Whistler

Whistler is a municipality in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, situated roughly 120 kilometers north of Vancouver. The settlement stretches along a valley between two mountain massifs and is surrounded by glacial lakes and dense conifer forests.

The first visitor lodge opened in 1914 when Myrtle and Alex Philip built Rainbow Lodge, laying the foundation for later tourism. Development as a winter sports destination began in the 1960s and reached its peak with hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The name comes from the whistling sound made by local marmots living in the surrounding mountain slopes. Visitors notice the mix of alpine architecture and timber buildings in the village core, where cafés and shops line pedestrian lanes.

Access follows the Sea-to-Sky Highway connecting Vancouver to the region, which may encounter snow or ice during winter months. Regular shuttle buses run from Vancouver International Airport and offer an alternative to driving.

A gondola system links the two main mountains over a span exceeding four kilometers and allows switching between ski areas without descending to the valley. The cabins hover up to 436 meters (1430 feet) above the ground and provide access to higher elevation trails even in summer.

Location: Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

Inception: 1914

Elevation above the sea: 670 m

Part of: Sea-to-Sky Corridor

Website: https://whistler.ca

GPS coordinates: 50.12083,-122.95444

Latest update: December 15, 2025 23:20