About Whistler
Named after the furry marmots that populate the surrounding mountains and whistle like deflating balloons, this pretty alpine village is one of the world's most popular ski resorts. Its surrounding mountains offer almost every imaginable outdoor activity, from hiking to mountain biking and rafting.
Whistler is now one of the most popular outdoor-sports destinations in the world. Combined, the two mountains have over 200 runs and 33 lifts and cater to a myriad winter and summer sports. The area has a resident population of almost 10,000, and attracts around 2 million visitors per year. And, in 2003, the original vision for the ski complex was realized - in association with Vancouver, Whistler won the bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
Explore Vancouver & Whistler
Overview
Whistler, British Columbia is both a skier’s paradise and year-round nature lover’s dream. This breathtaking Canadian alpine village takes its great outdoors seriously, and has even won 18 awards for sustainability. Merely two hours or so by car or bus from downtown Vancouver, Whistler feels worlds away. And arriving is almost as much fun as being there. Those fortunate enough to drive the amazing Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) from Vancouver to Whistler during daylight hours will be met with one magnificent vista after another. This former 2010 Winter Olympics venue, perched high amid British Columbia’s awesome Coast Mountains, is set between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Whistler Village offers a great base for outstanding outdoor adventures, sporting comfortable lodging, cool shops and exquisite cuisine. A variety of festivals take place throughout the year, adding even more entertaining options and excitement. The area’s more than 200 ski runs and 33 lifts attract nearly two million regional and international visitors per year to this incredible resort town high in the skies of naturally beautiful British Columbia.
What To Do
Ski Blackcomb or Whistler for the experience of a lifetime. Snowboard or toboggan across these powdery slopes. During the summer, hike up verdant mountainsides, alpine lakes and grassy meadows. Or simply sit on top of the world and breathe.
View black bears and their cubs at various viewpoints. Soothe body and soul with a dip in a mountain lake or rejuvenating spa. Engage in some high-end retail therapy.
Experience some of the community’s rich culture at a gallery, such as the Audain Art Museum, or informative Whistler Museum, dance recital or concert. Cap off the evening with friends and loved ones at a local hot spot and dance the night away.
When to Go
Whistler's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters heavy with precipitation - rain and, of course, snow. Average summer highs peak at around 27°C (80.6°F), winter lows can drop below -8°C (17.6°F). Expect plenty of rain in spring, weeks of sunshine in summer (which often extends in autumn), then the first snow in November. Whistler's average annual snowfall is around 900cm (30ft), the heaviest being in December and January.
Money
Getting Around
Whistler's WAVE public buses are equipped with ski and bike racks. In winter, buses are free between Marketplace and the Upper Village loop, and in summer there's a free service from the village to Lost Lake. Alternatively, you can grab a taxi from Resort Cabs.
Fast Facts
In 1914, Myrtle and Alex Philip bought 10 acres of land on Alta Lake and built a lodge. The rest is history. The village of Whistler sits 7,156 feet above sea level.
Skiing aficionados can ski all year on Horstman Glacier or Blackcomb. Whistler’s thrilling Peak 2 Peak Gondola made the Guinness Book of World Records in 2015, as the highest cable car above ground, and the longest unsupported span between two cable car towers.
While the town of Whistler sports less than 10,000 year-round residents, that number can climb to nearly 50,000 on some of the busier days of the year.
Travel Tips & Tools
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