Whistler, nestled in the mountains
only 40 kilometres inland from the
Pacific Ocean and a two-hour drive
from Vancouver, attracts two million
visitors every year.
It defines recreation – and not just for
its unparalleled skiing. It has become
Canada’s foremost year-round vacation
spot.
Whistler has two majestic mountains,
epic skiing and snowboarding, four
championship golf courses, more than
200 shops, 90 restaurants and bars,
hiking trails, spas and arguably the best
mountain bike park in the world.
The Meadow Park Sports Centre is
Whistler’s community hub for sports,
leisure and play. The Centre houses an
NHL-size ice rink, a 25-metre lap pool,
hot sauna, steam room, fitness centre
and two squash courts.
Whistler also has an arts scene that is
not just alive and well, it’s thriving.
Centre for the Arts
When the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic
Winter Games were awarded to Whistler
and Vancouver, the local arts, culture
and heritage community was already
actively engaged in expanding the
Whistler experience. So the games
were used as a catalyst to enlarge and
spotlight its arts, culture and heritage.
As a result, it was designated as the
2009 Cultural Capital of Canada.
Painters, sculptors, ceramicists,
multi-media artists, writers, actors,
playwrights, photographers and
filmmakers all call Whistler home and all
contribute to enrich the local arts scene.
Travel tips:
To visit Canada, your American
friends need a valid passport or
U.S. Passport Card (not valid for
international air travel), a NEXUS
or FAST/EXPRES card, or State
or Province-issued Enhanced
Driver’s License (not valid for
international air travel).
Originally published in Today’s Bride magazine, Spring/Summer 2013.
