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What To Do In Whistler

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What To Do In Whistler

What To Do In Whistler

Touring Whistler BC. What Visitors Can Expect to Accomplish Daily While Touring Whistler Attraction
By: Joe Mac Millan

Wow. Touring Whistler. These two words ring like beautiful bells in our ears. Nothing could be sweeter.

The Whistler area brings happiness to millions of visitors in a whole variety of ways.

Skiers and snowboarders remember the wonderful days when the rush down the mountains with the wind in their faces could not have been better.

Golfers will relive the sheer beauty of the picturesque fairways with the amazing mountain peaks in view with every turn of their heads.

Name any one of the dozens of outdoor sports activities and if you’ve been there, the wonderful memories will come flooding back.

So just what can visitors do in the normal run of a day in Whistler?

First of all, Whistler is not simply The Village. Whistler Village is the hub. But you should consider the larger picture.

Think of Whistler as a corridor approximately 100 miles (160 KM) long. At the southern end lies the lively town of Squamish. About 40 minutes north is the Whistler Village. Just 20 minutes further is Pemberton. Mount Currie lies another 15 minutes ahead. Another 45 minutes drive and you arrive at Lillooet.

These times are approximate because we simply find the drive so beautiful we never get through without stopping for photos or just to take in the breathtaking scenery. While touring Whistler, the entire drive on a good paved highway is a delight for the eyes. Majestic mountains on each side of the road, swift flowing rivers pound their way to the next flat. Green and Alta lakes in Whistler frame the Blackcomb and Whistler mountains as you drive by as if posing for that picture postcard photo.

If you can drive by Lillooet and Duffy lakes without stopping to take in the view you are simply not getting it.

Lying just off the highway are short hikes to perfect waterfalls where you can see mother nature at work. At the entrance to the town of Squamish you will see the Shannon Falls pouring off the Stawmus Chief Monolith. Brandywine Falls between Squamish and Whistler, and Nairn Falls 10 minutes past Whistler await you.

Each waterfall is very different. Shannon Falls drop 335 meters from the top and are the third highest falls in British Columbia.

Brandywine Falls (70 meters) is totally different than Shannon. The area underfoot is an ancient lava bed. Lava is comparatively soft stone and the water in the creek has cut a huge hole into which the water falls in a spectacular rainbow of color. Beautifully picturesque.

Nairn Falls just past Whistler on the contrary flows over solid granite. Muscular and powerful as it pounds it’s way down through a very narrow opening in the Green River.

Winter arrives early in December in the area. x-country skiers and snow-shoers get going very early. Soon the mountains come alive with the skiers and snowboarders. It’s possible to ski and hike if you are into winter camping. The highways are kept clear of snow. North of Duffy lake you may encounter highway closures due to avalanche conditions occasionally. Back country skiers take full advantage of the great winter conditions.

With the coming of Spring the snow sports give way to hiking, fishing, golfing and all of the activities the corridor has to offer. It is easy to drive to Joffre Lake and hike to the glacier in the morning and return to the Brandywine Falls area for an evening stroll. You could take a trail ride through the beautiful Pemberton Valley in the morning and enjoy a game of golf at Whistler or Squamish in the afternoon.

Keep an eye out for the wild animals who call the corridor home. Exit your vehicle and take a walk. You will soon encounter the amazing variety of large and small creatures who live so near. Of course touring Whistler means rising early. Why miss the best part of the day. From any campground or Provincial Park Campground, the many daily activities awaiting you are numerous. Simply get up and go. It’s waiting for you to enjoy.

Joe and Irma Mac Millan are owners of http://www.whistler-outdoors.com . Together they have spent many years enjoying every nook and cranny of this British Columbia paradise. Now married for 50 years they bring to you their unique perspective on visiting, knowing and taking part in the many opportunities awaiting those who come. Joe’s new book “Your marriage. Keeping it Going Till Death Do You Part” is based upon the premise that a husband must truly love and respect his wife in a great many ways. Only then will the marriage last. Joe says “It’s worked for Irma and I. It should work for everyone.” The book is FREE when you subscribe to the monthly Whistler-Outdoors Newsletter. Get yours now.

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Andrew Larder
Author loves Whistler, skiing Blackcomb and Whistler mountains and all of the world class accommodations and activities available there.

History of Whistler

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History of Whistler

History of Whistler

History of Whistler
By: Robert Bell

Whistler, British Columbia, located just 78 miles outside Vancouver, has been a vacation hotspot for years; however, after hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, it has become a household name. More than two million people visit Whistler every year and after getting international media coverage, more vacationers are sure to show up and see what this exclusive resort town is all about.

While it is believed that Whistler was once home to Native American tribes who lived and traded there, Whistler’s modern day history dates back to the early 1900s when animal trappers stumbled upon the area while using the Pemberton Trail. Although the trail was developed for cattle driving in the late 1800s, the terrain was not conducive to sustaining them and soon, it was used as a way in and out of what is now known as the Whistler region.

According to legend, trout fishers Alex and Myrtle Philip were the first settlers of Whistler. In 1911, fur trader John Miller met up with the Philips and invited them to enjoy some incredible fishing on the lakes near a cabin he owned. The pair visited, fell in love with the place and purchased 10 acres of land in 1913. The couple built the Rainbow Lodge Fishing Lodge which had only four bedrooms, a large living and dining area, and a kitchen. Soon, it was a bustling little summer destination.

More than 50 years later, Whistler became known as the perfect ski resort area, nestled at the base of two majestic mountains located in the Coast Mountain Range. Whistler was soon overwhelmed with visitors.

One of the most monumental events in the history of Whistler was the advent of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE) in 1914. Until that time, the trip from Vancouver to Whistler took almost three days. The railway contributed to the town’s popularity. Easy accessibility to the area encouraged more and more people to visit Whistler and enjoy the rugged outdoors.

In the early 1960s, a group of businessmen from Vancouver went into the Whistler area to develop Whistler Mountain (then known as London Mountain) as a skiing destination. Franz Wilhelmsen, who headed up the group, had the sole intention of creating a ski area that would be a worthy site to host the 1968 Olympic Games. Although those plans did not come to fruition, Whistler was well on its way to becoming the resort town it is today. London Mountain, as it were, was soon renamed Whistler Mountain in honor of a local alpine marmot (a beaver-like animal) who makes a whistling noise.

Ski slopes were officially opened in 1966 and not without bragging rights. Whistler boasted the biggest vertical drop in North America and offered a ski season that extended from November through June. Soon, the word got out and skiers and winter sports enthusiasts flocked to Canada’s best kept secret to see what all the fuss was about.

In 1975, an official town site was surveyed and development began. It wasn’t long before Whistler became known as North America’s top ski resort. It is still home to the largest ski area in North America with more than 40 ski drop-off points that span 8,100 acres.

In 1991, one of Whistler’s resorts became the first mountain resort outside of the United States to be named by a top-selling major American ski magazine. In 1996, it became the only resort in history to be simultaneously named number one by Ski and Skiing Magazine and Snow Country.

Whistler made two unsuccessful bids for the Winter Olympics before teaming up with Vancouver. Together, they were named the official location for the 2010 Winter Olympics by the International Olympic Committee, an accomplishment that has been sought after for many years.

Whistler has evolved tremendously from its early beginnings into a place that offers fantastic activities and fine cuisine year-round. Today, there are many ski resorts in Whistler which feature a wide variety of entertaining activities and slopes that take skiers through Chateau Whistler Golf Course, Lost Lake Park, and the Nicklaus North Golf Course. While it’s best known for winter sports, there are exciting things to do during all seasons in Whistler, including paragliding, hiking, canoeing, bungee jumping, horseback riding and wildlife tours.For your next vacation, book a whistler condos package at Whistler Retreats.com. The perfect ski vacation and getaway is waiting for you and with the 2010 olympics fast approaching you should visit online today.

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Andrew Larder
Author loves Whistler, skiing Blackcomb and Whistler mountains and all of the world class accommodations and activities available there.

Things to Do and See in Whistler

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Things to Do and See in Whistler

Things to Do and See in Whistler

Great Things to Do and See in Whistler
By: Robert Bell

Going to Whistler? You’re in for a treat. There is a lot to do in this exclusive resort town which explains why more than two million people visit annually. Located only 78 miles from Vancouver, Whistler is one of British Columbia’s finest gems, polished with Canadian culture and Nordic flare.

Snowy Fun in Whistler

Because it is home to the largest ski area in North America, skiing and snow sports have become one of Whistler’s most popular pastimes. Whistler has two majestic mountains located in the Coast Mountain Range with more than 40 ski drop-off points, spanning 8,100 acres. Whistler receives an average of 33 feet of snow per year.

Although there are many resorts in this Canadian town, Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort is a favorite attraction, featuring a wide variety of entertaining activities and slopes that take skiers through Lost Lake Park, the Chateau Whistler Golf Course and Nicklaus North Golf Course. Different routes are available for different levels of skiers.

Maps and rental equipment are readily available so you don’t have to lug all your ski equipment with you on the trip. Whistler Blackcomb offers ski and snowboarding lessons for adults, teens and kids along with a host of other fun activities. For those who like the excitement of motor sports, snowmobiles are available for rent in addition to snowshoeing equipment.

A horse-drawn sleigh ride makes for a memorable sightseeing experience, another activity offered at the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort. Magnificent Clydesdale-Percheron horses gallop through the Canadian countryside, pulling sleigh riders through picturesque winter scenes for an unforgettable winter adventure.

Although it may be difficult to imagine, you can actually enjoy a dog-sledding escapade in Whistler. The use of dogs to pull sleds and cargo is one of the most ancient forms of transportation in the world. An expert dog sledder will teach you how to harness the dog team of Huskies that will pull you along a sightseeing trail. Running your own dog sled is an exciting activity, one that comes highly recommended.

Adventures in Whistler

Whistler Blackcomb’s Coca-Cola Tube Park is fun for the whole family, another thrilling adventure in Whistler. There are eight 1,000-foot lanes that vary in levels of difficulty with each person in their own tube. A state-of-the-art conveyor lift?makes it easy to travel to the top of a tubing hill, where riders propel like rockets down to the bottom at exhilarating speeds.

The number one zip line in North America is located in Whistler. Also known as a zip trek, a zip line is a series of cables and suspension bridges that run through natural terrain with a rider attached. The rider is attached by wearing special gear and a harness that clips on to the line. Once the rider lets go, the natural force of gravity pulls them along, usually at a moderate speed. The zip trek at Whistler Blackcomb is a three-hour journey that travels along Fitzsimmons Creek through the forest valley between Whistler and the Blackcomb Mountains. This is an activity that can be enjoyed year-round.

Although best known for its winter sports, Whistler is the ideal vacation spot in all seasons. For those who love golf, there are four championship golf courses in the area. For those who love the great outdoors, paragliding, hiking, canoeing, bungee jumping, horseback riding and wildlife tours are just a few things offered when it gets warm in Whistler.

Shopping and Dining in Whistler

There is also plenty to do in Whistler that doesn’t involve sports or outdoor activities. Whistler Village, the town’s hub, features more than 200 shops and 90 restaurants and bars. Greek, Italian, Japanese and French food are served at the many eateries in the village. Pub food, pizza and ice cream are also available. Whistler is known for its fine cuisine and superior customer service. Five-star spa services are available for those who need some rest and relaxation including massages, manicures and pedicures and body wraps. The great thing about Whistler Village is that it’s pedestrian-friendly and everything is within walking distance.

Whether you’re heading out solo or bringing the family along, there is a lot to do in Whistler and it makes for the perfect vacation getaway.For your next vacation, book your whistler accommodations at Whistler Retreats.com. The perfect ski vacation and getaway is waiting for you and with the 2010 olympics fast approaching you should visit online today.

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Andrew Larder
Author loves Whistler, skiing Blackcomb and Whistler mountains and all of the world class accommodations and activities available there.

Pemberton Glider Soaring

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Pemberton Glider Soaring

Pemberton Glider Soaring

Glider soaring over the Pemberton, British Columbia valley. A spectacular experience.
By: Joe Mac Millan

Glider soaring over the rugged peaks of the coast Mountain Range at Pemberton. A thrill a minute.

Imagine yourself seated in the cockpit of this glider as your experienced pilot guides you to within mere feet of the ruggedly spectacular mountains of the coast range. See the ski slopes of Whistler, the fertile Pemberton Valley and the emerald green glacial lakes dotting the landscape.

Ride the thermals like the Bald Eagles do as you soar over the majestic mountains and valleys unfolding before your eyes. No engine noise to disturb your thoughts, only the stillness of the scene keeps you in the reality of the moment.

Unmatched experience

Glider soaring guests who have taken flights from the Pemberton airport describe their experiences as, thrilling, unbelievable, amazing and the adventure of a lifetime. And all of this from one of the most beautiful valleys in the world.

Pemberton Valley lies just a twenty minute drive north of Whistler, British Columbia, one of the most famous ski resorts in the entire world. You may choose to stay in one of the beautiful accommodations on the Whistler/Blackcomb mountains or you may opt for a quiet B & B on a ranch in the pristine Pemberton valley.

Perfect weather

Pemberton lies 1,600 lower in altitude than whistler and enjoys almost perfect weather for gliding as it is surrounded almost entirely by majestic mountain peaks. The beauty of the place is stunning to the eye.

Flights are made in one of their two tandem 2 seat metal gliders. Your Certified Transport Canada pilot will sit behind you as you get to sit in front for a “ringside seat” for a thrill you’ll never forget.

Each flight is customized to each guest. You can take the relaxing route, or the more exhilarating aerobatic flight suitable for the thrill seeker. Either one will have you wanting to come back for more.

While in Pemberton you should look into golfing at one of the two courses awaiting you in the valley. The championship courses are a compliment to the three courses in whistler designed by such notables as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. You would need to travel the world many times over before you would find a better collection of championship golf courses laid out in this magnificent area.

Your glider flight will take you over huge glaciers and majestic mountains so close you can almost reach out and touch them. Matier glacier atop Joffre mountain is the water supply for the deep, sapphire blue Duffy Lake. Down below your glider you may see hikers making their way to the mountain peaks, snowmobilers cruising the vast snowfields or happy people trail riding along the Lillooet or Green rivers.

As you glide to a smooth landing you will be taking home a memory to last a lifetime.

Joe and Irma Mac Millan have enjoyed the Whistler Mountain and valley area of British Columbia for many years. They have camped, hiked and skied the mountains and fished and kayaked the rivers and lakes. Their website One couples guide to the exciting Whistler-outdoors is a must for anyone considering a trip to Whistler as well as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. They invite one and all to take a look.

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Andrew Larder
Author loves Whistler, skiing Blackcomb and Whistler mountains and all of the world class accommodations and activities available there.

Duffy Lake, North Of Whistler

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Duffy Lake, North Of Whistler

Duffy Lake, North Of Whistler

Duffy Lake. You don’t want to miss this British Columbia beauty.
By: Joe Mac Millan

Duffy lake is that sapphire blue lake you will drive by as you travel between Whistler and Lillooet, but if you are smart you will take the time to stop and enjoy this most beautiful little gemstone set amid the majestic mountains.

To reach the lake you will head north on highway 99 from Whistler. In less than half an hour you will pass through Pemberton and soon Mount Currie first nations reserve. Just past the church you will turn right on the Duffy Lake road. Soon the highway turns away from Lillooet Lake and begins a few switchbacks as the road climbs upwards for a few kilometers. You will pass Joffre Lake Recreation area on your right.

Shortly you will enter a beautiful valley which opens out to reveal Duffy Lake on your left. The lake itself is very deep and as you drive along the lakeside you will soon see Matier glacier which up to now has been behind you sitting up there cheek to cheek with Joffre Mountain.

Duffy lake has two very small camping areas. If you are tenting you might find a small, hidden area about halfway down the lakeside. You need to watch for the little roadway from an area high above the lake. A creek crosses under the highway. We couldn’t even find a sign our last time there. We actually found it while in our kayak doing a little fishing. The mouth of the creek was quite active with trout. We pulled in to find a nice little campsite. Someone must have had a 4X4 camper and navigated the steep trail to reach the spot. We walked up the trail a little ways and it would be perfectly suitable for someone to drive along the trail and park about one hundred feet above the lake if driving a car or van. From there you could carry your tent and gear down.

At the north end of the lake is an old BC Forestry site with a few campsites, tables and an outdoor toilet. Lake access here is easy for kayaks and canoes. Cayoosh Creek begins it’s boisterous run to the Fraser river at Lillooet here where the many old logs lie dormant at the end of the lake.

Another area we found suitable for camping was at the south end of the lake. There is a Department of Highways Maintenance compound located near the creek that crosses the highway south of the lake. You want to avoid trespassing on their property but there are other areas that would be suitable for camping.

North of Duffy lake a short distance there are many good campsites near Cayoosh Creek. If you don’t mind being lulled to sleep by rushing water, this will be the ideal place to stop. Unless you are at the designated camping sites you will not have the luxury of pit toilets.

If you are lucky enough to be on Duffy in a canoe or kayak when the wind is dead calm you are in for the thrill of a lifetime. Paddle along and bask in the beauty of the Matier glacier reflecting in the mirror like waters. There is nothing like the beauty of it anywhere else. Fishing is good, especially off the creeks where they enter the lake.

This beautiful drive from Whistler to Cache Creek was not possible a few short years ago, unless you had a 4×4. Now it is used more and more as a wonderful way to travel from the Prince George or Kamloops corridor as it eliminates driving to Vancouver in order to reach Whistler.

Joe and Irma Mac Millan have enjoyed the Whistler Mountain and valley area of British Columbia for many years. They have camped, hiked and skied the mountains and fished and kayaked the rivers and lakes. Their website One couples guide to the exciting Whistler-outdoors is a must for anyone considering a trip to Whistler as well as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. They invite one and all to take a look.

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Andrew Larder
Author loves Whistler, skiing Blackcomb and Whistler mountains and all of the world class accommodations and activities available there.

Golfing At Whistler

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Golf Whistler
By Devon O’Malley

Looking to tee off at a world-class golf course? Whistler offers not one, but four championship designer courses to satisfy any golfers itch. Known primarily for its pristine peaks and fresh powder, Whistler has already been rated a first-class winter destination. However, the town also has an incredible golf reputation; it is home to four of Canada’s top 100 golf courses. Find out here a little more about all four of Whistlers celebrated courses: Nicklaus North, Whistler Golf Club, Chateau Whistler and Big Sky.

Nicklaus North

Designed by golf legend, Jack Nicklaus, the Nicklaus North golf course provides a unique and invigorating mountain golf experience. Set within a scenic display of majestic mountains, a magnificent jade-coloured lake and enchanting fir trees, the course offers both beauty and a first class design for players of all levels. This par 71, 18-hole course is situated in Whistler valley and is just moments away from cobblestone streets, cafes of the town of Whistler.

Whistler Golf Club

Lined with majestic firs and cedars and surrounded by snow capped peaks, stunning lakes and streams, there is no question why Arnold Palmer picked this location to design his first Canadian golf course. The Whistler Golf Club is a par 71, 18-hole, golf course that will satisfy the needs of even the most meticulous golfer. Located in the town of Whistler, the course was named one of the top 20 greatest Golf destinations by Golf Digest. As you can see, the Whistler Golf Club is definitely something worth experiencing.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club

Robert Trent Jr. wanted a one-of-a-kind course when he designed the Fairmont Whistler Golf Club. Carved from the side of Blackcomb Mountain, the course features an altitude change of over 400 feet with grand, heightened views of Whistler valley. This par 72, 18-hole golf course is not only easy on the eyes but provides fun and challenge for players of all skill sets. Located closed to the elegant Fairmont Chateau Whistler hotel, the course is also steps away from the restaurants and shops of Whistler’s Upper Village.

Big Sky Golf and Country Club

Located just 25 minutes north of Whistler, the Big Sky Golf and Country Club lays stretched out in a scene of dramatic beauty and grace. Built on the base of Mount Currie in the lush, Pemberton valley, the course offers a serene and calm golf atmosphere. The perfectly manicured course is designed by award winning architect Bob Cupp and is bordered by emerald Green River, seven lakes and a range of winding creeks. Testing the skill and ability of avid golfers, this par 4, 18-hole golf course is considered the hidden gem of the sea-to-sky passageway.

Devon O’ Malley is a staff writer for Allura Direct, a vacation rentals website offering powerful search and instant booking features for owners and guests alike. Experience some of Canada’s best golf courses and book your Whistler accommodations today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Devon_O’Malley

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Andrew Larder
Author loves Whistler, skiing Blackcomb and Whistler mountains and all of the world class accommodations and activities available there.