Nestled in the spectacular Coast Mountains less than two hours from Vancouver, British Columbia, Whistler is Canada's premier year-round destination and Host Mountain Resort for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Distinguished by impressive twin mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, and surrounded by forested valleys, rivers and lakes, the resort offers countless outdoor adventures. Skiing and snowboarding are the biggest draw, but golf, mountain biking, and a long list of other winter and summer activities bring people here, and bring them back again and again.

The mountains blend seamlessly with Whistler Village, a vibrant town centre with every amenity for the traveller: diverse accommodations, local and international cuisine, shops, arts and cultural centres, wellness spas and entertainment venues. Much of the village is pedestrian-only. Whistler is consistently rated one of the world's top year-round destination resorts, and has received international recognition for its visionary and innovative work as a sustainable community. Learn more about Tourism Whistler and the Resort Municipality of Whistler.

Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb boasts 8,171 acres (3,307 hectares) of skiable terrain and an immense backcountry, giving skiers and riders access to powder-filled bowls along with expertly groomed corduroy. Varied terrain, spectacular snow conditions and pristine scenery have all contributed to the area's outstanding reputation. Learn more about Whistler Blackcomb.

Fast facts about skiing and snowboarding in Whistler:

  • Huge vertical - Whistler Blackcomb has a total mile of vertical between mountains.
  • Terrain - 8,171 acres (3,307 hectares) of skiable terrain - the most in North America
  • Glacier skiing - The only resort in North America where you can ski on a glacier
  • Ski to Whistler Village - Whistler Blackcomb's runs reach right to the edges of Whistler's pedestrian village
  • PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola - Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are united by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which sets world records for length and height while providing an unmatched experience for skiers and snowboarders. The gondola transports guests from Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain to the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain in just 11 minutes, travelling a distance of 4.4 kilometres (2.7 miles). Other engineering feats include the fact that the unsupported cable span between its two middle towers is the world's longest at 3.02 kilometres (1.88 miles). Learn more about the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

Whistler Facts & Statistics:

  • 11,854 permanent residents
  • 2,702 seasonal residents (est.)
  • 11,522 second-home owners (est.)
  • 3,480,000 visitors a year.
  • Average snowfall in the valley is 430 cm. (15 ft.)
  • Average snowfall in the alpine is 1,174 cm (38.5 ft.)
  • Average winter temperatures range from -8° to 3° C (18° to 37° F).
  • Average summer temperatures range from 11° to 27° C, (52° to 80° F).
  • 9 major parks: Lost Lake, Rainbow, Lakeside and Wayside parks on Alta Lake, Alpha Lake Park, Meadow Park, Spruce Grove Park, Rebagliati Park and Whistler Village Park.
  • 10 neighbourhood parks, the Emerald Forest conservation area and Rainbow Wetlands Reserve.
  • 15 public tennis courts

Local Schools:

  • Spring Creek Community School (public), Spring Creek, Grades K-7, includes late French Immersion Program
  • L’école La Passerelle (public French school), Spring Creek, Grades K-7
  • Myrtle Philip Community School (public), Whistler Cay, Grades K-7
  • Whistler Waldorf School (independent), Spruce Grove, Preschool to Grade 12
  • Whistler Secondary (public), Alpine Meadows, Grades 8-12

Trails & Parks

  • Valley Trail: multi-use, paved, 35 km
    Flank Trail: multi-use, subalpine, 43 km
  • Lost Lake Cross Country Ski Trails, track set, groomed, 32 km
  • Be sure to check out Whistler’s extensive trail and park system, whether you are here in winter or summer. The major parks are listed below:

Location:

Lost Lake Park 

  • Amenities: Trails run through the trees for biking, walking or running. Grassy area with picnic tables and BBQ pits, beach, buoyed swim areas, several swimming docks, concession, washroom/change rooms. Dogs welcome to swim at Canine Cove, across from the main beach.
  • Highlights: In winter, snowshoeing and x-country ski trails surround the park.

Rainbow Park

  • Location: Off Alta Lake Road on Alta Lake
  • Amenities: Picnic tables, BBQ pits, beach volleyball courts, summer concession, boat dock, swimming dock, wheelchair ramp and buoyed swimming area, grassy lawn, picnic shelter, washroom/change room with flush toilets and a living roof.
  • Highlights: Popular spot for locals in the summer, accessible via Alta Lake Road, the Valley Trail and special bus service.

Wayside Park

  • Location: In Alta Vista along Alta Lake
  • Amenities: Small beach, grassy picnic area, concession and very limited parking off Hillcrest Drive.
  • Highlights: Paddleboard rentals available and small bay for learning.

Lakeside Park

  • Location: In Alta Vista along Alta Lake
  • Amenities: Canoe and kayak rentals, bike racks, picnic tables, BBQ pits, beach, buoyed swim area, several swimming docks, concession, washroom/change rooms.

Alpha Lake Park

  • Location: Creekside
  • Amenities: Playhouse, beach, volleyball courts, tennis courts, picnic tables, BBQs, washroom/change rooms.
  • Highlights: Large sandy area for small children, close to Nita Lake Lodge train station.

Meadow Park

  • Location: Behind Meadow Park Sports Centre
  • Amenities: Ball diamonds, playground, Water Park, tennis courts, washrooms, picnic tables and BBQs. Concession is located indoors at the sports centre.
  • Highlights: Stunning views of the River of Golden Dreams with the mountains in the background.

Spruce Grove Park

  • Location: Off of Spruce Grove Lane
  • Amenities: Three competition-quality baseball diamonds, clubhouse that can be rented for events, concession, and children’s playground.
  • Highlights: Start of the Disc Golf Course accessed from Spruce Grove Park.

Rebagliati Park

  • Location: In the Village, beside the covered bridge and bordered by Fitzsimmons Creek.
  • Amenities: Grassy lawn, picnic tables, “granny” walk, Skate Park, BMX Trails and Jump Park.
  • Highlights: Popular for use by groups.

The Valley Trail

The 35-kilometre Valley Trail is a paved, multi-use trail that runs north to south from Emerald Estates to Cheakamus Crossing. The trail leads riders to all schools, lakes, neighbourhoods and destination parks and is heavily used both for commuter traffic and as a tourist attraction.

Health Services

Whistler Health Care Centre includes treatment facilities with ambulance and helicopter, x-ray, laboratory, and emergency care. Ambulance and doctors are on call 24-hours every day. Full-time general practitioners and part-time specialists operate from the second floor. The Vancouver Coast Health Unit provides a range of community services including Environmental Health, Public Health, Nursing, Speech Therapy, Alcohol and Drug Counselling, Mental Health, Baby Clinics and Home Care.

Useful Whistler Links

Whistler Arts Council is a registered charity established in 1981 with a mandate of fostering and promoting the growth of the performing, literary and visual arts in Whistler. More info at whistlerartscouncil.com.

Whistler Farmers' Market is a not-for-profit society with a mission to showcase the best of local and BC produce, food and artisans in Whistler. Located in the Upper Village, the outdoor market runs Sundays 11 AM to 4 PM, Father's Day to Thanksgiving. More info at whistlerfarmersmarket.org.

Whistler Film Festival strives to support artistic innovation, to profile new technology and to provide a stimulating and enriching cultural experience for local, national and international audiences. See whistlerfilmfestival.com.