Whistler and Blackcomb Country

Allen H. Soroka is assistant law librarian at the University of British
Columbia Law Library and an avid sportsman.

“Sea to sky country” is a 160-kilometre area along Highway 99 (the
Sea to Sky Highway) in British Columbia that stretches from the mouth of
Howe Sound north to the Pemberton Valley. The region, a two-hour drive
north from Vancouver, is known for its spectacular scenery. Glaciers,
high peaks, turbulent rivers, meandering streams, and forested mountains
are there in abundance. “Whistler and Blackcomb country” is an area
in this region. Whistler, one of the ski resorts along the route, is
competing to host the winter 2002 Olympic games.

The first chapter of Sea to Sky Country provides an informative history
of the region. The next four chapters focus on specific areas in the
region: Howe Sound, Garibaldi Park, Whistler and Blackcomb, the
Pemberton Valley. Each chapter, which begins with an introductory
history of the area, is filled with lavish color photographs. This
reviewer, who has visited the region, can attest that the photographs
accurately portray the region’s grandeur.

Whistler and Blackcomb Country, a companion book to Sea to Sky Country,
highlights abundant recreational opportunities. Both of these splendid,
glossy, coffee-table books will undoubtedly inspire readers to visit the
region.