Transportation to Whistler

There are not many options when it comes to modes of transportation from Vancouver to Whistler. Really there is only one way which proves that the BC government is shortsighted in planning for the 2010 Olympics because it is by automobile, bus or car. That is another topic I can go on about but this is about how to get to Whistler in the most cost effective way.

You could rent a car but with the cost of fuel and fact that once in Whistler you will not need your car because almost everything is accessible by foot. Whistler is a pedestrian friendly town since the main village is pedestrian only traffic.

The second way to get to Whistler from Vancouver is by bus. There are a couple buses companies that pick up passengers at various locations. So depending on where your origin in Vancouver is the following is a breakdown of what bus to take based on the lowest cost round trip for one adult. Note that prices are subject so please refer to the company’s website for more details and schedules.

From Vancouver Airport

Greyhound - $85.60 plus taxi to downtown bus station and back to airport $100 (8 departures daily to Whistler)

Perimeter - $126 (has a pick location at Vancouver Airport with 11 daily departures to Whistler)

Pacific Coach Lines – $102.90 (has a pick location at Vancouver Airport with 12 daily departures to Whistler)

SnowBus - $74.95 (has a pick location at Vancouver Airport but only 2 to 3 daily departures)

From Downtown Vancouver

Greyhound - $85.60 (8 departures daily to Whistler)

Perimeter - $126 (has several hotel pick up locations with 11 departures daily to Whistler)

Pacific Coach Lines – $102.90 (has several hotel pick up locations with 12 departures daily to Whistler)

SnowBus – $42.92 (has a couple downtown pick up locations but 2 to 3 daily departures)

Alot of information, I know, but here is a summary.

If you are coming from Vancouver Airport with 4 to 5 friends then taxi it to the downtown bus terminal and take the Greyhound. Else if you are alone just take the Pacific Coach Lines bus. Just to note that the Pacific Coach Lines and Perimeter bus are more luxurious, so if you want to ride in comfort either of those will do.

If you are already downtown Vancouver just take the Greyhound. I can see that SnowBus is cheaper but they only run a couple of runs up to Whistler, the Greyhound has a better schedule with more choices even when coming back to the city. Also when taking the greyhound make sure that you are at the terminal at least 45 mins to 1 hour before the scheduled departure time because these bus get packed in the winter.

Hope this helps.

Surfing in Tofino at Cox Bay

This past weekend I went surfing on Vancouver Island, Tofino to be exact. For those of you who don’t know Tofino is Canada’s best and really only surf spot. Since there was a fall special at a very nice resort I stayed in the Cox Bay area of Tofino.



If you have the chance and don’t mind spending the cash for accommodations I would really suggest staying at 1431 Cox Bay resort. This resort is right on the beach and is virtually brand new as it was built only about 3 months before and still establishing is full resort amenities like hot tub, gym and sauna. At 1431 they have one and two bedroom condos that you can rent. Now in peak summer time the cost per night is about 300 for a one bedroom but we saw this fall deal online for 125 per night. Each condo has a full kitchen so you can save some cash by cooking your own meals, an LCD TV and wireless internet so you can check up on the daily surf report. But still regardless of the price I still recommend this place if you are going surfing in Tofino.



The weather couldn’t be better for the end of September on Vancouver Island. It was pure sunshine and about 20 degrees celsius both days, which is really unusual for this time of year because it is usually overcast and rainy. The swell at peak times were anywhere from 6 to 8 ft and the water temperature about 12 degrees celsius, so wetsuits are necessary. Cox Bay is one of the best surf spots in Tofino as it gets some of the best waves out of all the beaches in the area.



Since I have only gone surfing a couple of times I had to rent my gear from Long Beach Surf Shop for $95 for 2 days. The rental included wetsuit, board, gloves, booty’s and gear insurance. Surfing at Cox Bay was awesome as the sets came in so often with quality waves, so no long waits between sets. The only down side to surfing at Cox Bay is the under tow, which is really strong compared to surfing in SoCal. In my opinion, is if you are a true beginner and can’t swim to well go to Long Beach as it is a bit easier from what I was told. All in all I had a really good surf session over the 2 days and got many good quality rides in, even craved in the wave a bit on my best one.

Southern California Experience

I have to say I extremely impressed with my travels in Southern California, which included San Clemente, Newport, Dan Point, San Diego, Laguna, Huntington Beach and LA. Every city was clean and the locals where really nice even in LA, which was surprising for me. One thing that stood out to me and was consistent from city to city was the service that you get in restaurants and shops. It was the best service I have ever experienced and I have traveled many places throughout the world.

Thanks Cali...I'll be back!!!

California Dreaming....Wait it's Really Happening

Hello all, I'm off to California today, more specifically San Clemente for a week long vacation. Hopefully will get some surfing done and just chill on the beach. I'll keep you, my loyal followers, of my travels in sunny California.

Until next time....see ya.
Mike