Ecotourism

Experience Nature in the Mountains(Ecotourism)

This communications-led initiative aims to celebrate our incredible natural surroundings here in Whistler: we will invite our visitors to explore the valley and its inhabitants in the shoulder season. Highlighted topics for spring may include educational components around how rainforests work/why they are important, wildlife emerging from winter hibernation, spring bird migration, etc. For fall, hiking boots, sweaters, big mountains and cozy fireplaces! Wildlife topics may include education on hibernation of local wildlife and the great southern bird migration along the Pacific Flyway. As a secondary goal, this message will attempt to create a positive space where we can bring awareness to the gondola and/or Village closures and the transition period for many of the core activities.

Target Dates
Spring: Mid-April to June. Fall: Late October-November
Target Audience
All (Family and group friendly)
Marketing Focus
Regional and Destination (focus on retirees, baby boomers, nature enthusiasts)
Partners
Activity Sector, RMOW, AWARE, F&B Sector
Landing Pages
whistler.com/spring and whistler.com/fall

If you have any questions or a new idea to explore, please contact Rachel Hughes, Coordinator of Destination Development, at rhughes@tourismwhistler.com or (604) 938-2748.

1. Create an Experience: Do you have a fun, creative idea that will help visitors better experience Whistler's place in the Coastal Rainforest? Let's partner! Suggestions include:

  • Hiking, wildlife or bird watching walking tours
  • Photography courses
  • Binocular borrow program
  • Junior Rangers programs
  • Rain gear demo
  • Animation that focuses on the majesty of the mountains, benefits of connecting with nature, solitude, grandeur, etc.
  • Rain-activated art and animation
  • Value-driven dining experiences (outside of Cornucopia)
  • Creative uplighting or light animation to brighten up shorter days in the fall

To learn more about available funding for new or related spring experiences, please review our Experiences Fund Application Criteria.

2. Participate in Spring dining offers

Restaurants are invited to submit up to four (4) dining specials from March 11 - May 31, 2024. The online form can be found here.

3. Feature a Spring Event Listing: All spring events will be featured in our Events Listing Calendar.

Submit your Spring events here.

Sea to Sky Bird Trail

Tourism Whistler have officially partnered with Tourism Squamish and the BC Bird Trail to create the Sea to Sky Bird Trail, a guide to exploring birding, conservation, and community in the Squamish and Whistler areas. The trail leverages BC’s unique location along the Pacific Flyway, a 20,000km migration route from Alaska to Patagonia, which is travelled by at least a billion birds each year.

  • Local collaborators include Whistler Naturalist Society, the RMOW and Whistler Blackcomb
  • BC Bird Trail collaborators include Destination BC, Birds Canada, and ITBC
  • The initiative is managed by creative agency The Number (BC Ale Trail)
  • Offerings include curated bird guides and birding tips, field notes, educational videos, bookable activities and more
  • Key pillars of the BC Bird Trail are education, conservation, and community. View their Mission & Values (flatsheet)

The Sea to Sky Bird Trail Whistler itinerary featured locations include:

  • Lorimer Road to Rainbow Park
  • Green Lake and Fitzsimmons Delta
  • Whistler Blackcomb High Alpine
  • Ascent Trail on Blackcomb
  • Nature-based businesses and activities

Sea to Sky Bird Trail Timeline

The Sea to Sky Bird Trail landing page is live and can be found here.

The trail will be promoted year-round through the BC Bird Trail channels with a main focus on spring/fall helping to provide support during the shoulder season in the province.

CTAs and Social Handles

For more information view the Sea to Sky Bird Trail slide deck here.

Spread the word!