Welcome to the best town in the world! Or at least that’s what it’s been touted as.
Located in the North Cascades of British Columbia, Canada, the town of Whistler boasts a vibrant community and beautiful powder snow. Every year, as the snow melts, the town attracts tourists from all over the world who wish to experience its unspoiled beauty. Sadly, the town is also famous for its tragic history. On June 22, 2010, a deadly fire swept through multiple buildings in the downtown area, killing 86 people and leaving thousands without a permanent home. Despite its dark past, the town has gone on to become one of the greatest ski destinations in the world. If you’re visiting or live in Whistler, here’s how many days you need to ski before the memories of the fire and the losses it caused fade away.
Table of Contents
When Is The Best Time To Visit?
The best time to visit Whistler is between October and April. The town is truly breathtaking during these months, as the snow covers everything – the trees, the streets, and the hotel roofs. If you visit during these months, you’ll want to make the most of it, as the snow will keep on falling for the entire duration of your trip. If you’re a first-time visitor, consider making your way to Whistler during one of these months, as you’ll find the town in an ideal condition for exploring. Between June and September, the weather can be unpredictable, so you might have some cloudy days and relatively few sunny ones. However, you won’t be able to tell the difference between the two seasons once you’re in Whistler, as the snow will completely transform the town – no matter the weather!
How Do I Get There?
By plane. There are daily flights to/from Vancouver, so you can easily make your way to the town. From the airport, it’s only a 20-minute drive to the town center. Alternatively, you can take the Sea to Sky Highway, which will get you there in about 15 minutes. From either location, you can catch a free shuttle bus directly to your hotel. If you haven’t booked accommodation yet, there are plenty of options available in the town, ranging from hostels to luxury hotels. Also, make sure you bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf to protect yourself from the cold.
What Happens In The Summer?
Between June and September, the town is covered in green, as the pine trees and the grass gradually turn to shades of yellow, orange, and red. There are some recreational activities you can engage in, such as hiking, biking, and golfing. If you’re an extreme fan of football, you can witness the weekly matches between the teams of Vancouver and Whistler. In the summer, the temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, so make sure you prepare for intense heat – especially if you’re planning on venturing outside. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and avoid overexertion by resting when you need to. Don’t forget: sunblock, sunglasses, and an eye mask are your best defense against the sun’s harsh rays.
What To Do In The Winter?
In the winter, Whistler is a hub for tourists, as its magnificent snow-covered scenery draws visitors from all over the world. The best way to get the most out of the season is to go for a walk, rent a pair of skis, and hit the slopes. You can also take snowboarding lessons, hire a snowboarder, or even take a guided tour through the spectacular snow. Hotels, museums, and galleries close down during the winter, so it’s the perfect time for you to make the most of the scenery and go for a hike, a bike ride, or a sleigh ride. You can also take a look at the town’s Christmas lights display – which is displayed in the streets and along the waterfront – a tradition that started after the tragic fire.
In the winter, you don’t need to do much to prepare for your skiing trip to Whistler. Just make sure you pack your ski gear and transport to the airport – and enjoy the ride!