Population
Whistler has 9,595 permanent residents (2006 census), 2,266 seasonal residents (estimated) and 11,522 second-home owners (estimated). Seventy-nine per cent of Whistler workers live in Whistler.
Incorporation
The Resort Municipality of Whistler was incorporated on September 6, 1975. It was the first designated Resort Municipality in the province of British Columbia.
Elevation
Whistler Village’s elevation is 675 metres, or 2,214 feet. Whistler Creekside’s elevation is 653 metres or 2,140 feet.
Location
Whistler is located at 50º 9’N, 122º 57′ W.
Distances & Approximate Travel Times by Car:
- Whistler to downtown Vancouver: 127 km (79 miles), 2 hours
- Whistler to Vancouver International Airport: 140 km (85 miles), 2.5 hours
- Whistler to Seattle: 354 km (218 miles), 5 hours
Getting Here & Around
- Most people travel to Whistler from Vancouver by private vehicle on Highway 99, known as the Sea to Sky Highway
- Scheduled bus service runs from Vancouver and Vancouver Airport to Whistler more than ten times daily. Whistler is also served by regular air (helicopter/float plane) service in the spring, summer and fall
- The WAVE (Whistler and Valley Express) serves more than 2.8 million riders per year in the Whistler area. In the winter, WAVE is free from Marketplace to the Upper Village loop and during the summer includes free service to Lost Lake Park
- People also get around on bicycles, skis and skateboards!
Public Services
Whistler Health Care Centre, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Whistler Fire Department, Meadow Park Sports Centre, Myrtle Philip Community School (elementary), Spring Creek School (elementary) and Whistler Secondary Community School
Passport Requirements
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is new U.S. legislation that requires all travellers carry a valid passport or other appropriate secure document, or combination of documents that establish citizenship and identity when travelling to the United States from within the Western Hemisphere.
Since January 23, 2007, anyone travelling by AIR between the United States and Canada is required to present a valid passport or NEXUS card (when used at designated airports) to enter or re-enter the United States.
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):
- U.S. 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, U.S. 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
International Visitors
Persons visiting from countries other than the United States may require visitor visas. 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.
Visitor Numbers
Whistler receives approximately 2.1 million overnight and non-overnight visitors each year (approximately 48 per cent in winter and 52 per cent in summer).
Resort Capacity
Whistler has capacity for about 35,000 overnight visitors. There are some 150 hotels, condos, chalets, pensions and bed & breakfast facilities offering more than 8,000 bedrooms. There are also 230 hostel beds and 118 campsites.
Dining
90+ restaurants, cafés, lounges and bars
Shopping & Services
200+ retail shops
Parks & Lakes
Whistler offers 15 pubic parks with 551.3 hectares (1,362.3 acres) of parkland. Five major lakes dot the valley.
Average Snowfall
The alpine receives an annual average of 1,022 centimetres (33.5 feet). The valley receives 430 centimetres (14 feet).
Average Temperature
Winter ranges from an average low of -8 to an average high of 3 degrees Celcius (18 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit). Summer ranges from an average low of 9 to 23 degrees Celcius (48 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).