the whistler survival guide
Produced by Whistler Community Services Society mywcss.org
Whistler’s Four Season Survival guide
Whistler is known internationally as a year-round playground that allows visitors (and locals) easy access to some of the best skiing and mountain biking in the world. In the valley, below the ‘Mile-High’ mountain, each season brings different pleasures along with season-specific challenges.
The Whistler Community Services Society’s (WCSS) Survival Guide is designed to help you navigate Whistler, year round. It will provide you with resources and tools along with some local’s insights about situations you might run into while you are here.
At the beginning of this guide you will find your Whistler Arrival Checklist. These items need to be taken care of immediately upon your arrival to Whistler, or where possible, even before from home. Information includes how to get a Work Permit and Social Insurance Number, where to look for work, and how to find a place to live. See page 8 for more details.
The Survival Toolkit, page 12, consists of programs and services that you might need to use in order to make it through a season or longer in Whistler; along with information on your rights here in Canada. A simplified version of the toolkit, with all the important contact numbers, is located on the last page of the WCSS Survival Guide, making it easy for you to contact services when needed.
The remaining information takes each season, starting with fall, and lists both the chal- lenges you should keep on your radar, and the pleasures that Whistler has to offer.
Whistlerites tend to be a bit obsessed with weather. Each season here will bring climate changes that will determine what you do. Influenced by latitude, mountains and the nearby Pacific Ocean, weather can change dramatically in hours. At certain times of the year, the difference of a few degrees in temperature could mean a 50cm dump of fresh snow, or cold coastal rain.
To make the most of this fickle climate, Whistlerites have learned to pack skis and boards for a spring morning on the mountain, but also have their mountain bike handy for an afternoon ride.
By reading through this Four Season Guide, you should find enough hints and tips to help transform you from a newbie to a Whistler local.
Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), www.mywcss.org Whistler Survival Guide 10-11, www.mywcss.org/whistler-survival-guide
5 HOSTELLING FOSTERS CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING.
FROM $30
THE BRAND NEW HI-WHISTLER IS NOW OPEN. FEATURING: SHARED AND PRIVATE ROOMS FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN BBQ DECK ON-SITE CAFE 1035 LEGACY WAY FREE WIFI OFF FUNCTION JUNCTION FREE BIKE AND SNOWBOARD STORAGE DAILY ACTIVITIES BOOK NOW MEDIA AND GAMES ROOMS www.hihostels.ca/whistler REGULAR BUS SERVICE TO THE VILLAGE 1.866.762.4122 table of contents
WHISTLER ARRIVAL CHECKLIST 8 least screen the driver with a few questions BD:HLDG9HD;L=>HIA:GL>H9DBSURVIVAL TOOLKIT 12 (you’ll be able to tell if they’ve been drinking Moe Joes is not an Austin Powers theme park in a couple of seconds, and follow your gut if FALL 26 you have any doubts). WINTER 32 B>A:6<: UBC Whistler Lodge,SPRING 2124 Nordic Drive 36 (Nordic) 932-6604 www.ubcwhistlerlodge.com To Pemberton: 35 km north Whistler Creek Lodge,SUMMER 2021 Karen Crescent 42 To Squamish: 50 km south (Creekside) 932-4111 YOUR SURVIVAL PHONE NUMBERS 46 To Vancouver: 120 km south There are also short-term listings in the Pique To Seattle: 345 km south and the Question (local newspapers), B&Bs, hotels, or the HI-hostel in Squamish. <:II>C<=DG>ODCI6A Home Short-term housing Finding one is a long-distancePUBLICATION sprint through DESIGN There’s a big rush around October/November the classifieds; the WhistlerWhistler Question Community and Services Society Calypso Design and the search for long-term accommodation The Pique come out on604-932-0113, Thursdays. You canwww.mywcss.org calypsodesign.ca, 604-966-7156 could become a full-time job. Hostels will read them online www.whistlerquestion.com provide a temporary place to hang your and www.piquenewsmagazine.com. Beds are backpack and a phone to make calls and receive filled like wildfire so poundAUTHOR the pavement and ILLUSTRATIONS messages. Book in advance if possible, they tell everyone you meetLorna that you’re VanStraaten looking Sumire Design fill up quickly! Expect to find them full during for a place. Some employers offer housing, Whistler Blackcomb’s job fair time. like Whistler Blackcomb,[email protected], Fairmont Chateau 604-932-0113 sumiredesign.com, 604-907-0662 Whistler, Delta Whistler Resort, The Grocery Art’s Lodge, 2113 Nordic Drive (Nordic) Store, McDonald’s, Westin Resort & Spa, and 932-4660 The Shoestring Lodge. EDITOR, CO-AUTHOR & ADVERTISING SALES Fireside Lodge, 2117 Nordic Drive (Nordic) Erin Stephens Also check the notice boards around town: 932-4545 in Creekside at the [email protected], or Husky gas 604-906-0408 Hostelling International Whistler, stations, in the village at WERC (Whistler 5678 Alta Lake Road (Alta Lake) 932-5492 Employment Resource Centre) near the taxi www.hihostels.ca loop, Blenz or Gone Bakery, at the hostels, *** PRINTED ON: FSC certified paper with Nesters laundromat, or at Alpine Meadows Shoestring Lodge, 7124 Nancy 100% post-consumer waste content, using Greene Drive (White Gold) 932-3338 Market. fsc logo www.shoestringlodge.com Just living costs approximately 30% higher in vegetable-based inks. Southside Lodge, 2102 Lake Placid Road Whistler than in other B.C. towns. If you don’t (Creekside) www.snowboardwhistler.com have much cash you’d betterPlease make share getting this a job Guide with someone else or recycle when you have finished with it. 938-6477 priority one. Keep in mind your first paycheque will probably only come after 2 weeks of work.
Southside Lodge - Ride More, Spend Less SOUTHSIDE LODGE UDGET FREE Ride more, Spend Less METERSFROM FROM Budget Accommodation • Best Location in Whistler 200m from Creekside Gondola • Daily, Weekly, Monthly 2102 Lake Placid Rd., Whistler B.C. V0N 1B0 76H:86BE www.snowboardwhistler.com 604.932.3644 Free Wi-Fi/Internet • ($35-$45/Night Tax Included) For Reservation: [email protected] www.southsidelodge.com6 (604) 932-3644 2102 Lake Placid Rd, Creekside
7 whistler arrival check list: You may have heard that Whistler can be a tough town to get a grip on. This is especially true if you arrive in late fall or over the winter, when all the jobs have been filled and rooms taken. Here is a checklist to help you get yourself set up in Whistler.
1. Get a Work Permit to work in Canada BEFORE you arrive This website can help you clarify what you need in order to earn a living here. See www. cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp
2. Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) Your Work Permit isn’t quite enough to get you legally working in Canada; you also need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). To do this, take your ID including your passport to a Service Canada location. The central office is in Vancouver, however, you can stay local and visit the Service Canada Outreach office at the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, which operates on specific dates. For more information see www.whistler- chamber.com/Employment-Resources/Service-Canada-Outreach.html
3. Get Canadian Currency You’ll need about $2,000 to get through your first month in Whistler. You can expect to spend this on rent, damage deposit, food, phone, fun and other basics until you get your first pay cheque.
8 4. Get a Bank Account You will need a bank account to deposit and cash pay cheques. To open an account, you’ll need photo ID and may have to make an appointment. There are four banks in Whistler.
RBC - Royal Bank of Canada North Shore Credit Union 101-4000 Whistler Way - Village 101-4321 Village Gate Boulevard - Village 604-938-5800 604-982-8000
TD Bank Financial Group Scotia Bank 138-4370 Lorimer Road - Marketplace 2059 Lake Placid Rd - Creekside 604-905-5500 604-966-3232
5. Get a Phone Phone companies for land lines are known to ask for big deposits, get a mobile or cell phone and buy minutes. It is cheaper, more secure and you’re in control. Note: The area code for the Whistler area, Vancouver and the lower mainland is 604 or 778, and you must dial 1 before the area code to make a long distance call.
6. Get a Place to Live If you arrive in late fall, this can be harder than you think. You can expect to share ac- commodations, as in most cases, privacy is an expensive commodity in Whistler. The go- ing rate for a room in a shared house can be around $600-$700, or if you are willing to share a room it may be less. To see what’s available to rent, check out The Whistler Ques- tion, www.whistlerquestion.com, or The Pique, www.piquenewsmagazine.com. Take the time to look at different places, the difference between where you live and whom you live with can make or break your Whistler experience. There are a few hostels and lodges in town that can serve as a good landing pad while you hunt for a place.
Hostelling International Whistler Fireside Lodge 1035 Legacy Way, in Cheakamus Crossing 2117 Nordic Drive, in Nordic 604-962-0025/1-866-762-4122 604-932-4545 www.hihostels.ca/whistler [email protected]
AMS/UBC Whistler Lodge Art’s Hostel 2124 Nordic Drive, in Nordic 2113 Nordic Drive, in Nordic 604-822-5851/1-877-932-6604 604-932-4660 www.ubcwhistlerlodge.com If you want to see more of BC, Canada and Southside Lodge beyond, a Hostelling International membership 2102 Lake Placid Rd, in Creekside is a pretty cost effective way to do it. 604-932-3644 Membership is $35. See www.hihostels.ca www.southsidelodge.com
7. Know Your Rights Tenancy Rights - A landlord can ask for the first month’s rent and a half-month for a damage deposit. This is all they are legally entitled to ask. If you are having problems or feel a landlord is treating you unfairly, contact the Residential Tenancy Branch at 1-800- 665-8779, www.rto.gov.bc.ca or [email protected]. You can also contact the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) at 1-800-665-1186 or www.tenants.bc.ca
9 We’re open longer to serve you better. Monday to Wednesday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday & Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Whistler’s Marketplace 4370 Lorimer Rd., Unit 138, Whistler (604) 905-5500
550 LUXURIOUS ROOMS, 5 UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCES 600 SPECTACULAR COLLEAGUES, THE 1 THING MISSING IS YOU
Check out all the full time and seasonal career opportunities available at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler www.fairmont.com/careers
Or visit us during applicant hours, each Tuesday from 10am-12pm & Thursdays from 2pm-4pm. If you are interested in working for one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, please drop by, apply online or submit your resume to:
Human Resources The Fairmont Chateau Whistler 4599 Chateau Blvd., Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4 Fax: 604 938 2068 l Email: [email protected]
10 Employment Rights - Take a few minutes to find out what your rights are in Canada. The Employment Standards branch can help you figure out your employment rights. 1-800-663-3316 or www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb
Human Rights - If you feel as if your Human Rights are being violated, that you have been discriminated against on the basis of sex, age, race or religion, or have been wrong- fully dismissed from a job, contact the BC Human Rights Tribunal at 1-888-440-8844 or www.bchrt.gov.bc.ca
8. Get a Job: • Check the local papers, both online and in print, for job listing as well as advertised Job Fairs. The Whistler Question www.whistlerquestion.com and The Pique www.piquenewsmagazine.com • Whistler/Blackcomb Job Fair. November 5th & 6th, contact WB Recruiting for more details 604-938-7557 • Training Innovations, located in Function Junction. Information on jobs available, resume writing, photocopy, fax and career counselling • Job Lines. Fairmont Chateau Whistler 604-938-2200, Whistler/Blackcomb 604-938-7367 Four Seasons Hotel 604-966-2640, Club Intrawest Resort clubintrawest.com/careers
So now that you have completed your Whistler Arrival Check List, it is time to look at the Survival Skills you need to develop to make it through each Whistler season.
11 Survival Tool Kit things you can use to get through the year…
WCSS OUTREACH Contact us if you are experiencing challenges with hunger, housing, drug and alcohol misuse, employment, eating disorders, relationship violence, roommate conflict, mental health or homesickness. Contact Claire 604-902-0670 or Davin 604-938-3902 or see www. mywcss.org/youth-outreach
WCSS COUNSELLING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Offering subsidies for anyone financially restricted who has been here more than 3 months, with up to $50/hour towards an approved and licensed list of counsellors and psychologists. See www.mywcss.org/counselling for more information, or call Claire 604-902-0670 or Davin 604-938-3902.
WCSS EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM If you are financially restricted and have been here more than 3 months, we may be able to give you one-time assistance in an emergency. You must qualify by talking to a WCSS Outreach Worker. For more information see www.mywcss.org/emergency-financial-as- sistance, call Claire 604-902-0670 or Davin 604-938-3902.
12 WCSS RECREATION CREDIT Offers a $115 credit to lower income Whistler residents for programs offered in the RMOW Parks & Recreation Guide. Call Claire 604-902-0670 or Davin 604-938-3902.
WCSS FOOD BANK The Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) Food Bank is open on the first and third Monday of every month, from 11am – 1pm, located at the end of Lorimer Rd, next to the Catholic Church in Whistler Cay. There you can get a couple bags of groceries to get you through another week. For emergencies call the WCSS Food Bank Coordinator, Sara, at 604-935-7717.
WCSS FOOD BUYING CLUB Available for Whistler residents, order bulk organic and healthy food at cost either on your own or share the larger orders with friends, see www.mywcss.org/food-buying- club
WCSS COMMUNITY KITCHENS Join in a hands-on workshop on how to cook nutritious and low cost meals. The sessions are held in the kitchen at Myrtle Phillip Community School for $10. See www.mywcss. org/community-kitchens or call 604-932-0113 to register.
WCSS TAX ASSIST PROGRAM Volunteers with WCSS can help you prepare a simple tax return if you are financially restricted. See www.mywcss.org or call 604-932-0113 for more information.
WCSS HELPING HAND Are you busted up? Lost your mobility due to some reason beyond your control? WCSS Helping Hand volunteers are ready and willing to drive you to your doctor, help you get groceries or any of those other annoying everyday things you need to do to survive. Contact Melissa 604-902-0865 or [email protected]
WCSS PEER EDUCATORS Volunteer to become a Peer Educator! Peer Eds are trained in available resources, by the WCSS Outreach team, and provide support and referral services to friends and co- workers. Call Claire 604-902-0670 for more info and to register.
WCSS RE-USE-IT CENTRE Located in Function is Whistler’s favourite non-profit thrift store. The proceeds from the WCSS Re-Use-It Centre support over 27 Whistler programs and services, including the WCSS Food Bank. You can set yourself up here with everything from dishes, to warm winter clothes. The store carries electronics, books, shoes, clothes, furniture, sport equip- ment, and all the stuff you need in Whistler. Prices are low and the goods are used, but usually in good condition. Donations are also gratefully received, but must be clean and in working order. The store is open from 11-6 daily. Call 604-932-1121 or e-mail reuseit@ mywcss.org. For more information see www.mywcss.org/re-use-it-centre
13 OPEN 6-11 DAILY WHISTLER’S FAVOURITE THRIFT STORE!
At the Re-Use-It Centre (RUI) you can buy everything you need for reasonable prices to set yourself up in Whistler including the following:
Clothes, Skis, Boards, Boots, Sporting goods, Kitchen Stuff, Linens, Costumes, Books, Knick-Knacks, Warm Winter outerwear, Kids stuff, Shoes and Boots, Pictures and Collectibles, and Electronics like TV’s, stereos, Video players, Lights and Lamps and Luggage.
Proceeds support over 25 programs & services in Whistler Including the Food Bank, Whistler Welcome Week & Outreach Services.
The WCSS Re-Use-It Centre is located at 1003 Lynham Road, in Function Junction. www.mywcss.org 604-932-1121 [email protected]
14 15 NEED HELP career FINDING THE evolutions Career e-Volutions is an RIGHT CAREER? online program that can help you: t&YQMPSFZPVSXPSLPQUJPOT t*EFOUJGZMPDBMKPCPQQPSUVOJUJFT t%FTJHOBQMBOUPmOEXPSL Visit www.training-innovations.com/ce or call 1.866.298.4757 ext 247 to register. You must be unemployed or working less than 20 hours a week to participate.
Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO FIND THE WORK YOU WANT
Whether you want to build your career or nd a good job fast – the experts at Training Innovations can help. We o er free career counselling services in Whistler. Talk to us if you want to: Write a great resume Discover your work options Learn about the labour market Explore funding for training Contact local employers Start your own business 604.815.4550 604.932.1600
www.training-innovations.com/s2serc
Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
16
WCSS Welcome Week
WCSS Welcome Week is your chance to get to know Whistler locals, resources, and new friends while enjoying some cheap food and entertainment. Events run from Monday November 15th- Saturday November 20th, 2010.
Monday, November 15th Pancake Breakfast 10am-noon, Whistler Fire Hall $3.00
Free Yoga Class from YYOGA 5:30-6:30pm, Whistler Conference Centre Valley Foyer
Ski and Snowboard Movie 6:30pm (Doors Open) 7pm Movie Starts Rainbow Theatre at the Whistler Conference Centre $3.00
Tuesday, November 16th Scavenger Hunt and BBQ 2pm at WB Housing
Free Yoga class from YYOGA 12-1pm Whistler Conference Centre Mountain View Foyer
Rent it Right Workshop and Cooking Demo, 5:30-7pm (Bannock 5:30-6pm) Whistler Conference Centre (FREE)
Wednesday, November 17th Free Yoga class from YYOGA 4-5pm, Whistler Conference Centre Mountain View Foyer
The Jill Ackhurst Community Welcome Dinner, 5-8pm, Whistler Conference Centre Sea to Sky Ballroom $5.00
Thursday, November 18th Level 1 Spirit Program 2–4:30pm, Rainbow Theatre
Free Yoga class from YYOGA 4:30–5:30pm, Whistler Conference Centre Valley Foyer
Stand Up for Mental Health Comedy Night 5:30pm (Doors Open) 6:00pm Show, Rainbow Theatre at the Whistler Conference Centre $3.00
Friday, November 19th Moist, the Pool Party. 9pm-midnight at Meadow Park Sports Centre. $5.00 www.lunawhistler.com
Saturday, November 20th FREE admission to Meadow Park Sports Centre, 6am-10pm for the Annual Commu- nity Life Open House. Facility includes fitness centre, studio, ice rink, pool & squash.
17 Your Community Resources
Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Whistler Police/RCMP 4325 Blackcomb Way 4315 Blackcomb Way 604-932-5535 911 (Emergency) www.whistler.ca 604-932-3044 (Non-emergency) www.bc.rcmp.ca BYLAW 4325 Blackcomb Way Whistler Fire Rescue 604-935-8280 911 (Emergency) www.whistler.ca 604-935-8260 (Non-emergency)
Garbage, Recycling & Compost Due to a large wildlife population, Whistler does not have door-to-door garbage pick- up. Your building may have facilities, or you may have to transport your waste to the Nester’s or Function garbage & recycling depots. The Nester’s location also has a bottle depot, so you get some money back for your empties. There is zero tolerance for littering in and around Whistler, and if caught you could find yourself with an expensive fine.
The Post Office To rent a Postal Box, you need to make a $15 deposit for a set of two keys.
Whistler Post Office - Marketplace 604-932-5012 or www.canadapost.ca
BUS TRAVEL Greyhound Bus – 1-800-661-8747 or www.greyhound.ca, for trips to Pemberton, Squamish, Vancouver and beyond. Ask for fare specials and HI member deals.
Pacific Coach Lines –1-800-661-1725 or www.pacificcoach.com/Schedules-Fares/Vancou- ver-Whistler-Schedules, offering scheduled service to/from the Vancouver Airport. Ask for a local’s price, must have valid ID.
CANADIAN HOLIDAYS: Monday Sept. 6th, 2010 – Labour Day Friday April 22nd, 2011 – Good Friday Monday Oct. 11th, 2010 – Thanksgiving Day Monday April 25th, 2011 – Easter Monday Thursday Nov. 11th, 2010 – Remembrance Day Monday May 23rd, 2011 – Victoria Day Saturday Dec. 25th, 2010 – Christmas Day Friday July 1st, 2011 – Canada Day Saturday Jan. 1st, 2011 – New Years Day Monday Aug. 1st, 2011 – BC Day Walk.Pool.Cycle.Bus.Blade.Ski
WWW.THEWHISTLERWAY.CA
18 CERTIFICATION To work with food you may need a Food Safe certificate, check the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, www.whistlerchamber.com, for course dates. If you want a job serving alcohol you’ll need the BC Serving It Right certificate. Take the exam online for $35, and save a few bucks and paper! www.servingitright.com
THE SPIRIT PASS PROGRAM Ask your employer if they participate in the Spirit Pass Program. If they do, you can too! Participants in the Program attend an entertaining two and half hour Spirit Session about guest service and are eligible for the reward of a discounted Whistler Blackcomb ski/snowboard pass that can equal $500 in savings. If you plan on getting a job but haven’t found one just yet, sign up for the Program, complete your session and receive your discount once you have found an employer who is part of the Program! Visit www. whistlerchamber.com for Spirit Session dates, registration or to learn more.
SPIRIT CARE Another kind of spirit pass might be found at the following locations:
Our Lady of the Mountains Roman Catholic Church 6299 Lorimer Road – Whistler Cay 604-905-4781
Church on the Mountain 604-902-4111 www.churchonthemountain.ca
Whistler Community Church 6195 Lorimer Road, Myrtle Philip Community Centre Whistler Cay 604-932-3139 www.whistlerchurch.ca
WIRELESS SPOTS Whistler Library 4329 Main Street 604-935-8433 www.whistlerlibrary.ca
FREE wireless access is available for those with their own laptop or use one of the library computers in the Shaw Digital Learning Centre that are designated for hour, half hour and 15 minute sessions. It’s free if you are a library member or buy a guest pass for $1.00. Printing services are also available for $0.25/page and $0.75/page for colour copies.
The Whistler Library is open Monday to Saturday 11am – 7pm and Sunday 11am – 4pm and closed on all statutory holidays. If you are from outside BC you can get a monthly library membership for $10/month or $75/year. Many café and coffee shops around town also have free Wireless connections, or computers available for a small fee.
Whistler Community Learning Program – 604-932-0311, volunteer tutor program that provides free literacy and ESL support in the form of one-to-one tutoring and small group sessions.
Caring and Connecting… A registered charity since 1978, Sea to Sky Community Services provides critical support programs and services to residents throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor. These include supported and affordable housing options, programs for children and families, childcare, counselling, youth outreach and much more.
Visit us at www.sscs.ca or call 604.892.5796 to see what we can do for you.
19 BE PART OF THE SOLUTION... TAKE TRANSIT. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION... The bus is the perfect partner for your transportationTAKE needs: TRANSIT.
Bike Racks in the summer and bring your snowboards and skis on board in the winter.
Service when you need it – 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., 365 days a year.
Save 15% with a 6-Month Bus Pass tThat’s 1 month free Save 25% with a 12-Month Bus Pass tThat’s over 3 months free
Transit Info 604·932·tXXXCDUSBOTJUDPN
Linking Communities, Businesses & Lifestyles 0158
20
0158_WHI Survival magazine ad - BC Transit Whistler Survival magazine 4.75” x 6.812” Insertion Date: July 2010
Reber Creative for BC Transit 250-383-5255 Getting Around Whistler All year long…
Whistler is a pretty easy place to get around. Kilometres of paved valley trails link Whistler neighbourhoods from Function to Emerald. Buses run regularly and taxis are everywhere. If you need to drive, there are a couple of places to park for free, but the majority of parking in Whistler is pay parking. Here are the neighbourhoods and some things you might need to know to get around in Whistler.
FUNCTION JUNCTION & CHEAKAMUS CROSSING – Industrial and commercial area, home of the WCSS Re-Use-It Centre, Hostel, garbage & recycling depot, Whistler Athletes Centre and new residential area.
SPRING CREEK – Residential area, Fire Hall, Spring Creek Community School.
TAMARISK & BAYSHORES – Residential
WHISTLER CREEK/CREEKSIDE – The original Whistler Village with the Creekside Gondola, here you can do your grocery shopping, banking, find internet cafés, cof- fee shops, bars, restaurants, Hostel and laundromat. Alpha Lake Park in Creekside is also home to one of the WCSS Community Greenhouses.
NORDIC, ALTA VISTA, BLUEBERRY HILL & BRIO – Residential neighbourhoods
WHISTLER VILLAGE – The heartbeat of Whistler! Cafés, shops, restaurants, bars, gondola and lift access to both mountains and many other amenities.
UPPER VILLAGE – Hotels, restaurants, Blackcomb Mountain and residential homes.
VILLAGE NORTH – Marketplace, which has a grocery store, bank, pharmacy, shops, cafés, post office and other services, including the Whistler Health Care Centre.
WHISTLER CAY & CAY HEIGHTS – Residential area, Myrtle Philip School & Community Centre, WCSS Community Greenhouse & WCSS Food Bank.
NESTERS – Grocery store, cafés/restaurants, and garbage & recycling depot.
WHITE GOLD & SPRUCE GROVE – Residential area, Whistler Waldorf School, Spruce Grove Fieldhouse & Baseball fields, WCSS Community Greenhouses and WCSS Office.
NICKLAUS NORTH – Residential community and golf course
ALPINE MEADOWS – Meadow Park Sports Centre, Whistler Secondary School, café and mini-mart, and residential homes.
RAINBOW – New residential community
EMERALD ESTATES – Residential area
21 22 23
Going Further on Hwy 99 Pemberton is 35km to the north Squamish is 50km to the south Vancouver is 120km to the south
Drivers Licence You can drive with your existing licence for up to six months, any longer stay than that you must get a BC drivers licence. See the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s (ICBC) website for more information, www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/licence- othercountry.
Buses The Whistler Transit System is a handy way to get around town. A $2 bus fare will con- nect you to all of Whistler’s neighbourhoods, and within the village there is the free shuttle. Have exact change and request a transfer if you need one. To save some money, buy a sheet of 10 tickets for $15 or a DayPass for $5. Also available (only from Muni Hall – 4325 Blackcomb Way) are 6 and 12 month bus passes. During the winter season, bring your skis or snowboard on the bus, and when the weather gets warmer you can stick your bike on the front of the bus for free. Buses run from 5:30am to 3:15am every day of the year. If you’re alone and it’s late, you can “Request a Stop.” BC Transit also has a Pem- berton and Squamish commuter. To find out route times call 604.932.4020 or click www. bctransit.com/regions/whi for more information. See the bus maps on previous pages.
Buy your bus tickets at Meadow Park Sports Centre, Nesters Market, The Grocery Store, Whistler 1-Hour Foto Source, Whistler Visitor Info Centre, 7-Eleven, The Hub, HI-Whistler in Cheakamus Crossing
Valley Trail Save your money, be healthy for both you and the environment and take the Valley Trail! For excellent maps on how Whistler connects, see www.thewhistlerway.ca/active- mobility or pick up a map from the Visitor Information Centre.
Taxis A cab from the Vancouver airport is going to cost you over $200 to get to Whistler. When in Whistler a quick hop from here to there, like the 8-minute drive from Creekside to the Village, will cost you around $10 and nothing beats the door-to-door service of a taxi ride.
Whistler Resort Cabs 604-938-1515
Whistler Taxi 604-932-3333 or 604-938-3333 Toll-free: 1-800-203-5322
Bikes: Biking is BIG in Whistler, if people are not biking the valley trail to and from work, they are ripping down the mountain in body armour. Whistler has the biggest downhill bike park in the world, www.whistlerbike.com, and one look at the biking terrain may make you want to buy a bike of your own. Get ready to spend some serious coin, bikes in Whistler can cost more than the average used car.
25 In fall the evenings start to cool, but summer temperatures can extend into late September. FAll By early October the trees are turning a golden yellow, and shrubs become a brilliant purple and red. Autumn in Whistler is one of the most beautiful seasons, a cross-section of a dwindling summer and an appearance of an early winter, as mornings begin with a crisp layer of frost. November can be a cold and miserable month. It redeems itself by the snow it places on the mountains, laying down the base for the year to come and fuelling excitement in the town. Bears grumpily try to fatten themselves up, in preparation of hibernating, and the lethargy can be felt all over town, as locals patiently wait for the mountain to open, usually around American Thanksgiving. Heads Up!
SHOULDER SEASON “Shoulder Season” is what the locals call the quiet couple months between the September Labour Day weekend and the middle of December. It’s during this time that the resort slows down with visitors and many seasonal jobs come to an end. There are a few events that bring visitors to town, but if you want to be able to enjoy the restaurant specials, buy some new winter gear and pay your rent, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and put some money away, for a rainy day - literally.
DEPRESSION Whistler can bring out the best in people, or the worst. Trying to find balance and stay healthy in a party atmosphere is always a challenge. The following are a list of services available to help you if you’re feeling down.
VCH Mental Health & Addiction Services 604-698-6455, individual counselling and support for mental health and/or addiction concerns (depression, anxiety, substance misuse). Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. If you are experi- encing a mental health emergency or crisis, please contact or go directly to the Whistler Health Care Centre Emergency Department, 604-932-4911
Crisis Centre Distress Line 1-866-661-3311, 24hr service, call to speak to someone if you are in crisis or distress, www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
MCFD Youth Counselling 1-866-823-5374. Mental health issues (under 19) ie. Trauma, mental illness and depression.
WCSS Outreach Workers You Talk, We Listen. Free confidential support for those experiencing challenges with hunger, housing, drug and alcohol misuse, employment, eating disorders, relationship vio- lence, roommate conflict, mental health or homesickness. Call Claire 604-902-0670, Davin 604-938-3902 or Jackie, the WCSS Drug & Alcohol Education Coordinator, 604-902-5089
1-800-SUICIDE 24hr service, call if you are having thoughts of suicide or need to speak to someone.
RCMP Victim Services 604-905-1969, offering information, emotional support, and assistance to victims and witnesses of crimes or traumas.
For more information on depression, see www.thekeltyfoundation.org/acting-on-depression. htm or www.mywcss.org for a list of local counsellors and therapists you could see.
COUNSELLING Greg McDonnell MEd. (counselling), RCC. Empathetic Psychotherapy for adults, young adults, youth, family therapy, and sport performance. 604-935-0968, [email protected] or visit www.mcdonnell- counselling.ca
27 Routley Counselling & Consulting 604-938-4484, www.routleycounselling.com – Nancy Routley, MEd. RCC. Individual, cou- ple and family therapy; clear, compassionate assistance.
Psychologist Stephen Milstein PhD, R, Psych. Whistler 604-938-3511, Squamish 604-848-9273. Assessment, individual, group and family therapy.
Struggling? Marlise Witschi, M.Psych, BC Registered Clinical Counsellor, uses a holistic approach ad- dressing body, mind & spirit, healing addictions, anxieties, fears, difficulty in relation- ships, and low self esteem. 604-938-3620, www.internalfreedom.com
FINANCIAL PROBLEMS Many people work several jobs to keep the cash coming in, especially when the resort slows down and work dries up a bit in the shoulder seasons. If you find yourself in tight times, and are unsure of how you’re going to make it work, contact a WCSS Outreach Worker; they may be able to help. Call Claire 604-902-0670 or Davin 604-938-3902. If money is tight to get food on the table, contact Sara, the WCSS Food Bank Coordinator 604-935-7717, or visit the WCSS Food Bank on the first and third Monday of every month, between 11am-1pm, located at the end of Lorimer Rd in the trailer next to the Catholic Church, in Whistler Cay.
EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Know your limit, and stay within it. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. Being out of control can result in feeling regret for drunken behaviour, various forms of injury/abuse, and not to mention feeling like you got hit by a train the next morning. Date rape does happen in Whistler, and drink spiking happens at the bar or party when a drink is left unattended. The three most commonly used drugs for date rape are alco- hol, GHB, and Rohypnol (or “roofies”). However, studies have shown that alcohol still remains the drug most frequently implicated in substance-assisted sexual assault. Here are a few common sense rules you should practice.
• Do not leave your drink unattended • Do not accept a drink that you haven’t seen poured • Always use the Buddy System. Watching out for your friends, and having them watch out for you, will result arriving home safely.
New BC law makes driving after having only one drink (.05) grounds for them to take your licence. For drivers found to have a blood-alcohol level of between 0.05 and 0.08, the so-called “warning” range, there will be an immediate three-day driving ban, pos- sible vehicle impoundment and fines or related fees of up to $600. Those caught in this
WHISTLER’S EMPLOYMENT EXPERTS • Placing you in temporary and permanent positions in the accounting, administrative and management fields. • No charge to the job seeker. • Résumé writing services available at a charge. Apply online at www.whistler-jobs.com T: 604.932.4832 • E: [email protected]
28 warning range multiple times will face a driving ban of up to 30 days and fines or fees of up to $800. Drinking in public and being drunk and unruly can get you arrested and possibly a night stay in the drunk tank.
DRUGS Contrary to popular belief, pot is illegal in Canada. If you get caught using or carrying you will be charged with drug possession and end up in Canadian court. Not fun! Many other social drugs are available as well, all of which are illegal. Limit the risk, and stick to the natural high that the mountains provide. For more information see www. heretohelp.bc.ca
Alcoholics Anonymous 604-905-5489 Tues, Thurs & Sat, 8pm at the Whistler Health Care Centre
Alcohol & Drug Referral Line 1-800-663-1441, 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.
Narcotics Anonymous 604-873-1018, Mon, 7:30pm at the Whistler Health Care Centre
Rape Crisis Line 1-877-392-7583
Stopping the Violence 1-877-894-6101. Counselling services for women in difficult relationships and/or survi- vors of childhood sexual abuse and/or victims of sexual assault.
HOUSING Arriving in the fall and finding a place to live can be challenging. If you are new to Whistler and have a job, but are still struggling to find accommodation the WCSS Interim Housing Program may be able to help. Contact a WCSS Outreach Worker to see if you qualify for the program, which runs for 6 weeks every fall. Call Claire 604-902-0670 or Davin 604-938-3902.
RAINY DAYS AND BOREDOM They don’t call it the ‘wet coast’ for no reason! Rain here can be endless, miserable, and cold. The days are short and dark, the clouds are right above your head, the bike park is closed, there is not enough snow on the mountain yet - you are in serious endorphin deficiency! This is a good time of year to take up another hobby or get to know your town by volunteering.
29 Look for & enjoy
On a Budget?
WCSS WELCOME WEEK Monday November 15th – Saturday November 20th, 2010. See page 17 for a detailed list of events, or see www.mywcss.org
Late & Unique Nighttime Alternatives (LUNA) LUNA offers events, training, and volunteer opportunities through the winter and summer months. Late-night fun outside of the bars includes indoor and outdoor films, arts & culture, sports, music, competitions and food at the Lost Lake Passivhaus and around town. Young adults (18-35) can buy a membership for $5 for discounted entry & more. Check www.lunawhistler.com for details.
BREWERY TOURS The Brewhouse – Thursdays & Saturdays at 3pm, 604-905-2739
EVENTS LISTING Check www.whistlerquestion.com, www.piquenewsmagazine.com, www.lunawhistler. com, www.findwhistler.com, www.whistlerartscouncil.com, the Visitor Information Centre, 102.1FM and Cable 6.
The Lost Duck If you want to find out what day reduced price cinema tickets are, what time drop in ice hockey is, or what band is playing in two weeks time, then grab a copy of The Lost Duck. The Lost Duck is printed every two weeks and is Whistler’s only dedicated pocket-sized calendar listing every event, activity, live band, DJ and community event that you need to be seen at.
HIKING Fall is one of the best times for hiking, with brilliant coloured trees, crisp morning temperatures and fresh mountain air. Maps detailing the plethora of hiking trails are available from the Visitor Information Centre.
RENT A MOVIE/SEE A MOVIE Rogers Video - in Marketplace 604-938-4503 www.rogersvideo.ca
HOUSING QUESTIONS?
SEEKING ACCOMMODATION? CHECK OUT WWW.WHISTLERHOUSING.CA
30 Village 8 Cinema – Village Common 604-932-5815 www.village8.ca
WHISTLER LIBRARY For those cold, rainy days. See page 19 for more information.
WAG Whistler Animals Galore (WAG) is always looking for volunteers to help with dog walking and other dog/cat duties. Go to www.thewagway.com or call 604-935-8364.
Have Extra Cash?
ARTRAGEOUS This art party is filled with an eclectic fusion of art, live music, dance and performers. ARTrageous takes place at Dusty’s, in Creekside, in November. Check their website, www. whistlerartscouncil.com for event dates.
BIZARRE BAZAAR Find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift or a unique personal treasure at this annual Arti- san Market. November 26th & 27th at the Whistler Conference Centre, www.whistler- artscouncil.com
CORNUCOPIA Whistler’s Celebration of Wine and Food presents a delectable four days of seminars, tasting events and after-parties. November 11th - 14th, 2010.
PERFORMANCE SERIES The Whistler Arts Council offers professional theatre, music, dance and comedy per- formances year-round at Maurice Young Millennium Place; call 604-935-8410 for more information and ticket pricing.
SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL CENTRE Experience the legends, oral history, art, language, food, song and dance. Explore the Cultural Centre and territory of the Squamish and Lil’wat Aboriginal people. 1-866-441- SLCC (7522), www.slcc.ca
WHISTLER MUSEUM 4333 Main St., 604-932-2019 www.whistlermuseum.org
WHISTLER SINGERS Join the local choir, singing Thursdays. Call Candice for more information, 604-932-3022
Books, movies, music, magazines FREE Internet for members 4329 Main Street l Whistler BC V0N 1B4 604 935 8433 l www.whistlerlibrary.ca
31 winter Easily the most stunning season, winter is when Whistler comes alive. Strung with sparkling Christmas lights, Whistler glitters like an over- sized snow globe. Winter can boom on the scene fast and hard as early as November with deep freeze temperatures, or blankets of fresh powder. With unpredictable weather, visitors don’t tend to arrive to town until the end of No- vember, around American Thanksgiving, which is when both mountains traditionally open.
32 In a good winter, the lakes will freeze by Christmas and there will be skating well into the New Year, the snow will continue to dump in January and typically February is a sunny month. Depending on the conditions, spring skiing and riding can start as early as March, or winter will find itself running straight through to April.
Mountain Etiquette The skier code is to keep all people on the mountain safe at all times. Check out www. whistlerblackcomb.com/mountain/safety/index.htm, for information on Alpine Respon- sibility, Mountain Signage, Safety Tips and more.
Are You New to Park & Pipes? Both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains provide progressively sized Freestyle Terrain, including Park and Pipes. If you are new to the sport, for your safety and the safety of others, you should not enter or use any freestyle terrain until you are a competent skier/ rider on all trails. You should be able to jump and land using natural terrain features outside the park and pipes before attempting any freestyle terrain. Heads Up!
HOMESICKNESS: Especially around Christmas, it’s easy to feel the pull of home. Connect with friends, organize a turkey dinner, or contact the WCSS Outreach Workers to help you find re- sources to make it to a healthy and happy New Year! Claire 604-902-0670 or Davin 604- 938-3902
AVALANCHES: Avalanches are a very serious and a very real risk in Whistler. It’s important to know what the conditions are up on the mountain, especially if you are into touring and backcoun- try skiing. Every backcountry skier and rider should be equipped with the proper equip- ment; transceiver, probe and shovel, have self-rescue knowledge before venturing into the backcountry, and be an advanced skier or rider. If you are touring on new terrain, make sure you are with someone who is experienced and knows the area.
Avalanche Safety courses are offered through the Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau, 604- 938-9242 throughout the winter season, and stay on top of snow conditions by checking www.whistlerblackcomb.com/weather/advisory/index.htm before going up the mountain.
WINTER FLU: As an international destination, it’s common that different strains of the winter flu make its way to Whistler. Make sure to wash your hands frequently and if you do get sick, do your part by limiting the spread of the flu and stay home to rest. For helpful tips on how to flight the flu, see www.flightflu.ca
33 Location. Beside taxi loop, Village Square.
Hours. Open before the lifts, closes after late aprés.
Convenience. Across from the liquor store.
Open Daily from 8am - 11pm Located in Whistler’s Village Square. 604-932-3628 Order on-line before you arrive at www.whistlergrocery.com
060110-WGS-Survival Guide.indd 1 10-05-20 2:26 PM
M;B9EC;JEM>?IJB;H J^[M^_ijb[h9^WcX[he\9ecc[hY[_i^[h[\ehoek
If_h_j Edb_d[ FWii[i JhW_d_d] I[[fW]['/ <_hij7_Z @eX \ehceh[ 8eeaa[[f_d] 8eWhZ _d\e K^h^immm$m^_ijb[hY^WcX[h$Yec[dgbdgZ^c[d M^_ijb[h9^WcX[he\9ecc[hY[ AdXViZYVWdkZi]ZK^h^idg>c[dgbVi^dc8ZcigZVii]ZiVm^adde# J0+%)#.('#*.'';0X]VbWZg5l]^hiaZgX]VbWZg#Xdb 34 Look for & enjoy On a Budget? Fire & Ice Show Watch Whistler/Blackcomb’s skiers and riders jump through the Ring of Fire, and enjoy the talent of the fire spinners every Sunday at 6:30pm in Skier’s Plaza. The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP) The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP) is a non-profit organization making year round recreation accessible to people with disabilities. WASP currently offers skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking programs. Visit www.whistleradaptive.com for more information and how to volunteer. CROSS COUNTRY SKIING Whistler and the surrounding area offer some amazing cross-country skiing trails. A short drive out of town is the Olympic Park, in the Callaghan Valley, which has 70 kms of trails ranging from beginner to Olympic calibre. In town, 32 kms of well-maintained lit trails exist around Lost Lake Park. Grab a used pair of cross-country skis from the WCSS Re-Use-It Centre and check out www.thewhistlerway.ca/active-mobility/cross-country- skiing.cfm to see where those skies can take you. Wild Willies – Nesters Meet at Wild Willies and hit the Nordic trails every Monday evening, starting at 6pm, by donation, rentals are extra. 604-938-8036 www.wildwillies.com Lost Lake & Callaghan Country Trails 7400 Fitzsimmons Road South, 604.905.0071 www.crosscountryconnection.ca OUT OF BOUNDS Tales from the backcountry are captured in photos in this month long exhibition at MY Place, see www.whistlerartscouncil.com for dates and more information. Have Extra Cash? WORKING OUT: Keep your body a finely tuned machine! Whistler has a number of different options to find your exercise niche; whether it be the weights in the gym, swimming in the pool, the squash courts, the climbing wall, the yoga studio, or the comfort of your own home there is a place for you to keep yourself in top shape. See the local newspapers for listings. WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL In its 10th anniversary year, the Whistler Film Festival delivers an eclectic ensemble of Canadian and international films screened at a variety of venues throughout Whistler Village. Dec 1st – 5th, 2010. See www.whistlerfilmfestival.com for more details. FIRST NIGHT An alcohol free New Years Eve celebration filled with both performing and participatory arts. See www.whistlerfirstnight.com for ticket pricing and more information. 35 spring Spring in Whistler brings longer days, the joys of warm breezes, and long afternoons of après ski enjoyment, where bands play and a party can be found almost everywhere. The longest ski season in North America winds down slowly, with Whistler closing first in April, followed by Blackcomb in May. As sunshine-starved locals emerge from their winter woollies the village vibe heats up. Boards swap for bikes, and as the days become longer the valley greens and flower baskets go up at every lamppost. Streams and rivers fill with melting snow and the valley with returning wildlife. When the ‘skunk cabbage’ blooms, (those smelly large yellow plants at the sides of the valley trail), you know the bears will be awake and out of hibernation. 36 Heads Up! BEARS/ and their cubs Bears are common in Whistler, specifically black bears, and most people will have a bear encounter at one point or another. Black bears tend to be shy and generally avoid any run-ins with people, which is often the same way we feel about them. If you do stumble across a bear, it’s important to know some common bear behaviour on how they will react, as well as responsible behaviour on your reaction to the bear. When a bear gets sight of you, it may stand up on its hind legs with its nose up in the air. Despite his now giant and fierce size, he is mostly just being curious. The bear may also huff, slap or stomp the ground and may even approach you. Before freaking out, follow these simple reactions: • Be calm. Stop where you are, and stand your ground. • Speak in a calm, appeasing tone. “Hey Bear, Whoa Bear.” • Back away slowly. Walk, don’t run and watch the bear so you can see how it will react. Most times the bear will wander off. If you find a bear in your neighbourhood or in town, you can scare the bear away by yelling at it or making loud noise, but only if it has a clear path out. This lets the bear know that it’s not welcome in human environments. Be mindful of bears with cubs, as they can be very protective of their young and not as shy as your average bear. It’s important to know what you need to do to help limit bear sightings in unwanted areas. • Never feed a bear. Feeding bears not only will result in local fury, but it will also include a hefty fine, upwards to $350, and the bear may then be at risk of being relocated or killed. • Keep your garbage secure. Bears have been known to break screen windows, climb up decks and even open doors or tear them off to get at garbage. A garbage-loving bear will go to great lengths if it knows it’s worth it’s while, and it’s behaviour can result in relocation or death, so do your part and keep your garbage secure. For more information on coexisting with the Whistler bear, visit www.bearsmart.com and to report a bear sighting call 604.905.BEAR (2327). Grizzly bears are very rare in the valley, but can be found in the backcountry around the mountains and north of Pemberton. They are identified by a pronounced shoulder hump, which black bears lack, proportionately longer claws and a concave or “dished” facial profile. Never try to scare a grizzly bear away. They are considered more dangerous than black bears. If you think you see one, leave the area and contact Wildlife Conserva- tion Officers, 1.877.952.RAPP (7277) to report interactions where public safety is at risk. For a safe close look at bears you can join a mountain tour, www.whistlerblackcomb. com/todo/summer/bears/index.htm 37 COUGARS/BOBCATS Cougars are fortunately rare, but very dangerous. Every couple of years a cougar is sight- ed in the Squamish or Whistler mountain areas. Also called mountain lions, pumas or panthers, in Canada the cougar is probably the most dangerous animal to man. A 150 lb cougar can measure 8 feet from nose to tail, and is lightning fast. It leaps on the back of prey and takes down animals much bigger than itself. If you spot one, leave the area immediately and report the sighting. Wild lynx and bobcats also live in the forests and mountains surrounding Whistler, both are shy and elusive, however sighting of bobcats tend to be more common. Be aware of the wildlife that exists when out hiking or biking and report any sightings of cougars or bobcats, 1.877.952.RAPP (7277). SHOULDER SEASON (AGAIN) With the close of the ski season, Whistler finds itself in another slow season. The winter jobs come to an end and if you’ve saved some cash over the winter you’ll welcome spring. Enjoy the quiet couple of months with a chance to relax in town or leave Whistler for a much-deserved vacation after a long, busy winter. Be prepared to have little or no hours as most businesses slim down to a skeleton crew of employees before the summer rush. BROKEN BONES, ACHES & PAINS Beware the broken bone! If you are from out of country and do not have good travel/ medical insurance it will cost you at least $500 CDN just for one trip to Emergency. Whis- tler offers a lot of opportunities to break bones, sprain ankles and tear ligaments, so it a good idea to know where to go when you’re hurt or sick. WCSS HELPING HAND: Are you busted up? Lost your mobility due to some reason beyond your control? WCSS Helping Hand volunteers are ready and willing to drive you to your doctor, help you get groceries or any of those other annoying everyday things you need to do to survive. Contact Melissa 604-902-0865 or [email protected] Whistler Health Care Centre 604-932-4911 or 911 for emergency, 4380 Lorimer Road – behind Marketplace. Hours of operation are 8am-10pm with no appointment necessary. Patients with serious and/or life threatening traumas are transported to Vancouver, either by ground or air ambulance. Vancouver Coastal Health Unit 604-932-3202, located on the second floor of the Health Care Centre and providing com- munity care such as; public health, mental health and addictions counselling, environ- mental health and home care nursing. SAFE Clinic 604-932-3202, located on the second floor of the Health Care Centre, the SAFE Clinic provides confidential service for free HIV testing, STI testing and treatment, reduced- cost birth control, and pregnancy counselling. The clinic is open every Tuesday 4:30pm – 7:30pm year round, and in the winter Thursdays 5pm – 7pm. Grab some free condoms from the dispenser on the ground floor near the exit anytime. 38 Northlands Medical Clinic 604-932-8362. Located at 101-4359 Main St., the clinic offers full urgent care, family medi- cine including sports medicine expertise, care of orthopedic injuries (casting/splinting/x-ray review/suturing), wound care, STI assessments, driver & employment physicals, and is the only full spectrum travel clinic offering the Yellow Fever vaccine within the Sea to Sky Corridor. The Clinic also offers Electronic Medical Records. Clinic hours and days vary, depending on the season, same day appointments only with walk-ins available. Staffed by local sports medicine specialist Dr. Zeglinski and associates. www.northlandsclinic.com Town Plaza Medical Clinic 604-905-7089. Located at 40-4314 Main St, no appointment necessary. Whistler Chriropractic 604-932-1922, www.whistlerchiropractic.com, ART soft tissue therapy, certified chiro- practors treating sports injuries. Acupuncture and nutritional counselling available, located next to The Keg restaurant. PERSCRIPTION FILLS You’ll need a Canadian doctor’s script to be able to get your prescription filled. Nesters Market & Pharmacy 7019 Nesters Rd., 604-905-0429 TOOTH PROBLEMS: ouch … Aarm Dental Group Whistler #12-4122 Village Green, 604-966-0599 www.aarm-dental.com Whistler Dental 336-4370 Lorimer Road, 604-932-3677 www.whistlerdental.com Creekside Dental Clinic Suite 209 2011 Innsbruck Dr, 604-938-1550 EYE ISSUES: keep the vision alive! Whistler Eye Clinic 604.932.2600, eye health examinations, contact lenses, prescription eyewear and emer- gency services. www.whistlereyeclinic.com NUTRITION & EATING WELL Want more insight on your nutrition? Contact Sea to Sky Nutrition for one on one nutrition counselling, meal planning & corporate wellness. Call 604-966-8556, or click www.seatoskynutrition.com 39 Look for & enjoy On a Budget? BEARS/WILDLIFE Get outside! Part of the charm of Whistler is the wildlife; many visitors will never forget their first black bear sighting. The valley also features many types of birds, including the Stellar Jay and its cousin the cheeky grey Whiskey Jack that will eat from your hand on top of the mountain. The marmot is an alpine dweller that gave “Whistler” its name; its shrill whistle is distinc- tive and used to warn of danger. You might also keep an eye out for bobcats, squirrels, pikas, snakes (not poisonous), lynx, deer, coyotes, and even the occasional moose. Bea- vers can be found on the River of Golden Dreams, you will see their fresh teeth marks on the trees and from a canoe you might even see the elusive river otters. Spend some time outdoors! CROSS COUNTRY BIKING Enjoy the extensive network of bike trails all over Whistler. Pemberton and Squamish are also home to an amazing bike trail network and in Whistler there is the weekly Toonie Race. See WORCA (Whistler Off Road Cycling Association) website for information www. worca.com SEA TO SKY BATTLE OF THE BANDS An annual competition highlighting emerging solo artists and bands living in the Sea to Sky Corridor. Check out www.lunawhistler.com for more information. SKATE PARK Tucked in the forest by Fitzsimmons Creek, enter at the back of parking lot 2. WHISTLER CUP Watch some of the best young skiers in Canada race! Held yearly, the Whistler Cup is a spring event not to miss! April 8th - 10th 2011, www.whistlercup.com Have Extra Cash? WHISTLER MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK Grab your full face, armour and DH bike for epic downhill riding in the bike park. See www.whistlerbike.com TELUS WORLD SKI & SNOWBOARD FESTIVAL Live bands, on hill events, Pro-Photographer Showdown, Filmmakers Showdown, fashion shows, parties and entertainment, this festival fills the end of April with fun and excite- ment, April 15th - 24th 2011, www.wssf.com SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL CENTRE The Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre brings together Canadian first nations culture into one spot to both entertain and educate visitors on the strong culture that exists in Whistler’s area first nations. www.slcc.ca 40 GJOE!txffu!efbmt po!Tqpsut!Frvjqnfou!boe!npsf/ GJOE!pvu!xibu(t!hpjo(!po epo(u!njtt!b!tipx!jo!upxo/ GJOE!uif!qfsgfdu!kpc uibu!sftqfdut!uif!31dn!svmf/ Gjoe!b!sppg!gps!zpvs!ifbe!! sfwjfx!pvs!mjtujoht!ps!qmbdf!zpvs!pxo/ zpvs!sftpvsdf!up!GJOE xxx/xijtumfsrvftujpo/dpn 41 42 summer If you are finding yourself still attached to your winter gear, hitthe gear, yourwinter to Horstman Glacier onBlackcombopenfrommid-June totheendofJuly. attached still yourself finding are you If Blackcomb areopentohiking. and Whistler both and bloom wildflowers mountain Alpine, the in Up to Squamishkitesurf,insummer theactivitiesareendless. and the ocean is only an hour away! Wake board on Green Lake or head kayak to water white canoe, the to streams are there in lakes, as well As jump lake. a with day your ending then better nothing is there soar Whistler,in abound lakes temperatures mountain when cold and Clean, one least week whenWhistlerisblastedwithaheatwave. at always is there and F) (80 C 27 is Whistler in temperature summer average the however lush, and green Whistler keep to falls Whistler may make you want to stay here forever! Normally enough rain in summer A place. first the in here up ended ‘locals’ many how is This As the saying goes, “I came for the winter, but stayed for the summer…” Heads Up! forest fires The summer months can be hot and dry in Whistler, often resulting in extreme forest fire conditions. Signs located on either end of town mark the degree of the fire hazard and at times the smoke in the air from nearby burnings is an explanation in itself. Thun- derstorms also offer a great risk for forest fires, as lightening strikes are not uncommon. A ski run down Arthur’s Choice on Blackcomb will give you the evidence of the 2009 burn. Up to date wildfire information is also available by calling the Wildfire Information Line 1 888 3FOREST (1 888 336 7378). If you see smoke or flames, please report it by calling toll free 1 800 663 5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks. Look for & enjoy On a Budget? FRESH FOOD You can fill your fridge with local produce bursting with fresh flavour and color. Stay local and enjoy the Farmers Market every Sunday in the Upper Village, or head to Pem- berton for its big organic farming area, famous potatoes, and the Pemberton farmers market held every Friday. WCSS COMMUNITY GREENHOUSE Grow your own organic vegetables in one of three greenhouse locations. Contact WCSS to sign up, 604-932-0113. WCSS COMMUNITY KITCHENS Hands on workshops that teach you how to cook healthfully and economically. Call 604- 932-0113 to sign-up. Slow Food Cycle Sunday Farms, artists and musicians join in this collaborative day of cycling and delicious food. Sunday August 21st, 2011 www.slowfoodcyclesunday.com LAKES & BEACHES Whistler is full of little lakes with fun little beaches. With a tour of all 5 of the popular lakes (Alpha Lake, Nita Lake, Alta Lake, Lost Lake & Green Lake), you’ll learn quickly which one warms up the fastest. Most of them offer a dog friendly beach, and have BBQ’s. 43 LUNAflicks Whistler’s Fresh Air Films at Lost Lake (July-August) It’s dinner and a movie, Whistler- style. Bring a blanket, enjoy a late-night hot BBQ & hot DJs by sunset and watch great films by the lake. FREE shuttle leaves the gondolas from 8:30-10PM and returns after the film. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show! Check out www.lunawhistler.com for details. ART WALK A free art walk showcasing the incredible talents of Whistler’s local artists at non-tradi- tional venues. See www.whistlerartscouncil.com for more information. KOKANEE CRANKWORX A 9-day gravity fuelled festival, where amateur and pros compete in a variety of races and throw down on their bikes. Watch all the action at the base of Whistler live and on the big screen in the day, and enjoy the art and music entertainment at night. See www. crankworx.com for more information on the 2011 event. Have Extra Cash? GOLF Whistler has 3 golf courses to choose from, ask for locals or twilight specials to save some money. If you need to practice your swing, each golf course also offers it’s own driving range, see www.golfwhistler.com for more info. GUIDED TOURS & ADVENTURES Whistler has plenty of adventure companies ready to take you out on an incredible ex- perience. Stop by the Visitors Information Centre, in the taxi loop, to learn more about the tours offered and how to book. SMALL PLACE, BIG SANDWICHES Come in and try our homemade meat & vegetarian burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. Bring in this ad for free soup with sandwich purchase. Open from 7AM - 6PM • Village Square, Whistler BC • Tel: 604-932-7000 44 SMALL PLACE, BIG SANDWICHES Come in and try our homemade meat & vegetarian burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. Bring in this ad for free soup with sandwich purchase. Open from 7AM - 6PM • Village Square, Whistler BC • Tel: 604-932-7000 45 Your Survival phone numbers Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) 604-932-0113 WCSS Community Kitchens 604-932-0113 WCSS Community Greenhouse Project 604-932-0113 WCSS Drug & Alcohol Educator 604-902-5089 Jackie WCSS Food Bank 604-935-7717 Sara WCSS Emergency & Counselling Assistance 604-902-0670 Claire, 604-938-3902 Davin WCSS Helping Hand 604-902-0865 Melissa WCSS Outreach Workers 604-902-0670 Claire, 604-938-3902 Davin WCSS Recreation Credit 604-902-0670 Claire, 604-938-3902 Davin WCSS Re-Use-It Centre 604-932-1121 Open 11am-6pm 7 days/week Emergency/Fire/Rescue 911 STI/HIV/AIDS Helpline 1-800-661-4337 Al-Anon 1-888-425-2666 Alcohol Anonymous 604-905-5489 Alcohol & Drug Referral Line 1-800-663-1441 Crisis Centre Distress Line 1-866-661-3311 Howe Sound Women’s Centre/ 1-877-890-5711, [email protected] Pearls Place Transition Home Mental Health & Addictions Services 604-698-6455 MCFD Youth Counselling 1-866-823-5374 Narcotics Anonymous 604-873-1018 Quit Smoking 1-877-455-2233, quitnow.ca Rape Crisis Line 1-877-392-7583 RCMP Victim Services 604-905-1969 SAFE Clinic 604-932-3202 Stopping the Violence 1-877-894-6101 Suicide Thoughts 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) ẐẝỮẲỮỽὊἛẑỊờạỆλủẺᾎᴾ Japanese Medical Interpreter & Insurance Claim Assistance ᘍᴾٳỜẺỤẴẫὲෙڼɶỉἃỾở၏ൢỆͳảềẆ˰ỚנỸỵἋἻὊ๛ ̬ᨖửႇẲềấẬịܤ࣎ỂẴẇଐஜᛖᡫᚪẆ̬ᨖᛪ൭ởỿἵἕἉἷᴾ ἾἋἇὊἥἋầቇҥỆẇ૰ỉႇỽὊἛỊἊἵἣἜἒộỂὲᴾ ίἤἽἚὅỸỵἋἻὊἼἐὊἚẆἿἥὊ᨞ὸᴾ ᩓᛅ 604-932-2685, E-Mail: [email protected] 46 BC Transit 604-932-4020 or bctransit.com BC Ferries bcferries.bc.ca BC Human Rights Tribunal 604-775-2000 BC Parks gov.bc.ca/bcparks BYLAW 604-935-8280 Canada Post 604-932-5012 Car Pool ride-share.com Dial a Law 1-800-565-5297 Employment Standards Branch 1-800-663-3316 Enquiry BC 1-800-663-7867 Fire Rescue (non-emergency) 604-935-8260 Government Agent 604-892-2400 ICBC (Dial a Claim) 1-800-910-4222 LAWline (Legal Services Society) 1-866-577-2525 LUNA Hotline 604-966-4800 or lunawhistler.com Ministry of Employment & Income Assistance 1-866-866-0800 Poison Control 1-800-567-8911 Police/RCMP (non-emergency) 604-932-3044 Recycling Hotline 1-800-667-4321 Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) 604-932-5535 or whistler.ca Residential Tenancy Branch 1-800-665-8779 Roadside Assistance (BCAA) 1-800-CAA-HELP Report a Bear Sighting 604-905-BEAR Report a Cougar/Grizzly Bear 1-877-952-7277 Report a Forest Fire 1-888-3FOREST (1-888-336-7378) or *5555 Snow Phone & Summer Activity Report 604-932-4211 Whistler Blackcomb Employee Experience 604-938-7557 Whistler Chamber of Commerce 604-932-5922 or whistlerchamber.com Whistler Health Care Centre 604-932-4911 47 OOPPSSUIUIMMBOBOEETT NFEJDBM!DMJO J D Sea to Sky’s Sports Medicine Centre of Excellence Out of country? No facility fee t General Practice/Family Medicine t Urgent care / Emergency Care (Minor) t Aviation medicine NEW! t Sports Medicine t Travel Clinic NEW! t Women's Health & Prenatal Voted Best Doctor 06/ 07/08 Gondolas Ski Lifts 604.932.8362 Fairmont Whistler Village ay Chateau W mb co k Village Blac Libr Village a Gat North ry e Blvd Marketplace IGA Main S Vancouver t 9 7-11 y 9 w Whistler H Health Care Centre Blvd Pemberton L rthlands (Emergency) o No rim e r R d Wheelchair Accessible No Appointment Necessary Loading bays Scheduled Appointments Same-day OPSUIMBOET NFEJDBM !DMJO J D