The Resort Municipality of Whistler is advising visitors to plan ahead with parking and reservations, and to be mindful of the risk of wildfires before they visit this long weekend.
Free shuttles will be running out of the Day Lots to Rainbow Park and Lost Lake, and local transit is also free on B.C. Day and each weekend during summer.
Masks are required on the Rainbow Park shuttle, and recommended on all BC Transit buses.
Find local transit schedules at bctransit.com/whistler.
Locals and visitors can also make use of free secure bike parking at Olympic Plaza, Rainbow Park and Lost Lake (available all summer long on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and stat holidays).
Visitors are also encouraged to make reservations at restaurants and for activities ahead of time, if possible.
Visitors to Lost Lake are reminded to watch their step, as the Western toad migration is currently underway.
If you're navigating the River of Golden Dreams, beware of pointy sticks (particularly if you're in an inflatable) and mandatory portages, as water levels are low.
Find more info at whistler.ca/summer.
Meanwhile, high temperatures are once again in the forecast this weekend, and Whistler’s fire danger rating is currently at “extreme.”
Campfires are not permitted, and only propane barbecues are allowed in parks. Smoking is also prohibited in municipal parks, on the Valley Trail and in Whistler Village, and cigarette butts should be disposed of responsibly.
If you see a wildfire in Whistler, call 911 immediately. To report wildfires outside of Whistler, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.
Residents and visitors can also sign up for WhistlerAlert, Whistler’s emergency notification system. Visitors are able to indicate dates when in Whistler and will only receive notifications during their stay.
Read more at www.whistler.ca/whistleralert.
As it relates to COVID-19, the RMOW says resident and guest safety remains a top priority.
“Some COVID-19 measures remain in place to keep the public safe this summer. Please be reminded that some stores may still require mask wearing and have occupancy limits,” the RMOW said in a release.
“As recommended by the Public Health Officer, those who have not received their second dose should continue to take additional precautions including wearing masks indoors, physically distancing and practicing good hand hygiene. Please be respectful of other’s comfort levels as we welcome visitors back to Whistler.”
While the Sea to Sky region was not included in a heat warning issued by Environment Canada on Wednesday for regions like the Sunshine Coast and B.C.'s Interior, the warnings prompted medical health authorities to issue a joint press release reminding residents to take precautions following the deadly heat wave that hit B.C. last month.
According to Vancouver Coastal Health, symptoms of heat-related illness can range in severity and may include thirst, dizziness, confusion, weakness, heavy sweating, muscle cramping, nausea and fainting or collapsing.
The risks of suffering from heat-related illness are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.
In Whistler, residents and guests can stay hydrated at water fountains and cool down at the Whistler Public Library (closed on Sunday) or the Meadow Park Sports Centre. The covered area at Whistler Olympic Plaza will also be open with broadcasts of the Olympics playing, and the operational hours for the splash pad at Meadow Park will be extended from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Find more info here.
