Summer in Whistler 101
Whistler is an AWESOME town for all four seasons. From skiing all winter to mountain biking in summer, there’s always an activity waiting to be done.
If your plans for the day have fallen through and you need a last minute activity stat – then keep reading!
Hiking & Sightseeing
Whistler and Blackcomb mountains have HEAPS of hiking trails, from wide paths for the whole family to the more advanced trails that will take you to glaciers, lakes and high alpine meadows. You’ll need a sightseeing pass to get on the gondola/chairlift, which you can purchase on the day.
There’s the Roundhouse Restaurant at the top of Whistler which means you can grab a quick snack before you set off or have a quick break before heading on the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola. Remember to take snacks and plenty of water with you though!
While you’re at the top, the PEAK2PEAK gondola is an absolute must-do. It holds the world record for the longest and highest lift in the world and even has a glass bottom cabin so you can see the world beneath your feet! It connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains together, giving you easy access to the most incredible views and experience.
Life is good at the top!
Mountain Biking
If you’re an adrenaline junkie or a keen mountain biker, then you can head up the mountain and race back down to the bottom on world class mountain biking trails. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park has trails for all levels of skill, trust me when i say ‘all levels’! I went up (with a very experienced friend) and LOVED it! I recommend using all the protective gear available to hire as you will probably fall off at some stage. I did countless times! 😉
You’re able to buy a bike park ticket, rent bikes and gear and also book lessons all on the day. The lessons can get pretty busy though, so if you know you’re going to need it, maybe book a day in advance.
Go to the local lakes (or beaches as Canadians call them!)
There’s a total of five lakes in the Whistler area but the most popular is Lost Lake (which isn’t really lost at all!), it’s just a quick shuttle ride from the main village. The shuttle is free to use during July and August and is defs recommended as there is no car parking. There are washrooms (that’s restroom in Canadian) and BBQ’s with picnic tables to use.
If you’re looking for amaaazing views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains then Alta Lake at Rainbow Park is perfect! It’s a 20 minute bike ride along the Valley Trail from Whistler Village. If you’re a beach volleyball buff, there are courts available for use as well as your typical picnic tables and BBQ’s. This side of Alta Lake has shallow water and a sandy shore which is great if you have a young family.
Bungee Jumping
If you’ve ever wanted to bungee jump, then Whistler is the place to try it. The jump bridge is suspended 160 ft over the glacial fed, Cheakamus (check-a-mus) River. This bridge is open year-round and usually runs from 12pm until 3pm in summer.
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever screamed so much in my life but it was the most surreal feeling I’ve ever felt and would jump at the chance to do it again (pun intended hehe). The staff on the bridge also have a photographer onsite to capture your scream-face as you jump. If you’re game enough, you can also dress up (or down) to jump – the staff have plenty of stories to tell, just ask!
The tours usually include transport from Whistler Village (office location) if you need it, otherwise you can drive to the jump bridge yourself. If you’re wanting to do this on the way to Whistler, the bridge is located about 45 minutes from the nearest town, Squamish (skwar-mish) – there is also a Walmart here!
Bear Tours
One of the main things I was excited about during summer was seeing all the bears! Since I’m from Brisbane, the only bears we see are Koala Bears and they aren’t even related to bears!
Whistler has a population of about 70 black bears in total, including the mothers and cubs. Most bear tours start from the base of Blackcomb mountain and go through forests, streams and meadows where you can visit bear dens and walk through Hemlock Forests. Along with the bears, you’ll also see plenty of other wildlife such as deer, owls, marmots and maybe even coyotes!
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