Moving to Whistler: What to Expect
If you trace your fingers on a map about 120 km north of Vancouver, you’ll rest your hand on an honest-to-goodness winter wonderland that’s been acclaimed as one of the most down-to-earth, notable, and unforgettable destinations in the world—the town of Whistler.
Nestled in the middle of towering, snow-capped mountains and dotted by a pedestrian-only village, this tourist town is packed with festivals, spas, restaurants, bars, and unlimited, year-round outdoor activities.
It’s only natural that this incredible landscape draws people of all backgrounds and cultures for the long haul. People from all over the world come to Whistler to vacation and never leave. The reason? Whistler sucks you in. With its genuine spirit and mountain culture, (the unlimited Nordic sports really don’t hurt, either), solely visiting Whistler just isn’t a realistic option.
Are you toying with the idea of moving to this snow-covered paradise? Have you decided to move your life here to join us? If you’re thinking about moving to Whistler and are wondering what to expect, we’ve got you covered. Just because we throw axes all day doesn’t mean we don’t have some quality tips on moving to Whistler.
We’ve cobbled together some of our expert tips, and other fun facts about this glorious mountain town you’re looking to call home to help you move here sooner.
Don’t Expect to Get Used to the Views
Visit Whistler in February and you are statistically guaranteed to have the best snow of the season.
Yeah, yeah. You’ve seen a mountain before; we get it. But have you seen the mountains in Whistler? We can guarantee that the first morning you stretch and yawn yourself awake, looking out the window or your apartment, and you sneak a glimpse of the Coastal Mountains, you’ll surely lose your breath.
But you know what’s fantastic about that? That never goes away. Whistler is in the Sea to Sky Corridor in British Columbia. Layman’s terms? You’ll be snagging jaw-dropping, eye-popping views like that 24/7, year-round, from anywhere you find yourself in Whistler. We’re talking some Discovery Channel stuff here, folks. Think dramatic skylines with jutting peaks and summits framed with alpine lakes. Think pictures you save as your screensaver on your computer.
In Whistler, those views are commonplace, but they never feel it. Days, months, and even years after seeing these views every day, they still never get old.
Get into Outdoor Sports, and Do It Fast
Whistler is lucky enough to enjoy months of peak season conditions.
Take it from a group of people who throw axes all day – if you’re not interested in outdoor activities yet, you absolutely will be after moving to Whistler. Not only do you have the snowy, winter sports to keep you occupied – we’re talking snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, bobsledding, and any other Nordic sport you could think of – you have bike parks, axe throwing (hint, hint), hiking, and thousands of other things we couldn’t possibly fit into one article.
Think about it. You’ll be living in Whistler – home to Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America. Whistler – home to the no. 1 bike park in the world. Whistler – home to thousands of trails on Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain.
If you’re not already planning your life around outdoor activities, once you move to Whistler, you surely will be. You’ll be waking up absurdly early to ski or snowboard (an epic argument we’ll certainly advise you on later) before you fit in time for work, then, once you’re off work, seeking out more outdoor activities. Be ready to live an active, fun, and fit lifestyle in Whistler!
You’ll Have to Choose a Side
Remember that argument you we hinted at early? We weren’t joking. When you move to Whistler, you’ll have to decide where you stand, and more importantly, you’ll have to stick by it. Whistler has been divided by a stubborn, epic debate for decades and if you decide to move there, it’s up to you to pick a side — snowboard or skiing.
We’re not kidding. Since we’re axe throwers, we’ll keep our opinions out of this, but if you’re looking to become a full-time resident, you better start deciding where you stand now. Sure, we know what you’re thinking now, “it’s no big deal, I’ll do both and keep my opinions neutral.”
Nope.
That just won’t cut it in Whistler. As a local, you’re thrust into the (mostly) good-natured debate that’s clouded Whistler for years.
Make your choices, friend, and make them quick.