Whistler · Sea to Sky, B.C.

Whistler: the mountain town, explained

Neighbourhoods, seasons, getting there and what to know before you buy, with sources and dates.

Whistler is a resort town of about 14,000 permanent residents, set at roughly 675 metres in the Coast Mountains, about 120 km north of Vancouver. Two big mountains, a walkable village, lakes, a 50 km-plus paved trail network and a year-round calendar make it a true four-season mountain town. This guide is the plain-language version of what it is like: where the neighbourhoods are, what winter and summer look like, how to get here, and what to know before you think about owning.

Whistler at a glance

13,982permanent residents, 2021 census

8,171 acresof lift-served terrain, 200+ runs

1,040 cmaverage yearly snowfall at the summit (10-yr avg)

50 km+paved Valley Trail through the valley

Sources (checked Oct 29, 2026): Tourism Whistler: stats; 2021 census figures (Wikipedia, citing Statistics Canada); RMOW: Valley Trail. Details change, so confirm with the operator or municipality.

Start here

NeighbourhoodsFrom the Village to Cheakamus Crossing: what the areas are known for. Winter and the mountainsOpening day, terrain, the Peak 2 Peak and Nordic skiing. Summer, lakes and trailsValley Trail, bike park, five lakes and the events calendar. Getting to WhistlerDriving, shuttles, winter tires and getting around. Living here year-roundHealth care, schools, library, recreation, transit and housing. Buying in WhistlerZoning, nightly rental rules, taxes and hazards to ask about. A year in WhistlerSeasons, events, golf, weather and how the villages fit together. Ways to ownStrata, rental pool, strata hotel, fractional and resident-restricted homes. Strata fees and rental rulesDocuments to request and the layers of short-term rental rules. Buying from out of townRemote offers, e-signing, identity checks and closing in BC.

Get Whistler updates

Opening days, snow reports, big events and new guide pages, a few times a season. Text or email, your choice.

Thinking about a home here?

When you’re ready to look at Whistler homes

This guide is about the place first. Sean is a BC REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty and is working on bringing Whistler listings to this site. Until then, text him and he’ll point you the right way.

Text Sean: 236-599-5898 What to know before you buy

Quick answers

When does Whistler Blackcomb plan to open for 2026–27?

Whistler Blackcomb’s hours page schedules Blackcomb Mountain to open November 20, 2026 and Whistler Mountain, the PEAK 2 PEAK and the Creekside Gondola on November 25, 2026, all weather permitting. Scheduled closing is May 16, 2027 for Blackcomb and April 18, 2027 for Whistler Mountain.

How far is Whistler from Vancouver?

Tourism Whistler gives about 120 km by road on Highway 99, and Whistler Blackcomb describes the trip as roughly two hours. Allow more in winter weather.

Do I need winter tires on the Sea to Sky Highway?

Winter tires or chains are required on Highway 99 from October 1 to March 31, and the rules may change without notice. Check DriveBC before you go.

How many people live in Whistler?

The 2021 census counted 13,982 permanent residents. Only about 5,600 of roughly 10,000 private dwellings were lived in full-time, so many homes are second homes or visitor accommodation.