Whistler

Web Site: http://www.whistler.com

Lodging

There are accommodations to suit any budget, from the Shoestring Lodge to the sky is the limit. There are also suite rentals for families or groups.

Transportation

A door-to-door shuttle is available from the Vancouver airport for $67 per adult and $53.60 for children each way (e.g., coming and going for two adults would be $67 x 2 x 2 = $268). Travel time is about two and a half hours. In addition, a scenic train ride is available for $99 each way.

For those coming from Seattle, Whistler is a 3 to 4 hour drive.

Note that Whistler is in Canada, and while currently only an ID (e.g., a driver's license) is required for entry to Canada, by summer 2008, a passport will be required for entry for all U.S. citizens whether they are coming by air or by land.

Comments from Constance Brissenden

I can attest it is a great spot!

There are many parks in Whistler where we could have picnics together. As well, fun diversions such as gondola ride to the top of Whistler Mountain.

Summer is a great time, with prices a little lower than winter. However, we would all be advised to book ahead. One way to do so is through Whistler Reservations. There is a good campground in Whistler. It also offers small cabins that can fit a couple as well as a couple of children who can climb up to a loft. Tight but in a pleasant setting and new cabins. It also has a cafe on site.

Whistler is spread out: Whistler Creekside (as you enter Whistler), Whistler Village (the original village, a pedestrian only area with many hotels and inns along the village concourses, about 3 miles from Creekside), Whistler North (a new area on the other side of the main road into the village areas, very close to walk to the original Village), the Upper Village (with Four Seasons, Chateau Whistler etc, about a 5-minute walk to the Village). Plus north of these main areas there are other places to stay such as the Shoestring Lodge. (I don't have my guidebooks here so only mentioning what I remember.)

On top of your hotel bill, add 17% tax: 14% Canadian taxes plus 3% resort tax. Also, you can be charged up to $20 a night to park your car where you stay though some places are as low at $6/night and occasionally free. There is no free overnight parking, but there is free day parking in the Day Lots near the Village (easy walk).

When you book, ask for all additional charges, so no unpleasant surprises.

The trip to Whistler is only 75 miles (120 km) from Vancouver but traffic through Vancouver can be congested. Also the road to Whistler is a mountain highway with many twists and turns. Caution is advised when driving this road. Obey the speed limit as police prowl the highway (Highway 99, also known as the Sea To Sky Highway) giving tickets.

As well with the Winter Olympics 2010 looming in Whistler/Vancouver, there is considerable construction on the highways.

Given both the nature of the highway and construction, you have to plan for a 3-hour trip north, plus time for getting through Vancouver. Do not travel Highway 99 in the dark!

All that said, the air is fresh, the lakes are clean and it really is a neat summer place. There are four golf courses that are spectacular. Also excellent restaurants plus less expensive cafes, grocery stores etc.

Comments from Ron Cook

Great facilities, truly world class everything and price points to keep the tightest of us Olsons content. Every accommodation from a Days Inn to a Ritz Carlton and more activities than anywhere in North America any time of year.

There is a major airport in Vancouver or it is a 4 hour drive from Seattle. And it is very easy to move around. It's basically a huge village - you park the car once and don't drive it again for a week. Everything is within walking distance.

And you'll think you are in a foreign country. Well ... actually you are, but it will feel like Switzerland or Germany or Austria. 10 different foreign accents every 20 feet, a mish mash of different cultures and cuisine and retail. It really is amazing, and best in August. The weather will be in the 70's and 80's. Great scenery. Picnic grounds, banquets rooms, hotel, camp grounds ... whatever we want.

Additional Comments?

If you have additional comments, please feel free to send an to Collin Starkweather.