WHISTLER2020

Whistler - A Brief Overview

Many visitors are suprised to find that Whistler is a lively mountain community of nearly 10,000 permanent residents. In fact, in addition to permanent residents, Whistler is also a part-time home to aproximately 9,100 second-home owners from around the world, and 2,500 seasonal residents. Through each of these groups the sense of community is very strong in Whistler, and we share a commitment to protecting the natural mountain environment and moving our community toward a more sustainable future.

Did you know...
Whistler was named after the marmot - a rock-dwelling mountain rodent that make sharp, clear whistles as a warning to other marmots of any danger.

Whistler is a community of 16,000 hectares nestled in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, only 40km from the Pacific Ocean, and 120 kms north of Vancouver.

Within Whistler, there are numerous activities throughout the year to entice visitors of all ages, interests and abilities. As a result, the community welcomes over two million visitors each year - and on any given day, Whistler’s resident population of 10,000 can grow to almost 50,000.

For several thousand years before becoming a world-renowned resort community, the Whistler Valley was an relatively isolated wilderness frequented only by Coast Salish aboriginal people - the Lil’wat Nation to the north and the Squamish Nation to the south. In 1912, the tourism industry in Whistler got started when Rainbow Lodge opened on Alta Lake – welcoming fishermen and intrepid outdoor enthusiasts.

In 1965, the highway eventually pushed through from Vancouver and Whistler Mountain opened for skiing. Just 10 years later – in 1975 – Whistler became Canada’s first and only designated resort municipality...

To read more about Whistler's First Nation, and modern resort history visit:

 

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Whistler 2020 explorer

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