|
Transportation
When to Go
The slopes are open from mid-November through April, and in this season the village buzzes with skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. In summer the pace is more relaxed, as the focus shifts to cycling, hiking, and boating around the Whistler Valley.
Arriving & Departing
By Air
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Grant McConachie Way,
604/276-6101),
the airport closest to Whistler, is south of Vancouver, which is 120 km 74 mi south of Whistler. An airport improvement fee is assessed on all flight departures: $5 for flights within British Columbia, $10 for flights within North America, and $15 for international flights.
Carriers
Air Canada (888/247-2262). American (800/433-7300). Air New Zealand (800 663-5494). Alaska Airlines (800/252-7522). Continental Airlines (800/231-0856). Horizon Air (800/547-9308). United/United Express (800/241-6522).
Transfers Between the Airport and Town
By Shuttle
Perimeter Whistler Express (604/266-5386 in Vancouver; 604/905-0041 in Whistler) has daily service from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler. Perimeter has a ticket booth at domestic arrivals Level 2 and one at the airport's international receiving lounge. The fare is about $47 one-way; reservations are recommended.
By Bus
Greyhound Lines of Canada
Greyhound Canada Transportation Corp.
200-1150 Station Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 4C7
1-604-482-8747 Fax: 1-604-683-0144
Toll Free: 1-800-661-8747
email: schedules@whistlerbus.com
Buses leave frequently throughout the day for Whistler Village from the depot in downtown Vancouver (1150 Station St.). En route to Whistler the bus makes momentary stops along the Sea to Sky (Highway 99) at:
Horseshoe Bay
Lions Bay
Brittania Beach
Squamish
Whistler Creekside
The final destination is the Whistler Village bus loop at the Village Gate and Northlands Boulevard.
Return Trips
Return trips to Vancouver stop in the same places. The bus also makes stops in downtown Vancouver at prominent intersections before its final destination at the main bus depot at Main and Terminal Streets.
West Coast City and Nature Sightseeing (604/451-1600 in Vancouver) offers a sightseeing tour to Whistler that allows passengers to stay overnight and return to Vancouver on their date of choice. The tours run year-round and cost about $57.
By Car
Whistler is 74 miles or 2 1/2 hours, north of Vancouver on Highway 99, the Sea to Sky Highway.
By Train
There is no longer rail service to and from Whistler.
Getting Around
By Bus
Streets in Whistler Village, Village North, and Upper Village are all pedestrian-only; pay parking is readily available on the village outskirts. A free public transit system loops throughout the village, and paid public transit serves the whole valley. Call 604/932-4020 for information and schedules.
Car Rentals
Available in Vancouver at all major rental companies.
Insurance
Drivers must carry owner registration and proof of insurance coverage, which is compulsory in Canada. The Canadian Non-Resident Inter-Provincial Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card, available from any U.S. insurance company, is accepted as evidence of financial responsibility in Canada. The minimum liability coverage in Canada is $200,000.
Requirements
Driver's licenses from the U.S., or from other countries, and international driver's licenses are valid in Canada.
By Taxi
For a cab, call Sea to Sky Taxi (604/932-3333).
Highway Regulations in British Columbia
Highways in British Columbia are safe and modernized. Be aware of some highway regulations:
Speed limits are in metric
Seat belts are mandatory
Use headlights even in daylight
Watch for wildlife and fallen rock
The Sea to Sky Highway speed limit is 80 kph (50 mph)
Roads can be slippery even in the summer months
Infant car seats are required for children weighing up to 20 pounds
|
|
