Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova
A trip to Whistler is a trip to nature. Crisp mountain air, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife are just some of the environmental features that make Whistler so popular. It’s important that we all do our part to protect it. We thought it would be useful to provide you with some green travel tips as well as highlight some of the community initiatives working hard to look after Whistler! Check them out if you’re planning a trip to Whistler and feel free to share your own eco-travel tips in the comments!
Leave The Car Behind – Alternatives To Driving
You’ve arrived to Whistler and you’ve checked into your accommodation. Now, honestly, you could just leave the car in the parkade! Whistler’s neighbourhoods are connected by a comprehensive network called The Valley Trail. The majority is paved and it’s perfect for walking, running or cycling.
Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova
If you’re staying in a hotel in town, ask about guest shuttles or complimentary bikes – many operators will offer these services. If you’re planning an excursion further afield, consider Whistler transit to get you there. Popular stops along the route include Lost Lake, Meadow Park Sports Centre (to access Rainbow Park), and Function Junction. A trip to Whistler is not complete without a hike to the Trainwreck – ride Whistler transit to Cheakamus Crossing!
Leave The Car Behind – Electric Vehicles
If you’re planning a trip to Whistler with an electric vehicle, it’s good to know that Whistler is home to a great network of EV charging stations! Charging stations are installed at public parking locations including Day Lots 1, 2, and 4, as well as Conference Centre Lot A. All stations use Level 2 chargers for compatibility with a wide range of electric-battery vehicle models. Many hotels also feature EV charging points – we’d recommend checking with your hotel prior to arrival.
Photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Conserving Resources
Many of these practices are commonplace these days, but just because we’re on vacation doesn’t mean we should neglect our role in protecting the environment, right? When you leave your accommodation for the day, ensure that all lights and appliances are off. Throughout your trip to Whistler, consider participating in your hotel’s environmental initiatives, such as linen reuse, and recycling programs.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Drink up!
Another easy way to reduce your environmental impact during your trip to Whistler is to carry hot and cold liquid containers. This ensures that your morning coffee doesn’t require a takeout cup, and that you can drink Whistler’s mountain-fresh tap water with no single-use plastic bottles!
Trail Etiquette
When out and about on Whistler’s beautiful trails, be sure to follow correct trail etiquette and abide by posted signs.
Trail Etiquette – Leave No Trace
“Take only photos and leave only footprints”, as they say. By packing-out what you packed-in, you can do your part in reducing trash on the trail.
Many believe it’s ok to leave food scraps because, “It’s organic and totally compostable, man.” Wrong. Besides the fact that food attracts bears, many things will not decompose as expected, especially in the alpine. Orange peels left at high elevation will still be there next spring.
Tourism Whistler
We encourage you to go one step better and leave the environment BETTER than you found it. If you see a piece of trash accidently left behind by another trail user – add it to your own trash and pack it out. The responsibility of looking after the environment is largely on us!
Trail Etiquette – Man’s Best Friend
Of course, we courage you to explore Whistler with your dog, but trail etiquette extends to our four-legged friends, too! Beforehand, ensure that your pooch is allowed on the trail. Click here for 7 dog-friendly hikes around Whistler. Keep your dog on leash to avoid any unpleasant encounters with wildlife such as bears. When nature calls, remember to bag it and pack it out. Please do not leave your poo-filled bags at the side of the trail.
Behind The Scenes – Whistler’s Eco Superstars
Sustainable Bike Trails – Whistler’s Eco Superstars
Are you planning to ride your bike during your trip to Whistler? Whether you’re cycling Squamish, Whistler or Pemberton, you have their respective off-road cycling associations (SORCA/WORCA/PORCA) to commend. These guys work voluntarily to promote responsible use of Sea-to-Sky biking trails, and work hard to construct, maintain, and advocate for them. Every year they sanction events that bring the mountain biking community together, and foster the evolution of the sport through youth programs.
AWARE – Whistler’s Eco Superstars
The Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE) has been working for the Whistler environment since 1989. AWARE’s continual focus is on: connecting people and nature; building a sustainable community; and safeguarding habitat, biodiversity and wilderness values. AWARE is responsible for zero waste programs, conservation and climate action programs, and kids’ nature programs. New for 2021: Whistler’s Seed Library is the place to exchange seeds encouraging sustainable gardening in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor!
An Epic Promise – Whistler’s Eco Superstars
Established by Vail Resorts, the Epic Promise started at Whistler Blackcomb in 2017 and commits to zero net emissions by 2030, zero waste to landfill by 2030 and zero net operating impact to forests and habitat. Everything Vail Resorts does is built upon the promise of bringing together the mountains, our communities, employees and guests to ignite a passion for the outdoors, conserve the natural environment and support our local communities for a bright, sustainable future. Fun fact: Whistler Blackcomb’s sustainability efforts have led to their 10th win as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers.
Learn more about community initiatives by visiting whistler.com’s Environmental Commitment page and selecting ‘Community Initiatives’.
Nita Lake Lodge – Whistler’s Eco Superstars
But what about us? What is Nita Lake Lodge doing to be green? If you’re planning a trip to Whistler and staying at Nita, you’ll notice a number of eco initiatives in place. This includes geothermal heating and cooling throughout the property, an eco-friendly irrigation system, and a comprehensive recycling and composting program. We even have a PPE recycling program to play our part in reducing waste caused as a result of COVID-19.
If you’re interested in booking a trip to Whistler, be sure to book direct for the best available rate. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay up-to-date with our green initiatives, as well as to be the first to know about our seasonal promotions.