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Whistler

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Landmark
—°12
Whistler (Canada)

Weather…

Whistler is a premier resort town located in the southern Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains in British Columbia. It gained global prominence as the co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, serving as the primary venue for alpine, Nordic, and sliding events. The resort encompasses two massive peaks, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, which together provide over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, making it the largest ski resort in North America. These mountains are linked by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, an engineering marvel that holds world records for the longest unsupported cable span and the highest elevation above a valley floor. Originally inhabited by the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations, the area transitioned from a fishing outpost to a skiing destination in the 1960s. Beyond winter sports, Whistler has evolved into a world-class summer destination, boasting a renowned mountain bike park and extensive hiking trails through ancient cedar forests and subalpine meadows. The pedestrian-only Whistler Village serves as the social heart of the community, designed to blend European chalet charm with West Coast architecture.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-6-4-249131393-3-7
Rain mm26413821412188895666116205293243

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Whistler is a world-famous ski resort that can be visited year-round. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, and impressive mountain scenery.
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Typical hours
Ski lifts operate roughly 8:30 am to 4 pm in winter season. Summer lifts for mountain bikers typically run from 10 am to 5 pm.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed on slopes and hiking trails. Drone flights are prohibited throughout the resort without special permission.
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Time needed
For a ski holiday, at least four to five days are recommended. In summer, two to three days suffice for a mix of hiking and mountain biking.
Combine with
Combine Whistler with a visit to Brandywine Falls Provincial Park or a trip to Pemberton. A day trip to Vancouver is also popular.
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Getting there
Whistler is best reached by car via the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Route 99) from Vancouver. Regular shuttle buses also operate from YVR airport.
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Insider tip
Book lift tickets and accommodation ahead, especially in peak season. Rent equipment locally to avoid high airport baggage fees.

Geography

Coordinates
50.11630, -122.95740

Facts

  • Host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic alpine skiing events
  • Home to Whistler Blackcomb, one of North America's largest ski resorts
  • Located approximately 125 kilometers north of Vancouver
  • The highest elevation in the ski area is Blackcomb Mountain at 2,440 meters
  • The Peak 2 Peak Gondola spans 4.4 kilometers between two mountain peaks
  • Incorporated as a resort municipality in 1975

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Whistler (12)

Train wreck📍 landmark

Train wreck is an attraction in Whistler.

Green Lake Lookout🌿 nature

Green Lake Lookout is a viewpoint overlooking Green Lake in Whistler.

Vallea Lumina📍 landmark

Vallea Lumina is an immersive night-time attraction in Whistler.

Abandoned Campsite📍 landmark

Abandoned Campsite is an attraction in Whistler.

Theatre in the Park🎭 culture

Theatre in the Park is an outdoor theatre in Whistler.

The Plaza Galleries🏛 museum

The Plaza Galleries are art galleries in Whistler Village.

🕒 Mo-Su 11:00-18:00

Rainbow Mountain Paraglide Launch🌿 nature

A viewpoint on Rainbow Mountain used for paragliding launches.

Mount Sproatt🌿 nature

A mountain peak near Whistler.

Fitzsimmon Fan park🎡 recreation

A beach park in Whistler with a fan-shaped shoreline.

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre🏛 museum

A museum showcasing the cultures of the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-17:00💶

Audain Art Museum🏛 museum

An art museum housing a collection of British Columbia art.

🕒 We-Mo 10:00-17:00

Lost Lake Beach🎡 recreation

A popular beach at Lost Lake in Whistler.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Whistler only worth visiting in winter?
No, in summer it is a paradise for mountain biking, hiking, and golfing.
What is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola?
A gondola that connects the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
How far is Whistler from Vancouver?
About a two-hour drive via the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Is there a village center?
Whistler Village is a pedestrian-only area with many shops, restaurants, and bars.
Can you see bears there?
Yes, black bears are common in the region; specific bear-watching tours are offered.
Whistler: where is it located?
Whistler is located in Canada.
Whistler: what is there to see?
Highlights include Train wreck, Green Lake Lookout, Vallea Lumina.
Whistler: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Whistler: why is it worth visiting?
Whistler is a premier resort town located in the southern Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains in British Columbia.
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