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Whistler

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains
photo: Randy Lincks
The resort destination of Whistler is nestled below the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in the Whistler Valley, north of Vancouver, British Columbia. In recognition of its world-class status as a ski resort, the cosmopolitan Village of Whistler co-hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic Games with Vancouver. Enchanting Whistler continues to be the fastest-growing municipality in BC, and has been recognized as the Top Ski Resort in North America for the past decade.

Something magical happens when you arrive at the summit of the small valley that contains Whistler. A cluster of small lakes is gathered here, reflecting the outlines of the mountains high above, including Alta Lake, the great divide in the Sea to Sky corridor. No other lakes have scenery quite like this to mirror.

When you let your eyes rise from the reflection to admire the real thing, the contours of the ski runs on Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains pattern the forested slopes. Above the tree line, you can still see remnants of the most recent ice age in the glaciers that encrust the highest peaks. Take a deep breath of the freshest air imaginable, and prepare for a magnificent playground called Whistler.

Whistler is the ultimate rags-to-riches West Coast success story. The Princess of the West Coast, Whistler has been transformed in just over 25 years from the tiny wilderness recreation community originally known as Alta Lake to the world famous super-resort village with a population of 10,000. Central to everything in the resort is Whistler Village, with its shopping areas and après-ski restaurants bordered by squeaky-clean streets. The skiing is... well... maybe the best anywhere! Whistler and Blackcomb mountains have over 200 runs and 33 ski lifts combined.

The Coast Salish First Nations people inhabited the land around Whistler for many thousands of years, hunting and gathering and living a nomadic lifestyle on the land. The Whistler Valley was an isolated wilderness frequented only by the Lil'wat Nation from the Mount Currie area and the Squamish Nation who lived in an area stretching from present day North Vancouver to the Squamish River watershed and the northern area of Howe Sound (Gibson's Landing).

The European history of Whistler stretches back to the 1860s, when British Naval Officers surveyed the area and gave Whistler Mountain the name London Mountain. The name Whistler was used by these early settlers because of the shrill whistling sound made by the western hoary marmots that live among the rocks. The Pemberton Trail from the top of Howe Sound through the Coast Mountains linking the Pacific coast to the Pemberton valley north of Whistler was completed in 1877, encouraging trappers and prospectors to settle. They were followed by the arrival from Maine of Alex and Myrtle Philip in 1912. Construction began in 1914 on what was to become the famous Rainbow Lodge on Alta Lake, catering to fishermen and outdoors people. The highway eventually pushed through from Vancouver in 1965, with Whistler Mountain opening for skiing during the same year.

In February 1966, when the Garibaldi Lift Company opened its ski area on the west side of Whistler Mountain, Whistler Resort was only a vision of a dedicated few. The development of Whistler Resort just 14 years later, and its successive growth into an award-winning, international resort, is unparalleled in ski history. (History of Whistler).

To complement Whistler Mountain, Blackcomb Mountain opened its brand new facility in December 1980, and Whistler Village was built at the base of these two side-by-side mountains. The Village was carefully designed to reap the benefits of the Coast Mountain's excellent geographical location, emphasizing excellent sun exposure and breathtaking mountain vistas.

The more than two million annual visitors to Whistler will find that the excellent exchange rate, superb terrain, impressive snowfalls and the unique village atmosphere all combine to provide great value and an unforgettable vacation experience. Whistler has the most ski-in/ski-out accommodation of any mountain recreation resort in North America. To date there are 15,200 pillows within 500 metres of the lifts! Ski-in/Ski-out accommodation represents more than 75% of all existing rental pillows.

Whistler is a four-season destination, offering the greatest vertical drop on the continent, more than 7,000 acres of skiable terrain in winter, and endless outdoor activities in the summer. No wonder the 2010 Winter Olympic Games came to Whistler and Vancouver!

Population: 9,595

Location: Whistler is located on Highway 99, 75 miles (120 km) north of Vancouver. Access to Whistler is by car, limousine, van, scheduled bus, train, or chartered helicopter or floatplane. From Downtown Vancouver take Georgia Street through Stanley Park and over the Lions Gate bridge to the North Shore. Exit the bridge on the Marine Drive West turnoff and take the first right onto Taylor Way. Travel up the hill and turn left onto Highway 1, following the signs to Exit 2 just before the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, which leads you to Whistler on Highway 99. The spectacular two-hour drive along the Sea to Sky Highway (99 North), from Vancouver to Whistler offers awe-inspiring views of Howe Sound and passes by the town of Squamish. Once you're in Whistler, you can ride a free in-resort shuttle bus within the village area. If you want to go sightseeing around the valley, you can use Whistler's public transit system or take a guided tour.

View maps of the area:
Map of Whistler
Map of Vancouver to Whistler Route

  • Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games: Vancouver and Whistler were the host cities for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, the third Olympic Games hosted by Canada, and the first by the province of British Columbia. Previously, Canada hosted the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal and the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Whistler and the Callaghan Valley hosted Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross-country Skiing, Nordic Combined, Ski Jumping, Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton.

  • Whistler Village
    photo: Leanna Rathkelly
    Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort has the largest ski area on the continent: over 28,000 hectares (7,000 acres) of ski and snowboard terrain, with over 200 marked trails, 12 massive Alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, and 33 lifts. Whistler Mountain (elevation 7,160 feet/2,182 m) and Blackcomb Mountain (elevation 7,494 feet/2,284 metres) competed with each other for two decades before merging in 1997.

    Competition between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains two led to their status in the minds (and hearts) of many skiers and snowboarders as the premier North American winter resorts. Their union merely confirmed the impression that, for most visitors, Whistler is a seamless valley. You can just as easily explore one mountain as the other. Each offers a complimentary perspective on its companion and each has a loyal following of ski and snowboard devotees.

    The best answer to the question 'which is best?' is that when you're in heaven, it doesn't matter which side of the street you walk on. Both have been around long enough (Whistler since 1965 and Blackcomb since 1980) to have developed trails over a combined total of 7,071 acres (2,864 hectares) that over the seasons have been shaped, groomed, and gladed to hold snow and reduce obstacles.

  • Whistler Village: After an invigorating day on the mountains, or enjoying adventure activities in Whistler Valley, visitors can explore the unique pedestrian-only Whistler Village. No matter what you choose to do, Whistler serves up an attractive mix of cosmopolitan amenities and pristine beauty. Relive the history of Whistler at the Whistler Museum and Archives, situated in the village on Main Street. The museum houses exhibits on ski history and artifacts dating back to the 1850s.
  • Entertainment and Events: The good times roll year-round in Whistler, with many festivals from June to September. Jugglers, comedians, magicians, clowns, mountain-bike stunt riders and a variety of other street entertainers bring their talents to the cobble-stoned streets of Whistler every day.

    Don't miss the annual Oktoberfest in October. Whistler hosts this celebration of Beer and Bratwurst, featuring oom-pah-pah bands, dancers and traditional Oktoberfest fare. Whistler’s popular Farmers Market is held every Sunday in the Upper Village from mid June to early October. Enjoy live entertainment and shop for local arts and crafts, and fresh, organic and local produce. Cornucopia, Whistler's Food and Wine Festival in November, attracts world-class wineries, celebrity chefs, and food connoisseurs to Whistler.

    The influence of the First Nations People on their traditional lands is celebrated annually every August during Weetama: Whistler's Celebration of Aboriginal Culture. View an aboriginal artist carve a totem pole, enjoy an authentic West Coast aboriginal feast, or hear the mythological interpretations of aboriginal singing and dancing. Weetama is rich in culture and an excellent opportunity to learn more about aboriginal culture in the Whistler area; about the Coast Salish people and their fascinating history, music, art and dances.

  • Skiing & Winter Sports in Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. There are several styles of cross-country trails around Whistler, and the wilderness environment just beyond the lifts to the east, north, and west of Whistler/Blackcomb offers hundreds of ski runs, with a tremendous variety of slopes to accommodate all levels of skiers and boarders, from intermediate to expert. Additional winter activities include snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and old style sleigh rides. Venture into the backcountry with a professional musher and his team of Inuit sled dogs - a truly Canadian experience! When it's cold enough, out come the snow shovels to clear a place for ice skating on Alta Lake in Whistler. Head for Rainbow Park on Alta Lake Road to find it (and don't forget your shovel). Indoor ice skating is offered in Whistler's Alpine Meadows neighbourhood. Skates are available for rent.
  • Heli-skiing provides access to the hundreds of runs accessible only by helicopter. The runs vary from expansive glaciers to beautiful subalpine open tree runs - depending on the weather conditions - and vary from 1,400 to 5,000 vertical feet (400m to 1,500m), with the average runs being approximately 45 minutes. The range includes 7,500-ft Spearhead (behind Blackcomb), 9,000-ft Ipsoot Mountain (north of Whistler), 7,200-ft Powder Mountain (south west of Whistler Village), and 9,300-ft Feethurley River Area (north of Pemberton). To those with an aversion to flight (unless it's off a cornice) snow-cat skiing/snowboarding can get you into the untracked backcountry around Whistler just as effectively as heli-skiing/boarding. More Information on Heli-Skiing around Whistler.
  • Summer: In the summer months, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains offer a bounty of outdoor recreation activities. The varied terrain of the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region accommodates every outdoor recreation known to man, including alpine sightseeing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, river rafting and jetboating, mountain climbing, paragliding and hanggliding, backcountry tours, fishing, world-class golfing, and wildlife viewing. Whistler Blackcomb even offers summer skiing and snowboarding at elevation 7,600 feet (2,330 metres) on the high-alpine glaciated snow of Horstman Glacier on Blackcomb Mountain.
  • Peak to Peak Gondola: At 4.4 kilometres long and 436 metres above the valley floor, the Peak 2 Peak gondola is an engineering marvel that spans the distance between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Use it to take in 360-degree views of ancient peaks and glaciers, to access 19 hiking and walking trails on both mountains, or to enjoy great alpine dining. The Peak 2 Peak breaks three world records: the longest unsupported span of 3.024 kilometres, the highest lift of its kind, and the gondola completes the longest continuous lift system on the globe.
  • Mountain Biking: Whistler is a mountain bike mecca, offering the mountain biking enthusiast hundreds of trails to explore, including some of the best trails in North America. Ride the lifts to the top so you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views before commencing the exhilarating descent on rolling trails along glacier-fed lakes. Push the envelope further by flying in by floatplane to Callaghan Lake for a 16-km descent on rolling single and double track to the spectacular Brandywine Falls. Crankworx, Whistler's summer mountain bike festival in August, features competitions, demonstrations, and plenty of live entertainment. Mountain bikes are available for rental in Whistler Village. More information on Mountain Biking in the Whistler and Sea to Sky area.

  • Ancient Cedar Forest, Cougar Mountain, Whistler, BC
    Hiking trails and parks in the Whistler and Sea to Sky Corridor offer superb hiking and backpacking opportunities. The area boasts old-growth forest, many waterfalls, and pristine alpine meadows and lakes. Nature walks and hikes can vary from a casual outing to full-day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Heli hiking, alpine hikes, and glacier hikes are also available. More information on Hiking & Backpacking in the Whistler and Sea to Sky area.
  • Horseback Riding: There is no better way to see and experience the sights and beauty of nature than on horseback. Take a scenic trail ride through lush old-growth cedar forest and out along the sandy beach at Green Lake, or enjoy a mountain trail ride in the alpine on whistler Mountain, where horseback rides leave from the top of the Gondola and meander through mountaintop trails. Experienced riders can climb a forest trail high above a glacial lake on half-day, full-day or overnight trips. Guided pony rides for kids can be arranged at the Edgewater Outdoor Centre on Green Lake. More information on Horse Riding in the Whistler and Sea to Sky area.
  • Rock Climbing and Ice Climbing: The Whistler area boasts an abundance of great rock climbing; from 600-metre high granite walls to leading edge sport climbs. Many of the best sport climbs are within a short drive of Whistler Village, including Blackcomb Peak, Wedge Mountain, Joffre Peak, Mount Matier, the Nordic Bluffs and Cheakamus Canyon, offering sport climbs of grades 5.6 to 5.14. Ice Climbing and multi-day Ice Camps are also based out of Whistler Village. More information on Rock Climbing in the Whistler and Sea to Sky area.
  • Paragliding is certainly the most graceful way to make a descent of a mountain. There's only one bump to contend with, and that's when you touch down. Paragliding is a long-standing tradition on Blackcomb Mountain's Seventh Heaven zone. More information on Hanggliding & Paragliding in the Whistler and Sea to Sky area.
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: Paddlers can set off on one of the many canoe trips available on the Ryan and Lillooet Rivers, amidst panoramic scenery and wildlife environments that unfold around each bend in the river. Visit remote waterfalls, or stop and hike in to explore remote wetlands and ancient cedar groves. A visit to Whistler would not be complete without a paddle down the River of Golden Dreams. More information on Canoeing & Kayaking in the Whistler and Sea to Sky area.


Search Premier Listings
  Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, Whistler Listing Details 
The spectacular natural setting and the sheer abundance of glades, bowls, steeps and powder, ensures that Whistler Blackcomb is consistently rated the #1 ski destination in North America. The stats are staggering; over 8,100 acres of skiing terrain, 200+ marked trails and 38 lifts. Lodging in Condos, Homes, Chalets, Hotels, Lodges and Inns. Plan and book Whistler vacations, including lift tickets, ski rentals, snowboard rentals, and Whistler accommodations. Plus Whistler web cams, snow reports, photos and everything else to help plan your Whistler escape.
 
  Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Bike Park, Whistler Listing Details 
Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Bike Park in Whistler offers over 200 kms of lift-serviced gravity fed, adrenaline fueled descending mountain bike trails. Something for every level of bike rider. Find everything you need right here: maps, tickets, camps, lessons, rentals, and gear. Start planning your mountain biking vacation in Whistler today.
 
  Whistler Blackcomb Summer Activities, Whistler Listing Details 
The wilderness of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain offers a wonderful opportunity for hiking and walking, and learning from experienced naturalist guides. The Peak Chair provides an exhilarating open-air chairlift ride to the top of Whistler Mountain for tremendous views of ancient glaciers, snowcapped peaks, dormant volcanoes, and superb summer alpine sightseeing and hiking.
 
  Accommodation Whistler, Whistler Listing Details 
Whistler's Accommodation and Vacation Planning Specialists. Affordable studios to 4-bedroom condos in the heart of Whistler Village, Creekside, and the Benchlands. Equipped with full kitchens, fireplaces, and TV/DVDs, many offer ski in/out access as well as pools and hot tubs. Call Whistler Retreats to book your discounted all-season vacation packages including accommodation, lift tickets and activities, rentals, and transportation Toll-Free 1-866-944-7853!
 
  BC Golf Vacations, Victoria Listing Details 
Luxury and budget golfing packages to all the top golf regions in British Columbia and Alberta, including Victoria, Whistler, Vancouver, Kamloops, Kelowna, Vernon, the Okanagan, Shuswap, BC Rockies, and Banff and Jasper in Alberta. No matter what your taste or budget, we have the right accommodation and golf vacation for you. This summer don't just go golfing, go on a BC Golf Vacation!
 
  Brent Morrison Golf Academy, Qualicum Beach Listing Details 
We look forward to helping you play your very best golf at two spectacular facilities! Join us on Vancouver Island at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, for our 10-month Collegiate Golf Prep program (boarding option available) and multi-age 5-day Summer Sessions, or improve your game at an adult golf school at Big Sky, just 25 minutes from world-class Whistler Village.
 
  Canadian Adventure Rentals, Vancouver Listing Details 
Self-Drive Camping Vacations in British Columbia. Canadian Adventure Rentals will help you create the ultimate outdoor adventure. All packages include a luxury sports utility vehicle (unlimited mileage) fully equipped with camping gear for one to four persons. We also provide mountain bikes, kayaks and canoes, and will reserve campsites across BC for you.
 
  Careers and Jobs at BCjobs.ca, Burnaby Listing Details 
BCJobs.ca enables job seekers and employers to connect with each other. Search for employment opportunities throughout BC or apply for and post BC jobs and resumes. Use the internet as a resource to find that dream job, including accounting jobs, administration jobs, construction, manufacturing, customer service, sales, marketing, financial, technical, technology, health care, tourism, retail and more .... all in British Columbia.
 
  Edgewater Lodge, Whistler Listing Details 
Edgewater Lodge is Whistler's only lakeside resort; a quiet, 12-room private, estate on 42 acres of beautiful forested property on the shores of emerald-hued Green Lake, 2 miles north of Whistler Village bordering the River. All rooms have the best views found anywhere in the Whistler Valley, looking out over Green Lake and up to Wedge Mountain, Blackcomb, Whistler, and Armchair Glacier. Edgewater offers serenity and convenience for your holiday, and is host to many weddings and group retreats.
 
  EMR Vacation Rentals, Vancouver Listing Details 
EMR is a fully licensed Travel Agency offering fully furnished vacation homes, condos, suites, and estates in Victoria, Vancouver, Tofino, Whistler, the Okanagan, and on Vancouver Island. We have a large inventory of unique properties to select from. This includes properties that feature oceanfront, beach front, breathtaking views, private hot tubs, luxurious settings and more. Toll Free: 0-800-520-0932 UK.
 
  Excel Limousine Service Ltd, Vancouver Listing Details 
Excel Limousine strives for the highest standard of service and professionalism. We offer the following service in the greater Vancouver area: Airport, ferry, hotel & cruise ship transfers, weddings, grads, tours, dinner service, concerts, sporting events and corporate service. Transportation to and from Whistler, Seattle & Harrison Hot Springs.
 
  Four Seasons Resort Whistler, Whistler Listing Details 
Experience one of North America’s top year-round mountain resorts, and enjoy a superb spa, mountainside dining, plus easy access to the awe-inspiring ski slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Our 273 guest rooms, suites and townhouses are generously sized and capture the spirit of a luxurious mountain residence, with cosy wood interiors and gas-burning fireplaces.
 
  Owner Direct Vacation Rentals, Kelowna Listing Details 
Looking for a Vacation Rental? Why spend more and get less with a hotel? We offer privately-owned, condos, apartments, bed and breakfasts, chalets, cottages and cabins throughout British Columbia for rent - nightly, weekly or monthly. Owners set their own competitive rates. Great value and selection.
 
  Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, Whistler Listing Details 
As the closest ski resort to Whistler Village Gondola and Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola, Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside offers the finest ski-in / ski-out location in the Village. Find inspiration from your suite’s mountain or valley views. Choose from studio, one- and two-bedroom suites that blend all of the thoughtful touches you expect from a luxury resort with a few delightful surprises like full kitchens, romantic fireplaces, and walk-out balconies. Enjoy the large, heated outdoor pool with two whirlpools, overlooking Skier’s Plaza and Blackcomb Mountain.
 
  PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Whistler Listing Details 
Spanning the distance between Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a breathtaking, 4.4-kilometre journey to infinite possibilities. Redefining the Whistler summer experience by creating limitless new ways to get up close and personal with the mountains, this engineering marvel breaks three world records; Longest unsupported span of 3.024 kilometres; highest lift of its kind at 436 metres above the valley floor; and it completes the longest continuous lift system on the planet. Start your adventure with a ride up the Whistler Village Gondola, located at the base of Whistler Mountain in Whistler Village. From there you'll have access to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.
 
  Riverside Resort, Whistler Listing Details 
Whistler's only RV Resort & Campground, located on 40 beautifully landscaped acres beside the serene Fitzsimmons Creek. Open year round, offering log cabins, private, walk-in tent sites, rustic yurts and full and partial service RV sites. Amenities include BBQ area, licensed café, well-stocked Riverside Market, Riverside Greens 18 hole putting course, on-site adventure centre and sport rentals, and complimentary shuttles to Whistler Mountain.
 
  The Lodging Company, Kelowna Listing Details 
Ski Vacation Rentals: Ski-in/ski-out chalets, condos, and vacation homes at BC’s top ski resorts. The Lodging Company has the perfect condo for your next getaway and can arrange discount lift tickets and airport transfers! View our complete listing of properties online or call us Toll Free at 1-888-676-9977 for personal assistance in planning your vacation.
 
  Wescan Charter Bus Lines Listing Details 
Our charter buses are fully insured, licensed and certified from 7 up to 56 seats and are ready to go anywhere in Western Canada and U.S. The bilingual drivers and tour guides are available in English/Chinese. Our owner operators are always prepared to deliver outstanding service, ensuring complete customer satisfaction. Call for immediate quote 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
 
  West Coast Sightseeing, Burnaby Listing Details 
West Coast Sightseeing offers guided tours, personalized tours, and private tours of Vancouver. Tours include the City Highlights Tour, Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour, Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour, and the Whistler & Shannon Falls Tour. Looking for a little more adventure? Try our Rafting Tour. Would you like some culture? We are the only tour bus company going to the Museum of Anthropology.
 
  Whale Watching From Vancouver to Victoria, Vancouver Listing Details 
Travel from Vancouver to Victoria on a high-speed Whale Watching Safari. Sighting chances are 95%. Explore Victoria and Butchart's Gardens and return to Vancouver at sunset by sea plane. Vancouver Sightseeing Tours and day trips into the wilderness around the city, and thrilling river rafting adventures in the coastal mountains. Includes hotel pick-up anywhere in Vancouver - from your hotel or residence.
 
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