Known to skiers and winter sports enthusiasts around the world, Whistler is a resort municipality in British Columbia, Canada. With so much to see and experience, it’s hard to know where to start, especially when you’re new to the area. Here are a few must-see places and attractions to plan for your arrival.
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola experience is the world’s highest lift of its kind, floating 436m above Whistler Valley and providing visitors with a breathtaking view of volcanic peaks, coastal rainforests, and ancient glaciers. The gondola connects Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, the two main mountains overlooking Whistler Village. The trip is 4.4km and takes 11 minutes to ride the Peak 2 Peak each way, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
The cultural centre was built as a joint effort between the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the peoples of both the Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation in an effort to simultaneously preserve their respective cultures and traditions as well as present them to the visitors of Whistler. These two First Nations peoples have co-existed on the lands of British Columbia for centuries. It is with that in mind, that the initiative to preserve the proud heritage of their respective nations was undertaken.
Visitors will learn about the cultures of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, take a glimpse into the history of the people, and can even take part in interactive workshops and craft activities. Attend a workshop and learn how to make brick stitch beaded earrings, craft a dreamcatcher, or make a real drum. The centre also features the Thunderbird Café where visitors can dine on Indigenous-inspired meals made with fresh local ingredients, and browse the gift shop stocked with books, cultural media, and beautiful handcrafted items.
Lost Lake
A short distance from Whistler Village sits Lost Lake, a small lake with a beach area and several trails for hiking and biking. The trail to Lost Lake is hidden and can be easily missed if you’re new to the area or miss the subtle landmarks. Removed from common walking paths, the lake used to be the spot locals would go to sunbathe in the nude, however the boom of hotels popping up and within eyeshot have since ended that tradition. These days, people travel to this hidden gem to hike the trails or swim along the beaches in the warmer months.
Once you find Lost Lake and experience its full glory, you might find yourself falling in love and never wanting to leave. If that’s the case, look for real estate for sale in Whistler and consider becoming a permanent resident of this beautiful area.
Whistler Olympic Park
Home to the Nordic events for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the facility hosted the biathlon, Nordic combined, ski jumping, and cross-country skiing, as well as events for the Paralympics. Today, visitors can ski the same slopes and trails the world’s best did over 10 years ago. Visitors love strapping on a pair of cross-country skis to explore the park and see the magnificence of the land. If you’re a novice to snow sports or have younger first-timers with you, there are plenty of lessons taught by seasoned instructors who would be delighted to show you how it’s done.
These are just a few must-see sights and venues to experience as a visitor or new resident of Whistler. Like many tourist attractions, there are guides, brochures, and websites for every location providing the latest news and updates so you can stay well informed.
