Best Things to Do in Whistler in the Summer (Written by a local)

My hometown of Whistler is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to visit in Canada. Thanks to the awesome Whistler Blackcomb Mountain, which is consistently ranked as one of the best ski resorts in the world! But did you know that most tourists travel to Whistler in the summer (with 55% of tourists visiting in June, July, and August)?

That’s because there’s so much to do in Whistler in summer – you can go downhill mountain biking, try out the unique sport of whitewater rafting, and even check out some giant snow walls on Whistler Mountain. Now, I’ve lived in Whistler for a few years, and I look forward to every summer here. It’s for sure, my favorite season in Whistler!

Would you believe the average temperature is 73 Fahrenheit (23 Celsius) during the summer and can even rise as high as 82 Fahrenheit (28 Celsius) – my kind of weather? I’m a hot-weather gal!

There are even some beaches in Whistler, well, we locals call them ‘lake beaches’ because you swim in the lake instead of the ocean. These lake beaches are incredibly scenic and surrounded by mountains. But beware, the water is startlingly cold (about 57 Fahrenheit, in the summer). Plus, the sunsets are epic, and there are plenty of awesome restaurants and Cafes! What more could you want from a summer vacation?!

There’s so much to do in Whistler in summer, but I’ve managed to list just a fraction below (but they are the best ones, in my opinion!).

READ NEXT – Best things to do in Whistler at any time of year

Is it worth going to Whistler in the Summer?

Yes, Whistler is most definitely worth going to in the summer! Whistler may be most famous for its ski season. But as I said earlier, I’ve lived in Whistler for over 3 years, and I have to admit the summer is my favorite season here!

Now, that’s a bold statement, considering Whistler is a ski mecca and is insanely beautiful in the winter. Then the surrounding mountains (and often the village itself) are covered in a thick blanket of snow. BUT, there’s so much to do in Whistler in the summer – you can go whitewater rafting and downhill mountain biking and even check out the giant snow walls on Whistler Mountain (my favorite thing to do in the summer!).

Plus, the average daily temperature in Whistler in the summer is a toasty 73 Fahrenheit (23 Celsius). Perfect for relaxing on the town’s lake beaches like Lost Lake and Alta Lake!

Best things to do in Whistler in Summer

1. Horseriding through the mountains

One of the best (and most photogenic) things to do in Whistler in summer is this mountain horse riding experience which takes you through the Pemberton Valley range near Whistler. On the guided tour you will climb through epic scenery including wildflower meadows, thick native forest, and even pass by the mighty Ryan River and Lillooet River.

You will even get to gallop under the shadow of Mount Curry (a whopping 2,591 feet) and see if you can spot native wildlife like deer, elk, and maybe even some brown bears!

You can choose from a 1-hour or 2-hour tour and prices start from $98 CAD per adult.

2. Axe throwing

You’ve likely never heard of the sport of axe-throwing, it’s a very Canadian sport and a lot of fun, once you get the hang of it that is! You can try axe-throwing at Forge Axe Throwing out in Function Junction, a 15-minute drive from Whistler Village. During the hour-long session, you will be taught how to throw an axe correctly and participate in some fun axe-throwing games under the supervision of an experienced coach.

They also sell beer and other alcoholic beverages for you to enjoy after your session. In fact, this is a popular place for locals to hang out in the evenings.

Prices start at $38 CAD per person for an hour session.

3. Try a 4×4 offroad buggy

Learn how to drive your very own 4×4 offroad buggy and drive this high-powered vehicle through narrow wooded tracks and up steep backcountry mountain roads. Would you believe – the top speed this vehicle can go is 60 mph!

You will even get to power through creeks and rivers (don’t be afraid to get wet) and drive your vehicle over boulders if you’re confident enough. It’s easy to get carried away. I went hell-for-leather and managed to puncture my tire! You may even be lucky enough to spot native wildlife like deer and grouse on your drive. I’ve been living in Whistler for 4 years now, and I must admit, this is one of my favorite activities here!

Important information – drivers must be at least 19 years of age with a full, valid driver’s license equivalent to a BC Class 5 license.

You can book the 3-hour Odyssey Tour here, prices start from $343 CAD per person! Which I think is pretty reasonable for this bucket-list-worthy experience!

4. Watch the sunset

Whistler is one of the best places in the world to watch the sunset, thanks to a phenomenon called ‘alpenglow’, which is when the sunlight illuminates the mountain peaks in shades of pink and orange.

Lost Lake is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Whistler. It’s a 20 minute easy walk from Whistler’s upper village to Lost Lake, the entrance to the walking track is opposite the Four Seasons Hotel. Here, at Lost Lake, there’s a gorgeous view of Blackcomb Mountain, so when the sun hits the snow-covered peak, it lights up in an alpenglow! If it’s a calm day, the pink and orange hues of the sunset are reflected on the lake’s surface, making for a perfect photo opportunity.

Another great sunset spot in Whistler Village itself is from the large patio at Garibaldi Lift Company. It’s the highest patio in Whistler, and you will be able to spot the last light of the day hitting Blackcomb, Whistler, Sproatt, and Rainbow mountains from here.

5. Ziplining

If you crave an adrenalin rush, why not join a ziplining tour that starts from the top of Whistler Mountain? You can go ziplining at all times of the year, but it’s best to do it in summer because it’s warmer – believe me, I’ve ziplined in the winter, and those ziplines go really fast, so it’s not so pleasant when the cold winter wind is blowing in your face as you speed through the course.

Ziptrek Ecotours offers 4 distinct zipline tours and the TreeTrek canopy walk. It’s also home of the Sasquatch – the longest zipline in Canada and the USA. The Sasquatch is 2km in length! There are several tours to choose from the Bear Tour (4 ziplines); the Eagle Tour (5 ziplines) and the Sasquatch (one monster zipline).

Prices start from $178 CAD for the Eagle Tour, which is 3 hours long.

6. Go downhill mountain biking

Whistler Mountain Bike Park is often celebrated as the best downhill mountain bike destination in the world, that’s because it has no less than 70 trails, and the steepest trail is a whopping 4,900 feet! All biking abilities are catered for here with green trails, mountain zones, technical double blacks as well as jump trails.

There are 4 zones – four zones: Fitzsimmons Zone (ideal for beginners), Garbanzo Zone, Creek Zone, and Peak Zone.

New to the Bike Park this summer is the Gatorade Skills Park which features medium size jump and drop features, ideal for intermediate and advanced riders. You can find it in the Fitzsimons Zone .

You can rent a downhill mountain bike from Evolution Whistler Bike in Village Green and Whistler Sports Rentals in Village Square.

7. Hike the skywalk trail

Completed in 2014, the Skywalk Trail is an awesome valley-to-alpine hiking experience – that’s 24 km in length.

Be sure to put on your hiking boots for this loop trail that passes through rainforest, Iceberg Lake, and several other smaller lakes. It’s definitely one of the most scenic hikes in Whistler and if you’re doing the whole track I recommend having a high level of fitness. You can choose to do shorter sections of the trail if you wish. My top tip is to hike up to Iceberg Lake (which is over 1000 meters of elevation gain) and take in the breathtaking views.

Did you know – the trail was completed by a group of volunteers from the Alpine Club of Canada?

You can book this guided tour for $139 CAD which takes 2-3 hours – ideal for those not-so-confident in their climbing ability! It’s perfect if you’re new to hiking or simply want someone experienced to lead the way and show you the best (and hidden gem) sights along the way.

8. Go in search of wild bears

Whistler is certainly a hot spot for bear sightings. With its lush green landscapes and crisp mountain air, it is unusual not to spot a black bear if you look in the right places during the summer (they hibernate in the winter!). Would you believe – both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are home to more than 100 black bears?

Here are the best places to go bear spotting in Whistler during the summer months –

• Callaghan Valley
• At the base of the mountain in Creekside
• Whistler Olympic Park
• Fairmont Chateau Golf Course

With so many bears in Whistler, it is so important to practice bear safety. Check out Bear Smart BC’s, Bear Smart brochure before going wild bear spotting in Whistler.

9. Go strawberry picking in Pemberton

At North Arm Farm in Pemberton, you can pick your own delicious strawberries during the summer months. They are typically available to pick for only four weeks of the year, and every year, these four weeks vary as it’s weather-dependant. FYI – it most often starts in mid-June.

Bring your own containers and pick your strawberries from your designated patch. You will pay at the end and the price is dependent on weight.

There’s also a great cafe here and a farm store where you can pick up some homegrown supplies.

10. Walk the snow walls on Whistler mountain

Buy a PEAK 2 PEAK sightseeing ticket and get the gondola up Whistler Mountain to see the snow walls before they melt from the sun. These snow walls were formed thanks to the abundance of snow the mountain receives during the winter months. Some are well over 12 feet tall. The best time to visit the snow walls is from late May to early June.

The walls are located just above Pika Traverse.

12. Peak 2 Peak Gondola

On that note, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is likely at the top of most tourists Whistler to-do list! It connects Whistler and Blackcomb mounatins snd would you believe this gondola ride is 4.4 kilometers long, so the journey will take you around 11 minutes in total. From this prime vantage point – 436 meters above the valley you can take in the lush Whistler landscapes. And if you do the ride in early summer you may even see snow on the top of both mountains.

For something truly unique albeit not for those who are afraid of heights, you can take the glass bottom gondola across. This is called the 360 experience. You can look down below your feet to the valley below. We saw a family of black bears when we last did it!

The most popular attraction up here is the Skybridge which takes you out to a wow-worthy viewing platform of Blackcomb. If you’re a hiker, you’ll be in heaven up here as there are over 50 km of hiking trails between both mountains.

A Peak 2 Peak Gondola pass costs from $99 CAD for a day pass per adult.

12. Walk the train wreck hike

Head out to Cheakamus Crossing to do one of Whistler’s most famous short hikes to the Train Wreck – a set of abandoned rail cars turned art installation. It’s a very easy, mostly flat walk, and the main feature is, of course, the brightly colored graffiti train cars, but you will also be treated to gorgeous views of the Cheakamus River. 

The track is approx. 1 km each way and starts from Jane Lakes Road car park near Cheakamus Crossing.

13. Go white water rafting

One of the most unique things to do in Whistler in summer is to join a river rafting tour. The reason the water moves so fast in the rivers here is that the snow from the mountains is melting at rapid speed during the warmer months and filling the rivers below. On the tour, you will be joined by an experienced guide who will expertly guide your group through the rapids. You will get wet though, and may even topple into the freezing-cold water, but you are provided with a wetsuit that will keep you warm.

There are numerous tours to choose from on the Green River, Cheakamus River, Elaho River, and Squamish River. One of the most popular tours is the Green River Rafting Tour, which is suitable for first-timers and has several fun, bouncy rapids. This tour costs from $120 CAD per person.

14. Hike to Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls is a spectacular 70-meter waterfall that can be seen from a viewpoint, a short walk from the car park. Or if you’re fit, you can do as the locals do and hike to the base of the falls.

To get to the base of Brandywine Falls – from the viewing platform, pass the fence on the far left side. Walk straight through the forest, following the edge of the cliff until you reach a rocky area. Make your way down a makeshift set of steps. Continue on the trail until you come to a white rope you will need to use this to carefully climb down. Follow the track over the boulders until the track turns left into the forest. After this, the track is well-marked and follows through the forest until it meets the stream that goes into the falls.

15. Go bungee jumping

Regularly voted as one of the most adrenaline-pumping activities available in Whistler, jumping from 160 feet over the bright blue waters of the Cheakamus River is certain to get your blood pumping. In fact, this has to be one of the most scenic spots in Canada for a bungee – there’s a giant Black Tusk mountain in the background, as well as native bush and basalt cliffs all around.

Whistler Bungee is located at Calcheak Service Forest Road, about a 20-minute drive from Whistler Village. Prices start from $140 CAD per person.

16. Relax at Scandinave Spa

Scandinave Spa allows you to relax in the heart of nature. A Nordic-inspired 20,000-square-foot outdoor spa surrounded by cedar trees. Soak in the outdoor hot tub and experience the beautiful vista of Whistler’s natural beauty.

There are steam baths, hot baths as well as a large sauna – which is how it’s recommended to start your day at Scandinave Spa. After, warming up you must brave the cold and plunge into one of their cold baths, or stand under the Nordic waterfall for a few minutes. After all that, relax in one of the relaxation rooms or on the hammock which has an incredible view.

Important to note that Scandinave Spa is a silent spa, meaning no talking is allowed.

If you really want to treat yourself, you can book a massage or other spa treatment at their award-winning on-site Spa. This is definitely one of the most luxurious things to do in Whistler!

Scandinave Spa is located on Mons Road, a 5-minute drive from Whistler Village.

17. Grab a coffee

The best cafe in my opinion is Camp Coffee & Lifestyle Co. in Function Junction – fantastic coffee in a modern lifestyle store. The coffee is strong, which I personally love!

Purebread is famous in Whistler for both excellent coffee and delicious cakes. You won’t miss it, as there is usually a long winding queue out this small Cafe’s door. Their tantalizing display of sweets has everything from Sticky Toffee Pudding to Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies. Pure mouth-watering bliss.

Other great Cafes in Whistler include local favorite Mount Currie Coffee Company on Main Street and Lift Coffee Company in Mountain Square.

18. Dine at a delicious restaurant

My number one choice for dinner is the award-winning Rimrock Cafe near Creekside Village. It is continually ranked as the top restaurant in Whistler – it provides both a unique dining experience and the best fish dishes in all of British Columbia!

A close second is Araxi in Whistler Village, which has some very innovative dishes, including the Quebec Rabbit dish (which is my personal favorite) . Also, worth a mention is Bearfoot Bistro with its famed wine cellar – it has one of the most extensive wine cellars in all of Canada. Their butter poached Atlantic Salmon is amazing.

How many days do you need in Whistler in Summer?

I recommend allowing 3 days in Whistler in the summer. With that amount of time, you’ll be able to tick off a few of the top summer tours (like whitewater rafting and an offroad buggy tour – my top suggestions). And even squeeze in a relaxing day at one of the town’s lake beaches. With 3 days in Whistler, you’ll also be able to tackle one of the many scenic hiking trails – my favorites are the SkyWalk trail and the train wreck hike.

Where to stay in Whistler

• Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa – right in the center of Whistler Village and very close to the gondola, this large hotel is very popular with families

• Nita Lake Lodge – located in Creekside, a 10 minute drive from Whistler Village and looking onto stunning Nita Lake this is one of my favorite hotels in Whistler

• The Westin – is a nice luxury option in Whistler’s lower village, it’s right next to the gondola and the rooms are spacious with great views

• Four Seasons Resort – this is probably the most luxurious hotel in Whistler, located in Whistler’s Upper Village and close to Blackcomb Gondola this hotel is frequented by celebrities

There are also lots of awesome hostels in Whistler for those travelers on a budget!

Thanks for visiting my blog, Aimee x

So, whether you’re visiting Whistler in summer for just a night or a week armed with this list you’ll be spoiled for choice for awesome things to do. Of course, there’s something for everyone in Whistler in summer, and most activities (like the hikes and watching the sunset) are completely free!

If you like this blog post, you may enjoy some of my Canada roadtrip guides like the drive from Whistler to Jasper; driving from Banff to Jasper and driving from Whistler to Banff!

Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by snaphappytravel