Know before you go! Plan ahead for a busy B.C. Day long weekend

Publication Date: July 28, 2021

Know Before You Go

Wildfire danger in Whistler is Extreme, no fires allowed anywhere

July 28, 2021: Whistler, B.C. – In anticipation of a busy weekend in Whistler, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) reminds residents and resorts guests to plan ahead.

Park and Play: Move beyond the car

Parking lots in Whistler parks fill up very early, especially on warm, sunny days at Rainbow, Alpha Lake, Lakeside and Wayside Parks. Park the car in the Day Lots in Whistler Village or any of Whistler’s public parking lots, and take advantage of the free Rainbow Park and Lost Lake Free Shuttles and free local transit on B.C. Day and each weekend this summer.

Please be advised masks are required on the free Rainbow Park Shuttle and recommended on all BC Transit buses. Visit whistler.ca/summer for the Rainbow Park Shuttle route and schedules and bctransit.com/whistler for transit schedules including the Route 8 – Lost Lake Free Shuttle and the Route 5 – Upper Village/Benchlands free Shuttle.

Travelling by bicycle is also a fun and effective way to move throughout the valley and to get the full Whistler experience.  If you are visiting this weekend, consider bringing your bike or renting from a local rental shop. Also be sure to take advantage of the free secure bike parking at Olympic Plaza, Rainbow Park and Lost Lake Park.  Secure bike parking is available all summer long on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays.  Learn more about Whistler’s secure bicycle parking at whistler.ca/summer.

Plan your day in the Village, book or reserve if possible

It is recommended to make reservations ahead of time for your favourite restaurant to ensure you get a table at the time you want. Please be kind and patient with all staff at local businesses.  Many establishments are experiencing significant staff shortages and continue to work hard to provide great service. 

If you have an activity in mind, call ahead or book in advance if possible.

Wildfire Risk Remains Extreme, sign up for emergency notifications

Whistler’s fire danger rating is currently extreme. This means that campfires are not permitted and only propane barbecues are allowed in parks.  Smoking cigarettes or marijuana are not permitted in any municipal parks, on the Valley Trail and within the Village. 

If smoking in a permitted area, dispose of butts responsibly.  Fully extinguish the cigarette using water and put the cigarette butt in an ashtray or pocket ashtray.

If you see a wildfire in Whistler, immediately call 9-1-1.  To report wildfires outside of Whistler, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 toll-free on most cellular networks.

Residents and visitors should sign up for Whistler’s emergency notification system, WhistlerAlert. Visitors are able to indicate dates when in Whistler and will only receive notifications during their stay. Register for Whistler Alert at www.whistler.ca/whistleralert to receive alerts via phone, text or email in the event of a local emergency in Whistler.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Resident and guest safety remains a top priority.  Some COVID-19 measures remain in place to keep the public safe this summer.  Please be reminded that some stores may still require mask wearing and have occupancy limits.   As recommended by the Public Health Officer, those who have not received their second dose should continue to take additional precautions including wearing masks indoors, physically distancing and practicing good hand hygiene. 

Please be respectful of other’s comfort levels as we welcome visitors back to Whistler.

For summer construction updates, advisories, shuttle and transit schedules and parking information, visit whistler.ca/summer.