Is Whistler Open?

[UPDATED: 2 July, 2021] I think it’s safe to say we’ll all be pleased when the pandemic is behind us. There have been so many updates to public health orders and advisories, and you may be left wondering “Is Whistler Open?”

Loosened COVID-19 restrictions follow high vaccination rate, falling case counts. Pique Newsmagazine reports: ‘Horgan conveyed in late May that his restart plan for the economy would come in steps. The first step went into effect May 25, with the second step following on June 15.’

July 1st saw the province enter Phase 3 of the Restart Plan, which means that masks are no longer mandated; just recommended, and BC’s restaurants and bars have more flexibility in terms of capacity.

With so much changing, we thought we would answer the question “Is Whistler open?” and offer some insight as to what to hopefully expect while you’re here.

Is Whistler Open? – Accommodation

Whistler’s hotels are open, and reservations are being accepted from guests Canada-wide. Talks are still underway on the reopening of the Canada/United States border.

‘As restrictions on nonessential travel across the U.S.-Canada land border enter their 16th month this week, pressure is rising on both sides for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Biden to crack it open — even a little — or to provide something, anything, about what a reopening plan might look like.’ writes the Washington Post.

At the time of publishing this post, all of Whistler’s hotels are open. An up-to-date list of local business operations may be found via the Tourism Whistler ‘Doors Open’ directory.

Is Whistler Open? – Dining

Patio season is here and Whistler’s dining establishments have pivoted hard to meet the ever-evolving Public Health Orders. Expect dine-in and takeout to be available at all of your fave Whistler eateries, as well as new room service options designed to enhance your stay at several hotels.

Dine-in options were reinstated in BC May 25^th and our restaurants and bars have all of the necessary measures in place to ensure a safe experience for all. At the time of writing this post, restaurants, bars, and pubs will no longer have to restrict hours for serving liquor or have six-person caps on tables. Mask wearing is optional – but we recommend that you please check with the establishment before making any assumptions.

Is Whistler Open? What’s The Vibe?

Things are optimistic. Whistler is a resort town and so welcoming visitors is second nature to us! It’s great to see so many people being respectful of signage and protocol, and it’s encouraging that we are all trying to be part of the solution.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park opened May 31^st and the chairlifts are turning once again since being shut down by the Province in March. That in itself has injected huge amounts of optimism and the resort is looking forward to a great summer.

Should I Travel To Whistler?

Guest from throughout Canada are being welcomed back to Whistler!

At the time of publishing this post, there is no quarantine requirement for domestic travellers upon arrival in British Columbia. Interprovincial travel to British Columbia is allowed as per Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan (which began July 1, 2021). The Canada/US border remains closed to leisure and recreational travellers at this time.

For those considering travel from further afield, things get quite a bit more complicated. Air travellers 5 years of age or older are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to the airline prior to boarding international flights bound for Canada.

A molecular test upon arrival in Canada is required at the cost of the individual, and you are required to reserve a room in a Government of Canada-approved hotel for up to three nights (again, at the cost of the individual while they wait for their test results).

Travellers with negative test results must complete their 14-day quarantine at home under increased surveillance and enforcement. Travellers with positive test results will be transferred to designated quarantine facilities. More information on international travel restrictions may be found on the Government Of Canada website.

A reminder that masks are recommended for everyone in all public indoor settings and workplaces in British Columbia. Whistler also encourages masks in the busier, outdoor parts of the Village Stroll. Masks are no longer mandated by the Provincial Government.

Is Whistler Open? Yes! Things To Do While You’re Here

One of the first questions that we get asked by guests is “What are the top things to do in Whistler?” To be frank, there’s just so many! But we thought we would compile a big bucket list of an incredible 50 Must-dos and must-sees in Whistler. Just a little something to keep you occupied!