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This content was created collaboratively by Tourism Whistler and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.
Planners seeking a picturesque backdrop for their next meeting should consider placing Whistler, British Columbia, at the top of their list. From the airport transport to the meeting’s conclusion, the entire experience will feature breathtaking views and gold medal-worthy experiences.
As the host of the 2010 Winter Games, Whistler is accustomed to helping meetings and events achieve new heights by providing warm hospitality and a fresh perspective to planners and attendees. And while this scenic mountain is a favorite for many to hit the slopes, it is unquestionably a thrilling destination year-round.
Read on to learn more about how the combination of natural beauty and top-of-the-line meeting facilities make Whistler ideal for meetings, incentive trips, and events of all sizes.
Enjoy the Village
With attendees expecting outside-the-conference-room experiences, Whistler is a breath of fresh air. While the mountains are sky-high, the village — where your attendees will be based during the meeting — is refreshingly down-to-earth.
It is easy to revel in the highly walkable, small-town atmosphere that the Village provides. It is a far cry from the daily grind inside the office, making it ideal to recharge and reinvigorate organization members and CEOs. Planners may consider eschewing a packed agenda and rather build in plenty of free time to allow attendees to soak in the change of pace.
Beyond the simple joy of walking the streets, Whistler Village includes amenities that blur the line between business and leisure, thus adding to the overall event experience. Spas, shops, restaurants, and bars are all just a short walk from hotel rooms. Planners can allow attendees to explore Whitler’s arts and culture at their own pace — perfect for an incentive trip — or schedule a private event at one of the galleries for memorable receptions.
Preston Miller, director of conference sales at Tourism Whistler, says the number of options available is a pleasant surprise for visitors. “Many event planners are drawn to Whistler for its campus-like atmosphere, where the pedestrian-only village offers a vibrant and safe environment, day and night. Attendees can effortlessly immerse themselves in all that Whistler has to offer, with everything just steps away from their hotel,” he notes.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
The Village’s charm is matched by the excitement offered by unique outdoor activities that build teamwork and prove worthy rewards for incentive winners.
Ski enthusiasts will be thrilled to hit the same slopes Lindsay Vonn championed in 2010. Snowboarding and snowmobiling are also popular winter outings, as is snow tubing at bubly Tube Park. Families tagging along with attendees can spend a whole day there, especially since snow tubing doesn’t require special equipment or training — just a sense of fun.
Planners can take advantage of the surge in Olympic interest following the Paris Games by scheduling private bobsleigh and skeleton (face-first sledding) experiences, as well as cross-country outings. Adventurous groups may also be interested in ski-jumping.
While snow-based activities will live up to the hype, Whistler’s appeal is year-round. Biking, hiking, fishing, and golf offer familiar warm-weather activities that are enhanced by the scenic backdrop. Ziplining offers majestic views of the mountains, and ATV tours provide a ground-level perspective of the surroundings. And Whistler offers a rare opportunity for attendees to go on bear-viewing excursions.
Slowing down to enjoy the scenery is an outdoor thrill in its own right. Consider picnicking by one of Whistler’s five lakes or creating an al fresco reception. “Imagine outdoor dinners in Whistler’s picturesque parks, mountaintop events on Whistler or Blackcomb, and sipping champagne atop a glacier or within an enchanting ice cave,” says Miller.
Book Unique Venues
A stellar conference center and world-class hotels welcome all types of meetings, from intimate CEO retreats to large-scale events like the Winter Games and the upcoming 2025 Invictus Games.
Whistler Conference Centre, located in the heart of Whistler Village, received a $3.5 million renovation in 2021. With 40,000 square feet of meeting space, the building regularly hosts special events, conferences, and group meetings throughout the year. It also offers full catering services and special green meeting planning.
Unique architecture includes cathedral ceilings and a stone fireplace, creating a warm atmosphere conducive to networking and meeting. State-of-the-art lighting added during the recent upgrades highlights the stellar AV capabilities. Catering includes seasonal favorites that showcase local flavors and vendors, two staples for sustainability-minded organizations.
Planners should be sure to take advantage of Whistler’s other inspired venues. Two standouts are:
- Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is dedicated to Aboriginal culture. It offers a dramatic evening atmosphere for galas, receptions, and other special events, allowing attendees to learn about the First Nations’ enrichment to the region.
- Lakeside Parks adds a level of experience to special events. The Parks are secluded and tucked away into cedar forests but offer magnificent mountain views and are accessible from the village.
Meanwhile, Whistler Village sports a wide variety of conference hotels, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly accommodations. Fairmont Chateau Whistler has the most meeting space, fitting up to 1,500 attendees for a reception. The Westin Resort & Spa holds 1,100. Several others serve 200-500 attendees for mid-sized meetings.
Take Advantage of Easy Travel and Added Value
Getting to Whistler is a breeze, with nearby access to Vancouver International Airport, which has 115 direct routes from Canada and United States destinations. Shuttles run frequently and ride along the Sea to Sky Highway, where attendees can first soak in the region’s natural beauty. The initial drive to Whistler may be one of your attendees’ highlights for the whole trip. Continue the sensory experience and have attendees enjoy the view aboard the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola that connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Miller adds that traveling around the village is also extremely convenient and efficient. “Transfers are virtually effortless and cost-free. This allows your guests to maximize their time enjoying Whistler’s many attractions rather than spending it on logistics,” he says.
Another practical perk for American companies and organizations meeting in Whistler is that your money goes further in Canada. The exchange rate is extremely favorable for incoming Americans:
- American visitors save more than 20 percent due to the current rate.
- 5 percent GST Rebate — Get up to 5 percent savings on meeting-related goods and services.
- Canadian and U.S. meetings receive special discounted rates on air travel.
Support Sustainability
Whistler embraces its natural amenities and works diligently to protect them, aligning with organizations’ sustainability goals.
The Municipality’s Big Moves Strategy sets out a plan to address climate change, reduce emissions by 50 percent compared to 2007 levels by 2030, and reach net zero in the long term. The village’s walkability and shuttles further the effort by reducing the need for cars and cutting down emissions.
Planners can also work with Tourism Whistler to partner with community members and local businesses and organizations that prioritize sustainability to leave a positive legacy. As noted earlier, there is an emphasis on the First Nations throughout the region, allowing for multiple opportunities to teach attendees about the history of their surroundings.
Whistler’s natural beauty and amenities make it a popular destination for meetings and incentive trips. Planners have many choices to create an experience that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Learn more about why Whistler is right for your next event.
This content was created collaboratively by Tourism Whistler and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.
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