Vancouver International Airport (YVR) (Grant McConachie Way, PHONE: 604/276-6101), the airport closest to Whistler, is south of Vancouver, which is 120 km (74 mi) south of Whistler.

An airport improvement fee is assessed on all flight departures: $5 for flights within British Columbia, $10 for flights within North America, and $15 for international flights.

Carriers

Air Canada (PHONE: 888/247-2262). American (PHONE: 800/433-7300). Air New Zealand (PHONE: 800 663-5494). Alaska Airlines (PHONE: 800/252-7522). Continental Airlines (PHONE: 800/231-0856). Horizon Air (PHONE: 800/547-9308). United/United Express (PHONE: 800/241-6522).

From the U.K.

Air Canada (PHONE: 0990/247226). British Airways (PHONE: 0345/222111).

Transfers Between the Airport and Town

By Bus

Perimeter Whistler Express (PHONE: 604/266-5386 in Vancouver; 604/905-0041 in Whistler) has daily service from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler. Perimeter has a ticket booth at domestic arrivals Level 2 and one at the airport's international receiving lounge. The fare is about $47 one-way; reservations are highly recommended.

By Car

Whistler is 120 km (74 mi), or 2½ hours, north of Vancouver on winding Highway 99, the Sea to Sky Highway.

Greyhound Lines of Canada (PHONE: 604/482-8747; 800/661-8747 in Canada) buses leave every couple of hours for Whistler Village from the depot in downtown Vancouver (1150 Station St.). The fare is approximately $34 round-trip.

West Coast City and Nature Sightseeing (PHONE: 604/451-1600 in Vancouver) offers a sightseeing tour to Whistler that allows passengers to stay overnight and return to Vancouver on their date of choice. The tours run year-round and cost about $57.

Whistler is 120 km (74 mi), or 2½ hours, north of Vancouver on winding Highway 99, the Sea to Sky Highway.

B.C. Rail (PHONE: 604/631-3500; 800/339-8752 in British Columbia; 800/663-8238 from outside British Columbia) makes one round-trip per day between Vancouver and Whistler, traveling along a beautiful route. The train leaves the North Vancouver Station (1311 W. 1st St., North Vancouver) at 7 AM and arrives in Whistler at 9:10 AM. The return train leaves Whistler at 6:10 PM and arrives in North Vancouver at 8:45 PM. The $59 round-trip fare (discounted substantially off-season) includes a full meal each way. The B.C. Rail station is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver; a shuttle links the Vancouver bus depot and the train terminal in summer.

Most banks in Canada are open Monday-Thursday 10-3 and Friday 10-5 or 6. Some banks are open longer hours and also on Saturday morning. All banks are closed on national holidays.

Telus Guest Communications Centre, in the Roundhouse Lodge at the top of Whistler Mountain, is a business communication center where skiers can check their stocks, answer their e-mail, and recharge their cell phones between getting off the lift and skiing down the mountain. The center has constant global stock updates on a Bloomberg stock exchange monitor, a small meeting room, fax machines, a photocopier, card swipe phones, wall clocks showing the time in major cities, and instant Internet links. The services are free. Open 9-3 daily, Nov.-June. PHONE: 604/905-2380; FAX: 604/932-1095.

Shops

Stores, shops, and supermarkets are usually open Monday-Saturday 9-6, although in major cities supermarkets are often open from 7:30 AM to 9 PM. Blue laws are in effect in much of Canada, but a growing number of provinces have stores with limited Sunday hours, usually noon-5 (shops in areas highly frequented by tourists are usually open on Sunday). Retail stores are generally open on Thursday and Friday evenings, most shopping malls until 9 PM. Drugstores in major cities are often open until 11 PM, and convenience stores are often open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Holidays

Canadian national holidays are as follows: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day (May 22), Canada Day (July 1), Labour Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving (second Monday in October), Remembrance Day (November 11), Christmas, and Boxing Day (December 26). British Columbia also celebrates British Columbia Day (August 7).

Arriving in Canada

American and British visitors may bring in the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 7 ounces of tobacco; 1 bottle (1.1 liters or 40 imperial ounces) of liquor or wine, or 24 355-ml (12-ounce) bottles or cans of beer for personal consumption. Any alcohol or tobacco product in excess of these amounts is subject to duty, provincial fees, and taxes. You can also bring in gifts up to the value of $60 (Canadian) per gift. A deposit is sometimes required for trailers (refunded upon return). Cats and dogs must have a certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian that clearly identifies the animal and certifies that it has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 months. Seeing-eye dogs are allowed into Canada without restriction. Plant material must be declared and inspected. There may be restrictions on some live plants, bulbs, and seeds. With certain restrictions or prohibitions on some fruits and vegetables, visitors may bring food with them for their own use, providing the quantity is consistent with the duration of the visit.

Canada's firearms laws are significantly stricter than the U.S.'s. No handguns or semiautomatic or fully automatic weapons may be brought into the country. Sporting rifles and shotguns may be imported provided they are to be used for sporting, hunting, or competition while in Canada. All firearms must be declared to Canada Customs at the first point of entry. Failure to declare firearms will result in their seizure, and criminal charges may be made. After January 1, 2001, new regulations will require visitors to have a confirmed "Firearms Declaration" to bring any guns into Canada. A fee of $50 will apply and will be good for a one-year period.

For an police, or the police, dial PHONE: 911.

Embassies and Consulates

Australia

Australian Embassy (50 O'Connor St., Suite 710, Ottawa, K1P 6L2, PHONE: 613/236-0841).

Australian Consulate (888 Dunsmuir, Suite 1225, Vancouver, PHONE: 604/684-1177).

New Zealand

New Zealand Embassy 99 Bank St., Suite 727, Ottawa, K1P 6G3, PHONE: 613/238-5991.

New Zealand Consulate (888 Dunsmuir, Suite 1200, Vancouver, PHONE: 604/684-7388).

United Kingdom

British Embassy (80 Elgin St., Ottawa, K1P 5K7, PHONE: 613/237-1530).

British Consulate (800 Melville, Suite 1111, Vancouver, PHONE: 604/683-4421).

United States

U.S. Embassy (100 Wellington St., Ottawa, K1P 5A1, PHONE: 613/238-5335).

U.S. Consulate (1095 W. Pender, Vancouver, PHONE: 604/685-4311.

Sending Mail Home

In Canada you can buy stamps at the post office or from automatic vending machines in most hotel lobbies, railway stations, airports, and bus terminals, as well as in many retail outlets and at some newsstands. If you're sending mail to Canada, be sure to include the postal code (six digits and letters). Note that the suite number often appears before the street number in an address, followed by a hyphen.

Following are postal abbreviations for provinces and territories: Alberta, AB; British Columbia, BC; Manitoba, MB; New Brunswick, NB; Newfoundland and Labrador, NF; Northwest Territories and Nunavut, NT; Nova Scotia, NS; Ontario, ON; Prince Edward Island, PE; Québec, PQ; Saskatchewan, SK; Yukon, YT.

Within Canada, postcards and letters up to 30 grams cost 48¢; between 31 grams and 50 grams, the cost is 77¢; and between 51 grams and 100 grams, the cost is 96¢. Letters and postcards to the United States cost 65¢ for up to 30 grams, 90¢ for between 31 and 50 grams, and $1.40 for up to 100 grams. Prices include GST (Goods and Services Tax).

International mail and postcards run $1.25 for up to 30 grams, $1.75 for 31 to 50 grams, and $3 for 51 to 100 grams.

Receiving Mail

Visitors may have mail sent to them c/o General Delivery in the town they are visiting, for pickup in person within 15 days, after which it will be returned to the sender.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices in this guide, including dining and lodging, are given in Canadian dollars.

ATMs

Cirrus (PHONE: 800/424-7787). Plus (PHONE: 800/843-7587) for locations in the U.S. and Canada, or visit your local bank.

Currency

The units of currency in Canada are the Canadian dollar (C$) and the cent, in almost the same denominations as U.S. currency ($5, $10, $20, 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, etc.). The $1 and $2 bill are no longer used; they have been replaced by $1 and $2 coins (known as a "loonie," because of the loon that appears on the coin, and a "toonie," respectively).

Exchanging Money

To get the most favorable rates, change money through banks. Although ATM transaction fees may be higher abroad than at home, ATM rates are excellent because they are based on wholesale rates offered only by major banks. You won't do as well at exchange booths in airports or rail and bus stations, in hotels, in restaurants, or in stores. To avoid lines at airport exchange booths get a bit of local currency before you leave home.

Traveler's checks (some are available in Canadian dollars) and major U.S. credit cards are accepted in most areas. U.S. money is also accepted in much of Canada (especially in communities near the border.)

Exchange services include International Currency Express (PHONE: 888/842-0880 on East Coast; 888/278-6628 on West Coast). Thomas Cook Currency Services (PHONE: 800/287-7362 for telephone orders and retail locations).

Taxes

Virtually anything you buy in British Columbia is subject to a Canada-wide 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) and a 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST), and these are added at the till. If you are not a resident of Canada, you can reclaim the GST on goods you take out of the country. Maple Leaf GST Refund Services (4299 B Mountain Square) can give you an immediate refund.

In winter, dressing in layers is the best defense against the Canadian cold; a hat, scarf, and gloves are essential. For summer travel, select loose-fitting natural-fiber clothes; pack a wool sweater and light jacket. If you're planning to spend time in Canada's larger cities, pack both casual clothes for day touring and more formal wear for evenings out.

If you plan on camping or hiking in the deep woods in summer, carry insect repellent, especially in June, which is blackfly season.

Electricity

Canada, like the United States, uses 110-volt, 60-cycle electric power. Foreign visitors traveling with dual-voltage appliances will not need a converter, but they will need a plug adapter. The standard electrical outlet takes a plug of two flat pins set parallel to one another.

Entering Canada

Citizens and legal residents of the United States do not need a passport or a visa to enter Canada, but proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or valid passport) and some form of photo identification will be requested. Naturalized U.S. residents should carry their naturalization certificate. Permanent residents who are not citizens should carry their "green card." U.S. residents entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport, naturalization certificate, or "green card."

Citizens of the United Kingdom need only a valid passport to enter Canada for stays of up to six months.

When traveling internationally carry a passport even if you don't need one (it's always the best form of ID), and make two photocopies of the data page (one for someone at home and another for you, carried separately from your passport). If you lose your passport promptly call the nearest embassy or consulate and the local police.

Passport Offices

The best time to apply for a passport or to renew is during the fall and winter. Before any trip, check your passport's expiration date, and, if necessary, renew it as soon as possible.

Australian Citizens

Australian Passport Office (PHONE: 131-232).

New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand Passport Office (PHONE: 04/494-0700 for information on how to apply; 04/474-8000; 0800/225-050 in New Zealand for information on applications already submitted).

U.K. Citizens

London Passport Office (PHONE: 0990/210410) for fees and documentation requirements and to request an emergency passport.

U.S. Citizens

National Passport Information Center (PHONE: 900/225-5674; calls are 35¢ per minute for automated service, $1.05 per minute for operator service).

Embassies and Consulates

Australia

Australian Embassy (50 O'Connor St., Suite 710, Ottawa, K1P 6L2, PHONE: 613/236-0841).

Australian Consulate (888 Dunsmuir, Suite 1225, Vancouver, PHONE: 604/684-1177).

New Zealand

New Zealand Embassy 99 Bank St., Suite 727, Ottawa, K1P 6G3, PHONE: 613/238-5991.

New Zealand Consulate (888 Dunsmuir, Suite 1200, Vancouver, PHONE: 604/684-7388).

United Kingdom

British Embassy (80 Elgin St., Ottawa, K1P 5K7, PHONE: 613/237-1530).

British Consulate (800 Melville, Suite 1111, Vancouver, PHONE: 604/683-4421).

United States

U.S. Embassy (100 Wellington St., Ottawa, K1P 5A1, PHONE: 613/238-5335).

U.S. Consulate (1095 W. Pender, Vancouver, PHONE: 604/685-4311.

Blackcomb Helicopters (PHONE: 604/938-1700 or 800/330-4354) is one of several local operators that fly year-round flightseeing tours over Whistler's stunning mountains and glaciers. In summer, the company offers heli-hiking, heli-fishing, heli-picnics, and even heli-weddings.

Several companies, including Outdoor Adventures@Whistler (PHONE: 604/932-0647) and Whistler ATV Tours (PHONE: 604/932-6681), organize guided rides through the backcountry in all-terrain vehicles.

The country code for Canada (as for the United States) is 1. The area code for Whistler is 604. You do not need to dial the three-digit area code when making a call from within the same code. When calling a number in another area code, dial a 1 followed by the area code and the telephone number. Telephone numbers beginning with 800 or 888 are toll-free numbers that can be dialed without charge from anywhere in the country.

Credit-Card Calls

AT&T (PHONE: 800/225-5288). MCI (PHONE: 800/888-8000). Sprint (PHONE: 800/366-2255).

Directory & Operator Information

For operator assistance, dial "0." For directory assistance in Canada, dial the area code followed by 555-1212; dial 1 before the area code if the area code is not the same as the one you are calling from.

International Calls

International calls can be direct-dialed from most phones. If you're dialing Canada from the United States, dial 1 plus the area code and telephone number. If you're dialing the United States from Canada, dial 1 plus the area code and telephone number.

To call Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, or other countries except the U.S. from Canada, dial 011 followed by the appropriate country code, city code, and number. For operator assistance, dial "0" and ask for the overseas operator. The country codes are 44 for Great Britain, 61 for Australia, and 64 for New Zealand. To dial Canada from these countries, you should be able to dial 001 followed by the area code and telephone number.

Long-Distance Calls

To dial another province or an area of the same province that has a different area code, dial 1 followed by the area code and number.

Competitive long-distance carriers make calling within the United States and Canada relatively convenient and let you avoid hotel surcharges. By dialing an 800 number, you can get connected to the long-distance company of your choice.

Public Phones

Pay telephones take coins, and charge phones are found in many locations, including airports and shopping malls. These phones can be used to charge a call to a telephone company card, your home, or the party you are calling.

Tips and service charges are not usually added to a bill in Canada. In general, tip 15% of the total bill. This goes for waiters, waitresses, barbers and hairdressers, and taxi drivers. Porters and doormen should get about $1 a bag (or more in a luxury hotel). For maid service, $1 a day is sufficient ($2 in luxury hotels).

Tourist Offices

In Whistler

Contact the Whistler Resort Association (4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, V0N 1B4, PHONE: 604/932-4222; 604/664-5625 in Vancouver; 800/944-7853 in the U.S. and Canada, FAX: 604/938-5758).

The Whistler Activity and Information Center (4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, VON 1B4, PHONE: 604/932-2394) runs an information booth in Whistler Village at the front door of the conference center; it's open year-round, daily 9-5.

If you're traveling in the area around Whistler, contact the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region (250-1508 W. 2nd. Ave., Vancouver, V6J 1H2, PHONE: 604/739-0823 or 800/667-3306, FAX: 604/739-0153).

A provincial government Travel Infocentre (PHONE: 604/932-5528) is on Highway 99 about 4 km (2½ mi) south of Whistler; it's open daily.

The slopes are open from mid-November through April, and in this season the village buzzes with skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. In summer the pace is more relaxed, as the focus shifts to cycling, hiking, and boating around the Whistler Valley.

Festivals and Seasonal Events

Winter

In January and February, skiing competitions take place at most alpine ski resorts in British Columbia.

Summer

From June through September, the Whistler Summer Festivals present street entertainment and a variety of musical events at the resort.

Streets in Whistler Village, Village North, and Upper Village are all pedestrian-only; pay parking is readily available on the village outskirts. A free public transit system loops throughout the village, and paid public transit serves the whole valley. Call PHONE: 604/932-4020 for information and schedules.

Car Rentals

Rates in Whistler begin at $55 dollars a day and $330 a week.

In Vancouver

Avis (PHONE: 604/606-2847 or 800/331-1212). Budget Rent-A-Car (PHONE: 604/932-1236). Thrifty Car Rental (PHONE: 604/938-0302 or 800/367-2277).

At Home

For more information, call Avis (PHONE: 800/331-1212; 800/879-2847 in Canada; 02/9353-9000 in Australia; 09/525-1982 in New Zealand) or Budget (PHONE: 800/527-0700; 0144/227-6266 in the United Kingdom).

Insurance

Drivers must carry owner registration and proof of insurance coverage, which is compulsory in Canada. The Canadian Non-Resident Inter-Provincial Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card, available from any U.S. insurance company, is accepted as evidence of financial responsibility in Canada. The minimum liability coverage in Canada is $200,000, except in Québec, where the minimum is $50,000. If you are driving a car that is not registered in your name, carry a letter from the owner that authorizes your use of the vehicle.

Requirements

Driver's licenses from the U.S., or from other countries, and international driver's licenses are valid in Canada.

Rules of the Road

By law, you are required to wear seat belts (and use infant seats). Right turns are permitted on red signals. Speed limits, given in kilometers, vary, but they are usually within the 90-100 kph (50-60 mph) range outside Canadian cities.

For a cab, call Sea to Sky Taxi (PHONE: 604/932-3333).