Whistler City Guide

If you want to immigrate to Canada, and are looking for a vacation-everyday type of lifestyle, Whistler is the place to be. Nestled amidst the pristine peaks of British Columbia (BC), Whistler is not just a destination; it's an immersive experience waiting to captivate your senses. From adrenaline-pumping adventures on world-renowned slopes to tranquil moments by crystal-clear lakes, Whistler blends the thrill of outdoor pursuits with the serenity of natural wonders.

Join us on a journey through the heart of this vibrant town, where each neighborhood tells a unique story and every season paints a different canvas. Whether you're a visitor seeking excitement or a prospective resident envisioning a new chapter, let our Whistler City Guide be your compass through the enchanting landscapes and diverse offerings of Whistler. It's time to uncover the secrets, embrace the culture, and embark on a discovery beyond the ordinary.

About Whistler

Whistler is a captivating destination set amid the majestic slopes of BC, Canada. Known for its unparalleled natural beauty and thrilling adventures, Whistler is a haven for those seeking an escape into the heart of nature.

History

Wrapped in the embrace of the Whistler Valley lies a rich tapestry of history, intricately woven by the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Nation and L̓il̓wat7úl Nation. For time immemorial, these indigenous communities have stood as the ancestral stewards of these lands, shaping vibrant and distinct cultures through an intimate relationship with the natural landscape. Over thousands of years, the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and L̓il̓wat7úl Nations crafted a unique heritage, leaving an indelible mark on the Whistler Valley. Their seasonal camps, scattered across what is now known as Whistler, served as a testament to their deep connection with the land.

In the heart of this awe-inspiring landscape, Spo7ez emerged as a shared village, embodying the spirit of collaboration between the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and L̓il̓wat7úl Nations. Situated in the Callaghan Valley, at the confluence of Rubble Creek and the Cheakamus River, Spo7ez was not merely a settlement but a thriving hub where people from both nations converged for trade and community.

According to oral histories passed down through generations, Spo7ez flourished until the mid-1800s when tragedy struck in a devastating landslide. This catastrophic event, etched in the annals of time, marked the end of Spo7ez, leaving behind echoes of a once-vibrant village lost to nature's forces.

The first non-indigenous visitors to the area were William Downie, a Scottish veteran of the California gold rush (a "49er"), and Joseph Mackay, a former Hudson's Bay Company employee, their assistants and three Lil'wat guides. The first European settlers to inhabit the land arrived in the 1880s.

Whistler's Cultural Mosaic Today

As we explore the Whistler Valley today, remnants of this rich heritage linger in the air. The legacy of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and L̓il̓wat7úl Nations lives on through the traditions, stories, and resilience of these indigenous communities. The Whistler Valley, now globally renowned as a premier mountain resort and the site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, carries the imprint of a history that goes far beyond its recreational allure.

Whistler's journey is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people. From the ancient stewardship of the land by the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and L̓il̓wat7úl Nations to its modern-day prominence, the valley has evolved while honoring its roots.

Where is Whistler on the Map?

Located in the southern Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains, Whistler sits just 121 kilometers north of Vancouver. This prime location not only places it in the heart of the stunning mountain landscape but also ensures easy accessibility, serving as a gateway to a realm of outdoor wonders. More than just a mountain resort, Whistler is a gateway to a diverse array of outdoor wonders. From hiking trails that weave through lush forests to ski slopes that challenge even the most seasoned enthusiasts, the possibilities for exploration and excitement are boundless.

Climate/Weather in Whistler

Winters are chilly and rainy, whereas summers are pleasant and dry. The annual average number of days with temperatures over 30 °C (86 °F) in Whistler is about 11, and the yearly average number of days with temperatures below 10 °C (14 °F) is about 24. Alpine daily average temperatures of around -5°C (22°F) are typical for most of the winter.

The best weather is in June and July when a combination of rain and sunshine keeps the trails in excellent shape. The late season (September to October) may also be fantastic with lower fares and calmer trails.

Work and Jobs in Whistler

Whistler isn't merely a playground for adventure enthusiasts; it stands as a vibrant community brimming with diverse job opportunities. The employment landscape in Whistler transcends the ordinary, offering an array of professions that contribute to the unique and fulfilling experience of living in this mountain paradise.

Opportunities in Whistler

Whistler's economic tapestry is woven with threads from various industries, creating a dynamic job market. When it comes to jobs in Canada, hospitality reigns supreme in Whistler, with many positions ranging from upscale hotels and resorts to quaint local eateries. The town's commitment to providing exceptional visitor experiences ensures a constant demand for skilled professionals in customer service, culinary arts, and hospitality management.

For those who love the great outdoors, Whistler transforms into a workplace where passion seamlessly intertwines with profession. The outdoor recreation sector opens doors to guiding, instructing, and event coordination careers. Whether leading mountain treks, instructing skiing techniques, or organizing adventure events, working in outdoor recreation is not just a job; it's a lifestyle.

Top In-demand Jobs in Whistler

Below are the jobs most in demand in Whistler, along with the average salary for each occupation, according to Talent.com.

Learn more about in-demand jobs in Canada.

Cost of Living in Whistler

As you plan your Whistler journey, understanding daily expenditures is key to a seamless experience. Gain practical insights into the costs associated with transportation, groceries, and entertainment. Whether you're exploring the mountain trails or indulging in cultural activities, knowing the average expenses allows you to budget effectively and make the most of your time in Whistler.

Neighborhoods in Whistler

In this section of the Whistler City Guide, we take a look at neighborhoods in Whistler. The town's compact size surely contributes to its allure; with the main Whistler Village located roughly midway between the southernmost and northernmost neighborhoods, and only 16 kilometers separating them, nothing is distant in Whistler. You are never more than a few minutes away from access to Whistler and Blackcomb resorts and top-notch dining and shopping options.

In Whistler, every neighborhood has a personality and unique qualities. The ideal location for your Whistler house will depend on your objectives, tastes, and financial situation. Examine our neighborhood summaries to find the perfect location for you.

Whistler Village

At the foot of Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, in Whistler Village, are the majority of the city's premier lodging options. The Village is divided into many districts, with Village North and the Upper Village being the most well-liked by tourists.

Spring Creek

Seven kilometers south of Whistler Village lies Spring Creek, one of the city's more recent neighborhoods. Since Spring Creek Elementary debuted in this neighborhood in 2004, families have found it to be a desirable location. The Glades, an outstanding townhouse development, Bear Ridge, a tastefully decorated employee housing townhome complex, and gorgeous high-end residences along Tynebridge Way and Khyber Lane are all located in Spring Creek.

Nesters

The Whistler Village is conveniently accessible to this neighborhood. There are older residences on Nester Road and newer, upscale properties on Treetop Lane in the tiny neighborhood known as Nesters. One of a BC series of markets, Nesters Market, is located in a local retail center and is a favorite among the residents.

Alpine Meadows

You'll find Alpine Meadows nestled in the scenic landscape of Whistler. It is a charming residential neighborhood renowned for its family-friendly ambiance and proximity to essential amenities. Alpine Meadows presents a diverse housing landscape featuring a mix of single-family homes and condominiums. This variety allows residents to choose accommodations that suit their lifestyle preferences, from spacious detached houses to more compact and convenient condo living.

Transportation in Whistler

Whistler is accessible all year round - even without a car. The pedestrian-only Village Stroll makes walking between stores, eateries, ski lifts, and lodging simple. To explore lakes, parks, and other neighborhoods, use the Valley Trail network, which is car-free, and the public transportation options. You can utilize the free shuttle services that connect famous parks and ski slopes. These are, however, seasonal.

The Village, Creekside, and neighborhoods to the north and south are all served by BC Transit's bus lines, which offer rapid services to Creekside and Cheakamus. Free shuttle services are also offered seasonally to the Upper Village, Marketplace, and Lost Lake Park.

Things to Do in Whistler

When you immigrate to Canada and settle in Whistler, there's no chance of running out of things to do. The well-known ski town of Whistler sits at the feet of two tremendous mountains: Whistler and Blackcomb. Together, the pinnacles frame the greatest winter sports territory in North America. Since the world comes to ski and visit, the town has an agreeable assortment of tourist accommodations, from townhouses to lavish hotels, all pressed along the wandering town walk.

Encompassing the town, the tough area is a blend of untamed streams, greenish-blue lakes, unending woods, and volcanic pinnacles. One main road, Highway 99 (the Sea-to-Sky Highway), interfaces with the region's attractions and communities. This scenic drive is rated as one of Canada's best for road trips.

Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Mountain (2,182 meters) and Blackcomb Mountain (2,284 meters) are the two pinnacles that transcend Whistler Village. The Whistler Blackcomb resort's consolidated skiable territory finish 3,307 hectares with more than 200 runs, accessible via 37 lifts.

Other than ice glacier skiing, the mountains are occupied with climbers and mountain bikers in summer, who take to the testing trails of Whistler Mountain Bike Park. When riding the chairlifts, look out for bears strolling along the mountain trails, looking for berries. One of a kind to Whistler, a gondola connects the two mountains and gives a breathtaking warm-climate touring trip for non-skiers. At any time of year, guests can appreciate eye-catching views from the mountain tops over the valley and the town far beneath.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola gives an elevated ride between the two mountains. In spite of the fact that the separation is a record-breaking 4.4 kilometers, the ride takes just 11 minutes. On a crisp morning, the view is great and looks out to snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and thick coniferous timberlands. A look down to Fitzsimmons Creek is equally sensational. At points, the gondola is about half a kilometer over the valley floor. From spring to fall, it's a piece of the Whistler-Blackcomb touring experience, with guided snow-capped walks and many photograph opportunities.

Lost Lake

Lost Lake is a year-round location for activities, whether mountain biking and bird watching in summer or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Trails fan out from the lakeshore, wandering into calm woods with British Columbia wildlife. The little lake offers a shoreline, which is one of the busier spots on a hot summer day, mainly as there is transport from the town. For more sandy, freshwater beaches close to Whistler, make a beeline for Alpha Lake and Alta Lake.

Squamish-Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Whistler's wonderful and modern First Nations museum is home to a collection of carvings, weavings, and stories that present the history and culture of the neighborhood Squamish and Lil'wat people. Both countries incorporate Whistler in their customary domain and have lived on this land for many years. The on-location bistro serves an intriguing menu of First Nations-inspired dishes and much more.

Whistler Olympic Park

Built for the 2010 Winter Games, the Whistler Olympic Park now offers access to winter cross-country skiing trails. The uncommon-looking ski jumps are still set up at the facility, similar to an arrangement of Olympic rings. In winter, Nordic skiers take to the prepared trails while snowshoers follow the route to Alexander Falls and different viewpoints.

Education in Whistler

A thriving community with a wide range of educational institutions can be found in Whistler. The neighborhood provides both public and private educational possibilities from preschool through high school.

Myrtle Philip Community School and Spring Creek Community School are two of the district's community primary schools, in addition to Whistler Secondary School. Alternative schools, including the Whistler Waldorf School and the French school, Ecole La Passerale.

Situated in the picturesque mountain town of Whistler, British Columbia. The Whistler Adventure School (WAS) is a private post-secondary institution offering top-notch career training in Marketing Media, Mountain Sports Technician, Design and Innovation, Adventure Tourism Winter, and Adventure Guiding.

Learn more about living in British Columbia.

Immigrate to Whistler

There are plenty of ways to immigrate to Canada in an unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled capacity, but only a few directly take you to the province or region you choose to settle in. These are the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the federal programs under the Express Entry system.

Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) was designed to address specific labor market shortages according to the needs of the 11 participating provinces and territories. If you want to immigrate to Canada and settle in Whistler, you can apply to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). British Columbia has worked on ways to encourage immigration to its smaller communities. Below are some of your options.

Express Entry System

The Express Entry system was created in 2015 to umbrella the three popular federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Applications entered into this system are processed in as little as six months for skilled or experienced workers.

Applicants who want to apply through the Express Entry system must create an online profile detailing their background. If eligible for the selected program, the profile is scored according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and entered into the Express Entry pool. The highest-scoring candidates are issued with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency during draws that typically happen during two-week intervals.

CRS Criteria Awards Points For:

• Age
• CLB Language proficiency (English and French)
• Level of Education
• Work Experience
• Arranged employment
• Provincial Nomination achieved
• Siblings living in Canada as permanent residents/citizens
• Your spouse’s profile (if married)

Pros and Cons

Regardless of where you choose to settle, each place has its positive and negative aspects. Here are a few pros and cons of living in Whistler.

FAQs

Is Whistler a Nice Place to Live?

If you are lucky enough to land a job in this resort town, living in Whistler will feel like being on vacation. You could say it's a great place to live with great mountains as your backyard and a vibrant lifestyle.

Why is Whistler Famous?

Mountain biking and hiking are popular summer activities in Whistler, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Cross-country skiing, skate skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, telemark skiing, and tobogganing are additional winter sports that are popular in the region.