Major city · Canada
PembertonPemberton, British Columbia
Base in Pemberton for 2 nights if you want Joffre Lakes and Nairn Falls without Whistler prices; day-trip it if you only want the village.
Pemberton is a farming valley 33 km north of Whistler, at the end of the Sea to Sky Highway. It is a bedroom community for Whistler workers and a launch point for Joffre Lakes, Nairn Falls, hot springs and paragliding. The village itself is small; most visitors come for the surrounding mountains and stay 1–2 nights.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for hiking and lakes; Dec–Mar for snow sports
- avoid Nov (rain, closed trails), mid-Jul–Aug weekends at Joffre Lakes (parking fills by 8AM)
- Airport
- CYPS
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Pemberton911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Pemberton, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyLow crime in a small farming valley.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCYPS Pemberton Regional Airport (Small field for private planes, charters and helicopters; no scheduled airline service.
- Getting aroundThe village is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Museum or sight ticketSkookumchuck Hot Springs entryC$10 (≈ US$8)/vehicle, C$10 (≈ US$8)/person; C$7.50 (≈ US$6) overnight camping
- Budget bedHostel or shared bunk, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedMotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomC$190 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedMotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomC$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CYPS Pemberton Regional Airport (Small field for private planes, charters and helicopters; no scheduled airline service. Whistler (YWS) and Vancouver (YVR) are the practical gateways.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Feb
Best
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Mar
Best
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Dec
Best
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Best: Jun, Sep, Dec–Mar. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Avoid: Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C) low), wettest Nov (17 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Pemberton: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
14 rd
Feb
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
11 rd
Mar
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
13 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
Nov
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
17 rd
Dec
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is walkable. Everything else — Joffre Lakes, Nairn Falls, the hot springs, the airport — needs a car or bike. BC Transit runs route 99 to Whistler and route 100 to Mount Currie a few times a day; bikes go on the front rack in summer only.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 30 min drive
Drive Hwy 99 east about 30 km (19 mi); free day-use permit in peak seasonDrive Hwy 99 east about 19 mi (30 km); free day-use permit in peak season
Lower lake is a 5–10 min walk from the lot. The upper lakes are 5.5 km (3.4 mi) one way with 350 m of climb.Lower lake is a 5–10 min walk from the lot. The upper lakes are 3.4 mi (5.5 km) one way with 350 m of climb.
Nairn Falls Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 5 min drive
Drive or cycle 2 km (1.2 mi) south of the village on Hwy 99Drive or cycle 1.2 mi (2 km) south of the village on Hwy 99
60 m waterfall; day use year-round, camping summer only.
Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 1 h drive
D'Arcy Road east, then Blackwater Creek Road, about 33 km (21 mi)D'Arcy Road east, then Blackwater Creek Road, about 21 mi (33 km)
Swimming beach and canoe rentals; the road is well-maintained dirt.
Whistler
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Drive Hwy 99 south, or BC Transit route 99
Cheaper beds in Pemberton, Whistler amenities 33 km (21 mi) away.Cheaper beds in Pemberton, Whistler amenities 21 mi (33 km) away.
Keyhole Hot Springs
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h drive
Pemberton Meadows Road, then Upper Lillooet FSR to about 42.5 km (26 mi)Pemberton Meadows Road, then Upper Lillooet FSR to about 26 mi (42.5 km)
Rough dirt road, closed in winter for bears, free camping. Test water temperature below the surface.
Skookumchuck Hot Springs
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h drive
In-shuck-ch Forest Service Road east
Paid entry per vehicle and person; gravel road.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Pemberton village
Walkable core with the museum, shops and most lodgings; 2 km (1.2 mi) from Nairn Falls turn-off.Walkable core with the museum, shops and most lodgings; 1.2 mi (2 km) from Nairn Falls turn-off.
Pemberton Meadows Road
Farm stays and guesthouses along the valley road; you need a car.
Mount Currie / Xit'olacw
Lil'wat community 8 km (5 mi) east; the culture centre is here. Few visitor beds.Lil'wat community 5 mi (8 km) east; the culture centre is here. Few visitor beds.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or lodge double room1 × 2 nights × C$190 | C$380 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$160 | C$640 |
| Car hire, one day, compact1 × C$70 | C$70 |
| Fuel, Vancouver return1 × C$60 | C$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$120 |
| Trip total≈ C$330 per person per day, bed included | C$1,320≈ US$1,000 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; car hire and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Pub meal | C$18–30 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Tandem paragliding flight | C$240 (≈ US$180) |
| Canoe rental, Birkenhead Lake | C$20 (≈ US$15)/hour, C$30 (≈ US$25)/half day, C$50 (≈ US$40)/day |
| BC Transit local fare | C$2.50 (≈ US$2) adult; C$4.50 (≈ US$4) to or from Whistler |
| Skookumchuck Hot Springs entry | C$10 (≈ US$8)/vehicle, C$10 (≈ US$8)/person; C$7.50 (≈ US$6) overnight camping |
| Golf, Sunstone | C$25–69 (≈ US$19–55) depending on day and time |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Joffre Lakes needs a free day-use permit in peak season; no permit, no entry. Check BC Parks before you drive.
- Hot springs can scald: a cool surface layer can sit on top of near-boiling water. Test below the surface with a stick or bottle, never a hand or foot.
- Bear country. Keyhole Hot Springs closes in winter because of bears; keep dogs leashed and food sealed.
- The Duffy Lake Road north to Lillooet and the Hurley Pass are gravel and seasonal; check DriveBC before committing.
- Cell coverage drops fast outside the valley floor.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
PembertonPemberton, British Columbia
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Pemberton. US consulate general in Vancouver; other countries: embassies in Ottawa, consulates in Vancouver.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- BC Transit Pemberton → Whistler: C$4.50 (≈ US$4), about 40 min
- Parkbus Vancouver → Pemberton-area parks: check schedule and fare on the operator site
- Tandem paragliding: C$240 (≈ US$180)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the trailhead? — Where is the trailhead?
- Is the road open? — Is the road open?
- I have a day-use permit — I have a day-use permit
Cell coverage is patchy outside the valley. Download offline maps before you drive.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Pemberton. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for hiking and lakes; Dec–Mar for snow sports · avoid Nov (rain, closed trails), mid-Jul–Aug weekends at Joffre Lakes (parking fills by 8AM) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CYPS and the Whistler/Vancouver fallback: last bus, taxi rung, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: village core, Nairn Falls, Mount Currie and the culture centre.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Joffre Lakes permit rules, Nairn Falls trail, museum hours) and eat pages with last orders.
- Hot-spring safety fixture so the scalding risk is stated before the pools are recommended.
Sources
- officialTourism Pemberton
- officialVillage of Pemberton
- officialBC Parks — Joffre Lakes
- officialBC Parks — Nairn Falls
- officialBC Parks — Birkenhead Lake
- officialBC Transit — Pemberton Valley
- officialDriveBC road conditions
- secondaryWikivoyage: Pemberton (British Columbia), revision 5309428 (CC BY-SA 4.0)