To and From Whistler

There are many ways to get to Whistler from Vancouver, depending on your budget. The closest airport is Vancouver International Airport, about 120 km (74 mi) away.

By Bus

Greyhound Canada has service to Whistler from the downtown Vancouver depot and from Vancouver Airport.

Perimeter Whistler Express has daily bus service from Vancouver International Airport, as well as many Vancouver hotels, to Whistler (11 times a day in ski season, 7 times a day in summer). There's a ticket booth at domestic arrivals Level 2 and one at the airport's international receiving lounge. The fare is C$65 one way; reservations are highly recommended.

By Car

Driving from Vancouver to Whistler takes approximately two hours along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, (aka Highway 99), but the highway is undergoing a serious face-lift in preparation for the 2010 Olympics. To avoid getting stuck in construction traffic, visit www.seatoskyimprovements.ca for information on closure dates and times.

By Helicopter

If you've got the money, you can travel in style: Glacier Tours has charter helicopter service between the Whistler Heliport and the Vancouver International Airport (South Terminal) or the Vancouver Harbour Helipad for around C$3,000. Blackcomb Helicopters does transfers between Whistler and Vancouver, starting around C$2,500. West Coast Air connects Victoria and Whistler, June through September.

By Limo

LimoJet Gold runs limo service from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler for C$295 per trip. There's also Pearl International Limousine Service: their stretch limos, sedans, 10-passenger vans, and excursion limos are equipped with blankets, pillows, bottled water, and videos so you can enjoy the ride. Rates start at about C$350.

Vancouver All-Terrain Adventures charters four-wheel drives from the Vancouver airport or downtown Vancouver to Whistler. Vehicles travel regardless of the weather and can stop for sightseeing along the way. The cost ranges from C$300 to C$350 one way.

By Train

Launched in May 2006, the Whistler Mountaineer is a three-hour, premier train journey from North Vancouver to Whistler. It's an "experience" train trip, providing passengers with commentary and refreshments while taking in the Sea to Sky's jaw-dropping scenery. Fares start at C$110 one-way.

Contacts

Downtown Vancouver Depot (1150 Station St. No phone). Greyhound Canada (604/482-8747 or 800/661-8747. www.greyhound.ca). Blackcomb Helicopters (604/938-1700. www.blackcombhelicopters.com). Glacier Tours (800/208-4421. www.glacierair.com). LimoJet Gold (604/273-1331 or 800/278-8742. www.limojetgold.com). Ministry of Transportation (www.th.gov.bc.ca/bchighways/roadreports) Pearl International Limousine Service (604/732-7897 or 877/977-3275. www.pearllimousine.com). Perimeter Whistler Express (604/266-5386 or 877/317-7788. www.perimeterbus.com). Vancouver All-Terrain Adventures (604/984-2374 or 888/754-5601. www.all-terrain.com). West Coast Air (800/347-2222. www.westcoastair.com). Whistler Mountaineer (888/687-7245. www.whistlermountaineer.com).