This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Whistler.
Whistler is one of the most famous winter sports resorts in Canada, if not the world. Located 123km from Vancouver along the Sea-to-Sky highway, Whistler was the host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. You'll find a choice of several Whistler hostels for your stay.
Although a popular destination in Summer months also, Whistler's status as one of the world's leading ski resorts that you associate with it's fame. Lying at an altitude of just 670m above sea level, Whistler's climate is mild compared to other ski resorts. This does not mean the snow is lacking. Whistler's slopes are well maintained and there is massive terrain spread over the two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. Each mountain has a couple of terrain parks and backcountry possibilities are endless. Activities such as heli-skiing are offered. Depending on the time of year it is possible to do skiing, boarding, mountain biking, bungee, zip lining, whitewater rafting, and snowmobiling.
In Summer, once the snow melts, the locals hang up their skis and dust down the mountain bikes. Other activities such as hiking and golf also take place. A somewhat unique activity is to view the Whistler bears who come out of hibernation in the warmer months.
Whistler has a pedestrian village lined with bars restaurants and shops selling skiing paraphernalia. Restaurants cater for all from budget travelers (which probably includes most Whistler hostel guests) to those for whom money is no object.
Apres ski is lively in any of the bars near the bottom of the slopes of each mountain - Garibaldi Lift Company, Longhorn Saloon at Whistler, Merlin's at Blackcomb and Dusty's at Creekside. If you don't want to just hang out at your hostel, Whistler has a vibrant night scene. Each bar has it's "own" night during the week, and all will be busy during weekends once the crowds from Vancouver arrive.
Whistler has a several hostels offering clean, good quality budget accommodation. All the newer ones have the same mod cons that you would expect from a hotel.
Written by local enthusiast for Whistler hostels
RayJ