History
First Nations History of Whistler - read about the Coast Salish First Nations' history and their imprint in the Whistler area.
Modern History of Whistler - read about the last 100 years of Whistler and its evolution into the Number One Ski Resort in North America.
First Nations History of Whistler
The Coast Salish First Nations people inhabited the land around Whistler for many thousands of years, hunting and gathering and living a nomadic lifestyle long before European settlers arrived.
The Whistler Valley was an isolated wilderness frequented by the Lil'wat Nation from the Mount Currie area and the Squamish Nation who lived in an area stretching from present day North Vancouver to the Squamish River watershed and the northern area of Howe Sound (Gibson's Landing).
Whistler was often a way point for First Nation trading routes between the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations as it was rich with wildlife and resources. At one time tens of thousands of Coast Salish First Nations people lived, traded and thrived in the areas between Vancouver, Howe Sound and the Lillooett areas.
In fact, some of the hiking routes between Howe Sound and Deep Cove (east of Vancouver) are the same routes traveled on by the Coast Salish First Nations peoples.
For more information in Whistler visit The Path Gallery or Armchair Books for a selection of books on First Nations culture.
Discover more on First Nations in the What's New section
Update: A talented Squamish First Nations artist had his work chosen to welcome visitors and represent Whistler/Vancouver during the Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy. Read more...
Weetama - First Nations Cultural Festival
At one time, Whistler hosted a summer First Nations cultural festival known as Weetama. It featured First Nations' celebrations, dancers, food and cultural seminars. The opening of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Summer 2008 will build upon the interest the Weetama festival generated.
First Nations Website Resources
Modern History of Whistler
| 1877 | The Pemberton Trail is complet |
| 1900 | Trappers and prospectors settl |
| 1910 | Myrtle and Alex Philip arrive< |
| 1911 | Myrtle and Alex take the three |
| 1914 | Myrtle and Alex buy ten acres< |
| 1914 | The Great Pacific Eastern Rail |
| 1950's | Other lodges open throughout t |
| 1964 | The single-lane road is extend |
| 1965 | Whistler Mountain finally gets |
| 1966 | Whistler officially opens for< |
| 1969 | A two-lane gravel road built i |
| 1977 | The new municipality is given< |
| 1978 | Construction begins on the new |
| 1980 | Blackcomb Mountain opens creat |
| 1985 | Blackcomb Mountain expands it' |
| 1992 | Snow Country Magazine votes Wh |
| 1998 | Whistler and Blackcomb Mountai |
| 2002 | The International Olympic Comm |
| 2003 | Whistler (and Vancouver) win t |
| 2003 | Skiing Magazine votes Whistler |
Would you like to know more about Whistler history?
Visit the Whistler Museum & Archives
4329 Main Street
Whistler, BC
V0N 1B0
Phone: 1-604-932-2019
Fax:1-604-932-2077
