Whistler, BC

Whistler is a great destination at any time of the year, whether it be for skiing/boarding, shopping, dining, hiking, mountain biking or any other activity that Whistler offers you are guaranteed a great time.

There are several ways to get to Whistler, by car, bus, rail, limo service, float plane and helijet service. The Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler is a very scenic drive, with endless views of mountains, ocean as well as construction currently. With the Vancouver 2010 Olympics coming up fast the Sea to Sky Highway is undergoing a much needed repairs and upgrades. So if you are driving check http://drivebc.com/ for all construction information. The highway does occassionally close for construction but it is only in the overnight hours. With that being said the construction should not deter you from visiting Whistler.

There is quite a variety of accomodations in Whistler to choose from. If you are looking for a five star hotel with all the trimmings, you can choose from the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Four Seasons Whistler, Westin Whistler, Hilton Whistler, Pan Pacific Mountainside Whistler, Pan Pacific Whistler Village.

If you are looking for a bit more affordable hotels there is a wide variety to choose from - Holiday Inn Sunspree , Crystal Lodge, for a full list of hotels offered in Whistler check out http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/hotels/index.htm

There are some hostels in Whistler, here is a link to what is offered http://www.whistler-bc.com/Accommodations/Hostel/.

There are also some campgrounds located in Whistler, just outside the village. I would only recommend camping in the summer months though.

There are also a ton of condo and chalet rentals available in Whistler, this may cost you a pretty penny, but totally worth it in my books, especially if you can get something on the mountain during the winter. Who wouldn't want to walk out the door and be on the slopes. Check out http://www.vrbo.com/ , http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/ and http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/condos/index.htm for listings.

If you are looking to find a deal on accomodations, the best way I have found especially last minute is to use the Whistler Blackcomb Last Minute Deals sales. You search for the days you wish to arrive and then it will give you a list of what is available, but it will not name the hotel, it will however give you its approximate location, how many stars and a description of the rooms. The trick to figuring out what hotel it is (if it matters) the descriptions they use to describe the rooms in the mystery picks are the exact same as they use to describe them on their regular accomdations page. So just compare and if there is a specific hotel you wish to stay at you should be able to get it. We have done it several times and it has worked out perfectly everytime, and we have usually saved ourselves at least 40% off the advertised rates.

Here are my picks for the best hotels to stay at:

If you want the best pools:
1. Fairmont Chateau Whistler, its gorgeous and a great mountainside view.
2. Westin Whistler, awesome pool and great views of the valley and village, with a huge spa.
3. Four Seasons Whistler, beautiful pool facilities and gorgeous views, and a little more private than some other hotels.

Best Village Locations:
1. Westin Whistler, you can not beat its location in the heart of the village, within two minute walk to the gondola.
2. Hilton Whistler, located next to the Westin in the Village, can't beat it.
3. Pan Pacific Whistler Village, its close to everything, gondola, shopping, and dining.

My favorite hotel overall in Whistler has been the Westin, it had it all, great service, nice sized rooms, great pool and we recieved a good price for a one bedroom suite booking online with Whistler Blackcombs last minute deals. This hotel is also dog friendly for all you pooch owners.

With summer finally making its grand entrance to BC I think its a great time to visit Whistler and enjoy its great outdoors. There is so much to see and do, Blackcomb is open till June 8th for riding, and then the glacier is open till July 27th, so don't put the boards away yet. There is also lots of hiking and bear viewing as well as shopping and the Whistler nightlife.