Whistler wayfinding signage program funded by the Province of British Columbia

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has made significant progress with its Master Wayfinding and Guest Arrival Experience Strategy Project, and installation of new municipal parking and Village pedestrian wayfinding signage will be complete in July thanks to funding from the Province of British Columbia’s Resort Municipality Initiative Program.

The project, which was initiated in 2014, has included extensive consultation with experts and local and regional stakeholders and encompasses improvements to physical wayfinding infrastructure. The project’s aim is to improve the arrival experience for visitors in and around Whistler Village and the overall enjoyment of everyone in the resort community.

The scope of the project includes removal of current signage, consolidating elements, coordinating and updating information, and installing more than 200 newly designed signs, banners and portals throughout Whistler Village and municipal parking areas.

Work ranges from pedestrian panels being replaced on existing poles, to new wayfinding landmarks and portals at key entry and exit points for the Village and parking lots. The designs incorporate materials and shapes that reflect Whistler’s mountain environment. 

All signage is also being coordinated with new pedestrian maps available at kiosks and from the Visitor Information Centre and Village Host booths.

Improvements to the visitor arrival experience and wayfinding throughout the Village were identified as key recommendations of the 2013 Economic Partnership Initiative (EPI) Summary of Key Findings Report, as well as Whistler Village 3.0 outreach with the Whistler business community. The project supports EPI focus area to reinvest in Whistler Village.

The project is being funded through the Province of British Columbia’s Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) program.

“Whistler is consistently ranked one of North America’s top year-round resort destinations, and is a cornerstone of B.C.’s multi-billion-dollar tourism industry,” said Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. “The province is pleased to support this project, which will enhance the Whistler guest experience by making it easier for visitors to stay on track while exploring the resort.”

Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden said, "Through provincial RMI contributions the Resort Municipality of Whistler has invested in a comprehensive review and update to our wayfinding strategy and infrastructure to enhance the experience of our 2.7 million annual visitors."

She added, "The signage will help people get around Whistler and find some of the many hidden gems, as well as the many popular sites throughout the community. I’d like to acknowledge the work of community members and partners who worked with municipal staff involved in the creation of this important and exciting project.” 

Find additional information at whistler.ca/wayfinding.

The next phase of the project will focus on development of directional and destination signage for municipal parks and the Valley Trail network. Related to this is the development of trail signage for Whistler’s singletrack trail system.