Whistler

Whistler is  a resort town, located in Sea to Sky Country of the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. Over two million people visit Whistler annually, primarily for alpine skiing and snow boarding in the winter. In the summer, mountain biking and other fair weather activities are popular.

The natural beauty of the region is easy to see in the numerous natural formations in the surrounding area. Whistler frequently ranks as the number one ski resort in North America, and with more than 200 marked trails, the longest snow season in Canada, and more than 8,100 acres of snow-covered slopes, its easy to see why. While the primary draw is the skiing and snowboarding, all manner of outdoor recreation is vibrant here, from sled-riding to snowshoeing.

The heart of the community is Whistler village, located at the base of the lifts. A vibrant, pedestrian-only village with unique, west-coast architecture, surrounded by rugged mountains. Specialty shops, hotels, and eateries are open here year-round. Also found here is the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, which showcases and celebrates the joint history of the local Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations.

Whistler Valley Trail | Guilhem Vellut vi Flickr

Location

Whistler is 123 km (76 mi) north of Vancouver via Trans Canada Hwy 1 and Hwy 99 – the scenic Sea to Sky Highway. From the north-east of BC, it is reached via Hwy 99 south-west from Lillooet and through Pemberton. Squamish is 59 km (36 mi) south of Whistler. A frequent daily direct shuttle bus service is available from Vancouver Airport (YVR) and Downtown Vancouver via Perimeter Coach Lines. A daily return service is also available.

A Step Back in Time

Whistler got its name from the trappers and prospectors who settled in the area in the early 1900s and who were intrigued by the shrill whistle made by the western hoary marmots that lived among the rocks. The previous name for the region was Alta Lake.
In 1914 the Great Pacific Eastern Railway was extended to Alta Lake and the community became a base for logging and mining. Lodges built up throughout the valley and the abundance of fish in the lakes made the area a summer destination resort long before it became a winter resort.

The ski area started to develop in the 1960s when a road was extended there from Squamish. In 1965 Whistler Mountain was named Garibaldi Whistler Mountain. A four-person gondola, double chairlift, two T-bars, and a day lodge were built. In 1966 Whistler officially opened for skiing.

The town centre was started in 1978 which is now Whistler Village and Blackcomb Mountain was opened in 1980, creating one of the largest ski complexes in North America.

Today, Whistler is consistently rated as the number one ski resort in North America.