature inside the rock can be cool. Those wary of smaller spaces may prefer to sit this tour out. Museum entry is Can$16.95 for adults and Can$13.95 for youth and seniors, Can$11.95 for children. Phone 800-896-4044, ext. 227. http://www.bcmuseumofmining.org.
To Squamish. Located 38 mi/61 km south of Whistler on Highway 99 and officially dubbed the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada," this town makes every attempt to rival Whistler's range of outdoor activities. In addition to ecotours and mountain biking, Squamish also boasts some great neighborhood pubs and a growing selection of restaurants and stores. It's the perfect place to stop and stock up on supplies en route to Whistler. Check out the Squamish Adventure Centre for more information on what the area has to offer. Along with the three-day Squamish Days logging celebration in August, year-round attractions include Shannon Falls Provincial Park, with its spectacular 1,099-ft/335-m waterfall, and West Coast Heritage Park, which houses Canada's largest collection of historic railway equipment and locomotives. Adventurous climbers or those who would rather watch from afar should check out Stawamus Chief, a granite monolith visible from Highway 99. At 2,198 ft/670 m tall, this stone is second in size only to Gibraltar.
Dining Overview
As you might expect from a resort town, Whistler is full of pricey, high-quality restaurants that increasingly serve local ingredients. Depending on your budget, we recommend sampling at least one luxury meal at one of the town's specialty West Coast restaurants. But you'll also find a variety of additional dining options—and prices. No matter which type of restaurant you choose, try to find one that offers panoramic views of the snowy wilderness in the winter or a casual patio table in the summer.
We recommend Whistler Village for those who prefer to stroll between restaurants and menu-shop before selecting a dining spot—you have a choice of dozens of spots in the town center.
Included here is a sampling of restaurants in town. Expect to pay within these guidelines for a meal for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than Can$20; $$ = Can$20-$40; $$$ = Can$41-$60; $$$$ = more than Can$60.
Personal Safety
Whistler is quite safe, day and night, but visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and use common sense. Don't forget to lock your car if you're spending the day walking around the stores and restaurants of the central core, and always lock your possessions in the trunk. If you stop for coffee with your expensive ski gear in tow, lock it up or make sure it stays within view at all times.
Health
Whistler has numerous doctors, dentists, physiotherapists and other health-care professionals. Those requiring urgent medical care or an ambulance should contact the Whistler Health Center located at 4380 Lorimer Road. Phone 604-932-4911. Call 911 for general emergencies.
Protect yourself from sunburn by wearing a hat and by using plenty of high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm. To avoid hypothermia and frostbite, dress warmly when heading into the mountains for skiing or hiking. Warm, waterproof gloves and hats that cover your ears are a must.
Disabled Advisory
Most hotels in Whistler are wheelchair-accessible, and some have specially designed wheelchair-accessible rooms. Restaurants usually have restrooms that can accommodate wheelchairs. Parking spaces for disabled drivers can be found around Whistler Village. The Whistler Adaptive Ski Program (phone 604-905-4493; http://www.whistleradaptive.com) caters to people with disabilities, and the Village Gondola on Whistler Mountain can accommodate wheelchairs and guide dogs. The Gondola Building and Olympic Station on Whistler Mountain have wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Blackcomb's facilities for the disabled are more limited.
Whistler's public transit system has special wheelchair-accessible buses. Call 604-932-4020 to request one. Blackcomb Taxi has a wheelchair-accessible van. Phone 604-938-3333 or toll-free 800-203-5322. http://www.whistlertaxi.com.
The Whistler Information Centre provides general information for the disabled. Daily 8 am-6 pm. 4230 Gateway Drive, Whistler. Phone 604-932-5922, ext. 17.
For more information on wheelchair accessibility in British Columbia and other matters of concern to the disabled, contact the BC Paraplegic Association. Phone 604-324-3611. http://www.canparaplegic.org/bc.
Dos & Don'ts
Do take a crack at the ski and snowboard terrain park. With jumps and obstacles labeled according to difficulty, it's easy to feel like a pro.
Do make sure you're back on the right side of the mountain in time for the last lifts of the day—lots of people staying at Creekside end up taking the bus from Whistler Village because they missed the chair or gondola.
Don't go hiking alone in the fall. There are many bears in the Whistler area, and they are at their most aggressive at that time of year.
Do take earplugs if you're staying in the Village and hope to get any sleep during any of the town's lively festivals, especially the Telus Ski and Snowboard Festival in April.
Do take advantage of shoulder-season rates. Whistler is notoriously expensive, and little breaks help ease the cost of a family vacation that can include lift tickets, rentals and lessons.
Do take it easy on the Sea to Sky Highway after a snowfall (heavy or light). You don't want to end up in the ditch.
Hotel Overview
Whistler features a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious hotel suites to family-oriented condominiums and intimate bed-and-breakfasts. There are also a number of chalets and villas—unique private homes offering daily housekeeping, in-house gourmet meals and private transportation. Most of the condominium suites and larger hotels are located in Whistler Village, Blackcomb Base or Creekside. They typically include amenities such as swimming pools, fitness facilities, saunas, hot tubs, spas, restaurants and lounges.
Geostats
Passport/Visa Requirements: All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.
Beginning 1 June 2009, passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.
Population: 10,000.
Languages: English, French.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.
Telephone Codes: 604,
Currency Exchange
There are banks in Whistler with 24-hour ATMs that dispense cash in Canadian dollars. Banking hours are generally Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm. American dollars and traveler's checks issued in either Canadian or U.S. funds are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and stores. There are also several currency exchange outlets that offer rates comparable to those given by banks. Major credit cards are accepted throughout Whistler.
Taxes
There is a nonrefundable 7% provincial sales tax on most purchases in British Columbia plus a 5% goods and services tax (GST). A 10% tax is charged on alcoholic beverages. There is also an 8%-10% hotel room tax, depending on the type of accommodation.
Tipping
Excellent servers generally recieve 15%-20% of the base (before tax) price in restaurants. Porters should receive Can$2 per bag. Taxi drivers usually expect a 15% tip, especially if they help you with your luggage.
Weather
British Columbia's Pacific Coast has a temperate climate, though weather conditions can change abruptly, especially in the mountains. Whistler's temperatures are moderate, averaging 48-80 F/ 9-23 C in the summer, and 18-37 F/-8 to 3 C in the winter. Annual snowfall averages 30 ft/9 m in the mountains and 14 ft/4.3 m in Whistler Valley.
What to Wear
Casual yet trendy clothing is the norm in Whistler, even in upscale restaurants. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions at any time of year. A lined waterproof jacket with a hood is a must for most of the year, as are good hiking boots and a comfortable pair of walking shoes. A light jacket and layered clothing is recommended at all times, especially for excursions to higher altitudes, as temperatures can vary considerably to the valley.
Telephone
Pay phones can be found throughout Whistler Village but are scarce elsewhere in the municipality. Area codes are not necessary for local calls, which cost Can$0.50 when using coins and Can$1 when using credit or calling cards.
Cell-phone service is widely available in Whistler but can be spotty at various points on the Sea to Sky Highway.
Internet Access
Most Whistler hotels and condominium-hotels offer Internet access, and BASE Technology (http://www.basetechnology.net) offers wireless accounts for visitors starting at Can$10 per day or Can$26 per week. Numerous Internet cafes can be found in Whistler Village and Creekside, with access costing about Can$5 per hour.
Newspapers & Magazines
For a town of its size, Whistler publishes an impressive number of periodicals, most prominently the daily
Whistler Today, which offers up-to-the-minute local news coverage. The weekly
Whistler Question and
Peak both provide news and entertainment and leisure listings, and the seasonal
Up Down and
WB Magazine feature roundups of the town's biggest stories.
Transportation
Whistler prides itself on its pedestrian-only Village, and visitors can access most services by foot. Those driving in for the day can park in a free outdoor day parking lot and walk a short distance to the center of town. Many centrally located hotels offer heated underground parking for about Can$4 per hour.
Car
You don't need a car to get around Whistler Village, but if you plan to venture farther afield, we recommend a rental car. There are two main options: Avis Rent-A-Car (604-932-1236 or 800-879-2847) and Budget Rent-A-Car (604-935-4122 or 800-668-7000). Expect to pay around Can$65 a day for a midsize sedan.
Note that there is no free overnight public parking, and most hotels, condos and resorts charge parking fees that average Can$25 per day. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended in winter, and snow tires are a must.
Taxi
Cabs are available around the clock in Whistler, although you might have a bit of a wait during early morning and evening rush hours, when skiers head to and from the slopes. Blackcomb Taxi (604-937-3399), Sea to Sky Taxi (604-932-3333), Dynasty Limousine Service (604-720-1782) and Whistler Star Express (604-874-4896 or toll-free 866-874-1311) can help with most taxi and limo requests.
Train
The Whistler Mountaineer runs from North Vancouver to Whistler's Creekside neighborhood and the refurbished train station adjacent to the Nita Lake Lodge. The trip takes three hours, and the train passes through some of the most spectacular coastal and mountain scenery in North America. Daily departures mid-April through mid-October. One-way fares begin at Can$110 for adults and Can$60 for children. Phone 604-606-8460 or toll-free 800-687-7245. http://www.whistlermountaineer.com.
Calendar
Along with a tempting and ever-changing smorgasbord of winter races and championships, Whistler offers a full range of annual festivals to whet most appetites. From the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival in April to the Whistler Film Festival in December, this year-round destination has something for everyone.
For detailed information about upcoming events in the Whistler area, contact Tourism Whistler. Phone 604-938-2769 or toll-free 877-991-9988. http://www.tourismwhistler.com.
To call any of the numbers listed in this calendar from outside the U.S. or Canada, you must first dial your country's international access code, followed by Canada's country code, 1.
Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.
February, 2009
1-8 Feb—
Winter PRIDE A week long gay-pride ski festival that has grown into a community-wide event. Highlights include parties, skiing, fine dining, live music and more. Various locations. For more information, call 604-938-2769. http://www.gaywhistler.com.
March, 2009
Early March—
Charge of the Goddess Skiing, snowboarding, dining and parties highlight this week-long celebration for women. Various locations. For more information, call 604-938-2769. http://www.tourismwhistler.com.
April, 2009
17-26 Apr—
TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival This 10-day ski and snowboarding festival features professional competitions, live music, art and entertainment. 4545 Blackcomb Way. For more information, call 604-938-2769. http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/twssf.
July, 2009
Mid July—
Whistler Children's Art Festival This festival features local and regional artists and performers, providing family-friendly entertainment and hands-on activities. Whistler's Creekside. For more information, call 604-938-9221. http://www.whistlerartscouncil.com.
August, 2009
8-16 Aug—
Crankworx Whistler's premier mountain bike festival, featuring freeride competitions, pro riding demos, free music and entertainment. 4545 Blackcomb Way. For more information, call 604-938-2769. http://www.crankworx.com.
November, 2009
Early November—
Cornucopia Four day festival celebrating wine and food in the Whistler area. Highlights include parties with on-site sommeliers and celebrity chefs. Various locations. For more information, call 604-938-2769. http://www.whistlercornucopia.com.
Late November—Bizarre Bazaar Whistler's original artisan market. See artwork, crafts and holiday treats on display and for sale at this annual event. Telus Whistler Conference Center. For more information, call 604-938-9221. http://www.whistlerartscouncil.com.
December, 2009
Early December—
Whistler Film Festival With a selection of more than 90 films from Canada and around the world, this festival is one of the main arts attractions on the Whistler calendar. The festival also includes parties, outdoor screenings and a Celebrity Challenge ski race. For more information, call 604-935-8035. http://www.whistlerfilmfestival.com.
31 Dec—First Night Whistler This all-ages, alcohol-free celebration includes live music, street entertainment and art workshops. Various locations. For more information, call 604-938-2769. http://www.tourismwhistler.com.
