Whistler, BC, Resort Municipality, pop 9248 (2006c), 8896 (2001c), inc 1975. Whistler is located about 100 km north of Vancouver near GARIBALDI PROVINCIAL PARK. Whistler is named after the MARMOTS, or "whistlers," which are common on Whistler Mountain.

The community of Whistler is a creation of the phenomenal growth of leisure industries in general, and alpine skiing in particular. In the early 1970s this area of British Columbia had few residents, and what would become Whistler was little more than a few ski cabins. The provincial government, however, created a unique local government structure that allows Whistler to provide both public and private services. The passing of the Resort Municipality of Whistler Act in 1975 opened the area to resort development. An extensive system of lifts and ski runs was built at Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, and Whistler Village was developed at their western bases. Many consider Whistler one of North America's pre-eminent ski resorts, but it is increasingly seen as a year-round resort.

Whistler Village is not the only development in the resort municipality; Whistler Creek is the original settlement and there are 17 other subdivisions. During the 1990s the municipality was one of British Columbia's fastest growing urban communities. More than 70% of the population is between 20 and 54 years of age (compared to 50% for British Columbia and Canada). Due to its proximity to VANCOUVER, Whistler will host the skiing, ski jumping, biathlon and sliding (eg, luge) events of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.