To stay safe and make the most of Whistler’s beautiful summer days, it’s important to know what to do, where to go, and what to avoid when the heat hits. Here are some of our top tips and reminders as the mercury rises. 

Cool down at Whistler Public Library and Meadow Park Sports Centre  

Whistler Public Library is air conditioned and is a great place to cool down. When heat warnings are issued, it is also available as a cooling centre. You’ll find the library in the heart of Whistler Village at 4329 Main Street. The Library opening hours are:   

• Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

• Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

• Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

• Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

• Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

• Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

Meadow Park Sports Centre is air conditioned and, like the library, available as a place to cool down from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. During heat emergencies, it’s available as a cooling centre. The public is welcome to watch hockey and figure skating camps at the ice rink. If you wish to use the facility for skating, gym, pool or showers, regular fees apply. Meadow Park Sports Centre is located at 8625 on Highway 99 and can be accessed by transit (buses have air conditioning) or Valley Trail.  

Cool down at Meadow Park splash park 

Meadow Park has a splash park, ideal for children to play in water. It’s open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. Access the park by Valley Trail, transit or car, see travel directions here.   

Staying well during hot weather  

Stay hydrated.  Drink water throughout the day even if you are not thirsty. Find a map of Whistler’s drinking fountain locations.    

People at risk during heat emergencies include seniors, infants and young children, pregnant people, individuals with limited mobility and others. The Province of B.C. recommends moving to a cooling centre if the temperature in their home is 31 degrees Celsius or higher. Read more here.   

During heat, the Province of B.C. recommends:   

• staying in the coolest part of your home and sleeping there at night;  

• using air conditioning and fans to distribute the cool air;  

• connecting with friends who live alone, to check on each other;  

• putting up external window covers to block sunlight, if possible;  

• closing curtains and blinds;  

• making ice and preparing cool jugs of water;  

• opening windows at night to let cool air in, and closing windows from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and  

• visiting Whistler’s cooling centres at Whistler Public Library and Meadow Park Sports Centre.  

BC Hydro is offering free, portable air conditioners to those who meet eligibility criteria. Visit their website for more information on who qualifies, and how to take advantage of this offer.  

Signs of heat illness  

Vancouver Coastal Health recommends people who are too hot immediately move to a cool place, drink water and cool the body with water.   

Signs of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, rapid breathing and heartbeat, headache, difficulty concentrating, muscle cramps, extreme thirst, new skin rash, and dark urine and decreased urination.   

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and you should seek medical attention. Symptoms include a high body temperature (39°C/ 102°F or higher), fainting or drowsiness, confusion, lack of coordination, and very hot and red skin.   

Campfire and BBQ Restrictions 

As we get into higher temperatures, our Fire Danger Rating is expected to climb rapidly. Fuels can dry quickly under these conditions, meaning wildfires are more likely to ignite and can spread faster.

A reminder that Whistler has a campfire ban in effect. Bonfires or Open-air fires are not permitted in public areas or Whistler’s parks at any time. 

Only propane barbecues are allowed in Whistler parks providing they are being used safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Briquette barbecues are not permitted.

Wildfire Exemption Permits 

In addition, high temperatures have a ripple effect to certain industries. Those conducting Construction or Tree services (including Landscaping) within 10 meters of the forest and vegetation require a Construction/Tree Service Exemption Permit (Wildfire Exemption Permit) from the Fire Department to conduct high risk activities during High and Extreme Danger Ratings. 

Details are available on whistler.ca.