If you would like to be a part of Whistler's efforts to minimize its environmental footprint, please consider some of these simple ideas when visiting our resort:
Choose Tap Water over Bottled
Tap water in hotels and throughout the community of Whistler is continuously monitored and tested for quality, and is always safe to drink. Please help to reduce single-use plastic waste by avoiding using unnecessary plastic water bottles.
Better Than Bottled: Whistler's Alpine-Fresh Tap Water
The Resort Municipality of Whistler has installed water bottle fill stations throughout the Village and community in order to help reduce consumption of single-use plastics and to promote drinking Whistler’s great tap water. Find a water bottle fill station.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Don’t buy bottled water or use single-use coffee cups. Bring a reusable water bottle or mug with you (or purchase one as a souvenir while you are here) and fill it up with fresh Whistler tap water or other beverages. Refill your reusable container with water throughout the day at the many convenient water fountains around town.
When eating out, ask for no straw in your drink. Many Whistler restaurants and bars already have “no straw” policies in place and will have paper straws available upon request.
Bring a reusable bag with you, or purchase one from a grocery store or gift shop, and say no to plastic bags when you are shopping around town (for groceries, souvenirs, etc). Whistler is working towards becoming a plastic bag-free community and most grocery stores around town charge a small fee for plastic bags upon check-out.
Avoid plastic cutlery and takeout containers. Build in some extra time so you can sit down and eat in the café / restaurant (take it slow – you’re on vacation after all!) or bring your meal home with you and use the reusable cutlery available in your accommodation.
Leave the Car at Home
Help lessen gas emissions and enjoy the scenery on your way up to Whistler by booking a shuttle bus from the Vancouver International Airport or downtown Vancouver. Whistler Village is pedestrian only, with restaurants, shops, hotels, ski lifts and other amenities located within walking distance. Other neighbourhoods, lakes and beaches are all connected by the Valley Trail and buses, so getting around Whistler is easy without a vehicle.
Charge Your Electric Vehicle
If you own an electric vehicle, Whistler offers public charging stations in several convenient locations including Day Lot 1 and the Whistler Conference Centre.
Conserve Energy
When you leave your hotel room, turn off the air conditioning or heat, lights, TV and radio. Close the drapes to keep your room warm in winter or cool in summer.
Conserve Water
Participate in hotel linen programs, or let the hotel know that it's not necessary to change your sheets and towels every day.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
You will find options for separating garbage in the Village and at your hotel, as the resort offers convenient opportunities for reducing, reusing and recycling materials all around town. You can help us reduce waste to protect our beautiful natural environment and tackle climate change.
Take only the brochures or maps that you need and return others to the brochure stand. Participate in recycling and composting programs by placing waste in appropriate bins. Use a reusable shopping bag, coffee cup and waterbottle. If you don't have the items, buy them here as a souvenir!
Tread Lightly
Stay on established trails when hiking to avoid disturbing plants and wildlife, and remember to take garbage with you when you leave.
Leave No Trace: Whistler Hiking/Biking Etiquette
Keep Whistler Idle Free
Whistler encourages our guests and residents to reduce air pollution by turning off vehicles when not in use. While some vehicle idling is necessary, most times an engine can be shut off. Signage can be found in key areas and you can play a part in our anti-idling campaign. Learn more at whistler.ca.
Learn more about what Whistler is doing to protect the environment at whistler.ca.