The Whistler Museum has an expansive collection of archival records and artefacts that demonstrate mountain culture or are from Whistler and the Sea to Sky area. Our collections are constantly growing, and we are grateful for the support from our community for their donations since 1986.
Archives
Archives are are unique records or media that demonstrate administrative, legal, commercial, historical, or cultural functions.
The Whistler Museum Archives holds photographs, documents, maps, films, and audio related to mountain culture and the activities of people and organizations in Whistler and the Sea to Sky region. Many collections have been described and available to peruse online.
Artefacts
Artefacts are physical pieces that give us a better understanding and appreciation for the complex lives of the people who interacted with those objects.
The Whistler Museum has over 5, 100 objects that represent mountain life, community, and the natural history in the Whistler region and the surrounding area. This includes, but is not limited to, early twentieth century settlement and Alta Lake tourism, mountain sports and resort development, the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and contemporary events.
Donations
Our collections are built upon what our donors give us and we are always looking to fill gaps. Please contact us or come by the museum if you have materials that relate to our mandate.
All donors will need to complete a donation form, or the material cannot be accepted.
Archival Photographs
Interested in viewing or purchasing photographs from our archival collections?
Online Resources
Along with our archival database and Whistorical blog, the museum has many resources to view online.
Research and Access
Staff are available to answer your questions about Whistler’s history!
Along with archival materials, the Whistler Museum and Archives possesses a research collection of non-archival reference materials (books, magazines, newspapers, and subject files) related to mountain life that may be useful when researching Whistler’s history, including a full run of the Whistler Question Newspaper.
Access to our collections is limited and dependent on space and staff availability. Please make an appointment to conduct research in person.
Support
We appreciate any and all support from the community, whether through physical or monetary donations, or assisting with collection work. There is much work that goes into safely preserving Whistler’s history.
Thank you to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation for their continued support of our digitization projects, including the purchase of our latest photo scanner and 16mm film scanner.
Inquiries:
archives@whistlermuseum.org | 604.932.2019