Tangoer: That bus link is great
redflagger, yes Allura Direct is great, I haven't used them persoanlly but know of many others that have, no problems, generally a bit cheaper than a travel agent.
My thoughts on doing Whistler on a budget, is it likely to be a place that you will go to once, just to experience it ? If so splash out and stay in style so that you will rememeber it. Just my thoughts.