TIPS & TRICKS Welcome to Whistler! - Whistler Adventure School
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Welcome to Whistler!
TIPS & TRICKS
The Whistler Adventure School has put together a Survival Guide to answer your many
questions. This is designed to help you navigate Whistler, its many neighborhoods and
active lifestyle. It will provide resources and tools along with some local insights about
situations you might run into while you are here. Please look to the table of contents to
direct your questions.
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Table of Contents
Work................................................................................................................................... 4
Applying for a SIN.......................................................................................................... 4
Get a Bank Account ........................................................................................................ 5
Finding Employment ...................................................................................................... 6
Accommodation................................................................................................................. 8
Find a Place to Live with WAS ...................................................................................... 8
Find a Place to Live on Your Own ................................................................................. 9
Garbage, Recycling & Compost ................................................................................... 12
Renters Insurance & Tenancy Rights ........................................................................... 13
Getting Around ............................................................................................................... 14
Neighbourhoods and Valley Trail ................................................................................. 14
Local Bus ...................................................................................................................... 15
Travel Bus ..................................................................................................................... 18
Taxis .............................................................................................................................. 19
Parking .......................................................................................................................... 19
Transferring Your Drivers License ............................................................................... 20
Living ............................................................................................................................... 21
Guard Me Insurance ...................................................................................................... 21
Getting a Phone ............................................................................................................. 22
Grocery Stores .............................................................................................................. 23
Mailbox ......................................................................................................................... 24
Hospital & Clinics......................................................................................................... 25
Other Medical Clinics ................................................................................................... 26
Whistler Gyms .............................................................................................................. 27
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Pass ....................................................................................... 28
2
Additional Activity Information ................................................................................... 29
Preferred Shops – Rental & Retail who offer discount to WAS students ................. 31
WAS in Social Media ...................................................................................................... 32
3
4
Work
Applying for a SIN
What is a SIN?
SIN stands for Social Insurance Number. Each individual must have their own number to
work in Canada.
Your Work Permit isn’t enough to get you legally working in Canada; you also need to
apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). To do this, take your ID including your
passport and Work Permit to a Service Canada location. The closest office location is
Squamish
Service Canada – Squamish Office
Address: 1440 Winnipeg St, Squamish, BC V8B 0B2
Hours: Open Monday - Friday · 8:30AM–4PM
Phone: +1 800-622-6232
Additionally, you can stay local and visit the Service Canada Outreach office at the
Whistler Chamber of Commerce, which operates one Wednesday of each month. For
more information and specific dates see: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/tbsc-fsco/sc-
dsp.jsp?lang=eng&rc=bc-sbk
If you have a connecting flight through Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, there is
a quick and easy option to registering for your SIN. Immediately after
immigration/passport control and before you go through the exit into the arrival halls
there is a Service Canada booth that will walk you through the process.
For more information visit:
http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/study/OI_HOW_STUDY_INTL_ARR.html
4
5
Get a Bank Account
You will need a bank account to deposit and cash pay cheques. To open an account, you
will need to visit the bank at least twice. Once to set up an appointment and then again
to set up the account.
Make sure to bring your passport, SIN number, study and work permits with you!
There are five banks in Whistler.
*Our Favourite: RBC - Royal Bank of Canada
101-4000 Whistler Way - Village
604-938-5800
TD Bank Financial Group
138-4370 Lorimer Road – Village
604-905-5500
CIBC Bank
4338 Main St Unit 102 - Village
604-966-0200
BlueShore Financial
101-4321 Village Gate Boulevard - Village
604-982-8000
Scotiabank
2059 Lake Placid Rd – Whistler Creekside
604-966-3232
5
6
Finding Employment
LOCAL’S TIP: “Shoulder Season” is what the locals call the quieter months between the
September Labour Day weekend and the middle of December. It is during this time that
the resort slows down with visitors and many seasonal jobs come to an end. There are a
few events that bring visitors to town, but if you want to be able to enjoy the restaurant
specials, buy some new winter gear and pay your rent, plan ahead and put some money
away for a rainy day - literally.
Check the Local Paper
Check the local paper, both online and print for job listings as well as social media for
advertised job fairs. Print copies can be found the information center, grocery stores
and community buildings.
The Pique: piquenewsmagazine.com.
Whistler Chamber of Commerce
The Whistler Chamber of Commerce is a great place to find employment in the
community.
Employment Resources & Job Board:
https://www.whistlerchamber.com/membership/employment-resources/
WorkBC Employment Services Centre - Back in Motion
Free employment services are located in Function Junction. Get help with job search and
resume writing. Access to fax, photocopier and computers for job search. Employer
Services and Personal Employment Planning services offered. WorkBC Employment
Services also partners with Whistler Public Library to bring employment services to the
village every Monday from 3 - 6pm.
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Phone: (604) 932-1600
Website: whistleresc.com
Check Other Websites:
whistler.ca/municipal-gov/careers indeed.ca
workbc.ca/Jobs whistler.craigslist.ca
And don’t forget to check Facebook’s “Whistler’s Job Board”.
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Accommodation
WAS Housing Partners
Whistler Adventure School partnered with the Whistler Hostel for housing. A beautiful
place to live, go ahead and check them out!
Hosteling International Canada (HI) Whistler Hostel
Address: 1035 Legacy Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1
Phone: (778) 328 2220
Web: http://hihostels.ca/en/destinations/british-columbia/hi-whistler
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Find a Place to Live on Your Own
If you choose to look for accommodation on your own here are some suggestions!
Finding a place to live will be harder than you think. You can expect to share
accommodations, as in most cases, privacy is an expensive commodity in Whistler. The
going rate for a room in a shared house can be around $800 - $1200, or if you are willing
to share a room it may be less. Social Media and various online websites have made
finding a place to live a bit easier.
To see what is available join the Facebook group “Whistler Housing Rentals for Locals”
or check out the accommodation seeker board on the Whistler Housing Authority
website: whistlerhousing.ca.
Also, check the classifieds in the local paper, Pique Newsmagazine at
piquenewsmagazine.com. Try creating your own want ad on Craigslist, and network
with people already living in Whistler.
Hunting for rental housing can be exhausting. Here are some tips to help you avoid
some of the mistakes that can be made when looking for rental property:
• Be aware of offers that seem too good to be true. This is especially true if it
involves sending money to a third party. In these circumstances, it’s probably not
legitimate.
• Get recommendations from people you know. This way you are more likely to
deal with reputable agencies or landlords.
• Don’t give up your money too quickly. No money should change hands until the
property has actually been viewed and rented.
• There are a number of local employers such as Whistler Blackcomb and The
Fairmont that offer staff accommodation. When being interviewed, ask if staff
accommodation is available.
• Sign and find out the terms of your lease. It’s always a good idea to read the fine
print on your rental contract and find out if there is a penalty for early
910
termination of your lease. Do a reasonableness check on rental rates for similar
properties in the same area. If the rent seems too low, do more research.
If you think you have been scammed, call the Whistler RCMP at 604.932.3044.
There are a few hostels and lodges in town that can serve as a good landing pad while
you hunt for a permanent place to live.
Hosteling International Whistler
1035 Legacy Way, Cheakamus Crossing
Phone: 604-962-0025 / 1-866-762-4122
Website: hihostels.ca/whistler
If you want to see more of BC, Canada and beyond, a Hostelling International
membership is a pretty cost effective way to do it. Membership is $35.
Southside Lodge
2102 Lake Placid Rd, Creekside
Phone: 604-932-3644
Website:southsidelodge.com
Whistler Lodge Hostel
2124 Nordic Drive, Nordic
Phone:604-932-6604
Website: whistlerlodgehostel.com
Alpine Lodge Hostel
8135 Alpine Way, in Alpine
Phone: 604-932-5966
Website: alpinelodge.com
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If you are interested in long-term affordable rentals and ownership housing
opportunities for Whistler employees, check out the Whistler Housing
Authority whistlerhousing.ca.
There is no charge to put your name on the waiting list.
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Garbage, Recycling & Compost
Due to a large wildlife population, Whistler does not have door-to-door garbage pick-
up.
Your building may have garbage facilities, or you may have to transport your waste to
one of our garbage, compost and recycling depots, located at:
• 8010 Nesters Road (Nesters)
• 1001 Lynham Road (Function).
Please note the operating hours for these locations are 7am - 7pm and attendants are
on site to provide help with recycling, garbage and compost needs.
Household hazardous wastes can be delivered to the product care center at Carney’s
Recycling headquarters at 38950 Queensway in Squamish, or to the Regional Recycling
building at the Nesters Depot site between 9am - 5pm daily.
There is zero tolerance for littering, if caught you could find yourself with an expensive
fine. Be aware of bears! Bears will eat your garbage, so be sure to keep your garbage
and recycling secure indoors until you are able to take it to the depot. Find information
about what you can recycle and compost at: whistler.ca/solidwaste.
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Renters Insurance & Tenancy Rights
Renters Insurance
Once you have secured a place to live be sure to get renters insurance. Banks and
insurance agencies sell a variety of inexpensive policies. There are a number of reasons
to purchase rental insurance.
As a Tenant you are liable – yes, legally responsible – for any harm you cause to any part
of your building and to others who live or visit there. If your toaster oven starts a fire
that damages not only your apartment, but also the neighbours or perhaps the entire
complex, you may have to pay out a lot of money. You might not think that you own
much of real value, but what if you had to replace everything all at once, due to fire or
water damage? Replacing your clothing, alone, could run you a few thousand dollars.
And that old futon and bed might not look like much, but buying new ones would be
hard on the wallet. Remember to include large items like skis, boards or bikes when
taking out insurance. When you consider what it would cost to replace everything,
monthly insurance premiums may look pretty good by comparison. Some people believe
they are covered under the building owner’s insurance policy if there is a fire or if
someone breaks into their home. Be aware that this is not the case!
Tenancy Rights
A landlord can ask for the first month’s rent and a half-month for a damage deposit. This
is all they are legally entitled to ask.
If you are having problems or feel a landlord is treating you unfairly, contact the
Residential Tenancy Branch at 1-800-663-7867, rto.gov.bc.ca or the Tenant Resource &
Advisory Centre (TRAC) at 1-800-665-1186 or tenants.bc.ca.
1314
Getting Around
Neighbourhoods and Valley Trail
Whistler is organized by neighbourhoods so that you can navigate your way around our
community by bus, bike, on foot or by car. Each neighborhood has its own unique
charm, services, trails and hidden gems. Whistler is a pretty easy place to get around.
Kilometres of paved valley trails link Whistler neighbourhoods from Function to
Emerald. Buses run regularly and taxis are everywhere.
Save your money, help the environment and get healthy by walking, riding or skating the
Valley Trail! For excellent maps on how Whistler connects, see whistler.ca/bike or pick
up a map from the Visitor Centre.
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Local Bus
The Whistler Transit System is a handy way to get around town. A $2.50 bus fare will
connect you to all of Whistler’s neighbourhoods, and within the village there is a free
shuttle. Have exact change and request a transfer if you need one. To save money, buy a
sheet of 10 tickets for $22.50 or a month pass for $65. Also available (only from
Municipal Hall at 4325 Blackcomb Way) are 6 and 12 month bus passes. During the
winter season, bring your skis or snowboard on the bus, and when the weather gets
warmer you can stick your bike on the front of the bus for free. Buses run every day of
the year. If you are alone and it’s late, you can “Request a Stop” if you feel your safety is
threatened.
BC Transit also has a Pemberton Commuter. To find out route times call 604-932-4020
or bctransit.com/regions/whi for more information, or plan your trip using Google
Transit. To get around Whistler, see the Whistler Transit Map on the next page.
Buy Your Whistler Transit System Tickets at:
• Alpine - Meadow Park Sports Centre
• Nesters Square - Nesters Market
• Whistler North - Municipal Hall
• Whistler Village - The Grocery Store, Whistler Visitor Centre
• Cheakamus Crossing - Hi-Whistler
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17 17
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Travel Bus
This is for traveling outside of Whistler. If you are looking to be picked up in Vancouver
here are some great options.
*Our Favourite: Ride Booker
A Whistler Shuttle Service from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Whistler. This service will
drop you off at your selected departure point.
Phone:1 -866-943- 0516 OR 1-604-966-2209
Website: ridebooker.com/ transfers/yvr/whistler/whistler-shuttle.
Greyhound Bus
For trips to Pemberton, Squamish, Vancouver and beyond. If you travel a lot, consider
buying commuter packs which are good for six months from the date of purchase. This
service will drop you off in the village at Whistler and at other designated stopping
spots.
Phone: 1-800-661-8747
Website: greyhound.ca
Pacific Coach Lines
Offers scheduled service to/from the Vancouver Airport. Tickets can be purchased at the
Whistler Visitor Centre and inquire about a locals discount. Please be sure to bring
photo identification with a local address.
Phone: 1-800-661-1725
Website: pacificcoach.com/Schedules- Fares/Vancouver-Whistler-Schedules
Epic Rides
A Whistler express bus service from downtown Vancouver to Whistler daily, $35.00
round trip.
Phone: 604.349.1234
Website: epicrides.ca
**not available all year round.
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Taxis
When in Whistler a quick hop from here to there, like the 10 minute drive from Whistler
Creek to the Village, will cost you around $15 and nothing beats the door-to-door
service of a taxi ride.
• Whistler Resort Cabs 604-938-1515
• Whistler Taxi 604-932-3333 or 604-938-3333
Parking
There are several options for parking. Free one hour parking is available in the village at
Marketplace for people shopping at the Marketplace businesses. You will need to visit
the meter which gives the option of one hour free or purchase second hour for $3.
Creekside has underground parking which is free all day, all year-round.
Pay parking is available in Day Lots 1 to 5 with monthly passes for locals ranging from
$30-$50. Day lots are free after 5pm. Monthly parking passes are also available for the
underground parking lots of the Conference Centre and Library.
From April 1 to October 31, overnight parking is permitted in day lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
with a maximum stay of 24 hours (no camping/ sleeping in vehicles.) Overnight parking
is not permitted (lots closed from 3 - 6am) in Day Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 from November 1
to March 31 to allow for snow clearing and lot maintenance.
Parking is available overnight in the underground parking lot of the Conference Centre
and library for $5 from 5 pm to 10 am.
While overnight parking is permitted, sleeping or camping in vehicles is not. This, in part,
is to reduce wildlife attractants in parking lots and protect Whistler’s bears.
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All large vehicles can park in Day Lot 3 East for 24 hours only. If your vehicle won’t fit in
a standard size parking space, it is considered oversize. It is $20 per day or $5 per hour.
Transferring Your Drivers License
ICBC is British Columbia’s licensing and registration office. Here you can find all about
Westland Insurance as well. Insurance is a must in British Columbia.
Located in the Village Marketplace.
Address: 4370 Lorimer Rd #232, Whistler, BC V0N 1B0
Hours: Open everyday · 8:30AM–6PM weekdays & 10AM-5PM weekends
Phone: (604) 932-5814
Look into how to transfer your drivers licenses at:
http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/Pages/Default.aspx
2021
Living
Guard Me Insurance
Please follow the steps:
• Go to : https://www.whistleradventureschool.com/medicalinsurance
• Click on: Guard me international insurance
it brings you to a customize Guard me website with WAS logo in the left hand-
site
• Click on: Buy insurance
• Input all info;
you will always need the student number so please don’t hesitate to ask ,
alternatively you can find the student number on your Letter of Acceptance,
which you receive after paying the program deposit and application fee, student
number S-000xxx
• Please make sure the time period is less than 1 year (one day less works).
Otherwise you won’t be able to get the calculation done.
• Press: Agree
• You will see the price calculation and everything the price covers as shown in the
screen shot below:
2122
Getting a Phone
Phone companies for land lines are known to ask for big deposits. Get a mobile or cell
phone and buy minutes. It is cheaper, more secure and you are in control of phone time
used. Going into the store is the best and easiest way to do this.
Rogers
Address: 4314 Main St #18, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Hours: Open everyday · 10AM–6PM
Phone: (604) 932-2021
Telus/Koodo
Address: 211-7015 Nesters Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B7
Hours: Open everyday · 10AM–6PM
Phone: (604) 938-3269
When choosing a plan make sure to consider what you need. Keep in mind that most
places around Whistler have Wifi access so you may not need to buy as much data as
you think.
Note: The area code for the Whistler area, Vancouver and the lower mainland is 604
or 778, and you must dial 1 before the area code to make a long distance call. Although
Squamish and Pemberton are part of the Sea to Sky Corridor and less than 45 minutes
away please remember that if you are calling from Whistler it is a long distance call.
2223
Grocery Stores
Whistler has a variety of grocery stores. People typically choose the one that is closest
to where they are living.
Olives Market - Function Junction
Address: 1200 Alpha Lake Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1
Hours: Open everyday · 8AM–7PM
Phone: (604) 932-3484
Creekside Market - Creekside
Address: 2071 Lake Placid Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B2
Hours: Open everyday · 7AM–10PM
Phone: (604) 938-9301
Marketplace IGA - Village
Address: 4330 Northlands Blvd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Hours: Open everyday · 9AM–9PM
Phone: (604) 938-2850
The Whistler Grocery Store - Village
Address: 4211 Village Square, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Hours: Open everyday · 8AM–11PM
Phone: (604) 932-3628
Nesters Market & Pharmacy - White Gold
Address: 7019 Nesters Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B7
Hours: Open everyday · 8AM–10PM
Phone: (604) 932-3545
Whistler Independent - Rainbow
Address: Footpath, Whistler, BC V0N 1B8
Hours: Open everyday · 7AM–10PM
Phone: (604) 932-1128
2324
Mailbox
The Whistler Post Office is located in Marketplace:
106 – 4360 Lorimer Road | 604-932-5012
To rent a Postal Box, you need to make a $15 deposit for a set of two
keys. www.canadapost.ca
Don’t forget to bring your passport and other identification with you when you do this.
Important documents can be sent to Whistler Adventure School. We can keep in a safe
location until student can pick them up.
Mailing Address:
1345 Alpha Lake Rd #5, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1
Phone: (604) 962-2220
Website: www.whistleradventureschool.com
2425
Hospital & Clinics
In case of emergency call 911 immediately.
You will be asked to describe the situation, give the victims location and be ready to
answer more follow up questions.
If you are able to drive the victim to the hospital safely it is located at
Address: 4380 Lorimer Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
The hospital in Whistler has an emergency room that is open 24 hours a day. But if you
are coming in for less serious injuries, the hospital is open from 8AM–10PM, it is
encouraged to call ahead of time.
Phone: (604) 932-4911
This Whistler Hospital is also referend to as the Whistler Health Care Center.
Costs: Permanent residents of British Columbia can apply for public health insurance
referred to as the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It covers the cost of medically-necessary
insured doctor services. B.C. residence pay month MSP rates which help meet a portion
of the cost of the health care system. As a visitor to Canada or as anyone not covered
under the MSP you are responsible for covering the cost of your medical services.
To see a health care professional upon a hospital or clinical visit you must pay the visitor
fee. This may or may not be reimbursed by your health insurance plan, but it must be
paid upon arrival by you in order to seek out medical attention. This fee varies based on
hospital and clinic but it is currently $750 CAD at the emergency entrance to the
Whistler Health Care Center.
The Whistler Health Care Center is the only medical service that will do X Rays. If you
think you may need them please go directly here. The other medical clinics do not work
in conjunction with the Whistler Heath Care Center and if you go there first, if you do
not, you may have to pay the initial fee medical services fee twice. Call to inquire first.
2526
Other Medical Clinics :
Town Plaza Medical Clinic
Address: 4314 Main St #40, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Phone: (604) 905-7089
Whistler Medical Clinic
Address: 4380 Lorimer Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Phone: (604) 932-3977
2627
Whistler Gyms
Whistler Core Climbing & Fitness Centre
Address: 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Hours: Open weekdays · 7AM–10PM & weekends 8AM-9PM
Phone: (604) 905-7625
Whistler Creek Athletic Club
Address: 2021 Karen Crescent, Whistler, BC V0N 1B2
Hours: Open today · 6AM–10PM & weekends 8AM-9PM
Phone: (604) 932-1984
Meadow Park Sports Centre
Address: 8625 BC-99, Whistler, BC V0N 1B8
Hours: Open everyday · 6AM–10PM
Phone: (604) 935-7529
Opus Athletic CrossFit Gym
Address: 1345 Alpha Lake Road, #Unit 1, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1
* next door to WAS
Hours: Monday-Friday · 6AM-8PM & Saturday · 7AM-7PM
Phone: (604) 935-2500
2728
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Pass
Be sure to get your ski pass before November 15, 2017! If you wait until after this date
you will not be able to purchase a seasons pass and will only be able to buy individual
expensive day passes.
For more information go to:
https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/purchase/tickets-and-passes/winter-lift-tickets
2829
Additional Activity Information
Looking for things to do in Whistler? There is something for everyone, check out:
https://www.whistler.com/activities/
Hiking
Whistler is home to many breathtaking hikes, all in our backyard!
Be sure to check out Whistler Hiatus Website for all of the information needed
http://whistlerhiatus.com/
Skiing/Snowboarding
Whistler’s original activity of choice – the mountain provides the best playground!
There is plenty to explore https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/
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Biking
Whistler is known to have some of the best biking in the world – both in the bike park
and on the surrounding trails.
Check out the bike park http://bike.whistlerblackcomb.com/
Or for trail information these are great resources and are available online or on your
phone as well
https://www.trailforks.com/region/whistler/
http://www.worca.com/
3031
Preferred Shops – Rental & Retail who
offer discount to WAS students
Excess Backcountry
Address: 4154 Village Green, Whistler, BC V0N
1B4
Hours: Open · 9AM–9PM
Phone: (604) 932-6409
Surefoot Custom Ski Boots
Address: 4154 Village Green #102, Whistler,
BC V0N 1B4
Hours: Open · 8AM–8PM
Phone: (604) 938-1663
Village Sport
Address: 4254 Village Green, Whistler, BC V0N
1B4
Hours: Open · 9AM–8PM
Phone: (604) 932-3327
Prior Snowboard / Split board manufactory
#104 – 1410 Alpha Lake Road, Function
Junction, Whistler
Hours: Monday to Friday 9AM - 5:30PM
Phone: (604)935-1923
3132
WAS in Social Media
Stay up to date and follow us on:
Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter
Feel free to tag us in your Whistler experience with:
@WhistlerAdventureSchool @WhistlerEDU #WhistlerEDU
ENJOY!
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