....is it best to use a credit card as much as possible, or convert US$'s to Canadian? With the conversion rate being what it is, I'm thinking that the conversion method is the best way to go.

Who handles conversions? Banks, only?

Many of the stores in Whistler will accept US $. For better exchange rates you can exchange money at several hotels in Whistler including the Fairmont Chateau (located in the Upper Village on the shuttle route) and the Pan Pacific (located in the Village). There will be a place to exchange currency at the Vancouver airport as well - after you clear Customs.

Most of the stores in Whistler will accept credit cards. You may want to check with your credit card companies before we leave as they have varying charges for International purchases. If you're planning to use credit cards, you may want to notify the company that you will be in Canada. To prevent fraud, some companies will put a stop on credit cards if they start seeing international purchaces and can't reach you to confirm the charge's authenticity.

Probably good to have some Canadien $. I'll probably exchange some at the airport and then more at one of the Whistler hotels if necessary. But I'll probably use credit cards whenever possible.

Of course, with the US and Canadien dollars being so close in value, this may all be a moot point.

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Adventure is the invitation to common people to become uncommon - Warren Miller