Transportation to Whistler, BC, Canada

Ways to Travel to Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort from Vancouver

Dec 20, 2008 Chloë Ernst

Transportation to Whistler is easy to find and arrange. Whether driving from Vancouver or going from the airport to Whistler, here are the main travel options.

Transportation to Whistler is quick and can be relatively cheap. In any season, visitors can take the bus or drive the Sea-to-Sky highway. In the warmer months, there are the additional options of traveling by train to Whistler or flying.

With many ways to travel the distance from Vancouver to Whistler visitors will have no trouble reaching this world-class ski resort. And for those seeking a dab of luxury, local limos are even equipped with ski racks!

Travel from the Vancouver International Airport to Whistler, BC

There is no major airport serving the ski village, although there are small-plane flights between May and October. In winter, road transportation from the airport to Whistler is required.

If heading directly from the airport to Whistler, the easiest transportation is by the Whistler Express. This shuttle to Whistler is run by Perimeter (1-877-317-7788) and offers almost a dozen runs per day.

The three-hour trip takes skiers and snowboarders, as well as summer visitors too, from the airport to Whistler via the downtown hotels. Expect ticket prices to start at $55 Can. for a one-way ticket, with more for door delivery and round-trips.

With the door-to-door service and frequent trips, the Whistler Express rates as the easiest way to get from the Vancouver airport to Whistler Village.

Driving to Whistler, BC

The Sea-to-Sky Highway winds from West Vancouver up to the village of Whistler. The drive can take between 2.5 and 3 hours, dependent on construction and weather conditions.

If driving from downtown Vancouver to Whistler, follow these directions:

• Drive west on West Georgia St. through Stanley Park
• Cross the Lions Gate Bridge
• Take the exit for Marine Drive (watch for it on the right after crossing the bridge)
• Make a left onto Capilano Road
• Take the right turn for Highway 1, Trans Canada; merge onto the Upper Levels Highway
• After about 13 km (8 miles), keep right. The left exit heads to the Horseshoe Bay ferries.
• Follow the Sea-to-Sky Highway (also called Highway 99) as it heads north to Squamish and Whistler
• Travel about 100km (60 miles) north to Whistler, passing through the town of Squamish

Bus to Whistler, British Columbia

In addition to the Whistler Express shuttle, there are other options for taking the bus to Whistler.

Greyhound Canada (1-800-661-8747) runs daily buses to Whistler. With both express and local service buses, it’s possible to make the trip in 2.5 hours. If taking the bus to Whistler Village, head to the terminal at 1150 Station St., Vancouver, to buy a ticket. Purchasing a ticket the day-of travel is sufficient to secure a seat unless there is a special event.

Conveniently, the bus arrives in the heart of Whistler Village just across from the Visitor Information Center.

Taking the Train to Whistler

Whistler Mountaineer Vacations (1-888-687-7245) runs a scenic and lavish route to Whistler during the spring, summer, and fall months. The trip leaves from North Vancouver and arrives at the Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler the same day.

Planning a Whistler Vacation

For a fresh take on Whistler, consider a fall day trip activity. Or, for more skiing, visit one of Vancouver’s convenient ski hills.

While there are many options for transportation to Whistler, services can still get busy at peak times and on holidays. Don’t miss a day of skiing: make reservations for transportation to Whistler a day in advance, with more lead time if the visit is for a special event.

Whether taking the bus to Whistler after jetting into Vancouver International Airport or driving the scenic highway, visitors will be skiing the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb in record time.

The copyright of the article Transportation to Whistler, BC, Canada in W Canada Travel is owned by Chloë Ernst. Permission to republish Transportation to Whistler, BC, Canada in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Airport to Whistler Transportation via Bus

Bussing or Driving to Whistler is Worth the Trip