Whistler
Mountain, and nearby Blackcomb, are considered to be two of
the best ski and snowboard resorts in the world. Conveniently
located in north of Vancouver in BC's coastal region, Whistler's
comfortable winter climate and superb snow conditions make
it a great place for an array of winter activities. Whistler
Village provides a legendary ambience and great facilities
for après-ski. This alpine paradise also thrives in
the summer. In addition to breathtaking scenery, enjoy hiking,
golfing, camping and biking. For information about visitor
destinations near Whistler, visit the Travel Guide sites for
the Sunshine Coast, Northern BC and Vancouver.
Whistler is without doubt one of the finest year-round resorts
there is. It is most well known as a world class ski centre,
but it is equally attractive as a summer destination with
a wide range of activities. If you want, you can actually
still ski in summer as some runs, on the glaciers high in
the mountains are still open. |
Whistler Village
With two vast mountains as a backdrop, the setting of Whistler
Village is stunning - but that is only the beginning. This
is a pedestrian-only place, so you can randomly wander the
streets, without the worry of traffic. The village has everything,
shops and boutiques, galleries, pubs, cafés and restaurants.
The apres-ski scene here is unbeatable. Deluxe resorts,
more functional condominiums, or chalets are just minutes
walk away. After a day's skiing relax your aching muscles
at one of the state of the art spas here. Summer or Winter,
Whistler Village will round off your activity-based vacation
and provide you with hours of leisure and pleasure.
Area Museums
B.C. Museum of Mining is built out of a an old copper mine
and so provides a very accurate account of life in a mine
during the 1920s and 30s. Visitors can ride in an underground
mine train and experience the sites and sounds of the mine.
It is also possible to see a more modern piece of mining
equipment - a giant super truck.
West Coast Railway Heritage Park is a notable collection
of railway heritage cars, locomotives and various equipment
and memorabilia. For children there is a miniature railway,
and this combined with picnic and food services makes it
an ideal day out for the whole family. It is even possible
to take the train to Squamish from Vancouver or Whistler.
Whistler
Museum, Since it was founded in 1986 the Whistler Museum
has expanded to include a good selection of photographs
and artifacts that trace the history and development of
this famous and very well planned resort. Exhibits include
the facade of a Trapper's Cabin and a freeze-dried Western
Hoary Marmot - the symbol of Whistler. A local group known
as AWARE (Association of Whistler Area Residents for the
Environment)has contributed a fine collection of preserved
local and migratory birds. There is also memorabilia from
the first Whistler lodges of the early and mid 20th Century,
local ski heros and past Olympic bids.
Cornwall Hills Provincial Park
Cornwall Hills Provincial Park has a very fragile environment,
thus vehicle access is not allowed. Although there are no
camping or day use facilities, the park is visited by photographers
and nature lovers alike due to the colourful explosion of
wildflowers in July and August. Wilderness hiking and hang-gliding
are also permitted.
Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery
The Birken Forest Monastery is a monastic community practicing
Theravada Buddhism ('forest tradition') as originally established
by the Buddha Siddhatta Gotama over 25 centuries ago in
India. This practice focuses on the development of virtue,
purification of the mind (meditation) and wisdom. Visitors
are expected to undertake the basic training rules embodied
in the first five of the Eight Precepts. Persons wishing
to stay for more than one day are required to follow all
of the Eight Precepts.
Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains
These twin ski hills are an attraction in themselves. Even
for those who are not into winter sports, hiking here or
even simple people-watching here is fascinating. Whistler
and Blackcomb are premier examples of classic skihills.
On the mountains themselves are great restaurants and lodges,
with gourmet mountaintop dining being something that must
be experienced. It's all a gondola ride away. For more information
about skiing and snowboarding on these hills visit the tours,
activities and adventures category. |
