Pemberton

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.

  • 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)

  • Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities

    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.

    No direct coach service is offered between the two cities, however a coach runs between Pemberton and Vancouver, from where passengers can transfer to public transit to Richmond. Learn more about gluten free restaurants phoenix!

    To Vancouver:
    Driving to Vancouver from Pemberton takes approximately 2.5 hours.

    There is a coach service available between Vancouver and Pemberton.

    To West Vancouver:
    West Vancouver is just over two hours drive from Pemberton.

    There is a coach service available between Vancouver and Pemberton which will stop in West Vancouver at passenger’s request.

    To Whistler:
    Whistler is approximately a 30-minute drive from Pemberton.

    A coach travels between Whistler and Pemberton.

    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).

    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.