Whistler Visitor Centre — Attraction in Whistler Resort Municipality

6 Sept 2024 @2pm approx - MARIE IS FANTASTIC!! Karel and her red haired friend SUCK...At my entry, I noticed no one was at Karel's station. After sometime had passed, I noted I was being ignored at every turn while awaiting either of them to serve me. They never did. They continued to talk amongst themselves. I was standing in their presence. They appeared to enjoy their bad behaviour being inflicted upon me. It was obvious to me their actions were deliberate and racist!! Faced with the insult I moved over to MARIE who was the comsumate PROFESSIONAL. How Karel and her red haired friend continue to have their client facing information jobs is beyond comprehension. I noted as a white male entered with a query, Karel and her red haired friend instantly attended to him. After Marie's excellent service towards me, I retested the scenario. Once again with no one there I moved over to Karel's station. She promptly moved away from her station in the opposite direction from my oncoming approach. Again Karel confirmed my suspicion. I was DELIBERATELY ignored. As a woman of colour, it is apparent Karel's operating style towards and treatment upon me would be the same to others of hue. She warrants dismissal. I do hope the manager does the right thing and remove Karel immediately!! She does not have the skill set to serve in that capacity as front desk...

Our family had been enjoying our trip to Whistler until we visited the Whistler Information Centre to ask about shuttle bus information. Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing.

When we first arrived, an older staff member asked us to move away from the lineup, even though the sign clearly indicated “line starts here.” When it was our turn at the counter, another staff member, Sue, responded to our question with impatience and visible frustration. When I politely tried to confirm her answer, she was dismissive and rude.

What made the experience even more disheartening was that, from my observation, most white visitors were greeted with smiles and friendliness, whereas our family—being people of colour—did not receive the same courtesy. This left us feeling unwelcome and singled out.

In hindsight, we should have simply looked up the shuttle information online rather than visiting the centre, as no one should leave feeling insulted or discriminated against. As Canada is a diverse and welcoming country known for its friendly people, I respectfully request that the appropriate authority address this matter to ensure that all visitors are treated with fairness...

Originally, I wrote a very harsh review out of frustration, but I deleted it because I realized this issue needs to be addressed professionally, not with immature reactions.

That being said, my experience at the Whistler Visitor Centre was extremely disappointing due to a staff member named Sue. I was a first timer at Whistler and as a vancouverite I've been told to visit. I asked her a simple question about Whistler tours, she scoffed, scowled, and treated me with clear disrespect. Her behavior also came across as racist, which was deeply unsettling—especially in a place that welcomes visitors from around the world.

As the first point of contact for many tourists, Sue is doing Whistler a disservice. Her attitude left me feeling unwelcome and created a very negative impression of the community. Whistler is known internationally as a friendly and world-class destination, and staff at the Visitor Centre should reflect that by being professional, respectful, and inclusive qualities. Sue unfortunately did not show. Her actions did not represent the Canadian culture. Even after telling her off she rolled her eyes. This clearly isn't her...