How To Get To Whistler
Even though people may consider Whistler to be a remote mountain town perched in the Coast Mountains, it may surprise you that Whistler is very accessible from almost anywhere in the world. Thanks to an incredible airport and road network, getting to Whistler has never been easier.
Check out our guide on how to get to Whistler. We hope to see you here soon!
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Vancouver International Airport
We’re incredibly lucky to have a world-class international airport only two hours away from us by car. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has been voted North America’s best airport for the past ten years in a row! Canadian airlines like Air Canada make travel to Whistler a breeze from any of a number of airports across Canada, the US and Mexico.
While Europeans can take advantage of Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Aer Lingus and British Airways flights. Qantas also operates a direct flight between Sydney and Vancouver, which sees people travel across the world in just over 14 hours.
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Floatplane
If aviation is your thing and you want to arrive in Whistler in a truly unique way, then you need a ride on a floatplane! Floatplanes are small aircraft that take off from, and land on, water. If you fly from Vancouver to Whistler with Harbour Air, you’ll take off from Downtown Vancouver and watch as the city disappears into the mountains.
As you approach the mountains surrounding Whistler you’ll begin to descend and land on Green Lake. Green Lake has unique colouring, thanks to its glacial waters and is bitterly cold even in summer. Floatplanes to Whistler only operate during summer, due to the lake freezing in winter.
Buses
If you don’t plan on renting a car for your trip, don’t worry, there are plenty of other options. There area number of bus shuttle services, like Whistler Shuttle and SnowBus, that travel between Vancouver Airport and Whistler. These services will pick you up as soon as you land and transport you to the door of your accommodation. While generally more expensive than Greyhound buses, they can be more convenient.
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Rail
During the logging boom in the area in the early 1900s people here became heavily dependent on railroads for the transport of goods and people. Unfortunately, as the logging industry died off and car transport became popular, rail travel in the area became less popular.
Nowadays, the public can get The Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver, Whistler and beyond. This luxury train service is an unforgettable way to experience this part of Canada.
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Driving on Highway 99
Visitors from the Lower Mainland or the US arriving by car will no doubt drive north from Vancouver on Highway 99, also known as the Sea To Sky Highway. Vancouver is just under 2 hours’ drive away on the highway and the drive is a memorable part of most people’s visits.
The highway snakes alongside the coast until you reach Squamish where the road turns steep and begins to climb through the mountains. Keep an eye out for the numerous lookout points along the way. The scenery must truly be seen to be believed.
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How To Drive In Whistler In Winter
Driver safety is incredibly important to everyone in Whistler. While precautions are needed throughout the year, drivers must be extra vigilant in snowy conditions. Winter tires are an absolute must in the area from October 1st to March 31st. It’s also important that your tires are in good condition, with plenty of thread left. Tire pressure can also be lowered in winter to help improve grip. Speed limits vary on Highway 99, pay attention to the signs and be prepared for poor driving conditions. If you decide that you don’t want to drive, there are a variety of taxi services that will be delighted to bring you to your destination.
Once you get to Whistler, why not stay in one of the most sophisticated hotel rooms in town by booking a stay with us. Get in touch with our team today, and start planning your dream trip!
