Influencing change and inspiring minds through education and thought leadership
Who We Are
The Whistler Institute of Learning Society (d.b.a. the Whistler Institute) is committed to making a difference by partnering with individuals and organizations that are dedicated to providing opportunities for learning and influencing change; by encouraging innovation and creativity in learning opportunities; by thoughtful consideration of global issues; by connecting with leading subject experts, communities and institutions to affect change; and by inspiring individuals and organizations to take initiative.
The Whistler Institute is a registered charity that is funded through private donors, foundations, government grants and fees for service. We gratefully and respectfully acknowledge that we operate on the land now known as Whistler, located on the shared, unceded territories of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and Líl̓wat Nations.
What We Do
The Global Perspectives Speaker Series is designed to stimulate discussion and inspire action around major issues facing the world today and into the future. Global Perspectives brings together leading experts in a panel setting to discuss important topics and to provide a roadmap for local action while influencing globally.
The Whistler Institute’s creative educational programs delivered in partnership with postsecondary institutions and independent educators provide micro-credentials, certificates, diplomas and degrees in a variety of disciplines. The Institute’s educational programs act as an incubator for new ideas by providing innovative learning and development opportunities to meet the unique needs of this region.
The History of the Whistler Institute
The Whistler Learning Centre Society was incorporated in 2015, formalizing the Whistler Education Group that had formed in 2012 as an independent group to re-imagine how educational opportunities could enhance the Whistler experience. Shortly after, stakeholder and community engagement commenced, research and needs assessments were undertaken, and strong partnerships began to form.
In 2018 the Whistler Learning Centre gained charitable status to assist in its mission to facilitate and promote life-long learning opportunities in the community of Whistler for residents and visitors.
By the end of 2020 the Whistler Learning Centre had delivered over 24 courses in Whistler in collaboration with renowned public postsecondary institutions (British Columbia Institute of Technology, Vancouver Island University, University of Northern BC) and independent instructors as well as launching an acclaimed speaker’s series focused on thought leadership.
In January 2021 the Whistler Learning Centre changed its name to the Whistler Institute of Learning Society to better reflect the breadth and depth of its activities and operates as the Whistler Institute.
The Whistler Institute plans to grow and diversify its course offerings through strong partnerships with post-secondary institutions, local and indigenous educators to meet the needs of the communities in the Sea to Sky Region. This will include hosting more thought leadership forums through an innovative speaker series, launching a new Indigenous & Intercultural Awareness course in collaboration with BCIT and the Lil’wat Nation to facilitate local employment of Lil’wat Nation members and support reconciliation efforts, and developing three new programs to improve mental wellness in First Nations communities.