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Community Information: Whistler/Pemberton

Are you thinking of buying a home in Whistler/Pemberton? Here is community information to help you.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler lies nestled in the spectacular Coast Mountains 120 kilometres north of Vancouver. This charming alpine village is widely known as one of the world's best ski resorts. People from all over the world who love mountain living have chosen Whistler for their home.

Detailed population statistics are available at the BC Stats Web Site.

Housing and Zoning

The rapid population growth in Whistler is accompanied by new development in the area. Condominiums and attached houses represent the most significant portion of the new development.

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Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Whistler's reputation as a world-class resort is reflected in the variety of shops, cuisine, entertainment, and services that are available seven days a week. More than 200 shops in the plazas of Whistler Village, Upper Village, and Village North offer a selection of local and international goods including native artwork, high and low fashion articles, sport equipment and specialty foods.

More than 80 restaurants throughout the Resort serve meals from around the world in a variety of settings.

There are also movie theatres, many art galleries, and a public library. Whistler businesses offer a full range of services.

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Parks and Recreation

Living in Whistler offers unlimited opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The resort is the home of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains with a combined elevation of 15,160 feet of skiable terrain and unlimited backcountry. In addition to alpine and cross-country skiing and snowboarding, Whistler offers skating and hockey in the Meadow Park Sports Centre and sometimes on the nearby lakes.

Five local lakes, all with sandy beaches and picnic facilities and a multitude of rivers and creeks are available for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, jetboating, whitewater rafting, and windsurfing.

There are also numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking and roller blading, four golf courses and opportunities for rock climbing.

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Transportation

Highway 99, known as the 'Sea to Sky Highway' connects Whistler to Vancouver via Squamish and Horseshoe Bay. A drive to Vancouver can be accomplished in approximately 2 hours, depending on weather conditions.

The Municipality is very proud of its public transit system. The Whistler Village core is a pedestrian only environment. "The Village Shuttle" is a free service that provides transportation around the village and to and from mountain facilities. There is also a shuttle that runs between the Gondola Transit Exchange and Blackcomb Housing and buses providing transport to other parts of the Municipality.

Rail service to and from the B.C. Rail Station in North Vancouver is currently scheduled once daily. More information is available from B.C. Rail Web Site.

Float Plane service is available in summer months only. Gusting winds at the Pemberton airport prevent reliable scheduling of regular flights. Charter helicopter services to and from Whistler are also available.

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Education

Whistler and Pemberton elementary and secondary schools are the responsibility of the Howe Sound School District #48.
For school rankings, visit the B.C. Ministry of Education site or contact the New Vancouver School Board for detailed school profiles.

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Pemberton

The farming community of Pemberton is located 35 kilometres north of Whistler, in the sunny Lillooet River valley. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, geothermal hotsprings, thundering waterfalls, ancient volcanoes, turqoise lakes, giant glaciers, the village offers exceptional recreational opportunities, quiet family life style in the close vicinity of the world-class ski resort.

The 1996 Census recorded a population of 855 but, as the Village of Pemberton is so close to the rapidly growing Whistler, this number is expected to grow substantially, due to the spin-off effect, Population statistics are available at the BC Stats Web site.

House prices are approximately two times lower than in nearby Whistler.

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Other Web Sites

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