Whistler in winter? It’s a no-brainer, with its picturesque views, urbane village, world-class skiing, and diverse mix of quality accommodations. But what does Whistler, that quintessential mountain town have in store for us in summer? EVERYTHING!
Hit the vibrant pedestrian-only village. All summer you’ll find art, cultural activities and outdoor festivals everyone in your family will love.
Credit: Tourism Whistler
Start the summer off with the Whistler Children’s Festival, from July 6 – 8, 2018 where Whistler transforms into a children’s wonderland of magic and musical performances, hands-on arts and crafts workshops such as face painting, origami, and more.
Strolling through the village. Credit: Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane
Always popular with families, the Upper Village is home to the Family Adventure Zone. Classic summer activities such as mini golf, bouncy castles and rides like the Westcoaster Slide are the biggest draws.
Itching to walk, hike and bike? Whistler’s iconic Train Wreck hike is popular with families for its suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River and all the hidden boxcars nestled among the trees. Or wait for the sun to set and set out for Vallea Lumina starting July 2018, where you can experience an hour-long night walk through an illuminated 1.5 km trail. The old growth landscape is enhanced with multimedia lights and sound which really make this an extraordinary adventure.
Swimming in the winter may be limited to the heated pools and hot tubs, but summer afternoons are made for splashing in a fresh mountain lake. Lost Lake is perfect for a laid-back beachy day, or if you’re too adventurous to sit still, Stand Up Paddleboarding at Alta Lake is a must!
Lost Lake Beach Credit: Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane
Still seeking more thrills? Ziplining through the forest, tree trekking across suspension bridges and forest trails and mountain biking are huge summer sports. I am not a mountain biker, but I can certainly appreciate the thrill of five new trails, accessible from all lifts, at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park’s new Creekside Expansion.
Downhill Mountain Biking in the Whistler Bike Park. Credit: Tourism Whistler / Justa Jeskova
The most impressive part of summer in Whistler is the views. And the views are most epic when you hop on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. From there you can also discover more hike trails and check out Blackcomb Mountain.
Peak 2 Peak Gondola Credit: Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane
Also an amazing, yet nerve-wracking, experience is the Whistler Mountain Peak Suspension Bridge to the West Ridge Viewpoint. Expected to open late July 2018, it spans 130m from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge, sitting 50m above Whistler Bowl. The view of the Coast Mountains and valley below don’t get any better.
So don’t wait until winter! Summer is short, and awesome at Whistler!
