From Wikitravel

Whistler [1] is in the province of British Columbia in Canada. Whistler is a popular winter snow-skiing destination near Vancouver. The official name for the Municipality is The Resort Municipality of Whistler

[edit] Understand

Whistler will host most of the ski events for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Many of the other events will be in and around Vancouver, the formal host for the games.

• Whistler Public Library, 4329 Main Street, ☎ +1-604-932-5564 (info@whistlerlibrary.ca, fax: +1-604-932-0664), [2]. Monday through Saturday 11am - 7pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm, closed holidays. Offers free internet access, in addition to the usual library services. Located on the opposite side of Village Gate Blvd from the plaza at the base of Whistler mountain. edit

[edit] Get in

Getting to Whistler generally involves coming from Vancouver. Greyhound Canada offers coach service[3] from the Vancouver Bus Depot, 1150 Station Street (at the Via Rail station), for less than $20 each way. Perimeter Bus offers Coach service direct from the airport for $65 each way. Greyhound allows bicycles unboxed on this route. They charge $10 for a bicycle. A bus ride generally takes 2-2.5 hours each way.

Whistler Resort Cabs provides taxi service from Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport to Whistler for $230.

RideBooker.com operates shuttles between between Vancouver International Airport and Whistler.

If a number of people are travelling together it is possible to go by Limo for $350-400 with room for between 6 and 10 people.

Helijet offers helicopter service from the airport for around $200 per person each way.

Another good option for travellers is to rent a car and drive up to Whistler using the Sea to Sky highway. Along the route, you may want to stop off at Squamish or one of the parks or waterfalls along the route. The view across the bay is particularly beautiful on the drive back to Vancouver. Renting a car also allows you to explore the wider Whistler region, including Pemberton as well as giving you access to a number of outdoor activities. It should be noted, however, that the Sea to Sky highway is quite windy and may be dangerous to drive, especially in Winter conditions. At the current time the Sea to Sky Highway is undergoing major upgrades, particularly between Squamish and Vancouver. Make time for construction delays...2 1/2 hours should be ample.

[edit] Get around

Whistler is a very pedestrian friendly village, and small enough that you can walk anywhere, including adjacent Blackcomb Village. The main village is all pedestrian walkways. Cars only have very limited access into this area.

However, if you have to leave the main village there are free shuttle buses connecting some parts of the Resort. Whistler also has a very good public transit system for a city of its size. In the winter all of the buses have ski racks.

[edit][add listing] See

The Whistler and Blackcomb Gondolas run almost all year. They are closed for maintenance during the shoulder season (October-Early November). The views from the top are quite spectacular. Visitors may catch the Gondola to the peak during warmer months and hike down the mountain, back to the village.

If you take a car to Whistler from Vancouver, don't forget to pull over at one of the many viewpoints along the route.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Skiing Whistler Blackcomb operates the Alpine ski hills, which have lift service right out of town up both Blackcomb mountain and Whistler Mountain. Whistler is consistently ranked as one of the top 3 ski destinations in North America. With more than 5,000 feet of vertical drop and 8,000 skiable acres, it is by far the largest ski resort in North America. Whistler Blackcomb offers a steeply discounted "4BUY4" season pass to university students aged 17-25 studying in BC and Washington who buy before the season. They also offer adults from Canada and Washington an "EDGE Card" which offers discounted lift tickets and a variety of discounts on food and retail items. Another option is to purchase your lift tickets at the 7-11 convenience store in Squamish.

• Heliskiing - Whistler offers great heliskiing, with miles of backcountry terrain available to such visitors.

• Hiking 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 Creek 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.

• Biking/Downhill During the summer time the skiing paradise turns into a biker's paradise. Single trails and fast race tracks with spectacular jumps can be reached comfortably by the chair lift carrying both biker and bike. Some Northshore elements have also been built and the number of tracks is enough to keep even the advanced riders busy.

• Rock Climbing Whistler also offers some excellent sport and trad/gear climbing. 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, there is no shortage of quality guide books describing the climbing in the Sea to Sky corridor.

• Outdoor Adventures There are a number of companies that specialize in outdoor adventure travel such as whitewater rafting on the Green or Elaho Rivers with companies such as Canadian Outback and ATV (all terrain vehicle) tours (to name a few examples). Depending on your particular tastes, some or all of these can be extremely entertaining and are generally professionally run.

• Back country 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 Back country 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.

• Whistler Backcountry Adventure, tel. 1-888-297-2222, [4]. Offers a variety of outdoor activities ranging from dog sledding and snowmobiling to fishing and ATV (all terrain vehicle) rides.

• Whistler Tennis Club, [5]. Rates start at $32/hour for indoor courts to $16/hour for outdoor courts.

[edit] Learn

• Tamwood International College, 301 - 4204 Village Square, ☎ 604-938-9843, [6]. Tamwood International operates a number of carefully designed and managed English Language schools, Camp programs and Work Experience programs across Canada.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

As is common to tourist-centric villages and towns, Whistler village has a number of shops awaiting you. In general, the shopping is better and you'll find more variety in nearby Vancouver, so if you're on a budget, your money is likely to go farther in Vancouver. On the other hand, many of the stores in Whistler village are a pleasure to visit and the outdoor setting makes browsing (or shopping) more enjoyable than the large malls found in Vancouver.

• Cyber Web Internet Cafe, #6, 4340 Sundial Crescent, ☎ +1-604-905-1280, [7]. Open every day, summer 09:00-22:30h, winter 08:00-22:00h. Internet access at terminals and wireless. Plus related services like CD burning, photocopying, and fax service. Free local calls on courtesy phone. Also various espresso and cold drinks, and snacks. Look for 10% discount cards on the reception table. Located right on skier's plaza at the foot of both gondolas, next to Black's Pub, tucked into the Sundial Hotel. Internet $10/hr.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Whistler village has a number of restaurants ranging from very cheap fast food to expensive, and very good meals in restaurants such as Araxi (Whistler) and Monk's Grill (Blackcomb). One of the true joys of Whistler Eating is to go to one of the many bars after a long day of skiing or outdoor activities. The bars are where many of the visitors gather and the atmosphere is laid back and easygoing. Some of the best choices for apres ski are Garibaldi Lift Co. and Longhorn Saloon (both at the base of Whistler), and Merlin's (base of Blackcomb).

Regardless of what type of food you're looking for, the best way to find good food in Whistler is to take a walk around the village. Surprisingly (it seems relatively random) the Greek food in whistler is quite good. The two main restaurants and Zeuski's and Kypriaki Norte. Zeuskis is more suited to children.

For a ski hill, the food available on the slopes is surprisingly good and varied. Though you'll pay a small premium for the high altitude service, you udon bowl ($10) or salmon steak ($12) is similarly priced to the village below and though the seating arrangements may be less comfortable than in Whistler, the dining views can't be beat. One special on-hill treat is enormous waffles topped with berries, cream, and chocolate at the Crystal Hut on Blackcomb Mountain.

• Apres Whistler Restaurant, 4338 Main Street, Tel: 604-935-0200, [8]. Whistler's only contemporary French restaurant. Located in Whistler Village. Offers regional delicacies such as freshly caught Queen Charlotte Island Sable Fish, Cowichan Bay pasture-raised duck, and Dungeness crab. Produce is brought in from the Pemberton Valley, 30 kilometers north of Whistler, during the summer and extensive use is made of organic produce from local growers. Après subscribes to artisanal food production, small scale agriculture, and sustainable approaches to fishing and farming. You can book a reservation, secured with a credit card, on their web site.

[edit][add listing] Drink

You'll find almost any type of drink at the many bars, restaurants, cafes and clubs in Whistler. If you like beer, try a local "micro-brewery" beer at one of the pubs in the village.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Southside Lodge, Highway 99, Tel (604) 932-3644, [9]. Well situated about 300m from the Creekside gondola station (Whistler Mountain) and commercial area. While shops and restaurants (and ski lifts) are within walking distance, the main village area is a 40 minute walk which may feel far for those looking for more of the Whistler scene. A bed in a dormitory style room ranges from $30 - $40 / night, more during ski season.
• Art's Hostel, 2113 Nordic Drive, ☎ +1 (604) 932-4660 (arthurdejong.wb@gmail.com), [10]. 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. $15-25/night in dorm rooms.  edit

[edit] Moderate

• The Idylwood Inn Whistler Chalet [11] - The Idylwood Inn is a large chalet split up into two, three and five bedroom units. Fall rates for a two bedroom start at $185 CDN / night (plus taxes).

• Mountainside Lodge, 4417 Sundial Place, ☎ +1-604-932-4511, [12]. A lodge with studios, lofts, and one-bedroom suites. Heated pool & tub. onsite Italian restaurant Trattoria di Umberto. Toll-free phone 1-877-607-3337. $110/night.  edit

• Delta Whistler Village Suites [13] - The "Delta" is situated in the heart of the village (1022 Main Street), with easy access to surrounding restaurants, bars and shopping. The Delta offers 1 and 2 bedroom suites with full kitchen and laundry facilities as standard. Prices start from $95 a night in the Fall.

[edit] Splurge

• Four Seasons Resort Whistler, 4591 Blackcomb Way, Toll Free 1 888-935-2460; 604-935-3400, [14]. Located in the Upper Village, walking distance to Blackcomb Wizard lift and to main village.

• Exclusive Accommodations in Whistler, [15]. Provides luxury short and long term rental homes and chalets in Whistler Canada resort. Great selection of deluxe rental properties available in all locations.

• Hilton Hotel, 4050 Whistler Way, 604-932-1982. Located in Whistler Village, the Hilton is one long block from the Whistler gondola.

• Pan Pacific Whistler Hotel Mountainside, 4320 Sundial Crescent, Toll Free +1 888 905 9995, [16]. Located in Whistler Village, the Pan Pacific right at the base of Whistler, a few steps from the Blackcomb gondola, and right in the middle of the apres ski action.

• Residence Inn by Marriott - Whistler, 1-888-905-3400; [17]. Luxury all-suite lodging, slopeside on Blackcomb Mountain. Ski-in ski-out access. Has a large hot tub.

• Whistler Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, 1.800.229.3188 NA - Hotel Direct; [18]. Hotel is located in the heart of Whistler Village next to dining, shopping and much more. Minutes from Whistler's ski lifts. Studios and suites with kitchenettes.

• Whistler Summit Lodge and Spa, +1-888-913-8811 North America; [19]. Whistler's premier boutique hotel with on-site spa. Located in Whistler Village with Deluxe and Executive Studios and One Bedroom Sites. Next to excellent dining and shopping. Rates vary based on season and room type with some minimum stay requirements during busier seasons.

The following are booking agencies for Whistler condos:

• Whistler Holiday Accommodation, [20]. Offers vacation rental packages including condos and ski chalets at Whistler Blackcomb resort.

• Aloha Whistler Accommodations, +1-888-938-9998 North America; +1-800-1-938-6263 UK, Hong Kong, Australia; [21]. Over 75 Whistler condos, luxury home and chalet rentals. Most are slopeside on Whistler or Blackcomb Mountains. 1 to 6 bedrooms, prices vary based on date, from $165/night (1 bedroom - shoulder season) to $4,000/night (6 bedroom luxury home - high winter season), with minimum stay requirement details available online.

• Whistler Home Holidays, 1.888.644.7444 NA; 800.967.997 Hong Kong; 0800.917.0478 UK; 604.938.9256 Whistler; [22]. Provider of 2 to 5 bedroom luxury Whistler home rentals. Can also book ski and golf packages. Prices start at $795.00 to $1,195.00/night for 4-5 BR condo.

• Whistler Luxury Condos, [23]. Pricey luxury suites, many come with jaccuzis, fireplace(s) and multiple bedrooms or a loft. Minimum stay requirement with prices ranging from $290 / night (low season) to $790 / night high season for a one bedroom unit.

• Whistler Mountain Accommodation, +1-888-938-0707, [24]. Fully-furnished luxury ski-in, ski-out Whistler condos and town home rentals, located in Taluswood development on the Whistler Creekside gondola. 2 to 4 bedrooms, prices vary based on date, from $330-495/night (2 bedroom) or $840-1550/night (4 bedroom), with minimum stay requirement.

• Platinum Whistler Accommodations, [25]. Rent condos, chalets and hotels from this vacation lodging rental company located in Whistler village. Offers a large selection to choose from.

• Holiday Whistler Accommodations, [26]. Provides a large selection of condo and chalet rentals in Whistler BC Canada featuring ski vacation units. Nightly rental units from 1 bedroom up to 7 bedrooms available during all seasons.

• Owner Direct Vacation Rentals[27] lists over over 300 rental homes in Whistler to accommodate a wide range of guest numbers and budgets.

[edit] Camping

Whistler is surprisingly short of organized 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 Pemberton off Highway 99, [28].
• Brandywine Fall Provincial Campground, 7 miles (11 km) south of Whistler off Highway 99 and 30 miles (47 km) North of Squamish, [29].

[edit] Get out

Most visitors to Whistler don't stop on the trip from Vancouver to Whistler, and many never even spend any time in Vancouver. It is worth it to try and make time for a visit to Squamish either when coming or going.

• Sea to Sky - the corridor that runs from Vancouver to Whistler holds many sightseeing and recreation possibilities.

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