History Of Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

History before white settlers is not overlooked and is continually in the consciousness of those who reside in Whistler. Known now as the Coast Salish First Nations, originally were the Lil'wat Nation and the Squamish Nation. These nomadic tribes lived, hunted, and gathered, in the area. At one point, tens of thousands traded in Whistler Valley and the region surrounding it. British naval officers arrived in the 1860s, surveyed the land, and called it, "London Mountain". Early settlers knew it as Whistler, so named because of the shrill whistling of the western hoary marmot. In 1877, the Pemberton Trail, which connected the region to the Pacific coast, was completed, attracting more settlers, hunters, and trappers. Also attracted were Alex and Myrtle Philip, who constructed the Rainbow Lodge at Alta Lake. For years, this popular lodge catered to fishers and outdoors people. The logging and mining industry flourished. In 1965, Whistler Mountain opened, starting the skiing industry and a new era of growth in population and wealth. Blackcomb Mountain opened in 1980 and eventually Whistler Village was developed. Whistler has since become one of the top rated ski resort destinations in North America. It will host the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. While the population of Whistler is 9,595, an estimated two million flock there annually.