Fine Whistler Accommodations

How far away is Chalet Luise from the Village Centre?
Do we need a car in Whistler?
How do I get from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler?
I need to keep in touch with my business are there phones in the rooms, internet access, fax availability etc?
What's the nightlife like in the village?
How long does it take to drive from Vancouver or Seattle?
Is there a grocery store?
Can you recommend a good restaurant?
What is the GST?

Q: How far away is Chalet Luise from the Village Centre?

Chalet Luise is the closest Inn to the village, lifts and all amenities. We are an easy (no uphill!) 10 minute walk to the village and all amenities. back to top

Q: Do we need a car in Whistler?

The resort likes to encourage customers not to rent a car unless you would like to explore more of the valley. A car usually sits parked for a week as people realize that Whistler is a village designed for walking. For those guests choosing to bring a car, Chalet Luise offers free off-street parking to its guests. Most other places in Whistler charge for parking. back to top

Q: How do I get from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler?

There are scheduled transfers from Vancouver airport every 1 - 2 hours or from downtown Vancouver. Other options are limousines/taxis or for groups, you can charter a van or motor coach. Please refer to the "transportation" section on this website for more information on the scheduled transfers. We can assist in organizing transportation for you. back to top

Q: I need to keep in touch with my business are there phones in the rooms, internet access, fax availability etc?

We appreciate that life is not all play and that some guests need to be in contact with their businesses. We do not have phones in our rooms but we have a central public phone which you can dial both in and out of. For those guests bringing their laptop with them, our public telephone has a dial-up jack for Internet access. Alternatively, there are plenty of internet cafes throughout the village. A fax is also available and we charge $1 per sheet received in or sent out. back to top

Q: What's the nightlife like in the village?

Whistler offers some great bars and restaurants. At certain times of the week, most of the bars have live music and sometimes there is outdoor music in the village square. Choose from the infamous Long Horn Saloon, the GLC and Merlins to name a few. Whistler also offers also a choice of almost 100 restaurants ranging from casual pub meals to formal dining. At night, Whistler has a good selection of night clubs such as Garfinkels, Buffalo Bills and the Savage Beagle. There are also quieter options available as well! New this year, we have an underground 8 screen cinema complex showing the very latest movies. back to top

Q: How long does it take to drive from Vancouver or Seattle?

Whistler is a scenic 2 hour drive from downtown Vancouver; and approximately a 4.5 - 5 hour drive from Seattle. The Sea to Sky Highway (99 North) is a mountain highway, and a change in the weather can quickly alter road conditions.
The Sea to Sky Highway is a pleasurable road to travel, especially when all drivers adopt a courteous and responsible attitude necessary for the safety of all. Enjoy the drive! back to top

Q: Is there a grocery store?

Whistler has three major grocery stores, plus several smaller convenience stores. As well, Whistler caters to everyone's needs and features two liquor stores; cold beer & wine stores; a public library and museum; hair and beauty salons; medical and dental clinics; banks/foreign exchange/banking machines; video rental stores; laundry and dry cleaning services; pharmacies; and non-denominational church services. back to top

Q: Can you recommend a good restaurant?

Whistler is renowned for its dining; and its' reputation as an international resort is reflected in the variety of cuisine available. There are more than 100 restaurants, ranging from fine dining to fast food take-out, from family spots to casual pub fare; featuring Greek, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, French, Mexican, Mediterranean, West Coast and American cuisine, and more!
We are happy to give recommendations and make reservations on behalf of our guests! back to top

Q: What is the GST?

Most goods and services you buy in Canada are subject to the Good and Services Tax, or GST. GST at 7% is charged throughout the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and PEI. As a non-resident visitor to Canada, you can claim a refund for GST you paid on eligible goods and accommodation. back to top

Do you qualify for the refund?

You qualify for a tax refund if:

• you are not a resident of Canada
• you have original receipts
• your purchase amounts (before taxes) of eligible accommodation and goods on which you paid GST total at least CAN$200
• and each individual receipt for your goods shows a minimum purchase amount (before taxes) on which you paid GST of CAN$50.

What is eligible for the refund?

You can claim a refund for GST paid on:

• Eligible accommodation
  • You paid tax on accommodation provided continuously for less than one month (the limit of less than one month applies to each lodging establishment).
  • Each receipt shows the number of nights of accommodation made available for each lodging establishment.
  • You can only apply for tax you paid on the room charge (room service and telephone charges do not apply).
• Eligible goods
  • Goods qualify for a refund if you: paid tax on the goods, bought the goods to use outside Canada, and remove the goods from Canada within 60 days of delivery to you.
• Tour Packages
  • For tour packages that include GST on accommodation, only 50% of the package GST can be claimed. If a non-Canadian travel company booked your tour, no GST is charged, therefore, no GST is claimable.

Where can I get my refund?

1. In the Whistler Village - Visitor Refund Service, on the lower level of Spirit of the North.
2. If leaving by car - at the Canadian Duty Free Shop, located at the Canada/U.S. border.
3. By Mail
   • Departure by car - you must have receipts stamped by Canadian Customs or by Duty Free Shop staff.
   • Departure by airplane - you must enclose your original boarding pass (out of Canada).
4. **You will not be able to receive a refund at the airport