Spanish
English
Portuguese
Arabic
Chinese
Not surprisingly for a ski resort, Whistler gets its fair share of snow and cold weather. Typical winter temperatures average about 0°C during the day and -6°C overnight in the Village, but on rare occasions it approaches -40 Below F° /C°. Snow typically on the ground from December into April. Summer days can be quite warm, with temperatures reaching the high 20s C°- 70 F°; but nights tend to be cool. As with the nearby Fraser Valley or [wiki=85bbb8a989292f064289be15a7da8e86]Lower Mainland[/wiki], there is significantly more precipitation from November through April than other times of the year.
Whistler is connected to the rest of British Columbia by the Sea To Sky Highway (Highway 99), a beautiful but somewhat winding road. The section along Howe Sound between Vancouver and Squamish is generally considered to be one of the most scenic routes in the world. Historically, the Sea To Sky Highway also had a reputation for being one of the deadliest scenic highways in the world, but was significantly upgraded and widened prior to the 2010 Winter Olympics, and is far safer today. It is currently a divided four-lane highway from Vancouver to Brunswick Beach, which is about 30 kilometers or 25 minutes north of Vancouver. North of there to Whistler, the highway alternates between two, three, and four lanes, with or without a center divider. There are a few stretches of Highway 99 between Brunswick Beach and Whistler that are still dangerous, with only two lanes, sharp curves, and no divider; this is usually because they pass through rugged terrain that would be cost-prohibitive to bypass altogether. Those stretches are clearly marked as such with prominent advance warning signs. Regardless of the substantial safety improvements, extreme caution is still advised, especially in winter conditions.
Typical driving time from Vancouver is about 2 to 2 1/2 hours without traffic. If a major accident occurs, expect delays of anywhere from one to three hours until the Royal Canadian Mounted Police can clear the accident off the highway; since this is the only direct land route between Whistler and Vancouver, you will have no choice but to wait it out. There are a number of rideshare sites available [http://www.hitchwhistler.com] where you can find people to share the drive or find a ride for anything from $0 to $20.
Under British Columbia law, from October 1 to March 31, winter tires are required on most provincial highways (including Highway 99 north of Squamish), which means either M+S "all-season" tires or snow tires with the alpine or mountain snowflake logo (which indicates they are certified as having even more traction in snow than regular all-season tires). Drivers of vehicles without M+S tires or certified snow tires will be forced to return to Vancouver if caught by the RCMP or other law enforcement agencies. There are several signs along Highway 99 reminding drivers of this requirement, and "chain up" turnouts where police enforce it during snowstorms. Most car rental agencies already rent vehicles with M+S all-season tires; some like Avis or Dollar will specifically rent vehicles equipped with snow tires for an additional $20 or more per day.
Buses are a good choice if you are staying in Whistler Village itself. The village is so compact and so carefully designed that a rental car really isn't necessary if you are staying within one mile of Skiers Plaza. Taking the bus means you won't have to deal with the stress of driving the Sea To Sky Highway, parking, refueling, or scraping ice off a windshield.
* EpicRides, 604-349-1234, [url=http://www.epicrides.ca].]Direct bus service from Vancouver to Whistler, $35.00 round trip no extra charge for skis, bikes or luggage. multiple departures from Vancouver and Whistler daily, multiple pick up locations around East Vancouver, Kits and downtown Vancouver. The bus ride generally takes about 1.45 hours.
* Greyhound Canada, 1-800-661-8747, [url=http://www.greyhound.ca/en/products_services/ski_whistler_schedules.shtml[/url]]offers coach service from their Vancouver bus depot at Pacific Central station (1150 Station Street, near Main Street-Science World SkyTrain). Greyhound allows bicycles unboxed on this route. They charge $10 for a bicycle. A bus ride generally takes 2-2.5 hours each way. $28 one-way.
* Pacific Coach Lines, 1-888-403-4727, [url=http://www.pacificcoach.com/Bus-Coach-Travel/YVR-Whistler-Skylynx/YVR-to-Whistler[/url].]Runs direct from airport to Whistler with their YVR-Whistler SkyLynx service. 12 daily departures in winter and 7 other times. $70/$31 one-way (adult/child).
* Snowbus, 604-331-7850, [url=http://www.snowbus.com[/url].]Stops in [[Richmond (British Columbia)|Richmond[/url]], Vancouver and Park Royal Mall in [wiki=bc0991d0243735bd3647069c7b13f5a8]West Vancouver[/wiki]. Provides movies as in-bus entertainment. $30.95/$20.00 one-way from Vancouver (adult/student). $56.19/$34.29 Round Trip (Adult/Student).
* Perimeter Bus, 1-604-717-6600, [url=http://www.perimeterbus.com/].]Runs direct from YVR airport to Whistler with their YVR-Whistler Express service. 6 daily departures in winter. 5 daily departures at other times. $84 single trip.
*Roomy 14 passenger charter bus, Sightseeing of Squamish & Whistler, YVR airport service, transfers within Squamish.
* Roomy 14 passenger charter bus, Sightseeing of Squamish & Whistler, YVR airport service, transfers within Squamish. >
* The Huckwagon Adventure Shuttle, [url=http://www.thehuckwagon.com[/url]]is an affordable, flat rate, 24 seat charter bus line run by outdoor enthusiasts that specializes in accommodating gear; bikes, skis, or boards, at no extra charge. The Huckwagon can pick up at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and is a great option for groups who wish to share the cost of transportation.
* Whistler Shuttle, 1-866-943-0516, [http://www.ridebooker.com/transfers/yvr/whistler/whistler-shuttle[/url]. Runs direct from airport to Whistler with their YVR-Whistler service or from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler with their DV-Whistler service. Flexible daily departures in winter leaving within one hour of collecting your luggage (with flight landing between 6am-8pm and set summer departure times. $69/transfer.
Whistler Resort Cabs, +1 604-938-1515, [http://www.resortcabs.com], provides taxi service from Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport to Whistler for $255.
RideBooker.com operates shuttles between between Vancouver International Airport and Whistler.
When travelling with a number of people together (6 to 10 people), it is possible to go to Whistler by limousine for $385-675, depending on the number of people and the chosen vehicle. The benefits of taking a limousine include the convenience of a private chauffeur, comforts of a luxury vehicle and in some cases, may be more affordable than other alternatives, especially with larger groups of people.
In addition to the standard stretch limousines or town cars, vehicles offered by limousine companies may include sedans, SUVs, stretch SUVs, passenger vans, and shuttle buses.
* Chauffeured limo service to Whistler from anywhere in Greater Vancouver.
* Chauffeured limo service to Whistler from downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the nearest major airport. Because of Vancouver's notorious freeway revolt, the city lacks a direct north-south freeway connector linking YVR to downtown Vancouver. There are also no freeways through downtown Vancouver, meaning that you will have to sit in downtown traffic at some point. You should plan for minimum travel time of 25 minutes just to go from YVR to the Lions Gate Bridge. Allow one to two hours if traveling during rush hour.
At YVR, you can rent a car, take a bus, or book one of the Whistler shuttles. Tickets for Snowbus (Tourism BC Visitor Centre) and Pacific Coach Lines (SkyLynx counter) can be purchased in the arrivals hall.
Visitors arriving from the United States may find flying domestically to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) & Bellingham International Airport (BLI) and taking bus services across the border to be a cheaper option. The bus journey will be upwards of five hours. Quick Shuttle [url=http://www.quickcoach.com]]offers bus services. Cheaper flights also fly into Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) near [[Vancouver[/url]][http://www.abbotsfordairport.ca].
*
* Scheduled flights to & from downtown Vancouver Harbour Heliport, YVR / Vancouver International Airport, & Victoria Harbour Heliport Helijet.
*
*
Direct Flights to [wiki=38278119f2c41ca7aedcbc55eabf73cd]Vancouver[/wiki] & [wiki=dfee9e39474b6e292d66c7facba668e1]Victoria[/wiki]. See [wiki=c9e633ecf2662e517f1d0fae1a6b5a48]Whistler[/wiki] for details about connections Bus/Air via [wiki=c9e633ecf2662e517f1d0fae1a6b5a48]Whistler[/wiki], [wiki=38278119f2c41ca7aedcbc55eabf73cd]Vancouver[/wiki], or [wiki=4c54c163f43d0ac8512df032b3b07bff]Seattle[/wiki].
*
*
Tie-down Accommodation Fees:
Aircraft Weight
*
Once daily train service between [wiki=bc0991d0243735bd3647069c7b13f5a8]North Vancouver[/wiki] and Whistler between May and October. This is not the fastest or the cheapest option, as the train travels slowly so passengers can take in the view, but possibly the most relaxing and scenic.
Operated by BC Transit, the WAVE, (604) 932-4020, [http://www.transitbc.com/regions/whi/] is Whistler's public transit system and is considered very good for a city of its size. It runs regularly from 5:30AM to 3AM all year. Commuter services are also offered to Pemberton. Flat fares are $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for seniors over 65 and students up to grade 12, free from Whistler Village to Upper Village and Village North. A book of ten adult tickets can be purchased for $20, or a day pass for $7, from the visitor centre and other authorized outlets like 7-11 . A transfer is available on request from the driver for connecting buses, only good for 1 way trip. Being that Pemberton is a bedroom community of Whistler it is tied into the Whistler transit system too; fares $4.50. Greyhound Commuter to Pemberton $8- $13 on weekends & Holidays.
In the summer months there are many bike rental outfits. A valley trail connects 99% of all areas within and around Whistler. This is a paved 2 way - 1 lane trail system that is very pleasant and fast to get around on, yield to Pedestrians & wildlife including bears. More advanced trails head north to Pemberton and south to Squamish,for those who may be more adventurous and experienced. End of Summer Grand Fondo: 7000 plus riders, runs from Vancouver to Whistler.
Transit will carry the 1st 2 bikes on the front bumper - Whistler Transit bus drivers have refused to allow boarding with even a very small child's bike or scooter (even when folded. On Greyhound bikes can be taken for an additional fee. Even though it is a commuter service, from Vancouver they usually demand the bike be boxed.
Whistler Taxi 604-932-3333
*Whistler Resort Cabs 604-938-1515
*Pemberton Taxi 604-894-1111 Has a mini bus that can seat 12 +.
All the taxi services have small Vans that can seat up to 6. So a big trip to or from the outlying area can be split 6 ways if you request a van.
If skiing or boarding is your thing, it's hard to be disappointed with Whistler Blackcomb, 1-800-766-0449 (toll-free) or +1 604-904-8134, [http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com]. With 37 lifts servicing over 200 runs on two mountains and a vertical drop of over 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and consistently ranks as one of the top three ski destinations in North America. The variety of terrain is huge: it ranges from beginner areas, chutes, trees, and groomed cruising runs to alpine bowls heaped with powder after a fresh snow fall. There is something at Whistler to suit everyone. On the freestyle side, it has four terrain parks, a snow crosstrack and a superpipe.
From Whistler Village, the closest access point for both mountains is the two gondolas that originate at Skiers Plaza in Whistler Village. The ride up takes 20-25 minutes and the lines can be very long during the morning. Whistler Creekside has a gondola that accesses the southwest side of Whistler Mountain. Village North has a couple of lifts that access Blackcomb Mountain and a beginner area. The gondolas start operation at 8:30 AM and stop between 3 PM and 4 PM, depending on the time of the year. Snow conditions are available via phone at 1-800-766-0449.
If you are not staying in Whistler Village or within walking distance and must drive in, there are eight parking lots. Lots 1, 2, and 3 are the closest to Skiers Plaza and are pay lots where you input your license plate into a vending machine and then pay with cash or credit card for a particular amount of time (either a number of hours or an entire day).
Both mountains open the fourth weekend of November and the main season runs until late April. Conditions permitting, the resort will keep one of the mountains open until early June for spring skiing. An adult lift ticket costs $89 at peak times of the year (typically over Christmas and during March), with slightly cheaper rates at other times. Spring skiing tickets are cheaper at $47. You can also purchase lift tickets at the 7-11 convenience store in Squamish (on the drive up from Vancouver), where they are sold at a small discount.
The Blackcomb glacier opens for a few hours a day from mid-June to early August, but the number of runs are limited as most of it is used by summer ski and snowboard camps.
As of September 2014, Whistler Blackcomb now uses a RFID access control system. All lift ticket buyers or passholders are issued a individual plastic card with an embedded RFID chip. The user's name is printed on the card at the time of purchase. The user is instructed to wear the card in the upper left pocket of a ski jacket, and then walk or ski up to the RFID readers installed at gondola and lift entrances, which detect the RFID chip and allow the user to proceed accordingly.
[url=://www.avalanche.ca/cac/bulletins/latest.
* During summer, the skiing paradise turns into a biker's paradise with a handful of lifts carrying bikers and bikes up the mountain. There are over 50 runs and 4,900 feet of vertical catering to all skill levels. Tracks include single trails and fast race tracks with spectacular jumps and some Northshore elements have been built. Bikes can be rented at the base of the Whistler gondola.
* Lost Lake is a great place to relax in the summer and is a popular spot with the locals. There's a beach, the water is warmer than the other lakes in the valley and there are miles of trails for walking or cycling. It's also a popular spot for cross-country skiing in the winter.
*Golf is a popular activity in Whistler and it has a driving Range and three championship caliber courses, and two more courses to the north in Pemberton.
**
**
**
** Map:[http://pembertongolf.com/directions.html][Image:Cheakamus lake whistler.jpg|thumb|300px|Alpine hiking delights]]
* Backcountry skiing and cross country skiing are popular in Whistler as well. There is cross country skiing around Lost Lake, including night skiing if the conditions are right, and Backcountry Skiing throughout the valley, particularly off of the tops of Whistler and Blackcomb. The Callaghan Valley is just south of Whistler (turn left before Function Junction) and will host the Nordic Skiing events for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Callaghan Country hosts guided ski touring, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing tours in this region. Heliskiing is an expensive but worthwhile endeavor if you crave making tracks where few others do. Several operators make Whistler's miles of backcountry terrain available to visitors. Warning: You should not be in the backcountry or out of bounds without Avalanche Safety & First Aid Courses. You must also have proper equipment such as shovels & transponders. Talk to locals - find out about local conditions & always check and follow the avalanche reports:[/url]
**
* There are a number of hiking trails in and around Whistler. For the casual walker looking for a pleasant walk through an ancient grove of cedar trees, Cougar Mountain provides an easy hour loop. More aggressive day hikers might head to Brandywine Meadows, a six hour trip up much steeper terrain. And multi-day backpackers also have a variety of options including the Helm Creek trail to Garibaldi Lake and the Black Tusk. Of course, the ski lifts and gondolas of Whistler Blackcomb operate in the summer to offer hikers a relaxing short cut into back country. Remember your in the mountains and conditions change rapidly. Dress in layers. Take the legs that zip on to those summer shorts and a water proof windbreaker.
* Whistler also offers some excellent sport and trad/gear [wiki=c40622d523b5bd8c9e8c2d5278b04c0d]rock climbing[/wiki]. Within the city limits there are several small, single pitch crags collectively known as Nordic Rock. The area offers 23 vertical routes, most of them sport, up to 20m long ranging in difficulty from 5.8 - 5.13a (French: 5 - 7c+). For more information on the routes in Whistler and area, check out any of the quality guide books describing the climbing in the [wiki=1aa3dd695f86b61e0d87a020ca22279b]Sea to Sky[/wiki] corridor.
* There are a number of companies that specialize in outdoor adventure travel such as whitewater rafting, fly fishing, ATV (all terrain vehicle) tours, snowmobiling, dog sledding and many other types of activities. Depending on your particular tastes, some or all of these can be extremely entertaining and are generally professionally run. Tour operators include:
** Valley Fishing Guides Ltd., 1-877-858-7688, [http://www.valleyfishing.com]
** Canadian Outback, 1-800-565-8735, [http://www.canadianoutback.com]
** Whistler Backcountry Adventure, 1-888-297-2222, [http://www.cougarmountain.ca]
** Activity Bookers [http://www.activitybookers.com/]
* Whistler Tennis Club, [http://www.whistlertennis.com/]. Rates start at $32/hour for indoor courts to $16/hour for outdoor courts.
Serves breakfast and lunch with a bit more flair than the usual bacon, eggs and toast. The Bob breakfast sandwiches are recommended.
* Coffee shop with a good selection of fresh salads, soups and sandwiches, also offers Whistler Brewing Company beers. The patio is great on a sunny day.
* Tasty paninis and sandwiches like Chicken Cranberry, as well as small items like samosas and baked goods.
* An old fashioned Italian restaurant, serves meals with a free loaf of bread per table, and tasty big dishes ranging from $12 to $20. The food is delightful, not to be missed. Serves lunch and dinner.
* Medditerrean inspired dishes with local flavour. The pizzas are recommended.
* Popular spot to hang out with its patio on Village Square with decent pub fare.
* One of a large chain of restaurants. Serves a lot of good appetizers and decent cocktails, in an average price range.
* Medditerrean and seafood.
* A unique and delicious stir fry restaurant. Pick from a wide variety of ingredients, customize your sauce, and watch them stir fry it up in front of you. Although it depends largely on how much you pick out, prices are usually in the mid-range. Beware of your eyes being bigger than your stomach though, as it adds up quickly!
Italian and seafood. Reviewers found the food was good, although expensive, and recommended the wine list.
* Upscale restaurant with steaks and seafood.
* Japanese teppanyaki.
*Walk-about dining tours, guiding groups to several gourmet Whistler restaurants for a delicious multi-course dinner paired with fine BC wines.
*This quintessential mountain lounge is your cozy and intimate getaway. Located inside the Westin Resort & Spa, the low leather couches, stone fireplace, dim lighting, eclectic music, great ambiance and service will keep you relaxed all day & night.
In "Nordic Estates", about 4km from Whistler Village. Walking distance to a bus stop which goes to Whistler Village. Sanitary, but minimally maintained in proportion to the rock-bottom price.
* This hostel is about another 200m up the hill from Art's Hostel and has a hot tub, plus a large lounge area with a cozy, rustic feel. Priority and better rates are given to UBC students so be sure to call for availability - & to verify its open!!!- before just showing up.
* Great, clean, modern facility opened July 1st, 2010. Staff are super friendly and there are daily activities organized by the hostel. Regular and frequent bus service from 5am to 3am. Taxi fare from the village is around $20.
* Pemberton has 1 Old Hotel & 2 small modern Hotels & many B&Bs - much more Quiet than Whistler proper. Travel time from Pemberton to Whistler Village is about the same as from Whistler's Athlete's Village / Olympic Village / Cheakamus Crossing Neighbourhood. Regular bus service (see "Bus" above)>
* Well situated about 300m from the Creekside gondola station (Whistler Mountain) and commercial area. While Creekside is a small Village with its own a Grocier, shops and restaurants and ski lifts within walking distance, the main larger village area is a 40 minute walk, however the area is served by buses which come every 15 minutes (high season), or 30 minutes (low season). If staying at this hostel be sure to eat at the Southside diner, which occupies the ground floor and is one of the very few remaining establishments from the pre-Intrawest pre-Whistler Alpha Lake Era.
Affordable comfort and luxury in the heart of Whistler Village, walking distance to everything, pet friendly, hot tub and pool.
* The Delta offers 1 and 2 bedroom suites with full kitchen and laundry facilities as standard.
* Assortment of vacation rentals by owner including studio condos, right up to full chalets.
* A lodge with studios, lofts, and one-bedroom suites. Heated pool and tub. Onsite Italian restaurant Trattoria di Umberto.
* Boutique hotel with on-site spa. Has Deluxe and Executive studios and one bedroom suites.
* Hotel is in the heart of Whistler Village. Studios and suites with kitchenettes.
Located in the Upper Village, walking distance to Blackcomb Wizard lift and to main village.
* Located in Whistler Village, the Hilton is one long block from the Whistler gondola.
* The Idylwood Inn is a large chalet split up into two and three bedroom units.
* The Pan Pacific is located at the base of Whistler, a few steps from the Blackcomb gondola and right in the middle of the apres ski action.
* Luxury all-suite lodging, slopeside on Blackcomb Mountain. Ski-in ski-out access. Has a large hot tub.
* From budget to luxury, ski-in ski-out, golf course, Upper Village to Creekside. Many rentals with hot tubs.
* Centrally located in Whistler Village, The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler is an award-winning resort that offers all-suite accommodations just steps away from both Whistler and Blackcomb mountain gondolas.
Provider of 2 to 5 bedroom luxury Whistler home rentals. Can also book ski and golf packages.
* The best prices on the best quality properties. Studios to multi-bedroom units. Units in 17 of Whistler’s best buildings. Self-contained, fully-equipped units.
* A good range of vacation rentals to suit the needs of all kinds of travellers.
* A collection of luxury ski-in, ski-out properties at the base of the Whistler Creekside Gondola.
* Provides one, two, and 3 bedroom ski-in ski-out accommodation in Whistler for families.
Whistler only has a few places to camp. Most of those that exist are outside of town:
*Cal-Chek Forest Service Campground, 604 902-0510. Cool cable suspension bridge across the Cheakamus River.
*Nairn Falls Provincial Campground, 20 miles (30km) north of Whistler and 2 miles (3 km) south of [wiki=2a0acb573a00057792af160b7a5f7e44]Pemberton[/wiki] off Highway 99, [http://www.britishcolumbia.com/parks/?id=50].
*Riverside Resort [http://www.riversidewhistler.com] is located only 1.5 kilometers from Whistler Village and offers tent camping, RV sites, rustic yurts & cozy log cabins. 604-905-5533 Open year round!