The Whistler resort consists of two adjacent but separate mountains - Whistler (2182m) and Blackcomb (2284m) - each with their own extensive lift and chair systems, and each covered in a multitude of runs. Both lift systems are accessed from the resort's heart, the purpose-built and largely pedestrianized Whistler Village, the tight-clustered focus of many hotels, shops, restaurants and aprés-ski activity. Around this core are two other "village" complexes, Upper Village and the recently completed Village North. South of Whistler Village is Whistler Creek (also with a gondola and lift base), which has recently undergone a $50 million redevelopment that will see its accommodation and local services duplicating those of its famous neighbour. The whole ribbon of land on and just off the "Sea to Sky Highway" (Hwy 99) from Whistler Creek to Whistler Village is gradually being developed in preparation for 2010 - Whistler is the single fastest-growing municipality in BC.
Whistler Village is the key to the resort, a newish walking mall of hotels, restaurants, mountain-gear shops and boutiques. Its name is said to derive from the piercing whistle of the marmot, a small and rather chubby mammal, which emits a distinctive shriek as a warning call. Others say the name comes from the sound of the wind whistling through Singing Pass up in the mountains. Whatever its origins, the village has all the facilities of any normal village. Huge amounts of money have been invested in the area since the resort opened in 1980, and the investments have paid off well; the resort's services, lifts and general overall polish are almost faultless, and those of its nearby satellites are not far behind. The resort area averages more than two million visitors a year.
The Sea to Sky Highway linking Vancouver and Whistler is a beautiful drive any day of the year, and is a favored location for shooting car commercials and movie backdrops. It is in the middle of a major renovation project, see seatoskyimprovements.ca.
On your drive up, don't forget to stop at the Mining Museum just south of Squamish, which has been used as a set in many movies (most recently Scooby Doo 2). There are also many scenic locations to visit on the way, including waterfalls and hiking trails.
For lots more information, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistler-Blackcomb_Resort. Squamish (south of Whistler)Pemberton (north of Whistler) | | Whistler HotelsFind the best deal for your trip to the site of Vancouver B.C. Winter Olympics 2005! Whistler Condos, Townhouses for rent
images courtesy of BC Tourism | | Whistler Vacation RentalsA vacation rental is any suite-type lodging that has self-catering facilities (refrigerator, microwave, etc.)
The town of Squamish has named itself "The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada" in light of the extensive number of outdoor recreation activities available here. The potential for climbing will be obvious to anyone who sees the face of the Stawamus Chief. The fit can hike up the back, one of the many great hikes in the area. Beyond climbing and hiking there are extensive mountain biking and horseback riding trails, white water rivers to kayak or raft, courses to golf, and rivers and lakes to fish. The tip of Howe Sound is also well recognized as one of the best windsurfing areas on the West Coast.
Beyond outdoor recreation, there is an impressive Railway Heritage Park, where the Royal Hudson Stream Engine is currently being restored, great shopping downtown, and the opportunity to see dozens of Bald Eagles in the Winter (December to February) as they feast on salmon on be banks of the Squamish River. Watch for a waterfront development project and the construction of Quest University to transform Squamish over the next few years.
— Notes from Gord Addison of the Sea to Sky Hotel |
