Whistler: Our Story

This place has always had a story to tell. Long before it became Whistler, these lands were, and remain, the shared territories of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Nation and L̓il̓wat7úl Nation. Their enduring connection to the mountains, rivers and forests continues to shape the culture of this region today. Over time, Whistler has grown from a remote valley to a global destination, built by visionaries, artists, athletes and a community that’s never lost touch with the land that inspires it, nor the responsibility to protect its natural environment, celebrate its culture, and nurture the youth who carry its spirit forward. From Olympic milestones to everyday mountain moments, our story is one of heritage, resilience and a collective spirit that runs deep.

Celebrating Fifty Years in 2025!

It's the Resort Municipality of Whistler's fiftieth anniversary this year and everyone is invited to celebrate the milestone with a vibrant event series that begins in late summer and runs straight through the fall.

View Whistler Municipality's 50th Anniversary Events

August 21

Whistler Summer Concert Series: PINEO & LOEB

Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza | Time: 6:30 PM

Experience a high-energy night of music in the mountains at Whistler Olympic Plaza with a free open-air concert. Start with a lively DJ set from DJ Foxy Moron, followed by Canadian electronic duo PINEO & LOEB, known for their genre-blending sound and electrifying performances at major festivals. With over 10 million streams and remixes for stars like Sabrina Carpenter, they promise a show you won’t forget. Bring a picnic blanket or hit the dance floor on the great lawn!

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August 21 - August 24

Magic at the Museum: RMOW's 50th Anniversary

Location: Audain Art Museum | Time: TBD

RMOW’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Launch Weekend

Location: Various

August 22

Whistler Summer Concert Series: Sam Roberts Band

Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza | Time: 6:30 PM

Spend a summer evening surrounded by mountain views and great music at Whistler Olympic Plaza’s free open-air concert series. Kick off the night with a live DJ set by DJ Whitness, then catch a powerhouse performance from award-winning rock icons Sam Roberts Band. Known for their critically acclaimed, fan-favourite albums and nonstop touring across Canada and beyond, they deliver a live show that’s not to be missed. Bring your picnic blanket, find a spot on the great lawn, or dance the night away under the stars!

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August 24

WAGFest: RMOW's 50th Anniversary

Location: Rebagliati Park | Time: 9 AM - 3 PM

August 28

Whistler Summer Concert Series: Drag in the Mountains

Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza | Time: 6:30 PM

Drag is making a dazzling return to the mountains this summer! Kick off the evening with an electrifying DJ set by DJs Vital Signs, followed by the spectacular Drag in the Mountains show. Enjoy a vibrant, family-friendly night packed with incredible performances by fan-favorite stars from Canada’s Drag Race. Bring your picnic blanket, claim your spot on the great lawn, and get ready for a night of unforgettable entertainment!

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August 29

Whistler Summer Concert Series: Hollow Coves

Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza | Time: 6:30 PM

Enjoy unforgettable music in the mountains at Whistler Olympic Plaza with a summer of free, open-air concerts. Start the evening with an electrifying DJ set by DJ Badger (AU), followed by the soulful indie-folk sounds of Australia’s Hollow Coves. Celebrated for their heartfelt, nature-inspired music and global hits like “Coastline,” they’ve racked up over half a billion streams and toured alongside major artists worldwide. Bring your picnic blanket, settle in on the great lawn, or dance the night away under the stars!

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September 6

New Museum Exhibit: RMOW's 50th Anniversary

Location: Whistler Museum | Time: TBD

September 12

Trailblazers to Tomorrow Makers: RMOW's 50th Anniversary

Location: Maury Young Arts Centre | Time: TBD

September 14 - November 30

Whistler Public Library: RMOW's 50th Anniversary

Location: Whistler Public Library | Time: TBD

October 30 - November 2

Whistler Writers Festival: RMOW's 50th Anniversary

Location: Whistler Public Library | Time: TBD

Roots, Runs and Remarkable People

Discover the stories, past and present, that have shaped Whistler’s character, from the trailblazers who laid its foundations to the culture that continues to define it.


Step Inside Whistler's Story


Whistler Then and Now

For thousands of years before European contact, the land we now call Whistler was home to the Coast Salish and Interior Salish peoples, who lived in deep connection with the seasons, moving through the region to hunt, gather and sustain their communities.

The Whistler area was often a waypoint for First Nation trading routes between the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations, as it was rich with wildlife and resources. At one time, tens of thousands of Coast Salish First Nations people lived, traded and thrived in the areas between Vancouver, Howe Sound and Lillooet.

In fact, some of the hiking routes between Howe Sound and Deep Cove (east of Vancouver) are the traditional routes travelled by the Coast Salish First Nations peoples.

The award-winning Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is a stunning space that honours the living cultures of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Nation and the L̓il̓wat7úl Nation. Through art, stories and interactive exhibits, visitors gain insight into the deep connection these communities have with the land – past, present and future. It’s a rich and eye-opening experience, offering a powerful perspective on place.