If you're considering purchasing a condo in Whistler, you may be wondering what the main differences are between a couple of the two main areas you've come across: Whistler Village and Whistler Creekside. Here are four key differences to consider:
Location
If you want easy access to both Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains, Whistler Village is the better choice. It has access to both mountains via the Excalibur and Blackcomb Gondolas, and the Whistler Village Gondola and Fitzsimmons chair. In contrast, Whistler Creekside offers access only to Whistler Mountain, via the recently updated eight-person Creekside Gondola. However, if you choose Creekside, you'll appreciate the convenience of being able to park in the underground Creekside Village parking lot and quickly access the Creekside Gondola.
Crowds and Traffic
During busy weekends and holiday periods, Whistler Village can get quite crowded. If you're driving up on a Friday evening, it may be faster to get to your condo in Creekside, as it's only an additional five minutes drive past Creekside to get to Whistler Village. However, on Sunday, when you're driving back to the city, the traffic can back up by 15-30 minutes or more between Whistler Village and Creekside or Function Junction.
Shopping and Nightlife
If you want to be in the heart of all the action, with shopping, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs right outside your door, then you'll want to choose a condo in Whistler Village. However, bear in mind that you'll have to deal with some level of crowds, busyness, and nighttime noise in the Village. In contrast, Creekside offers a more laid-back atmosphere, with a few excellent restaurants such as The Rimrock Cafe and The Red Door Bistro, as well as a grocery store and other shops in Creekside Village. However, it doesn't have nearly as many options as Whistler Village.
Property Types and Price Ranges
Because of its central location, condos and townhomes in Whistler Village tend to be more expensive. However, you can also find Phase 2 condo hotel options, which are slightly less expensive. In Creekside, you'll find condos and townhomes that are generally less expensive, but this is often because they are older properties dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. The exceptions are the newer condos at First Tracks Lodge and the quarter-share condos at The Legends and Evolution.
When choosing between a condo in Whistler Village or Creekside, consider your priorities, such as access to the mountains, crowds and traffic, shopping and nightlife, and property types and price ranges. They're both great options for you but it all boils down to what you prioritize most in your Whistler property purchase.
