Four Seasons of Surprises

Whistler is so much more than one of the best places on Earth to ski. Tucked in the southwestern corner of British Columbia, less than two hours from Vancouver, the resort municipality is really as much a state of mind as a destination. Its modern culture, firmly rooted in the great outdoors, offers a unique healthy and active lifestyle that people around the world can only dream about. Yet many of the over two-million people that visit Whistler annually from every corner of the world are in such a hurry to get up into the mountains they miss so many of the secret sites, hidden gems and offbeat attractions scattered throughout the Sea to Sky corridor - home of Canada's most scenic road. When you know where to look, you'll be amazed by Whistler's rich diversity and quirky surprises, from the funky dives where local "Liftees" dine, to high-end, glamourous shops in the village, aboriginal landmarks, ghost towns, and left-over traces of the Winter Olympics. And although mining and logging have been replaced by tourism, vestiges of the early pioneer days still pop up in the most unusual places. Even with its recent growth, Whistler remans at heart a tranquil, small-town retreat, where discovery, adventure, and fresh air still fuel the spirit of those with adventurous hearts.