Travel Budget for Whistler

Whistler On a Budget

Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.

Whistler's climate has cold and wet winters and dry and warm summers. There is a decent amount of yearly snow and winter temperatures hover around freezing during the day. You can expect snow to be on the ground between December and early April.

Sights

Whistler is more about winter sports and activities than it is about specific sights. In general, the area is very beautiful with breathtaking views throughout. The Whistler and Blackcomb Gondolas run year around (with closures for maintenance in October and early November) and offer great views. A visit to Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is also worth the effort. There is a 70 meter waterfall that is a short 15 minute walk from the parking lot.

Neighborhoods

While the town of Whistler is somewhat sprawling, as a tourist you're likely to spend most of your time in the quaint villages that have sprung up around the base of the ski lifts. You'll find most of the area's restaurants, hotels, and shopping in Whistler Village, the Upper Village, and Whistler Creekside (Old Alpha Lake). These villages are at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb. Village North, or Blackcomb Village, is located at the old base of Blackcomb. It is small, but still has a few amenities. At the old Olympic Village there is a newer town called Cheackamus. This is about 20 minutes from Whistler Village and is where you'll find the Whistler hostel. About 20 minutes north of the Whistler town limits is the town of Pemberton. This is a quiet community where many of the area's workers live.

Activities

A visit to Whistler is centered around outdoor activities and winter sports. Some favorites of the area include cross country skiing, snowboarding, and downhill skiing. Whistler Blackcomb is an excellent destination if you're interested in skiing or boarding. For backcountry skiing and cross country skiing head to Lost Lake.

If you're in the area during the summer months, then mountain biking is the thing to do. Whistler Mountain Bike Park has lifts that carry bikers and bikes up the mountain. Other summer time activities include golf, hiking, and tennis. For easy hiking trails head to Cougar Mountain. If you're looking for a longer hike, go to Brandywine Meadows where there's a six hour hike up steep terrain. For multi-day treks there are a handful of options including Helm Creek trail to Garibaldi Lake and the Black Tusk.

Food and Dining

You can find a range of restaurant types around Whistler Village. There's really anything from cheap fast food, which is probably the best option if you're on a budget, to high end, expensive restaurants that usually offer some great views. The on-hill options are also surprisingly reasonably priced. There's a slight mark up, but nothing more than you would expect at any other location. You can get a bowl of udon soup for ten dollars or a salmon steak for twelve dollars.

Many people spend the evenings relaxing in one of Whistler's many bars. It's a great way to rest and enjoy yourself after a long day of skiing. This is also a great way to meet fellow visitors and swap stories. There are many types of drinks available, but if you're a beer drinker, make sure you try the local micro-brewery beer which is always good.

Transportation

Most people choose to walk around Whistler. You'll find plenty of pedestrian walkways in Whistler Village and the Upper Village. There's also a short trail that connects these areas with Village North as well as a large network of trails that go between many of the area's parks, golf courses and beaches. If you're going anywhere further away, it is best to drive.


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