Whistler is ranked as one of the world's favourite destinations, both in winter and summer.
BY NOW, ALMOST EVERYBODY AROUND the globe has heard about the wonders of Whistler. Tucked in the coastal mountains of British Columbia, two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is perennially ranked as the number one summer and winter resort in North America. It features the full package – everything from 8,100 acres of skiable terrain, the most on the continent, to four, post card pretty golf courses. And its village, which now sports more than 200 shops and 90 restaurants and bars is argu- ably the most popular party destination on the planet.
Oh yeah, in 2010 it kicked the won-der meter to a whole new level when it co-hosted that little shindig – the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. It was an incredible undertaking requiring 25,000 volunteers and involving 6,700 athletes from 80 countries. Ten thousand representatives of the media camped out in Whistler and Vancouver, recording each sachow and triple lutz. A total of three billion view-ers tuned in to the world's largest winter extravaganza via television and the internet.
Now that Whistler has had the chance to catch its breathe again, it is ready to host other special occasions, meetings and events. Not surprisingly, some of the world's top hotel companies have set up shop in the village. The Four Seasons Whistler Resort features over 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a 24 hour business centre.
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, which curls around the base of Blackcomb and offers both ski-in and ski-out convenience as well as being home to one of Canada's top golf courses, can accommodate confer- ence groups ranging from 15 up to 1000.
The Westin Whistler Resort features nearly 35,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, which is located within the village, offers complete conference and banquet facilities.
The area's largest meeting venue is the Whistler Conference Centre which boasts 65,000 sq. ft. of space. Rising on the edge of the village, its West Coast design features a handsome mix of wooden beams, fieldstone and glass. Its Sea to Sky ballroom can be divided into three sections and has a capacity for up to 2000 guests. The Centre is also home to more than a dozen breakout rooms, a glass enclosed conservatory that's wrapped in mountain views and a 5,400
sq. ft. Grand Foyer whose centerpiece is a stunning, 40 ft fireplace.
There are a number of other interest-ing options including the Maurice Young Millennium Place. Located in the centre of the village, Millennium Place is a hub for arts and culture and home to the Whistler Arts Council. Within walking distance of hotels, shops and restaurants, the fully- accessible facility can easily accommodate any function, from an intimate reception to a themed celebration. Wilhelmsen Hall, is a state of the art theatre with fixed stadium seating for up to 238 people, ideal for show- ing Music, Film, Dance, Drama and Lecture Presentations. The Scotia Creek Gallery, featuring an array of local art, is a versatile space for a reception, and the onsite board- room and multipurpose room are both ideal locations for meetings, classes, workshops and seminars.
Looking to add some cultural cachet to your next gathering, then try the Whistler Museum. Perfect for medium- sized presentations and receptions, a night at the museum can add a unique and enriching dimension to your Whistler visit. Conveniently located in Whistler Village, its exhibit space offers the ideal setting for a truly memorable event. Historical presen- tations, exhibit interpretation and village walking tours by museum staff or promi- nent locals is available.
In short, Whistler is a gold medal destination.