Legendary Whistler, regarded as one of the top four-season resorts in North America, became even more world-renowned as the site of the alpine and Nordic venues for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Blending the charm of an alpine village with the amenities of an urban centre, the pedestrianized Whistler Village offers fine dining, vibrant nightlife, eclectic boutiques, revitalising spas, and luxurious hotels.
Whistler is great for families too – it was chosen as #2 out of the Top 10 Family Vacations in Canada in the Travelers' Choice 2011 Best Family Vacations on TripAdvisor. Catch events like the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival in April, and Cornucopia: Whistler's Celebration of Wine and Food in November.
2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Whistler hosted Olympic outdoor events such as alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, nordic combined, ski jumping, bosbsleigh, skeleton and luge. Though the Games are over, there are still activities and attractions related to the Olympics in Whistler.
Past Olympic athletes such as Dave Murray (part of the "Crazy Canucks" alpine ski racing team) and Ross Rebagliati (snowboard gold medal winner) have called Whistler their home.
Whistler Attractions
Hop on a summit-bound chairlift or gondola, or ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Enjoy the panoramic vistas of glacier-capped mountain ranges and the Whistler Valley.
Outdoor Activities
Take a picnic and cycle, walk, jog or blade the Valley Trail, which gently traverses the Valley. A 4-km/2.5-mi section of the trail becomes an excellent Nordic (cross-country) ski route during the winter season.
Winter Activities
Ski or snowboard on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. There are a remarkable 200 marked trails with access from 37 lifts. Its 3,307ha/8,171ac of diverse terrain tempts skiers of all levels, from novices to experts. Or try snowmobiling, snowshoeing, heli-skiing and cat-skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides and cross-country skiing.
Golf
Whistler is home to four championship courses designed by the greats: Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Arnold Palmer and Les Furber. The scenery at each is spectacular, with snow-capped majestic peaks and an abundance of wildlife.
Mountain Biking
Go for an adrenaline rush down gravity-defying runs at Whistler Bike Park, North America's largest. Watch awe-struck as champion mountain bikers hurl themselves down the mountain and perform gravity-defying bike stunts during August’s Crankworx.
Hiking
Hike or walk to streaming waterfalls, crystal lakes and rugged backcountry in Whistler's mountains and parks, perfect for day trips or overnight camping. Enjoy breath-taking views of glaciers, meadows chock-full of flowers, alpine lakes, and summit after summit.
Ziplining
For a unique rush, go ziplining in Whistler. Strap on a full body harness then zoom across the forest valley on zipline cables, through trees and over rivers between Blackcomb and Whistler.
Whistler Sea to Sky Climb
Take the memorable, 3-hour, 118km/73mi train journey from Vancouver to Whistler aboard Rocky Mountaineer's Whistler Sea to Sky Climb (formerly known as the Whistler Mountaineer). Enjoy one scenic landmark after another, including the sparkling waters and wooded islands of Howe Sound, tumbling Shannon Falls and the rugged, snow-capped Coast Mountains.
Show Less