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Pemberton

Quick Facts

  • Population (2006 Census)... 2,192
  • Distance from Vancouver... 158 km (98 mi)
  • Distance from Richmond... 171 km (106 mi)
  • Distance from Whistler... 32 km (20 mi)

Pemberton is located in the fertile Pemberton Valley, just 30 minutes from Whistler, Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The town is surrounded by the towering Coast Mountains and visitors will find aquamarine lakes and rushing rivers nearby to complete a truly spectacular backdrop.

While farming is a mainstay of this community and it is especially famous for its seed potatoes among other crops, the area is fast becoming an outdoor recreation destination. In winter, the area around Pemberton is a popular venue for snowshoeing and snowmobiling, as well as cross-country, backcountry and heli-skiing. The nearby Pemberton Ice Cap, a vast glacial area, is famous for its snowmobiling opportunities.

Explore Pemberton All Cities & Towns


Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities

Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.

There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.

To Richmond:
Richmond is approximately two hours and 45 minutes south of Pemberton by car with the journey passing beautiful views on the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99).

Greyhound buses offer direct service between these two cities with daily departures. Passengers can also take Greyhound from Pemberton to Vancouver then transfer to public transit to travel onward to Richmond.

The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system and connecting public buses.

To Vancouver:
Traveling to Vancouver is a 2.5-hour drive south along the beautiful Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99). Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway during peak Games times.

Motorcoach service is offered from Whistler. Passengers can take the Whistler and Valley Express (WAVE) public transit that connects Pemberton and Whistler, then board a motorcoach to head to Vancouver. Greyhound bus service is also available directly between Pemberton and Vancouver.

Ticket holders to Olympic events in Vancouver will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network, which departs from Whistler.

During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.

To West Vancouver:
West Vancouver is approximately a two-hour drive from Pemberton. Greyhound buses also provide service to West Vancouver from Pemberton.

Tickets holders can only access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network.  View travel information and reserve bus tickets here.

To Whistler:
Whistler is approximately a 30-minute drive from Pemberton.  There will be no public parking in Whistler during the Games so the best way to travel during this time is by public transit.

The Whistler and Valley Express (WAVE) public bus service also links the two communities.

Accommodation

Pemberton has limited suite accommodation with one large, modern hotel and a motel in nearby Mount Currie.

There are numerous bed and breakfasts in and around Pemberton and two lakeside lodges within 30 km (19 mi).

Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.

Things To Do

Abundant winter snowfalls in the Pemberton area offer perfect conditions for visitors to pursue a fantastic variety of winter activities including backcountry and heli-skiing in the Coast Mountains, a guided snowmobiling expedition on the Pemberton Ice Cap, or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures in the Pemberton Valley.

For an even more adrenaline-charged experience, Whistler, consistently ranked the top ski resort in North America by Skiing Magazine, is just 30 minutes away. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains together offer the most terrain of any ski resort in North America and will not leave snow enthusiasts wanting. It is also home to the new Peak 2 Peak gondola, which opens December 2008.

For a more sedate pace, try horseback riding in the Pemberton Valley. This activity is available in winter if weather permits.

Visitors interested in the history of the area will enjoy the Pemberton Museum, which explores the First Nations and modern history of the valley, and has some fascinating homes from the late 19th century on site.

Read more about what's happening in Pemberton.