Blogs from Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, North America - page 4

Geo: 50.1183, -122.954The big event today is to dress up like Santa �� and ski the day away. Alternately, you can dress however you like and watch the Santas.Unfortunately you have to be awake and on the mountain before 9 o'clock. Mac and I didn't quite make it. But Anthony and Ian did and they shredded the mountain (and Anthony's Santa suit). Their 7.30 early start (in the dark we believe) got them free lift passes for the day (that's $109 here). They joined with dozens of other early bird Santas and then stayed in costume all day. They were a hit of course and had themselves featured on everyone's social media pages and in The Quest newspaper and of course are the stars of their own super hero gopro feature film. (Footage pending ��). And ... read more

Back in the land of the maple leaf and friendly people... I have been back from travelling for exactly a month now. Feelings are bitter-sweet. Is it the travel blues? Am I depressed? Should I have stayed in sunny Australia? Am I just not seeing the doors that are to be open? I have moved back to a beloved mountain town, that I have always been in love with. The mountains are gorgeous and the seasons here are beautiful and pure. I found happiness in my life, in this same town, 5 years ago. I had a good life here, before I decided to let everything go. I think sometimes, when you get too comfortable in your life, you need to shake things up. When you are too cozy, you are blind to new adventures and ... read more

Arriving into Vancouver on Saturday morning, and after finding the bus and then the hostel, I went to explorethe local neighbourhood. I had arrived on the first day of the "Festival of Light" a 3 night firework competition, the first night was China. I have no idea how they judge a firework competition however China's fireworks were awesome. I liked the smiley faces ones for the novelty factor, also they looked happy! I was staying in west Vancouver in near Davie street, which is in the "gaybourhood" even the zebra crossings were rainbow coloured and the bus benches were all pink. It is a colourful, vibrant and friendly place. There is a community garden which was built on top of a old service station which I thought was a cool idea, and the best part was ... read more

Legendary Whistler Blackcomb is widely regarded as one of the top four-season resorts in North America. The resort appears regularly in "Best of" lists from around the globe not only for its skiing & snowboarding, but also for its hotels, restaurants and golf courses. Whistler has been voted among the top destinations in North America by major ski magazines since the mid-1990s. Whistler became even more world-renowned after it was the site of the alpine & Nordic venues for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games. Over two million people visit Whistler annually, primarily for alpine skiing and snowboarding in the winter, & mountain biking on Whistler Blackcomb mountains in the summer. History: Until the 1960s, this quiet area was without basic infrastructure, ie no sewage facilities, water, or electricity, and no road from Squamish ... read more

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler BC The Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation have coexisted respectfully as neighbors since time immemorial. They thrived on the bounty of the ocean, the rivers, and the land, living in close relationship with the world around them. Their cultures are grounded in rich, ancient traditions, & continue to grow and evolve in a modern world. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) was built to preserve these cultures & share them with others. The idea of a world-class center was born in 1997. The historic Protocol Agreement between the two nations was signed in 2001 & is the only agreement of its kind in Canada. The center, built on the north side of the property in order to leave the forested area mostly untouched, includes a modern interpretation of a ... read more