About Whistler

Nestled in the Coast Mountains, only 40 kms inland from the Pacific Ocean, and 120 kms from one of Canada's largest urban centres, Whistler provides a Canadian west coast mountain experience with snowy winters and moderate temperatures.

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains offer the highest lift-serviced vertical and the largest terrain of any ski area in North America, with large alpine bowls and forested glades, expert grooming and ski runs that last forever. Check Whistler-Blackcomb.com for all the details.

And there are plenty of other activities year round to entice the visitor, including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, mountain biking, golf, tennis, in-line skating and sailing in summer to snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, skating, hockey and, of course, skiing and snowboarding in the winter, along with fine dining and shopping in award-winning Whistler Village. Whistler's range of accommodation and conference facilities make it an ideal choice for meeting planners spring through fall. Check the Tourism Whistler website for all the details, www.whistler.com

Many visitors are surprised to find that Whistler is a lively mountain community of 9,500 permanent residents. The sense of community is very strong here in Whistler, with a passionate commitment to protecting the natural mountain environment surrounding us and moving to become a sustainable resort community. See the section on Toward Sustainability for more information.

In addition to permanent residents, Whistler is a part-time home to approximately 11,500 second-home owners from around the world, and 2,300 seasonal residents. With overnight and day visitors, our per day population averages 28,280 in winter and peaks (usually around New Year's) at approximately 45,000. For more statistical information like this, see our new reporting website, at whistler2020.ca.

We are the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the local government, and provide local services and community infrastructure including water, sewer, roads, fire protection, bylaw enforcement, law enforcement through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, parks, conservation and protected areas, recreation and cultural programs, and resident housing. We also legislate and enforce land use and development and maintain all municipal property, including Whistler Village.

Tourism Whistler, incorporated under the Resort Municipality of Whistler Act, is the local tourism bureau, an association of land owners and business operators to promote, facilitate and encourage the marketing of the resort. They offer central reservation, activity booking and information services to Whistler visitors, and operate the Whistler Conference Centre and Whistler Golf Course.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler is the Host Mountain Resort and a member partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and will host the Nordic, alpine and sliding events of the Olympic Games from February 12 to 28, 2010 and most of the Paralympic Games, from March 12 to 21, 2010. See the section on the 2010 Winter Games for more information.

We welcome you to Whistler and hope you enjoy your stay here.