Whistler ready to safely welcome back visitors this summer
Get back to nature while adventuring responsibly
It’s hard to imagine the gloriously long summer days of B.C. without visions of great outdoor excursions, whether it’s hiking, mountain biking or fishing. Under the expert guidance of the province’s top health care professionals, B.C. is now easing further into its COVID-19 recovery plan and cautiously re-opening parks and resorts. Just in time for summer, one of B.C.’s most popular destinations is ready for visitors to resume their adventures under the sun — safely and mindfully.
“We are looking forward to welcoming our guests back to Whistler, but it is important for visitors to understand the Whistler experience is going to be different this summer,” says Lauren Everest, senior manager of corporate and member communications at Tourism Whistler. “Whistler is committed to upholding the highest standards in health and safety to protect our visitors and our community, which means local businesses and experiences will be operating with new guidelines and protocols. This summer more than ever, it will be important to plan ahead and know before you go.”
RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR
“We are asking our visitors to be patient and understanding, and to explore Whistler responsibly this summer. For example, we all need to hike, bike and play within our comfort zones so we don’t put any unnecessary burden on our local health care resources.”
Whistler’s careful re-opening is the result of monitoring and maintaining responsible behaviour. The resort has tracked the impact of the pandemic on local businesses and modified municipal services according to provincial recommendations. Particularly in B.C., where mental and physical health has been prioritized during the pandemic with properly distanced outdoor activities, Whistler has taken measures to ensure the safety of the local community and incoming visitors. In a post-COVID-19 world, people will still be able to keep their passion for the mountains alive and experience the province’s most stunning natural vistas.
To help tourists plan their summer vacations without added stress, Tourism Whistler (whistler.com/doorsopen) has created a one-stop-shop for visitors to learn more about how their favourite local businesses are making things safe. Details about available activities, dining, lodging, shopping, transportation and wellness can be searched for in a user-friendly interface that is updated regularly with the latest information.
Diners can search whether local restaurants have spaced patio seating, contactless payment, physical barriers or sanitizing stations in-place. Overnight guests can confirm their accommodations have modified housekeeping, limited occupancy capacity or even if there are 48-hour buffers between room uses. And both outdoor lovers and art aficionados can learn which tour companies are operating and which galleries are open, taking the guesswork out of the planning process.
DEALS
The pandemic has been difficult on many, so Whistler is additionally offering summer packages to help welcome back B.C. residents. Deals include a $50 adventure voucher toward any activity or transportation product sold on Whistler.com when a stay for three or more nights is booked; up to 25 per cent off on the resort’s most popular activities, including ziplining, canoe tours and fishing tours; deals on midweek visits; and discounts on combined stay and play packages.
Visit whistler.com/summer for more information about visiting Whistler this summer.