Learning the Whistler Village Lingo

If you’re heading to Whistler, chances are pretty good that at one point or another, you’ll end up in Whistler Village, the literal and metaphorical centre of our mountain resort town.

To properly explore Whistler Village in all its glory, you’re going to need to learn the lingo. A quick review of our Whistler Village Glossary is all you’ll need to learn the lay of the land.

The Village: This is the short form of “Whistler Village”, and refers to the central neighbourhood that hosts many of Whistler’s hotels, restaurants, shops, activity starting points, pubs, spas, clubs… the list goes on.

The Village Stroll: Stretching from one end of the Village to the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the Village Stroll is a pedestrian-only pathway that winds in and around town. It takes about 10 or 15 minutes to wander from one end to the other—don’t forget to explore the nodes that extend off the Village Stroll!

The Gondolas: Whistler and Blackcomb are the two mountains that attracts many of our visitors, whether it’s for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, or sightseeing. You can access both mountains right from the Village: two gondolas, one for each mountain, can be found at the end of the Village Stroll.

Marketplace: If the gondolas mark one end of Whistler Village, then Marketplace marks the other end. Anchored by a grocery store and peppered with other shops and businesses, if you reach Marketplace, then you’ve made it to the end of the Village Stroll!

Apres: Referring to the European tradition of imbibing in some food and drink after a satisfying day on the mountain, you’ll be able to experience apres at the many restaurants and pubs throughout Whistler Village. There are plenty of patios in prime locations throughout the Village Stroll, so pick your favourite—or try them all!

Olympic Plaza: You won’t be able to miss the Olympic Rings right along the Village stroll, a badge of honour worn by Whistler for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics Games. The rings are the landmark for Olympic Plaza, a field and stage area where you can play, watch concerts, wander festivals, or skate the free ice rink that pops up in the winter months.

Whistler Tasting Tours: As you wander Whistler Village, you’ll notice that we have more than a few world-class culinary hotspots. For those who want to try them all, check out Whistler Tasting Tours, a group that will guide you through a multi-course meal around Whistler’s top restaurants. Pick a tour to match your tastes.

Crankworx: If you hear rumblings about Crankworx, the topic in question is the world famous mountain biking festival that takes place every August right in Whistler Village. You won’t be able to miss the booths, stages, and incredible dirt jumps at the bases of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, where downhill and cross country mountain biking athletes will exhibit their athletic prowess. Crankworx is a festival that’s not to be missed!

The Bus Loop: Follow the Village Stroll towards Whistler and Blackcomb. When you reach the gondolas, take a left (past the Dubh Linn Gate) and head up a short flight of stairs. You’ll pop out onto the Bus Loop. As the name implies, this is the place to go to catch a bus, but it’s also the pick up location for many adventure outfitters (like zip lining and ATVing, to name a few).

Got it all memorized? Excellent! You're ready for the next step: booking your accommodations right in the heart of Whistler Village, so that you'll get to experience it all!