Whistler

History

A modern history, courtesy of Tourism Whistler:

1877: The Pemberton Trail is completed, linking the Pemberton valley to the Pacific coast, north of Vancouver.

1900: Trappers and prospectors settle in the area. Alta Lake is the original name of Whistler. The name "Whistler" is used by these settlers because of the shrill whistle sound made by the western hoary marmots who live among the rocks.

1910: Myrtle and Alex Philip arrive in Vancouver from Maine. They hear about Whistler's spectacular beauty.

1911: Myrtle and Alex take the three day journey to Whistler: a steamer ship from Vancouver to Squamish, overnight in Brackendale, and a two-day horse trek to Whistler.

1914: Myrtle and Alex buy ten acres of land and build the Rainbow Lodge on the shores of Alta Lake.

1914: The Great Pacific Eastern Railway (now BC Rail) is built to Alta Lake and links the valley to the outside world. Whistler becomes a base for logging and mining. Myrtle and Alex's Rainbow Lodge is the most popular resort destination west of Banff and Jasper. Way to go, Myrtle!

1950s: Other lodges open throughout the valley. The abundant fish stocks make Whistler a summer resort destination long before it is considered a winter one. Winter travel becomes possible when a gravel road to Squamish is carved from the cliffs of Howe Sound.

1964: The single-lane road is extended to Whistler because of the ski area development, and to Pemberton later that same year. The trip from Vancouver to Whistler originally took 5-6 hours.

1965: Whistler Mountain finally gets the name "Garibaldi Whistler Mountain". A four-person gondola, a double chairlift, two T-bars, and a day lodge are constructed.

1966: Whistler officially opens for skiing. A two-lane gravel road built in 1965 is paved to Whistler (and then to Pemberton by 1969).

1977: The new municipality is given 53 acres of Crown land to develop a town centre.

1978: Construction begins on the new town centre that will eventually become Whistler Village.

1980: Blackcomb Mountain opens, creating one of the largest ski complexes in North America.

1992: Snow Country Magazine votes Whistler the "Number One Ski Resort in North America", and the trend continues for almost a decade.

2003: Whistler (and Vancouver) win the bid to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the Paralympic Games.

2003: Skiing Magazine votes Whistler Blackcomb the "Number One Ski Resort in North America".

Location

Whistler is only two hours from Vancouver along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, and five hours from Seattle, Washington. Travel to the resort easily by air, train, or bus, with connections from international airports.

Places to See

• Whistler Village
  
  Walk through Whistler Village- the heart of Whistler. A vibrant Village with a unique west coast architecture and surrounded by rugged mountains. A Village where the wide-eyed and awe-struck wander safely through pedestrian-only streets. A Village where fleece is the dress code.
  
  Actually, Whistler has two Villages. Still full of shops, accommodations, restaurants, and services, Creekside, the original Whistler base, provides a quiet, more intimate alternative to the main Village.
  
  
• Whistler Mountain Bike Park
  
  This summer, experience the thrill of riding North America's top lift-accessed mountain bike park. With over 40 trails and more than 4,800 feet of vertical, riders of all abilities are bound to find something for them. The Mountain Bike Park offers a wide range of camps, daily clinics, and guided tours for all ages and abilities, in addition to world-class events. With the new Magic Park at the base of Blackcomb, even first-timers will enjoy the ride of their life.
  
  

Things to Do

• Skiing!
  
  With more than 200 runs, the longest ski season in Canada, and more than 8,100 acres of skiing area, it's easy to see why Whistler frequently ranks as the number one ski resort in North America. It also has the greatest vertical rise of any mountains in North America, and one of the most advanced high-speed lift systems in the world.
  
  
• Backcountry Tours!
  
  Curious to know what lies beyond the borders of Whistler and the Blackcomb Mountains? Head to the backcountry and let a professional guide show you. It's not uncommon to see a group of backcountry explorers trekking up the mountain in the snow ready to discover the untouched, remote mountain wilderness.
  
  
• Treetrek!
  
  Journey on a series of suspension bridges in the treetops of Whistler's ancient forests. Located right between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, Treetrek will take you into some of the rarest rainforest on Earth.
  
  
• Bungee Jumping!
  
  Yes, Whistler even has a bungee jump! Bungee jumping is not just for the extreme daredevil anymore. Lots of people have done it - moms, dads, kids, and even grandparents. Whistler Bungee is located 8 kilometres south of Function Junction (a Whistler neighbourhood on the south end of town). It's a magnificent sight. You jump from a 300 foot long pedestrian bridge that spans an awesome canyon while a whitewater river flows underneath.
  
  It's a 160-foot free fall to the bottom. Jump, swan dive, flip, or simply hold your breath and go limp.
  
  
• Bald Eagle Viewing!
  
  Bald eagle viewing is quickly becoming one of Whistler's most popular activities. Tour buses whisk you 45 minutes south of Whistler to Brackendale - to the world's highest concentration of bald eagles.
  
  The best time to take in these birds is from November to February. The birds perch themselves on nearby trees and patiently wait for their next meal - fresh salmon swimming in the Squamish river. Then they swoop in for the catch. An awe-inspiring spectacle for all ages!
  
  
• Aerial Sightseeing!
  
  Aerial sightseeing is one of Whistler's most spectacular and magical experiences. Flights leave every day and qualified, experienced pilots know just where to take you to see the amazing vistas. You'll see every mountain range, glacier, valley, river, lake, and settlement - and have a better understanding of this amazing landscape.
  
  
• Dog Sledding!
  
  Mush! Drive a sled pulled by Alaskan Huskies through the spectacular Soo Valley Wildlife Reserve. An incredible adventure that's uniquely Canadian.
  
  The dogs are generally Alaskan Racing Huskies whose small statures are due to genetics. The Alaskan Racing Husky is a cross breed of Husky and Greyhound, which results in friendly and approachable dogs. Like true employees, they are given benefits and perks.
  
  They are loaded with calories and work as a team. The dogs love the outdoors and often times steal the limelight from the wondrous backcountry scenery with their canine antics.
  
  Guests embarking on a dog sledding tour are treated to amazing scenery, cookies and hot chocolate. They can even feed the dogs some doggie treats at the end of the tour. If you love the outdoors and some dog companionship, then this adventure is for you.
  
  Expect an adventure through Whistler's backwoods and snow-covered forests. Dog sledding is fun for the whole family and definitely something to brag about doing when you get home.
  
  
• Ice Climbing!
  
  Ever dreamed of climbing up a frozen waterfall of ice? Definitely an extreme challenge. Professional guides and safety equipment make it all possible.
  
  
• Outdoor Skating!
  
  Do it the old fashioned way on a frozen mountain lake! Skate for as long as your legs will carry you under the watchful eye of the magnificent mountains on Green Lake, just past Nicklaus North golf course. An experience like no other.
  
  
• Skate-Skiing!
  
  Be adventurous and try this new sport- a fusion of skating, skiing, nordic skiing, and rollerblading-ish. But it's fun to do and easy to learn. It's actually similar to speed skating and has five different techniques.
  
  
• Sleigh Ride!
  
  Can there be anything more romantic than a sleigh ride through Whistler's magical winter wonderland? Gentle, giant Percheron horses lead the way, and comfortable sleighs with padded seats and cozy blankets keep you warm.
  
  Make your sleigh ride even more memorable with a stop by a roaring fire for hot chocolate and perhaps a singing cowboy show.
  
  
• Snowmobiling!
  
  Snowmobiling is a treasured Whistler activity that's fun for everyone, especially families. Your day begins with a safety lesson. Learn the basics, get comfortable and then off you go! Trained, professional, and friendly tour guides can take you through backcountry areas, along hidden, snow-covered path ways, and into beautiful winter environments.
  
  Each tour operator specializes in different areas and terrain in and around the Whistler valley. Ask about the tours they offer and their duration. Expect hours of uninterupted and high-powered snowmobiling fun that can't be compared. It's the best time you'll have all winter!
  
  
• Snowshoeing!
  
  Whistler has the ideal settings for snowshoeing. Rent your own or let a guide take you through unforgettable and beautiful wilderness and learn about the local natural wildlife. You may even get to hand-feed a bird or two!
  
  Embark on a late night snowshoe adventure, followed by a fondue dinner. Or rise and shine early for a 7 AM earlybird ascent on Whistler Mountain. If you can walk, you can snowshoe!
  
  
• Ziplining!
  
  Ziplining is an activity where a participant straps on a harness or sits in a chair that is hooked on a large cable. The cable links two destinations: a starting point and an ending point- often over a river, gorge or between two mountains. The participant is released and gravity does its part.
  
  You'll zip along the cable at varying speeds. The feeling is similar to flying- many people have compared it to flying through the air as Superman, or swinging through skyscrapers as Spider-Man, or zipping through space as the Green Lantern.
  
  There are two companies in Whistler that offer ziplining, and each one offers a slightly different, unique type of zipline experience in two totally different location in Whistler. Whichever you choose, the scenery will be spectacular.
  
  
• Mountain Biking!
  
  Get your pulse racing as you make your way through rocky, twisting singletrack in the Whistler valley. Feel like a kid again as you pedal along paved pathways. If you're a high-flying gravity seeker, test your bike-handling skills at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. With trails to suit all levels of bike prowess, Whistler is known as the hub for mountain biking, world-wide.
  
  
• Hiking and Sight-seeing!
  
  Covered by snow in winter, ski trails on Whistler Mountain become superb hiking trails in summer. Take in the colours, breathtaking views, and fresh mountain air as you hike past fields laced with brilliant alpine flowers. What's the quickest way to the top? You can access the high alpine wih a short gondola ride or go even higher, right to the top of Whistler Mountain, on the Peak Chair. Or stay in Whistler's valley and saunter along hiking trails that meander up mountains, through forests, and past crystal-clear lakes. As you ramble along Whistler's many pathers, thank yourself for bringing your camera's largest memory card.
  
  
• Golfing!
  
  You can experience Arnold Palmer's first ever Canadian design at Whistler Golf Club, Jack Nichlaus' signature design at Nichlaus North Golf Course, Robert Trent Jones Jr's pre-eminent mountain design at Chateau Whistler Golf Club, or play under the watchful eye of majestic Mount currie on Robert Cupp's Big Sky Golf and Country Club. As your club and ball connect for that perfect drive down signature holes, discover why Whistler was voted the number one golf destination in Canada by Golf Digest.
  
  

Events

See the Tourism Whistler website for exact dates. Contact information can be found below.

• Gay Ski Week
  
  The Gay Ski Week tradition continues with fabulous fun, parties, and charity events during one of the most colourful weeks of the year.
  
  
• Women's Week
  
  Get a little 'me time' during Women's Week, where the focus is on mothers, daughters, sisters, and girlfriends alike.
  
  
• Dog Days of Whistler
  
  Celebrate man's best friend in pet-friendly Whistler. Dog trick contests, dog parades, dog cookie bake-offs- it's a tail-wagging great time!
  
  
• Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival
  
  Races, concerts, expos, late night entertainment, and a whole lot of excitement round out this annual event.
  
  
• Family Links
  
  A golf festival for the whole family, complete with two rounds, mountain scenery, championship courses, and a little friendly family competition.
  
  
• Whistler Street Entertainment
  
  Treat yourself to the colourful antics and laughs provided by Whistler's Street Entertainment. Jugglers, magicians, and clowns are sure to put a smile on your face.
  
  
• Farmer's Market
  
  Shop the fresh, organic local produce and crafts, all created in Whistler's backyard!
  
  
• Whistler Music and Arts Festival
  
  The Whistler Music & Arts Festival features four jam-packed days of fun with amusing street entertainers, live music, and interactive art activities for the whole family.
  
  
• Mountain Top BBQ
  
  Enjoy a mouth-watering sunset barbecue at 1,829 metres/6,000 feet above sea leavel, on top of Whistler Mountain. Scrumptious views and stunning scenery abound.
  
  
• CrankWorx Freeride Mountain Bike Festival
  
  Get geared up to watch the world's best mountain bikers careen down the mountain and perform gravity-defying stunts. It's the most fun you can have on two wheels.
  
  
• Cornucopia- Whistler's Wine and Food Celebration
  
  A festival of gourmet dining, elegant wine tastings, food and wine seminars, and special culinary events.
  
  
• Fire and Ice Welcome Night
  
  Enjoy a dazzling welcome night with fireworks, thrilling stunt demonstrations and excitement for everyone.
  
  
• Whistler Film Festival
  
  Four days of Canadian and international independent film screenings, workshops, and special cinematic events.
  
  
• Bizarre Bazaar
  
  Whistler's original artisan market showcasing over 100 vendors displaying their one-of-a-kind crafts. Perfectly timed for the gift-giving season.
  
  
• First Night
  
  Ring in the New Year with an alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration full of entertainment, street performers, fire dancers, and live music.
  
  
• 2010 Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games
  
  Come up to Whistler and watch Canada win all the gold medals!

Notable Comments

• After two hours of mind-expanding skiing with Louis, my legs are burning, my spirits are soaring and I am ready for lunch. The idea of enjoying fine dining in my ski boots is a bit odd at first, but I get used to it pretty quickly. "Christine's" is a top quality restaurant at the summit of Blackcomb Mountain. The spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and the valley below is more than matched by the superb cuisine.
  
  My fresh goat cheese and spinach salad is followed by a seafood pasta with smoked salmon, shrimp and scallops in a white wine sauce. It is all washed down with a lovely Australian Chardonnay and topped off with a frothy cappuccino and just a few tastes of chocolate fondue. My legs are a little sluggish after my feast, but I enjoy a few more cruisers before taking a long, leisurely run down to Whistler Village.
  
  - from "A Perfect Whistler Day" by Laurie Cooper, courtesy of Tourism Whistler
  
  
• "I like Whistle-r!"
  
  - Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic four-year old from Kamloops

Contact Information

Tourism Whistler Activity and Information Centre

4010 Whistler Way
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4

Phone: 1-604-938-2769
Toll-Free: 1-877-991-9988
Website: http://www.tourismwhistler.com

Whistler.com

#8 1006 Lynham Rd
Whistler, BC V0N 1B1

Telephone: 1-604-932-0606
Fax: 604-932-0204
E-mail: reservations@whistler.com
Website: http://www.whistler.com