Whistler’s ancient forests, beautiful mountain vistas, crystal clear rivers, and lakes, and an abundance of fresh, clean air, help to make it one of the world’s leading travel destinations. In addition to being North America’s premier ski resort, this unique town in the mountains of British Columbia boasts some of Canada’s best natural beauty.
With an economy reliant on annual snowfall, Whistler is particularly vulnerable to climate change. That’s why Vail Resorts, owner of Whistler Blackcomb, established their Epic Promise to a Zero Carbon Footprint – an initiative that has inspired many local businesses, residents, and tourists to get in on the green ski revolution. So far, they’ve invested US$2.4 million into energy upgrades including more LED lighting and 168 high-efficiency, automated snow guns. This move alone led to a decrease of 37,511 million metric British thermal units and put it a quarter of the way towards its 2030 energy-efficiency goal.
The resort also has a target to send zero waste to landfill sites. Recycling initiatives, a reduction in packaging and waste tracking are all in place to help achieve this goal. One of the most important aims of the pledge is to have “zero operating impact to forests and wildlife habitat”. For every acre of forest that’s “displaced”, Vail promises to plant or restore an acre of forest. Donations to non-profit organizations to protect local wildlife and natural habitats have already exceeded over $1 million.
At a time when travellers are making travel decisions based on environmental credentials, Whistler is proud to be one of the most eco-friendly ski options in 2020. Here’s our carbon-conscious guide to this Canadian winter wonderland. After all, a thirst for adventure shouldn’t have to damage the world around us.
Planet Friendly Places to Stay
When it comes to eco-friendly stays, the Nita Lake Lodge is right up there. The stunning lakeside location serves as a reminder of what carbon-cutting efforts are designed to protect. Nita Lake grows its herbs and vegetables on an organic rooftop garden, uses energy-efficient lighting, has a policy of using chemical-free cleaning products, offers a comprehensive recycling program, and only houses energy-efficient boilers.
The 4-star Hilton Whistler Resort recently upgraded its facilities to include energy-efficient lightbulbs, economy flush units in all toilets, biodegradable take-out packaging, and eco showerheads, making it another hotel worthy of a mention here.
The Westin Resort & Spa is on a mission to become the most eco-friendly hotel in Whistler. Their Make a Green Choice program has been widely praised by environmentalists, with guests offered reward vouchers in return for making eco-conscious choices. Opt for a night without a full housekeeping service and save water, electricity and natural gas. Alternatively, take advantage of the hybrid guest shuttle or Energex heating and cooling system that uses infra-red sensors to detect guest presence.
Planet Friendly Things To Do
Skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only things to do in Whistler. There’s a healthy abundance of activities to enjoy without even getting near the slopes. For those mindful of the planet, we’ve rounded up the top Whistler adventures to enjoy with a minimal footprint.
Axe throwing has become a worldwide phenomenon but the roots of this sport lie right here in Canada. There’s something wonderfully liberating about hurling axes at wooden targets, just like the lumberjacks of old. Today, this woodland pastime has become a bona fide sport and popular party activity. Forged Axe Throwing, located in neighboring Function Junction, is a place committed to the environment too. The venue repurposes its wooden targets by offering them as firewood. Wood is regarded as a safe fuel and a greater alternative to oil and other fossil fuels. It also provides locals with an excuse to test their aim at one of the hour-long axe throwing drop-in sessions.
Replace your carbon footprint with snowy hoofprints on a Whistler sleigh ride using good old fashioned horsepower. Available during the peak winter months, this activity is one of the most popular ways to explore the Whistler backcountry. Popular with families and couples alike, you’ll need to book in advance for this one.
Tubing is another planet-friendly pastime to add to the list. Think sledding but way more fun. Easily accessible from the Village, the Whistler Blackcomb Tube Park is the best place to slide your way over 1,000 feet of ice lanes.
If you’ve ever wondered what it must be like to hurtle your way through the snow behind a pack of Arctic snow dogs, wonder no more. Canadian Wilderness Adventures offer unmissable dog sledding experiences and even offer the chance to learn a few commands or mush for yourself. What’s more, the impact on the environment is tiny.
If flying above old-growth forests strapped to a wire sounds like your thing, head to the Whistler zipline. This truly exhilarating activity sees adventurers strapped into a specially designed harness that even lets two people enjoy the adventure side by side. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open as you fly down the mountainside high above the snowy valley floor and frosted pines.
If culture is more your thing, travel back in time and explore the colorful history of British Columbia. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is the ideal place to learn about the indigenous First Nations. Thoughtfully curated carvings, weavings, and sculptures can be found in abundance here, and you can even try the indigenous fare at the cafe. For the history of Whistler itself, head to Whistler Museum where natural, man-made, serious and humorous artifacts can be examined.
Places To See
If anyone needs some inspiration to save the environment, check out these areas of outstanding natural beauty, located around Whistler.
Porteau Cove, located on the shores of the Howe Sound – the most southerly fjord in North America, is the first of our winter spots. The park is around 50 hectares in size and has two artificial reefs and two sunken vessels. This makes it a popular hotspot for local scuba divers during the summer. Expect frosted fir trees, choppy icy waters and a spectacular mountainous backdrop.
To witness Mother Nature in full force, head to Brandywine Falls. The 70 meter high falls are located in Brandywine Provincial Park which is at the center of at least four basaltic lava flows. The lava flows are around 34,000 years old and are responsible for creating the vertical walls surrounding the falls. This creates an icy vapor and something of a natural marvel.
Finally, the Sea to Sky Highway viewing platform is another place to see Whistler’s natural beauty at its best. The Sea to Sky Gondola takes visitors from the Squamish valley floor, high up in the alpine. While a ride on the gondola is essential, the viewing platform offers up an equally breathtaking perspective. Two viewing platforms alongside several snowshoe trails provide nearly 360° views of the Howe Sound, coast mountains and an impressive suspension bridge. If these stunning sights don’t inspire you to take planet-saving steps, nothing will.
Information and words by Rachael Hopwood
