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Whistler
The Village of Whistler is located 60 km (37.5 miles) north-west
of Squamish and 32 km (20 miles) south-west
of Pemberton on the 'Sea to Sky' Hwy
99.
Resort
Community
Whistler is an all-season resort community nestled amongst North
America's most premier outdoor destination point with Whistler and
Blackcomb Mountains. Home to some of the events for the 2010 Winter
Olympics, Whistler boasts excellent skiing and snowboarding possibilities
for all levels.
Whistler
Blackcomb Resort
The statistics speak for themselves for Whistler Blackcomb Resort.
As of 2008, at least 3,278 hectares (8,100 acres) are available
for you to go either skiing or snowboarding, at least 200 different
trails, 38 varieties of lifts, 12 alpine bowls (many untouched)
and 3 snow-capped glaciers. In the future, plans include the world's
longest gondola ride from the top of Blackcomb to the top of Whistler.
Alta
Lake
Whistler's history started out in the early 1900's as a destination
point for honeymooners coming from Vancouver. With nearby Alta Lake
the area boasted romantic outdoor log getaway settings in a mountainous
paradise at Rainbow Lodge. Alta Lake is still popular today with
cozy B&B's situated near the lake offering relaxation at its
best.
Pacific
Great Eastern Railway
Alta Lake was easily reached aboard the Pacific Great Eastern Railway
(PGE) which commenced from the foot of Pemberton Avenue in the City
of North Vancouver. Eventually the name was changed to Whistler
with the nearby Whistler Mountain as a ski destination that was
established with the opening in February 1966.
Hwy
99
The PGE was later taken over by BC Rail and continued to service
Whistler and Pemberton, the Pemberton Valley and the First Nation
community of Mount Currie. With the
popular interest increasing every year for Whistler Mountain, major
improvements to Hwy 99 reduced travel time to Whistler from the
Lower Mainland.
Full-Service
Community
Now with the travel time vastly reduced, Whistler has grown from
a small ski village to a full-service community. There are all the
conveniences available in the Whistler area from a great selection
of restaurants, movie rentals, bike rentals, accommodation, to grocery
stores that are all set in an outdoor landscape including cobblestone
pathways, stonewalls and a pedestrian-only commercial centre.
Outstanding
Recreational Opportunities
There are so many recreational opportunities in Whistler it is very
hard to know where to begin. You can golf at outstanding courses,
hike amongst numerous mountain ranges, ski or board on Blackcomb
or Whistler, mountain bike or sail on Alta Lake. During the summer
time, the glaciers are available for endless adventures.
Whistler
Golfing
For golfers the Whistler Valley offers four outstanding golf courses
set amongst residential homes and condominiums. You have the choice
of the following: Nicklaus North designed by Jack Nicklaus; Fairmont
Chateau Whistler Golf Club designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.; Whistler
Golf Club designed by Arnold Palmer and the Big Sky Golf & Country
Club, the Robert Cupp designed course in Pemberton.
Whistler
Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA)
One other summer attraction that Whistler has to offer you besides
all the great windsurfing on Alta Lake are the incredible mountainbiking
trails found throughout the whole Whistler Valley. The local Whistler
Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA) has established a strong presence
in the constructing and maintaining of some outstanding opportunities
trails.
Nairn
Falls Provincial Park
If you are in Whistler and feel like getting outside for a small
walk try visiting the 1.5 km walk into Nairn Falls just north-east
towards Pemberton. The 60-metre (197-feet) high falls are only located
32 km (20 miles) from Whistler. Nairn
Falls Provincial Park also has a campground available and makes
for an excellent base camp whilst exploring the Whistler countryside.
Whistler
Sliding Centre
For athletes Whistler has also become a major destination point
for training, facilities and opportunities available to become the
very best. With the completion of the new Whistler Sliding Centre,
Whistler has become a quest to provide athletes a world-class facility
training for the future.
Lil'wat
Cultural Centre
When visiting Whistler try to include the Lil'wat Cultural Centre
as part of your adventure. The Lil'wat First Nation's hospitality
is well renowned in this part of British Columbia and the centre
will display this proud heritage. Please visit this beautiful two-storey
complex cultural centre to learn about the Lil'wat history.
Black
Tusk
For some excellent hiking around Whistler, the area offers so much
that it is hard to list them all. A real favourite, which is situated
south of Whistler in Garibaldi Provincial Park, is called Black
Tusk. At Black Tusk, you will find the remains of an incredible
volcanic rock formation that is sometimes noticeable from 'The Sea
to Sky' Hwy 99.
Visiting
Whistler
If you are planning or visiting Whistler during the winter time,
make sure you arrange to have accommodation early. Also, make sure
that the vendors of any products, tickets or services have been
officially authorized for your own security or possible loss of
deposit.
Information
on Whistler
Restaurants
Accommodation
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