Whistler is a resort town located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. It is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities in the summer.
The history of Whistler can be traced back to the early 1900s, when it was a remote and sparsely populated area. The first recorded visit by a non-indigenous person was in 1914, when a survey party led by a man named Harry Horstman came to the area to explore the possibility of building a road through the mountains.
In the 1920s and 1930s, a small community began to develop in the area, with the construction of a few cabins and lodges for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the earliest and most famous of these was Rainbow Lodge, which was built in 1914 and became a popular destination for fishing and hunting trips.
In the 1960s, plans were made to develop the area into a world-class ski resort, and in 1966, Whistler Mountain opened for skiing. Over the next few decades, the resort continued to expand, with the addition of new ski runs, lifts, and accommodations.
In 1992, Whistler was chosen to co-host the Winter Olympics with nearby Vancouver, which helped to put the town on the map as an international destination. Since then, Whistler has continued to grow and develop, attracting visitors from all over the world with its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and world-class amenities.
24 fun and best things to do in Whistler
- Skiing/Snowboarding – Enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb ski resort.
- Snowshoeing – Explore the winter wonderland of Whistler’s backcountry on a snowshoeing adventure.
- Ice-Skating – Skate at the Olympic Plaza, an outdoor rink in the heart of Whistler Village.
- Snowmobiling – Take a scenic snowmobile tour through the mountains surrounding Whistler.
- Ziplining – Fly through the trees on a thrilling zipline adventure.
- Hiking – Explore the scenic trails in the Whistler area, including the famous Blackcomb Mountain.
- Biking – Rent a bike and enjoy the mountain biking trails in and around Whistler.
- Golfing – Play a round of golf at one of Whistler’s championship golf courses.
- Fishing – Fish for salmon and trout in one of the many rivers and lakes in the area.
- Rafting – Take a rafting trip down the Cheakamus River for an adrenaline-filled adventure.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding – Rent a stand-up paddleboard and explore the calm waters of Alta Lake.
- Helicopter Tour – Take a scenic helicopter tour over the mountains and glaciers surrounding Whistler.
- ATV Tour – Drive an ATV through the rugged terrain of the Callaghan Valley.
- Wildlife Viewing – Spot community flora and fauna, consisting of black bears and eagles, on a guided natural world tour
- Food and Wine Tasting – Enjoy local cuisine and wine at one of Whistler’s restaurants and tasting rooms.
- Shopping – Browse the unique shops and boutiques in Whistler Village.
- Art Galleries – Visit the many art galleries in Whistler and admire the works of local artists.
- Nightlife – Experience Whistler’s vibrant nightlife, with options ranging from bars and clubs to live music and theater.
- First Nations Cultural Experience – Learn about the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations cultures through guided tours and cultural demonstrations.
- Winter Sports – Try other winter sports, such as cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowboarding.
- Relaxation – Take a break from the action and relax at Whistler’s spas or hot tubs.
- Yoga – Attend a yoga class in Whistler and find inner peace and relaxation.
- Movie Theater – Watch a movie at the Whistler Village 8 Cinema.
- Library – Visit the Whistler Public Library, read a book, use the internet, or attend a community event.
Ten places similar to Whistler and their locations
- Aspen, Colorado, USA
- Park City, Utah, USA
- Lake Tahoe, California, USA
- Banff, Alberta, Canada
- St. Moritz, Switzerland
- Chamonix, France
- Courchevel, France
- Verbier, Switzerland
- Zermatt, Switzerland
- Queenstown, New Zealand
