Whistler’s history began in the early 1900s, when the only residents in the valley were a few trappers who had settled into the area via the Pemberton trail. This trail was completed in 1877 and was intended to be used for cattle-driving, however the terrain was inhospitable and most cattle were lost. Word got around about the beauty of Whistler, and Alex and Myrtle Phillip were the first couple to purchase land in the glorious valley. Soon after, the village began to blossom with people and became a popular summer resort.
It was not until 50 years later that this resort was discovered as a skiing destination. Four Vancouver businessmen began the development of Whistler Mountain and it officially opened for skiers in 1966. A town site was developed in 1975 and construction began 3 years later on what was previously the area’s garbage dump. Shortly after, Blackcomb Mountain opened and expanded Whistler’s horizons being recognized as the top ski resort in North America. Whistler has continued to blossom since then, and has won many similar honors and awards and is still one of the world’s best four-season holiday destinations.
After the two unsuccessful bids for the Winter Olympics, Whistler teamed up with Vancouver and bid again in 1998. With much success, the International Olympic Committee awarded the 2010 Winter Olympic Games to the cities of Vancouver and Whistler. The lifelong dream for the community has finally been reached.
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The Pemberton Trail is completed linking the Pemberton valley to the Pacific coast, north of Vancouver . |
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Trappers and prospectors settle in the area. Alta Lake is the original name of Whistler. The name "Whistler" is used by these settlers because of the shrill whistle sound made by the western hoary marmots who live among the rocks. |
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Myrtle and Alex Philip arrive in Vancouver from Maine . They hear about Whistler's spectacular beauty. |
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Myrtle and Alex take the three day journey to Whistler: a steamer ship from Vancouver to Squamish, overnight in Brackendale, and a two-day horse trek to Whistler. |
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Myrtle and Alex buy ten acres of land and build the Rainbow Lodge on the shores of Alta Lake . |
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The Great Pacific Eastern Railway (now BC Rail) is built to Alta Lake and links the valley to the outside world. Whistler becomes a base for logging and mining. Myrtle and Alex's Rainbow Lodge is the most popular resort destination west of Banff and Jasper. Way to go, Myrtle! |
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Other lodges open throughout the valley. The abundant fish stocks make Whistler a summer resort destination long before it is considered a winter one. |
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Four Vancouver businessmen envision Whistler as the site to host a future Winter Olympic Games. The bid is unsuccessful; however, the Garibaldi Lift Company is formed with Franz Wilhelmsen as president. The goal is to create a ski hill. |
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Whistler still has no road, electricity, or sewer systems. |
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Whistler Mountain finally gets the name " Garibaldi Whistler Mountain ". A four person gondola, a double chairlift, two T-bars, and a day lodge are constructed. |
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Whistler officially opens for skiing. |
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Whistler becomes the first "Resort Municipality" in Canada . |
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The new municipality is given 53 acres of Crown land to develop a town centre. |
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Construction begins on the new town centre that will eventually become Whistler Village. |
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Blackcomb Mountain opens creating one of the largest ski complexes in North America. |
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Blackcomb Mountain expands its terrain and becomes North America's only " Mile High Mountain ". |
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Snow Country Magazine votes Whistler the "Number One Ski Resort in North America " and the trend continues for almost a decade. |
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Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains merge under Intrawest Corporation. |
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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces Vancouver/Whistler as the Host City for the 2010 Olympic Winter and Paralympic Winter Games. |
