Whistler Visitors Guide Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, both part of the Whistler Resort, are the two largest ski mountains in North America and are consistently ranked as the No. 1 or 2 ski destinations on the continent. They offer winter and summer glacier skiing, the longest vertical drop in North America, and one of the most advanced lift systems in the world. Some 32 high speed lifts, 200 trails, and 12 alpine bowls cover more than 7,000 acres. Whistler has also grown in popularity as a summer destination, with a range of family oriented outdoor activities and events.
At the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are Whistler Village, Village North (also called Marketplace), and Upper Village, a rapidly expanding, interconnected community of lodgings, restaurants, pubs, gift shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Local residents refer to the entire area as Whistler Village. With dozens of hotels and condos within a five-minute walk of the mountains, the site is filled with activity. Culinary options in the resort range from burgers to French food; Japanese fare to deli cuisine. Located 75 miles north of Vancouver, British Columbia, the vast and varied alpine destination called Whistler is more than a sports and outdoor paradise. It is home to luxury lodges, boutique hotels, nightlife both wild and tame, and an international crossroads of dining throughout a beautiful pedestrian-only village. Still, skiing is its claim to fame. In fact, The New York Times recently called Whistler "One of the premier ski resorts on the North American continent." Ask any downhiller who has experienced the thrill of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, whether from the summit on a heli-skiing or boarding adventure or via first-time lessons on a gentle slope, and they're likely to agree. Summertime visitors include some of the most discerning golfers in the world and fair-weather hikers find the rugged and ancient Coast Mountains surrounding Whistler Village offer something for everyone
Whistler Village is a pedestrian only community. Anywhere you want to go within the resort is at most five minutes away, and parking lots are just outside the village. The bases of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are also just at the village edge. In fact, you can ski right into the lower level of the Chateau Whistler Hotel.
In winter, the village is populated with skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. In summer, the pace is more relaxed, as the focus shifts to cycling, hiking, and boating at various spots around the Whistler Valley. The Valley Trail is available for roller blading, cycling, and walking. There are ample opportunities for golf, tennis, and horseback riding, and the Whistler River is known for its excellent white-water rafting.
The marvels of Whistler are just ninety miles from Vancouver. Narrow, winding Highway 99, the Sea to Sky Highway, passes Shannon Falls and the Tantalus Range glaciers enroute to the Whistler resorts.
When planning a trip to Whistler, consider extending it to include the Coast Mountain Circle, which links Vancouver to the Cariboo Region. This 435-mile route takes in spectacular Howe Sound, the deep-water port of Squamish, Whistler Resort, and the Pemberton Valley before heading back to Vancouver through scenic Fraser Canyon and Harrison Hot Springs. This loop can be comfortably completed in two to three days, with time to stop and enjoy points of interest along the way. Getting Around
Compact and pedestrian-oriented, Whistler Village has signed trails and paths linking together all shops and restaurants. If you're staying in the Village, you can park your car and leave it for the duration of your stay. The walk between the Whistler Mountain (Whistler Village) and Blackcomb Mountain (Upper Village) resorts takes about 5 minutes. Arriving & Departing
By Air
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Grant McConachie Way,
604/276-6101),
the airport closest to Whistler, is south of Vancouver, which is 120 km 74 mi south of Whistler. Perimeter Whistler Express (604/266-5386 in Vancouver; 604/905-0041 in Whistler) has daily service from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler. Perimeter has a ticket booth at domestic arrivals Level 2 and one at the airport's international receiving lounge. The fare is about $47 one-way; reservations are recommended.
By Bus
Greyhound Lines of Canada
Greyhound Canada Transportation Corp.
200-1150 Station Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 4C7
1-604-482-8747 Fax: 1-604-683-0144
Toll Free: 1-800-661-8747
email: schedules@whistlerbus.com
Buses leave frequently throughout the day for Whistler Village from the depot in downtown Vancouver (1150 Station St.). En route to Whistler the bus makes momentary stops along the Sea to Sky (Highway 99) at:
Horseshoe Bay
Lions Bay
Brittania Beach
Squamish
Whistler Creekside
The final destination is the Whistler Village bus loop at the Village Gate and Northlands Boulevard.
Return Trips
Return trips to Vancouver stop in the same places. The bus also makes stops in downtown Vancouver at prominent intersections before its final destination at the main bus depot at Main and Terminal Streets.
West Coast City and Nature Sightseeing (604/451-1600 in Vancouver) offers a sightseeing tour to Whistler that allows passengers to stay overnight and return to Vancouver on their date of choice. The tours run year-round and cost about $57.
By Car
Whistler is 74 miles or 2 1/2 hours, north of Vancouver on Highway 99, the Sea to Sky Highway.
By Train
There is no longer rail service to and from Whistler
Sightseeing Tours Daytours from Vancouver to Whistler can be pre booked, visit the Whistler links on travelguide.uk.comfor more info....
Blackcomb Helicopters (604/938-1700 or 800/330-4354) is one of several local operators that fly year-round flightseeing tours over Whistler's stunning mountains and glaciers. In summer, the company offers heli-hiking, heli-fishing, heli-picnics, and even heli-weddings.
Several companies, including Outdoor Adventures@Whistler (604/932-0647) and Whistler ATV Tours (604/932-6681), organize guided rides through the backcountry in all-terrain vehicles. The slopes are open from mid-November through April, and in this season the village buzzes with skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. In summer the pace is more relaxed, as the focus shifts to cycling, hiking, and boating around the Whistler Valley.
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