The Sea-to-Sky: A Creative Narrative

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 History

By caroline on Oct 27 2007, last modified on Dec 20 2008.

Introduction

Something magical enlivens your senses as you enter this spectacular valley — privileged terrain the perfect home to North America's number one Ski Resort, venue for the 2010 Olympic Games and endless year-round play. Built by visionaries - full of vibrant spirit, the unique charm of this Valley will captivate you as you leave the world behind.

Prepare to be enchanted as you watch the alpine glow warm glacial peaks. Be inspired as you find yourself listening to silence broken only by the whisperings of nature itself. Be invigorated by the energy of this visionaries' town.

Embrace the magic and seek new dreams on the greatest usable vertical terrain to be found in North America.

Geography

The heart of the Sea to Sky, Whistler begins from the great divide of Alta Lake. As you look back towards Black Tusk, water meanders south reaching the Pacific via the Cheakamus and Squamish Rivers. The River of Golden Dreams carries water flowing north to the Harrison Watershed and spectacular Fraser River.

Vancouver

Travel south of Whistler, following 115km of stunning scenery revealed along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, and you will reach The City of Vancouver — a place of natural beauty, recreation and cosmopolitan metropolis. Enjoying a mild climate and hallmarked by cultural diversity, Vancouver offers a wonderful array of festivals, events and attractions teemed with a host of activities from snowshoeing, long strolls around the famous Seawall, kayaking and hiking.

Sweeping the shores of Vancouver's coastline, breathing life to an unseen world lays the Pacific Ocean. Abundant marine life delights around a glorious congregation of surrounding islands. Vancouver Island, just a short sail away, sustains one of the worlds few remaining temperate rainforests. Situated on its west coast, Tofino's white sands are increasingly popular amongst the surfing community, whereas Victoria to the south is perhaps known more for its yacht clubs and social vibrancy.

Squamish

From Vancouver, head back north passing an abundance of waterfalls cascading down mountains giving favour to numerous sites and hiking trails.

Equidistant from Vancouver and Whistler, situated at the head of Howe Sound lays the town of Squamish. Towered by Mt. Garibaldi Volcano and sited by many as the Recreational Capital of Canada, Squamish is not only one of the premier rock climbing destinations in North America, but is renowned for its impressive winds ( Squamish literally translated from Salish to mean Mother of the Wind ). Frequented by the graceful flight of the Bald Eagle these winds also draw wind surfing and hand gliding enthusiasts from around the world.

Pemberton

Travel north some twenty minutes beyond Whistler and continue to be amazed by natures showcase as you pass Cougar Mountain, Soo Valley and Nairn Falls to where three valleys meet and the majestic Mt Currie comes to rest at the hospitable Village of Pemberton. Breathtaking views combined with an increasing wealth of world-class activities including snowmobiling, horseback riding, golfing, biking, hiking, jet boating and gliding make Pemberton a pride of its own.

Surrounded by three of the most beautiful Provincial Parks, venture further still and explore a wilderness of awesome glacial lakes, hot springs and so much more.

Mount Currie

Just north of Pemberton lies The First Nations home of Mount Currie — a place abundant with archeological evidence revealing stories from Lil'wat occupation dating back countless generations.

Fishers and hunter-gatherers, the Lil'wat people are historically a nation surviving off the land — surviving and flourishing over thousands of years through self-sufficient and entrepreneurial means... trapping and hunting providing for their needs of food and clothing.

With a rapidly growing population, in 1991 home to 1,280 Lil'wat citizens; today the population is estimated to be more than 1,800 — half under 25 years old. With a need to sustain and instill promise to the people's future, determined efforts have given rise to new Lil'wat Business Corporations and Initiatives.

About Whistler

Recreation

Experience pure exhilaration as you trace the perfect line through soft white powder.

Rising a mile above the Valley, Whistler and Blackcomb present over eight thousand acres of skiable terrain. Throughout the winter months, an overwhelming array of activities from Skiing, Snowboarding, Heli-skiing, Snowcat Skiing and Snowmobiling to Sleigh Rides, Backcountry Tours and Dog Sledding will beckon you from your doorstep.

Footsteps from the hill, a host of bars and restaurants enthused with atmosphere invite your daylight hours to fine conclusion.

As the white gold melts away and the land is transformed to a sea of evergreen, purple lupines and blue- green lakes — as black bears stir from their hibernation, new adventures spring to life.

Revel in the sunlight that darts through moss covered branches as you ride a myriad of trails. Canoe along the River of Golden Dreams, cast a line in an afternoon of fresh water fishing, or perhaps partake in a round of golf on one of Whistler's four championship designer courses then cool off as you plunge into one of the many lakes.

Forever at your service, Whistler Mountain opens to world class Mountain Biking, Glacial Skiing, Hiking and Sightseeing Tours. Offering Rafting, Ziptreck Tours, Mountaineering and Mountain Top Dining — whether seeking extreme thrills or unforgettable family-fun, your only dilemma will be in making your decision.

Culture and Evening Scene

Adjoining Whistler from Emerald Estates in the north and Function Junction to the south, accessibility, safety and scenic and environmental interest to all ages and concerns were key considerations in constructing the comprehensive Valley Trail System. Similar concerns were addressed in the building of Whistler Village itself.

Overflowing with vibrant warmth, passion and captivating energy, Whistler's unique sense of community is guaranteed to make you smile — for Whistler has a special place in the hearts of people who live here.

From high fashion apparel, native art, jewellery and mountain gear, over two hundred shops within the village itself cater to your needs.

Whistler is rich in diversity, not only attracting some of the world's top athletes, but also holding great appeal to creative minds from across the globe. Cuisine served in over ninety restaurants present all the flavours of the world. Elegant spas boasting an impressive portfolio of experience and techniques, invite your senses to be truly invigorated. Art Galleries and an array of festivals bear further witness to the sophisticated talent borne of this wonderful resort.

The Community

Whistler holds a special place in the hearts of those who live here. We are a community united in our passions — united in where we live, where we work and where we play.

Our sense of community is strong with passionate commitment to protect our natural playground, maintaining our community's livability and becoming a sustainable resort community.

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