One of the most pristine and naturally beautiful settings on the planet, Whistler is home to some of the most expensive real estate in Canada and the world’s number one ski resort, Whistler/Blackcomb.  A paradise less than two hours drive away from downtown Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway (which underwent massive improvements for the 2010 Olympic Games), Whistler offers something for everyone, from food and wine aficionados to outdoor enthusiasts.

Who Lives There

As a world class resort, Whistler has a transient population of tourists, but is also a thriving community of people who live there year-round.  Young internationals looking for adventure make up most of the work force, working in restaurants, hotels and on the mountains.  Retirees also call Whistler home, as well as other local British Columbians looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.  Lucky city dwellers with recreational homes in Whistler live there part-time.

Things to Do

Whistler/Blackcomb opened last weekend for winter sports, and is a mecca for skiers, snowboarders, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and anyone else looking to play in the snow.  The summer months offer a plethora of outdoor activities as well, including glacier skiing, hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, and kayaking and paddle boarding on the local lakes.  Rentals and lessons are easy to come by for any activity, and a large variety of retailers have equipment for sale.  Even those who don’t participate in mountain sports should ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola on a clear day to take in the view from the top. 

Festivals and sporting events such as Cornucopia and the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival take place year-round.

Skiers and Snowboarders can ride out right into Whistler Village or Creekside Village for Après Ski.  Creekside is more secluded but Dusty’s Bar & BBQ is always fun after a day on the hill, and in Whistler the Longhorn Saloon and Grill and Garibaldi Lift Co. are among the many spots packed with revelers enjoying beer, nachos and music.  Restaurants abound from casual burger joints such as the world-renowned Splitz Grill to fine dining at Araxi or Bear Foot Bistro.  Many hotels offer buffet-style brunch at their restaurants, which could coincide with a trip to the spa.  Whistler has such a fantastic setting that sometimes that is all the frill that’s needed, and cozying up in a cabin with friends and family can be a great dinner option as well.  After dark, the village is just as vibrant, when clubs like Garfinkels and the Savage Beagle open for music – either live bands or DJs – and dancing.

Real Estate

Although Whistler has some of the priciest homes in the country, with some chalets valued at upwards of 10 and even 20 million dollars, more modest condos can be relatively reasonable in comparison to Downtown Vancouver.  For buyers, a Whistler condo can be a great investment because it provides the opportunity to rent on either a short or long term basis, and in addition, the world-class resort will remain as such for a long time, thus is constantly undergoing improvements and attracting new tourists.  Whistler has developed substantially in the last 10-20 years, therefore most Whistler properties are new and fairly problem-free.  Home buyers can expect cozy condos and chalets modeled after mountain cabins that are more spacious than those in the city, and designed to accommodate guests and all the outdoor equipment that accompanies them.

Schools and Safety

Spring Creek Community School and its French counterpart, Ecole la Passerelle, educate children from Kindergarten to Grade 7.  Myrtle Philip Community School is also Kindergarten to Grade 7, and Whistler Waldorf School offers classes from Kindergarten to Grade 8.  Whistler Secondary has classes from Grades 8-12, and Tamwood International College, the Canadian Sport Business Academy and Advantage E/J English School offer ESL classes.  The Canadian Sport Business Academy and Advantage E/J English School have outdoor instructor programs as well.  

Transportation

Driving to Whistler from Vancouver is easy now that the Sea to Sky Highway is wider and safer, and the scenery on the way up is an experience in itself.  Some day parking lots are free, while others closer to the mountains now require payment.  Various buses and shuttles leave regularly from Downtown Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport, and Horseshoe Bay.  Once in Whistler, getting around is easy.  Taxis and buses abound, and shuttle service is available from the gondolas to parking lots, hotels and surrounding villages such as Creekside.