Whistler has no airport, so most visitors arrive at Vancouver, 120kms south, and then connect to Whistler by bus or car. The trip from Vancouver by car, bus, train or boat/bus/train combination takes in some of British Columbia’s most breathtaking coastal and mountain scenery. Along the way, travellers can stop at the spectacular Shannon Falls near Squamish, the BC Museum of Mining at Britannia Beach or at the bald eagle nesting grounds in Brackendale.
By car
From Vancouver, follow Georgia street heading west (Highway 99) through Stanley Park (the Causeway) across the Lions Gate Bridge. As the city splits into North and West Vancouver, follow the signs to West Vancouver; you will now be on Marine drive. The first intersection you come to will be Marine Drive and Taylor Way. Stay in the right lane and turn right onto Taylor Way towards the mountains. You will pass two sets of lights on Taylor Way; at the third set of lights, turn left to connect with Highway 99 to Whistler. Travellers from the northeast can get to Whistler via Highway 99.
By rail
Whistler Mountaineer leaves from North Vancouver daily at 08:30 for the 3-hour scenic journey along the Ski-to-Sky route. The train returns to Vancouver daily at 19:45. The BC Rail Station is located at the foot of Pemberton Avenue in North Vancouver. The station is not accessible in winter by public bus, so you will need to take a taxi. Reservations are required. Check out details at: www.whistlermountaineer.com; or call: +1800 687 7245.
By bus
Perimeter’s Whistler Express provides services from Vancouver Airport to Whistler nine times a day, with the last bus leaving at 23:30. Reservations are required by noon, one day in advance. A note on ground transportation: the Perimeter bus only drops off and picks up passengers at certain hotels. If you are staying somewhere that isn’t on the list, you must get yourself and your bags to a pick up point on time. Keep that in mind when you make room reservations. Phone: +1 604 266 5386 (Vancouver); +1 604 905 0041 (Whistler); website: www.perimeterbus.com/.
By air
Vancouver International Airport is located 120kms from Whistler and is a modern facility offering daily scheduled flights to and from a large number of North American, European and international destinations. Bus services run between the airport and Whistler. Meanwhile, taxis are on hand, as are car hire companies. The airport offers good passenger facilities including ATMs, bureaux de change and information desks.
Now that you have arrived you need to figure out where to stay!