Whistler: Frequently Asked Questions

Whistler and Blackcomb are the two iconic mountains that rise above Whistler, our town. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains together create the Whistler Blackomb ski resort in winter. In summer, both mountains are both open for sightseeing and hiking and the world-famous Whistler Bike Park is located on Whistler Mountain.

Whistler is located in the Coast Mountain Range, 120 km north of Vancouver, British Columbia on the west coast of Canada. The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is approximately 2 hours along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99).

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) handles domestic and international flights and is located a short and scenic 2.5 hour drive south of Whistler. The South Terminal of Vancouver Airport handles private aircraft. Transportation to the resort is available by shuttle bus, limousine, SUV, and helicopter (weather dependent). During the summer months, regular and charter float plane services are available.

• Getting Here - Transport Options
• Airport Transfers

You definitely do not need a car to get to Whistler or get around Whistler. There are multiple options for transportation from Vancouver, Vancouver Island or the nearby international airports to Whistler including shuttle bus transfers, charter vehicles and heli and floatplane services.

Once you are in resort, Whistler Village is pedestrian-only and easy to walk around. There is an extensive, local public transit system and taxi cabs are also readily available.

Free shuttles are available on a seasonal basis in and around Whistler Village and the Upper Village, at regular intervals. There are several neighbourhoods offering accommodation that are not within walking distance of Whistler Village and the public transit system operates regularly to these areas with buses equipped to carry skis, snowboards and a limited number of bikes. The cost per ride is $2.50 so have your coins ready or pick up a 10-pack of tickets or a bus pass at the Whistler Visitor Centre, located near the bus loop.

In summer and winter, the paved multi-use Valley Trail Network offers a car-free way to explore the entire resort on foot or by bike.

• How to Get to Whistler
• Local Transit
• Whistler Valley Trail
• Whistler Visitor Centre

Yes! Whistler is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Vancouver International Airport and a 5-hour drive from Seattle, Washington along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99).

Like all mountain highways, the Sea to Sky Highway can experience occasional seasonal closures and intermittent delays for construction – please check the current road conditions and make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for the season when planning your drive. Winter tires are required on the Sea to Sky Highways from October 1 to March 31.

• Driving Directions
• Road Conditions & Advisories

US Citizens

As of June 1, 2009, a valid passport OR one of the following documents are mandatory for any person over the age of 16 travelling between the United States and Canada by LAND or SEA/WATER (including cruises and ferries):

• US Passport Card (not valid for international air travel)
• A NEXUS or FAST/EXPRES Card
• State or Province-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (not valid for international air travel)

Beginning June 1, 2009, US and Canadian citizens under the age of 16, or under the age of 19 if travelling with a school, religious, or other youth group, may present a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Canadian Citizenship Card or a naturalization certificate. Birth certificates can be an original, photocopy, or certified copy.

Citizens of Mexico

As of July 16, 2009, Mexican visitors require a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. Please apply at the Canadian Embassy in Mexico City.

• More Information

Other Countries

Citizens of other countries, in addition to a valid passport, may require a visitor visa. Check with the nearest Canadian Consulate well in advance of travel. Other regulations apply if an extended stay, work or certain types of business activity are contemplated.

• More Information

Whistler.com is Tourism Whistler's Official Centre for Resevations. Whistler.com is locally-based and guarantees to find you the lowest prices on lodging, activities, and transportation for your stay in Whistler. For further information on why you should book with Whistler.com, visit Why Whistler?

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All information given to Whistler.com is confidential and given only to Resort Partners to complete your booking as per your reservation. No personal information will ever be given or sold without your express permission. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information.

• Tourism Whistler’s Privacy Policy

We are located directly in Whistler and can be reached by telephone at 1.800.944.7853. We look forward to hearing from you! For international numbers and alternative methods of contact, view the full contact details below.

• Contact Us

If you do drive, there is a mix of paid and free parking available in Whistler Village at the Day Lots. Day Lots 1 – 5 offer paid parking at varying rates. For current rates, visit the Resort Municipality of Whistler website. As well, Blackcomb has free parking near Base II (Lots 6, 7 and 8) and Whistler Creekside, in the underground garage. Overnight parking is available under the Whistler Conference Centre and Whistler Public Library underground lots year-round for $5 from 5 PM to 10 AM. Overnight parking is permitted in the Day lots from May 1 to November 1 only, with exceptions for trekkers on multi-day hikes in Garibaldi Park in Lot 4 next to the berm. Sleeping/camping in vehicles is not permitted at any time. Most hotels charge a surcharge ranging from $8 to $25 per night for underground parking. During the winter, neighbourhood street parking is restricted to allow for snow clearing.

• Parking in the Village

Whistler enjoys a temperate climate. During the coldest winter months of January and February, the average daily high drops to -2C / 28F and the average daily low drops to -8C / 18F. The mountains receive an average annual snowfall of 11.9 metres (39.1 feet) based on a 10 year average. This consistent and reliable snowfall is complemented by extensive snowmaking technology. Summer in Whistler brings temperatures ranging from highs of 21C / 70F to 27C / 80F with August being the warmest month. You can view current conditions and see the latest weather through the webcams situated at the top of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the Whistler Golf Course and Whistler Olympic Plaza on whistler.com.

• Weather
• Webcams

Whistler is quite a laid back, casual ski town. Even for fine dining, smart-casual attire is appropriate. As far as what to wear for the great outdoors, remember that you are in the Coast Mountain range of British Columbia and the weather can change dramatically throughout the day, no matter what the season. During winter, the Village can see heavy snowfall, so please pack accordingly for your comfort. Here are some tips for how to dress while in Whistler:

• Layer clothing so you can adjust accordingly
• A shell with a protective hood and lightweight jacket underneath are essentials
• Fleece hats and gloves work well in winter, spring, and fall
• Good quality hiking boots with grippy waterproof soles for trekking, or walking in the snow
• A light shirt, turtleneck, thin fleece and wind/water proof Gore-tex shell (a waterproof breathable fabric)
• T-shirts and shorts are appropriate during the summer months as temperatures rise, however, if you are hiking, make sure you are prepared for sudden changes in weather - temperatures can drop quickly.
• Swimsuits are useful if you want to enjoy the lakes, hot tubs or spas

If you forget something, don’t worry. Whistler has plenty of shops and clothing stores where you can locate the things you need.

• Shopping
• How To Plan and Pack for a Ski Trip to Whistler

The Canadian dollar is the currency of Canada, but the American dollar is widely accepted throughout Whistler Resort. Whistler has several banks that are open from Monday to Saturday during normal business hours as well as many ATM machines throughout the village. Conversion rates fluctuate throughout the resort, but using your credit card will give you the most current exchange rate.

Goods and Services purchased in British Columbia are currently subject to the 7% PST (Provincial Sales Tax) and 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax). The majority of items such as lift tickets, activities, etc. are subject to one tax (5% GST). Lodging is subject to 8% PST and 5% GST in addition to the 2% municipal and regional district tax. For more information on the Provincial Sales Tax in British Columbia please click here.

Information regarding the cancellation of the Visitor Rebate Program and details on GST Rebates for packages booked through Tour Operators:
More Information

Tipping is common and expected in a number of industries in Canada and this also applies to Whistler. It is common to tip between 15 – 20% in places like bars, restaurants and pubs, taxis, private transport, ski lessons, babysitters and for other services.
For an in depth explanation visit How to Tip: The Insider's Guide to Gratuities in Whistler

Whistler boasts an endless variety of great restaurants and international cuisines. Informal dress is the rule of Whistler; popular restaurants do get busy during peak times and reservations are recommended. Renowned for its fantastic nightlife and events, Whistler offers something to suit all ages and cultural tastes.

• Dining and Nightlife

Whistler has four grocery stores and four liquor stores which are well stocked and open daily - some also offer online shopping and delivery options. Shopping is a pastime in itself in Whistler and any gifts or necessities that you might require while visiting are available.

• Shopping

There are free WiFi connections throughout Whistler and you can connect at hotels, restaurants and even on the mountains! Depending on the supplier, you may need to purchase internet time or be a customer of the facility.

• Free Whistler WiFi
• Whistler Visitor Centre

Tourism Whistler offers current weather and snow conditions for Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. There are also webcams situated at the top of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

• Weather
• Webcams

The ski season in Whistler typically begins around the third weekend in November, coinciding with American Thanksgiving. From there, both mountains are open daily for winter operations until late April. One of the two mountains will typically stay open for spring skiing and snowboarding until late May. Summer glacier skiing on Blackcomb Mountain is available for advanced and expert skiers and riders, usually from early June until mid-July.

• Mountain Hours of Operation
• Skiing and Snowboarding
• Summer Skiing

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are both open daily from 8:30 AM until 3 PM for the early season. As the days get longer towards the spring, the mountain eventually stays open until 4 PM.

Beginning sometime in December, Whistler Mountain offers a 'Fresh Tracks Breakfast' program where for an additional fee which includes breakfast; skiers and riders may upload the Village Gondola between 7:30 and 8:30 AM. Fresh Tracks tickets may be purchased directly from Whistler.com before your arrival.

• Mountain Hours of Operation
• Skiing and Snowboarding
• Fresh Tracks Tickets

Purchasing lift tickets in advance of your arrival offers savings over ticket window prices. Lift tickets must be purchased 7 days in advance of arrival and with accommodation to qualify for the discount pricing.

• Browse Lift Tickets

Lift ticket pricing will typically have numbers such as 5/6 on the pricing structure. What this means is that your ticket is valid for any 5 days of skiing and riding within any specified 6 day period. This way, you can have one day off to relax during the 6 day period. All tickets are classified as 'dual mountain' which means they are valid for skiing and riding on both Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. All tickets, as well as sightseeing tickets, include access to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

• Lift Tickets
• PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Sightseeing Tickets

Whistler Blackcomb is accessed by four gondolas and one chairlift. Whistler Mountain has the Creekside Gondola, located in Whistler Creekside which is located 7 minutes south of the main village, while the Whistler Gondola and Fitzsimmons Express Chair are located directly in Whistler Village. Blackcomb Mountain is accessible by the Blackcomb Gondola in the Upper Village (about a five minute walk from the Village) and the Excalibur Gondola, located right next to the Whistler Gondola and Fitzsimmons Chair in Whistler Village. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connects both mountains at their peaks. Lift status is updated on a regular basis.

• Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort Trail Map
• Whistler Village
• Whistler Creekside

Usually Whistler Mountain Bike Park opens in mid-May. The Whistler Village Gondola, Blackcomb Gondola, PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and Peak Chair are open for sightseeing through summer. Hiking trails availability depends on weather conditions and how quickly the snowline recedes. The Whistler Visitor Centre is a great resource for up to date information on what’s open in the resort.

• Mountain Hours of Operation
• Whistler Mountain Bike Park
• PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Sightseeing
• Whistler Visitor Centre

During the summer, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is open from 10 AM to 8 PM with closing times dependent on daylight hours. Early and late in the season, the park often closes at 5 PM.

• Mountain Hours of Operation
• Whistler Bike Park

Give yourself at least 1.5 hours to enjoy the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola experience. It starts with a ride to the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain via the Whistler Village Gondola or to the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb via the new Blackcomb Gondola, which takes 20 – 25 minutes from the Village. From there you can walk into the PEAK 2 PEAK terminal and ride the magnificent PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola between both mountains, which takes 11 minutes. Your ticket includes the return trip to the Village. You can travel back and forth as much as you like on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola during the day, but as soon as you come down to the Village your trip will have ended. If you have a little more time, you can enjoy the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola viewing gallery, mountain top movies, alpine hiking trails and alpine dining.

• PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Sightseeing
• Hiking
• Summer Alpine Dining

On a sunny summer day, there's no better experience than the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. You first take the Whistler Express Gondola from the Village which takes 25 minutes. You’ll arrive at the Roundhouse, a lodge where you can have lunch or a snack, and take in the spectacular view of the mountains on the opposite side of the valley. From here, hop on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola for a thrilling 11-minute ride over to Blackcomb Mountain. For a more exciting experience, take the silver PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola which has a glass bottom. Both mountains offer a variety of hiking trails for your enjoyment. When you’re back down in the Village, wander the Village Stroll with its shops, cafes and restaurants, stopping at Whistler Olympic Plaza to take a photo of the Olympic Rings.

• PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Sightseeing
• Whistler Village
• Summer Activities

There are many options for hiking in and around Whistler. During the summer months, Whistler and Blackcomb mountains have a network of alpine hiking trails accessible by the Whistler Village Gondola and Blackcomb Gondola for all levels of ability. The paved Valley Trail also offer options for exploring the valley and accessing different neighbourhoods, lakes and beaches.

Garibaldi Provincial Park offers many different trails, varying in length and difficulty. The Rainbow-Madley trail is a 16-kilometre hike through rainforest and sub-alpine meadows and takes about 6 hours return. There are easier options in the Whistler Interpretive Forest, varying from 2 kilometres to 6 kilometres, through rainforest, to Loggers Lake or around the rim of an ancient volcanic crater. Further away, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park has a 12-kilometre hike past three beautiful glacial lakes with amazing views of the hanging Matier Glacier. Take note that dogs are not permitted in any provincial parks and on the Rainbow-Madley trail. And always remember to pack out what you’ve taken in with you, leaving the wilderness in the same pristine state as you found it.

• Hiking
• Valley Trail

If you are planning to enjoy Whistler's lakes and rivers this summer in a canoe, kayak, boat, raft, stand-up paddleboard or any other flotation device please ensure that you are aware of the water safety rules and regulations. Stay safe and have fun on the water this summer!

• Canoe, Kayak and Standup Paddleboards
• Safety Rules and Regulations

There are three campgrounds near Whistler: Riverside Campground, right in Whistler; Whistler RV Park, 16 kilometers south of Whistler; and Cal-Cheak Forest Service Recreation Site, 15 kilometers south of Whistler. There are other campgrounds further away in Squamish and near Pemberton and there are walk-in, wilderness campgrounds in Garibaldi Park. Camping is not permitted in any of the day parking lots in Whistler. Be aware that campfires are not permitted in Garibaldi Park and that there may be campfire bans during the summer months at the other campgrounds in the area.

• Camping
• Other Accommodation

It’s not uncommon to witness a black bear wandering through the trails, mountainside or parks looking for berries. From mid-March to November bears are active and looking for food. Often, their appetite draws them to urban areas with garbage which is why there are bear-proof litter bins throughout Whistler Village.

A bear hooked on garbage is a dead bear as it is difficult to relocate a bear to another habitat once they recognize an easy source of human food. It is up to us to be bear aware and prevent this from happening. Black bears have been living in Whistler long before any of us and they deserve our respect.

A professional bear viewing guide or group tour is the absolute best way to view bears and learn more about them from local experts. Seeing bears in their natural habitat is an exciting and memorable experience. It is however important to ensure we do not disturb bears while they are eating, mating or rearing their young. The following are guidelines for giving bears the space and respect they deserve to ensure they remain safe and wild:

• Never approach, feed or call out to bears
• Maintain a generous distance between you (or your vehicle) and the bear at all times. The standard distance is 100 metres (about the length of 7 school buses). If the bear is disturbed by your presence even at that distance, move away
• If in a group of people, stay together. Don’t crowd or surround bears
• Bring binoculars or spotting scopes and long telephoto lenses for taking photos. Flash photography should be avoided as it can disturb bears
• If you see a bear by the roadside, only pull over if it is safe to do so. Stay inside the vehicle to minimize disturbance and maximize your safety
• Don’t call out or whistle to attract the bear’s attention for a photo. Noises or actions that might stress bears should be avoided (loud talking and laughing, children crying, diesel engines) — this is imperative for keeping bears wild
• Viewing moments should be kept short – observe, then leave the area and bears in peace
• Dispose of garbage in appropriate bins – never leave food or litter out that could attract bears
• Bear Smart Society Website

• Be alert for signs of bears — watch for bear tracks and droppings
• Make noise as you walk — whistling, clapping, singing and talking. Bears often leave an area when they are aware of human presence
• Always take your garbage home with you — including biodegradable items such as banana peels

If you are out hiking and see a black bear, try not to panic and follow these simple guidelines:

• Remain calm — you are smarter than the bear
• Please do not try to feed or pet the bear
• Back away slowly and never run
• Keep dogs on a leash and do not let them provoke a bear
• Keep children near you and well-behaved

Bears have exceptional hearing. People hiking and biking on trails where there is bear activity wear bells that jingle as they move. The sound alerts any bears in the area that something or someone is nearby, and can help to avoid startling them in their habitat. Singing or whistling is also a method of letting the bears know that you are nearby.