Filming Guidelines

The RMOW filming guidelines take into account that while productions need flexibility, Whistler citizens’ rights, safety and privacy must be protected. The RMOW would like to be engaged from day one with producers, directors, and photographers to ensure that information is effectively exchanged that all parties affected by a production are aware of scheduling and potential inconveniences.

A production that’s committed to safety and establishing good relationships with Whistler’s residents, visitors, and businesses is always welcome.

COVID-19 Work Safe BC Safety Plan

Protocols for returning to operation
These protocols provide guidance to employers in the motion picture and television production industry. These employers may also benefit from reviewing other protocols if their workplace includes other work environments such as offices, personal services, food and drink services, and construction.

Employers must also ensure they are abiding by any orders, notices, or guidance issued by the provincial health officer, and the appropriate health authority, that are relevant to their workplace.

Film Locations

The RMOW asks that producers, directors or photographers consider their location needs before applying for a film permit.

Here are some basics about filming location options in Whistler:

Whistler Village

Whistler Village, a unique pedestrian-only town centre, combines the charm of an old world alpine village with a level of modern sophistication not often seen in mountain resorts. This unique pedestrian village also includes two smaller satellite areas, Village North and Upper Village. Except for designated areas in front of the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas, all exterior locations throughout the Village require RMOW film permits. Both Skiers Plaza and Upper Village gondola areas are under the jurisdiction of Whistler Blackcomb.

Requirements in addition to permitting:

Whistler Village pedestrian malls cannot be closed for public access to facilitate filming.
Access to restaurants, stores and other services must be maintained.
The RMOW requires that all impacted businesses in a location area be notified of filming in writing at least seven days prior to filming.

Whistler Interpretive Forest

Need trees? A suspension bridge? Some serious biking trails? The 3,000 hectare Whistler Interpretative Forest is located 10 kilometres south of the Village, east of Function Junction.

Home to the breathtaking Cheakamus River gorge, House Rock and an enviable trail network, this RMOW managed forest is a favourite with production companies in part because of its excellent vehicle access.

Resort Municipality of Whistler Parks

Whistler has many beautiful parks, several featuring lakes, which are ideal for location shooting. Whistler also has a very active community engaged in many activities that take place at our parks.

While the RMOW endeavours to accommodate everyone’s schedules, when it comes to park use, priority is given to the resort community.

Find more information about Whistler’s parks.

Filming In Subdivisions

Whistler subdivisions offer great location possibilities with houses that include everything from A-frame cabins to modern mansions. When shooting in these areas, the RMOW has two basic requirements outside of appropriate permitting.

Requirements in addition to permitting:

The RMOW requires that all impacted residences in a location area be notified of filming in writing at least seven days prior to filming.
The RMOW asks that the film permit coordinator also be notified when filming on private property within the municipal boundaries.

Parking Regulations

Please arrange parking for all of your production vehicles, cast, crew and craft services in advance.

Village parking fees for the duration of a production can be negotiated with the RMOW film permit coordinator.

Outside of Whistler Village, parking is permitted on the side of municipal roads with even numbered houses only.

Parking on the odd side of the street is prohibited, as is parking in fire lanes.

During winter November 1 through March 31, parking on the even side of the street is prohibited between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily to facilitate snow clearing.

Find more information about parking in Whistler.

Noise Bylaw and Hours of Filming

All film productions are subject to the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s Noise Bylaw No. 1660, 2004 and are therefore restricted to filming between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

If there a production needs to film at night, please contact the RMOW. Exceptions may be granted depending on the specific needs of the shoot.

Sustainability

The RMOW encourages efforts and provide suggestions about how to make your film production greener.

Find information about the Creative BC'S sustainability initiatives on their website.

Contact

Christa Vandeberg
Film Permit Coordinator
604-935-8417
cvandeberg@whistler.ca

Other Resort Contacts

Tourism Whistler: Tourism Whistler may be able to assist production that meet specific filming requirements. Please contact Tourism Whistler directly at www.whistler.com.

Whistler Blackcomb: Requests to film shooting on either Whistler or Blackcomb mountains, or the gondola loading areas within the Village, should be directed to Whistler Blackcomb’s public relations department: Phone: 604-932-3141.

Ministry of Agriculture and Lands: For requests to film on Crown land, please contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Crown Land Administration.

RCMP and Fire Rescue Services: Depending on the particulars of a film shoot, police and fire rescue services can be necessary components of production. In Whistler, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is the local law enforcement agency. Phone: 604-932-3044.

Fire Rescue Services are available to provide safety equipment and crews for special effects. The rate of $385 per hour includes a fire truck and four firefighters. Phone: 604-935-8260.