Whistler Wonders: Creating Big Memories for Little Adventurers

In Whistler, tourism goes beyond sparkling slopes and scenic hikes, with a focus on creating memorable experiences for every visitor. That’s the idea behind Whistler Wonders, a project by Tourism Whistler with support from Destination BC’s Visitor Services Experience Enhancement Grant. This fun and free activity booklet was designed for families with children, introducing an interactive and educational way for younger guests to connect with the mountain resort. 

Project Highlights

The project encompassed the design, development, and launch of the Whistler Wonders activity booklet. Standout features include:

• Cultural encounters: Activities that guide families to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl art tours help to nurture awareness and appreciation of Whistler’s Indigenous heritage.
• Educational experiences: Word searches, colouring, crosswords, and a “carbon calculator” offer playful learning about Whistler’s environment, history, and sustainability efforts.
• Discovery touchpoints: The booklet teaches children how to navigate the resort town with intention, connecting landmarks, public art, and safety tips in an exciting, kid-approved journey.
• Creative collaboration: Partnerships with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, artist Zoe Lomoro, and content creators Rivers to Ridges brought depth and authenticity to the final product.

Why it Matters

The Whistler Wonders booklet inspires curiosity, facilitates cultural understanding, and promotes accessible tourism by offering a free way for families to tour the village. By tailoring the experience to children, it encourages families to engage more deeply with the destination—and with each other. 

Impact 

Though still in its early stages, Whistler Wonders is already making a difference in how families experience the destination. By encouraging kids to see and learn about cultural landmarks, public art, and even safety, the booklet leads families to discover parts of Whistler they might otherwise have missed. It also shares Indigenous storytelling and knowledge in a way that resonates with children and builds understanding from an early age. 

Learnings

This project highlighted the importance of early collaboration and open communication with local partners. When the Whistler Museum flagged overlap with their own fundraising booklet, a direct conversation helped preserve goodwill and align on a path forward. 

The experience also reaffirmed the value of offering free, high-quality activities for families, and demonstrated how respectful partnerships with both Indigenous communities and creative contributors can lead to more authentic and impactful outcomes.

What’s Next

Tourism Whistler plans to build on the success of Whistler Wonders by refining content based on user feedback and promoting the booklet more widely as a family travel tool. Future plans include incorporating the booklet into partnerships with schools, events, and community programs. Ongoing collaboration with Indigenous partners remains a top priority, ensuring future versions deepen cultural engagement and remain fresh, inclusive, and relevant for generations to come.