Only a 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver International airport, getting to Whistler is surprisingly easy. Once you’ve passed the blur of customs and luggage carousels, it’s time to begin the journey up the mountains. The scenic Sea-to-Sky is the perfect adventurous start to any mountain holiday, and depending on your schedule and budget, there are many different ways to travel it. Whether you travel by plane, car or bus, here’s all you need to know about arriving in Whistler in style.
Start your winter holiday off right with a helicopter ride up to Whistler. Skip the traffic and opt instead for aerial views of mountain peaks and glaciers, and find serenity in the mountains – even with the sound of helicopter propellers. The 30-minute flight is available year-round, and Whistler’s Floatplane tours are also available in the summer.
The shuttle bus service goes between Vancouver Airport, Downtown Vancouver, and Whistler. Pacific Coach Lines and Epic Rides offer frequent shuttle transportation, making this an easy and affordable option. Buses have plenty of room for luggage, plenty of room for you to stretch out, and large windows so you can take in spectacular views of the city, the ocean and the mountains. The Whistler Shuttle Service also offers daily meet and greet shuttles from Vancouver International to all Whistler Village hotels, with staff checking your arrival time to adjust pick up time accordingly.
For a no-fuss journey, save travel time by booking a private transfer for your visit. Choose from a chauffeured stretch or super-stretch limo, SUV or larger mini bus. With door-to-door service, the driver will meet you inside the airport and take care of all the driving so you can sit back and relax after a long flight. Available for hire 24 hours a day, an airport transfer is ideal if you are arriving on an early or late flight.
Renting a car is perhaps your most convenient option. With a wide range of vehicles to choose from for both one-way or return travel, you can drive the Highway 99 at your own pace. Just be aware that this is a mountain highway, and road conditions can change rapidly and drastically depending on the weather and wildlife. Usually the highway is safe and well monitored with safe driving speeds, but make sure to look out for changing conditions and hazards.
Fortunately, you do not need a car once you are here. Bikes in the summer are a great way to make your way along the Valley Trail from lake to lake, and most things in the winter are within walking distance. If you decide to stay with Whiski Jack this winter, many our properties lie in the very centre of Whistler. This means you can enjoy being a stone’s throw away from lifts, gondolas, and all the joys of the village. Take a look at our properties, or get in contact to book your dream property today.