A Short History of Whistler, Canada

Centuries before the occasional trapper or logger built a cozy cabin in the nineteenth century, the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations used the secluded Whistler valley for hunting and gathering. It wasn't until 1914 that Alex and Myrtle Philip opened Rainbow Lodge, a fishing and holiday camp. Later that year, the Great Pacific Northwestern railway pushed through the valley en route to Prince George.

Located 140 kilometres north of Vancouver, today, some consider Whistler a "global village"; a small mountain community with an international feel. A place where one can hike and ride rugged trails by day and experience fine cuisine and clubs by night. A place where people from all ages and backgrounds - with a common sense of adventure - brush shoulders on the mountain and in the village.

With views of Blacktusk from the heart of Whistler Village and the friendly faces on the Village stroll, visitor experiences meet and exceed other recreation destinations. Whether it's the helpful Visitor Hosts or the pristinely kept parks, the small things set the resort apart from other places, the "Whistler Experience".

Now, there are nearly 10,531 residents in Whistler. On peak holiday weekends, the population can swell to 55,000 including visitors. These permanent residents, together with help from the surrounding communities of Squamish and Pemberton, provide the 13,500 employees needed by the resort during the busy season.