Whistler Media and Entertainment Landscape

Whistler is not only a world-renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts but also a vibrant hub for media and entertainment. From local print publications and a diverse array of radio frequencies to serving as a scenic backdrop for international cinema and television, the community maintains a dynamic media presence that caters to both permanent residents and seasonal visitors.

Print Media

The local print landscape is characterized by a mix of weekly news and specialized tourist guides. Pique Newsmagazine serves as the primary weekly newspaper, published every Friday. For those seeking event listings, The Lost Duck provides a monthly calendar of activities within the resort.

Tourist-centric publications are also common, with titles such as FAQ, Visitors Choice, and Whistler Magazine being released on schedules ranging from quarterly to once or twice a year. Historically, the community was served by The Whistler Answer, which saw intermittent publication from 1977 through the 1990s.

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Radio Broadcasting

Whistler's airwaves are a blend of local programming and rebroadcasts from larger urban centers like Vancouver and Squamish. The radio landscape includes a variety of formats, from tourist information and talk radio to alternative and adult contemporary hits.

Whistler Radio Station Directory

Frequency	Call Sign	Branding	Format	Owner/Note
88.7 FM	CFTW-FM	Whistler Information Radio	Tourist Information	Four Senses Entertainment
90.7 FM	CFMI-FM -1	Rock 101	Classic Hits	Corus (Vancouver rebroadcaster)
92.3 FM	CFOX-FM -1	CFOX	Alternative Rock	Corus (Vancouver rebroadcaster)
96.9 FM	CJAX-FM -1	Jack	Adult Hits	Rogers Radio (Vancouver rebroadcaster)
100.1 FM	CBYW-FM	CBC Radio One	Talk/Public Radio	CBC (Vancouver rebroadcaster)
101.5 FM	CKEE-FM	Whistler FM	Adult Contemporary	Four Senses Entertainment
102.1 FM	CISW-FM	Mountain FM	Adult Contemporary	Rogers Radio (Squamish rebroadcaster)
103.1 FM	CBUF-FM -10	Ici Radio-Canada Première	Talk/Public Radio	CBC (Vancouver rebroadcaster)

Beyond traditional FM stations, the community has an internet radio site dedicated to showcasing local musical talent. The area also has a history of unlicensed broadcasting; on November 28, 2003, federal authorities and the RCMP shut down a pirate radio station operating on 105.5 FM. However, Freeradio Whistler continues to broadcast legally via the internet.

Television and Cable Services

Television in Whistler is primarily delivered through cable and satellite providers. Shaw Cable is the incumbent provider, while other options include Telus Optik TV (an Internet Protocol television or IPTV service), Telus Satellite TV, Shaw Direct, and Bell Satellite TV.

Over-the-air (OTA) television includes rebroadcasters for Global (CHAN-TV-7), Independent (CHWM-TV-1), and Citytv (CJWM-TV). Notably, the CBC Television repeater CBUWT-TV (channel 13) ceased operations in 2012 due to budget cuts.

Whistler in Popular Culture

The resort's stunning geography makes it a frequent choice for film and television productions. The community has hosted a wide range of genres, from reality TV to high-budget dramas.

Television Series

• Whistler: A Canadian drama (2006–2008) centered on the death of a snowboard legend.
• Peak Season: A series documenting the lives of local residents.
• Fresh Meat II: A reality show filmed on location.
• The L Word: Featured Whistler as the wedding location for characters Shane and Carmen.
• Gene Simmons Family Jewels: The A&E reality series featuring the Kiss bassist filmed several episodes here, later leading to a spin-off focusing on Sophie and Shannon Tweed.

International Media

Japanese media has shown significant interest in the region. Kansai Television produced a special titled Race to the Canadian Northern Lights in 2001, reaching 3 million viewers. Additionally, the Fuji Network drama Stewardess Cops filmed a two-hour special in the fall of 2001, which drew an estimated audience of 22 million.

While ESPN2 broadcasts BMX races branded as being from Whistler, these events are actually filmed at the Green River BMX Track in Pemberton. Similarly, many backcountry skiing and snowboarding videos use the Whistler name for brand recognition despite being filmed in the Pemberton Valley.

Featured Movies

Whistler's landscapes have stood in for various global locations in cinema:

• The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008): Used a local glacier to represent Antarctica.
• The Crash Reel (2013): A documentary featuring snowboarder Kevin Pearce.
• White Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf (1994): A Disney production using Whistler as its backdrop.
• The Grey (2011): Features a scene at The Cure Bar in Nita Lake Lodge.
• Why Did I Get Married? (2008): Filmed on the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb.
• Ski School (1991): A comedy partially filmed on the mountain.

Key Facts

• Primary Newspaper: Pique Newsmagazine (published Fridays).
• Major Cable Provider: Shaw Cable.
• Notable Film Location: Used as Antarctica in The X-Files: I Want to Believe.
• International Reach: A 2001 Japanese drama special filmed here reached 22 million viewers.
• Branding Nuance: Many "Whistler" backcountry videos are actually filmed in the Pemberton Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main local newspaper in Whistler?

The main weekly newspaper is Pique Newsmagazine, which is published every Friday.

Which television networks are available via over-the-air rebroadcasters?

Global, Citytv, and an Independent station (CHEK-DT) are available through local rebroadcasters.

Are all BMX races shown on ESPN2 actually filmed in Whistler?

No, the BMX races shown on ESPN2 are filmed at the Green River BMX Track located in Pemberton.

What happened to the CBC Television repeater in Whistler?

CBUWT-TV channel 13 was shut down in 2012 as a result of budget cuts at the CBC.

Which movie used Whistler to represent Antarctica?

The 2008 film The X-Files: I Want to Believe used the glacier above the community to stand in for Antarctica.