An Introduction to Whistler

AN INTRODUCTION TO WHISTLER

Whistler Village

The heart of North America’s favourite four-season mountain resort is Whistler Village, a pedestrian only neighbourhood anchored by the Village Stroll and buzzing with energy and excitement. Located at the base of Whistler Mountain, just a short stroll to the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the village is where the best après activities and some amazing shopping can be found. Enjoy an abundance of restaurants, bars, patios and nightclubs, which are usually busy with both locals and visitors, no matter what the season. And the many shops offer something for everyone.

Within the village you will find a variety of hotels and private accommodation that can be rented on a nightly basis. Additionally, many retail locations in the village offer a cross section of services applicable to the season.

Whistler Village has a vibe that is intoxicating and is one of the principal reasons so many visitors return to enjoy everything the resort offers, winter, spring, summer or fall!

A Winter Wonderland

Initially, Whistler evolved as a winter resort and over the years we have established ourselves as perhaps the world’s favourite ski destination with literally thousands of acres of skiable terrain. With the spectacular and awe-inspiring mountains that surround the Whistler valley, this is no surprise.

However, in addition to the towering peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, we also have Armchair, Rainbow, Wedge and many others, all within hiking distance. The Mountain scenery is truly breathtaking throughout all the seasons.

There is something very special about the winter snowfall that transforms the mountains and their many lakes and forests into a Winter Wonderland. Even if riding on snow is not your thing, you have to come and see this place!

Lakes, Rivers and Trails

Whistler has beaches! Yes, sometimes they are covered in snow, but for many months of the year you will find locals and visitors sunbathing and enjoying sunny days on one of the three lakes within the Whistler Valley. Sailing, paddle-boarding and canoeing – these are all popular during the spring and summer in Whistler.

We also have numerous outdoor parks that are extremely well managed and maintained, providing guests with unforgettable hiking and biking experiences. And, in addition to a vast array of mountain trails, we are very proud of our Valley Trail, a wonderful walking or biking experience that connects all the Whistler neighbourhoods from North to South.

Mountain Biking

Why not take a ski mountain and transform it into a mountain bike mecca? This is exactly what we did here in Whistler many years ago, transforming ski-lifts into bike carriers during the summer season, allowing riders to enjoy exhilarating downhill experiences on two-wheels!

Now recognized as the epitome of all mountain biking experiences, Whistler offers beginners and experts a biking adventure like nowhere else in the world, including an on-mountain bike park that annually hosts world-class festivals and events.

But that’s not all, in addition to the adrenaline rush from downhill biking, riders can also enjoy the vast network of single-track mountain bike trails throughout the Whistler Valley.

Golf in the Mountains

In Whistler, if golf is your thing, you will be spoilt for choice. Here you can choose from three championship golf courses, all within a mountain setting that will take your breath away. With Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones Jr. as the designers, you can be assured of the exceptionally high quality of these courses.

All the courses have won numerous awards and accolades from publications around the world. So, when combined with a wonderful après-golf experience within the clubhouses and throughout Whistler Village, it’s no wonder that golf in Whistler has driven our summer visitor numbers sky high as we attract visitors from far and wide.

A Vibrant Local Community

A surprise to many, Whistler has full-time, year-round population of approximately 11,000. We call ourselves “locals” and like to brag to our visitors about the number of years we’ve actually called Whistler our home! For the record, I’ve been a Whistler local, along with my wife and two daughters, since 1997 – there’s nowhere else we would rather be.

Our local community is full of life and of course we all love the great outdoors. I like to say that most of us probably came for the mountain experience, but stayed because of the people. With everything you would ever need for your family within close proximity, Whistler is truly an awesome place to call home.

Credit: Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre/Logan Swayze

Arts & Culture

Whistler has an extremely active arts scene and, over the years, we have certainly developed a unique cultural identity. Embracing diversity on all levels, our community is made up of people from all walks of life and from all over the world.

Our local community and our visitors from around the world are fortunate to be able to visit the amazing Audain Art Museum and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, two of BC’s most popular artistic and cultural destinations. Additionally, Whistler hosts annual musical events every year within our Olympic Plaza, as well as other well known film and culinary events. In short, we are spoilt for choice!

Schools and Childcare

Raising children in Whistler is a dream come true for many local families. I can attest to that!

Nestled within our neighbourhoods are two elementary schools and the Whistler High School. Additionally, parents could choose to send their children to the French Ecole La Passerale or the Whistler Waldorf School.

Or if childcare is needed, Whistler offers numerous childcare facilities scattered throughout the valley.

Health & Welfare

Taking good care of our local residents and all our visitors to Whistler is a cornerstone of our community. Over the years we have developed a wide range of services to assist people with both their physical health and their general welfare needs.

Anchoring our local health care is the Whistler Health Care Centre, providing emergency and general health care services. With state-of-the-art medical facilities, including on-site radiology, a CT scanner and a medical laboratory, complimented by a staff of doctors and nurses, the centre is well positioned to care for all.

Additionally, Whistler has numerous community health and outreach programmes to ensure everyone is well cared for in times of need.

Lastly, we must mention our wonderful spas, providing an inviting place to heal, unwind and totally relax. Located in spectacular outdoor and indoor locations, locals and visitors can experience amazing world-class spa and treatment facilities in pristine and tranquil settings.