I've got a 4 day training course for work at Whistler BC at the start of October and wanted to get some advice for potential photo locations.

We are going to be bused from Vancouver and will be staying at the Fairmont, so I won't have a car. Is there anything close (within hiking distance) by that would be a good sunrise/sunset shoot. Generally, Fairmont resort locations tend to be at photogenic places (i.e. Chateau Lake Louise), so I wanted to know if there is anything fairly close to the hotel at Whistler as well.

The days are pretty much going to be taken up by course work, so if I'm going to do some shooting it has to be sunrise or sunset time.

I've got to leave for the course in Whistler the day after I return from my Yellowstone/Teton trip from Sept 21-Oct 4, so if there really isn't anything close by to shoot, I may do the unthinkable and leave my camera gear at home.

Well, if you need to stay around Fairmont Chateau, then you are quite limited. I would not say you should leave the gear at home, but if you like landscapes, the most scenic spots are towards and in Vancouver, i.e. you would have to rent a car. It is perhaps 3/4 to 1 hour to West Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay, but the sun will be working against you. The road is called "Sea to Sky Highway" with good reason; it might be one of the most sceneic stretches ever.

However, if you are prepared to spend the time and money, you get into Vancouver and can spend the evening there; it could be a time well spent.

I am not trying to abuse such occasions for showing off my panoramas, so only for a taste of what Vanvouver offers at the late evening:

Coal Harbour From the Stanley Park late evening

English Bay from Granville Island late evening

IMO, for a photographer it would be a shame not to use this opportunity. On the other hand, I have to say, that Vancouver's beauty is 99% in the nature, not in the city. You don't find here many interesting structures/architectural subjects.

Whistler itself is an amazing place. Bring your camera.

Try this. Go to Google and search for 'Whistler, BC photo' then have a look at what comes up. Decide for yourself!

Mike.

It will be getting nippy in the am, but you might get lucky and get some nice fall colour. there is a bike path that goes around the golf course and there are other bike paths as well. Rent a bike explore and enjoy. Best of luck and hey cut out early if no one is looking..

Hey Khurram

Ditch the bus and ride the Rocky Mountaineer to Whistler. I did this the end of May after a workshop in Vancouver

see http://terra360.com/blog/2008/06/life-after-jay.html

and also stayed at the Fairmont Whistler.

The train was great fun and lots of quick photographic opportunities:

http://terra360.com/pacific_nw2008/

But options around the hotel in Whistler are very limited.

It is a beautiful, albeit expensive, village.

cheers, Rusty (another one)

I appreciate the advice and the links. I wish I could ditch the bus, but unfortunately, my company is making the arrangments for everybody in western canada to meet up at vancouver airport and travel together to Whistler. The company is making all of the hotel, airline or transportation arrangements themselves and part of their objective is for us to stay together for the duration (inlcuding meals).

The only time i would have on my own is early in the morning (sunrise) before our breakfast and sessions start and just before dinner or after dinner.

I am trying to see if I can get my company to arrange for me to fly back after the weekend, as my plan is to spend the long weekend in Vancouver, so I appreciate the suggestions you made.

[quote=Khurram,Jul 27 2008, 01:02 PM]
I am trying to see if I can get my company to arrange for me to fly back after the weekend...

THEN go for the train if you can manage it. You'll find the bus ride fraught with many delays on the road as they ready newly wider parts for the upcoming winter Olympics. Needless to say, not scenic.

And yes, if you can get to Vancouver with some free time, get out to the Sequoia Grill for the sunset if not dinner.... one of the prettiest parts of Stanley Park.

Vijay's Restaurant is the most subline Indian cuisine in North America I think, just up the hill south of Granville Island.

You can take the SkyTrain (elevated monorail) to many parts of town, quick, fast and cheap.

Have fun.

Rusty

[quote=Rusty Jackson,Jul 27 2008, 06:39 PM]
[quote=Khurram,Jul 27 2008, 01:02 PM]
I am trying to see if I can get my company to arrange for me to fly back after the weekend...

THEN go for the train if you can manage it. You'll find the bus ride fraught with many delays on the road as they ready newly wider parts for the upcoming winter Olympics. Needless to say, not scenic.

And yes, if you can get to Vancouver with some free time, get out to the Sequoia Grill for the sunset if not dinner.... one of the prettiest parts of Stanley Park.

Vijay's Restaurant is the most subline Indian cuisine in North America I think, just up the hill south of Granville Island.

You can take the SkyTrain (elevated monorail) to many parts of town, quick, fast and cheap.

Have fun.

Rusty

[/quote]

Thanks again for the suggestions Rusty - and very cool site!! I'm envious at your travel oppertunities!! particularly Antartica!

All of the winter cross-country ski trails are mountain bike trails in the summer. I'd be surprised if you couldn't find something scenic along the trails. If the lift is running you should be able to get some nice panos at the top.

I ran across a black bear a 100 feet from the back entrance of the Fairmont, but didn't have my camera with me. You may be luckier.