Pemberton is only 35 km (25 minutes) north of Whistler, the international mountain resort, and only 155 km north of Vancouver. The area is famous for its forests, 2800 m. high glacier-capped mountains, the surrounding wilderness, and many rarely seen wildlife species (cougar, black bear, grizzly, deer, moose, etc.). Summers are typically hot and dry, late into September. It has become a very important recreation destination for horseback riding and is home to the cowboy culture. It is also a mecca for mountain biking, hiking, and wilderness camping. The constant hot summer thermal winds also make Pemberton famous for paragliding. The town of Pemberton has a population of only 1,500 residents, but has stores, restaurants and cafes, medical services, massage and spa facilities, a world class golf course and farms selling fresh products.