Whistler – a Year Round Destination

With mountains towering on one side, ravines on the other and glaciers in the distance, the mountain scenery of Whistler is as breathtaking as anywhere in the world.

Located 75 miles north of Vancouver, British Columbia and 218 miles from Seattle, Washington Whistler is in easy driving range of both cities. If an opportunity presents itself to visit Vancouver or Seattle, do not pass up the opportunity to visit Whistler. If it is in the winter you can participate in world class skiing and snowboarding or in the summer it is a magnificent playground of lakes, hiking trails, bike paths and gold courses.

The Village itself is modeled after European alpine villages and it is more affordable than comparable American resorts. There are 115 hotels there, 93 restaurants and 207 retail shops.

Whistler’s biggest attraction is its natural outdoor setting. Whistler has all the conveniences of a city right in the Village, but just a few steps away is untamed wilderness.

One of the most sought-after summertime experiences is to see a bear. The best way is to join a Nature Tour where you will learn about their habitat and the local ecology. However, just hiking or biking on the trails you might just see one sauntering along.

The Whistler black bear population is less than 100 at any given time, but they are shy animals who learn to avoid people. One myth about the local bears is that they are dangerous. They are actually quite shy and more interested in sleeping and foraging for food. They are loners who only socialize during mating season. Mothers will keep their cubs for about 18 months and then they are on their own.

In 2010 Whistler will be co-hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Both Vancouver and Whistler will welcome countries from around the world as they come together to compete on the world state for the honor of representing their country in Olympic competition.

In the summer there is river fishing in nearby Pemberton, a 25 minute drive north. Other water activities include canoeing and kayaking on the lakes.

Now is a good time to visit Whistler before the gold rush starts in 2010.

More information at www.tourismwhistler.com