Find Your Perfect Digs

There is no easy way to put it: it can be TOUGH getting a decent, reasonably priced room in Whistler. Despite the extra accommodation the Olympics brought to the town there is still more demand than supply.  There are definite advantages to having a place of your own that isn't tied to your employment, but it can be harder to line up. 

For a successful house hunt:

• Visit every local public notice board (malls, laundromats, grocery stores, cafes etc) twice daily and as soon as you see one up for grabs, go see it immediately


• Ensure you have enough cash in hand for the first months' rent and deposit. See the FAQ for more on this.


• Early Thursday morning grab a copy of the Pique Newsmagazine and The Whistler Question newspaper and go straight to the classifies at the back. These papers are also available on-line.


• Regularly check craigslist.ca and Whistler Housing Authority


• Ask around; quite often landlords will not advertise their property as they don't need to. This can often be the best way to find a bargain.

Getting just a room in an apartment or house is easier, but still tough.  Follow the search tips above, and you'll likely have greater success.  Rooms do open up throughout the season, but you'll have to keep both eyes open.

Beware that landlords will often increase their rent in the winter and take advantage of new seasonaires naivety. Be realistic about what you can afford- you will be better off making a small sacrifice with your  accommodation to ensure you have enough left out of your pay package to enjoy your season. One of the best ways to do this is to share a room. 

Leases are offered on a short-term basis of 3-6 months and long-term of 12+ months. If you know you are going to stay in Whistler for 12 months or more then you will get the best deal if you sign a 12 month lease.

Staff Accommodation

If, like many, you are counting on a job with staff accommodation, make sure you ask about what you get.  Accommodations vary in many ways; some will have kitchens, some won't. Some will have two people per room, some single but with no living area.  Some have zero-tolerance for visitors/recreational drugs/smoking, so be prepared to lose your home, and your job, if you don't live within the rules.  Make sure you know the rules and the quality of accommodation before you decide on your employer; if you'll be happy with your home you'll be a lot happier with your work and, in the long run, your entire Whistler experience.