{"id":41125,"date":"2015-08-17T17:07:23","date_gmt":"2015-08-17T07:07:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=41125"},"modified":"2018-05-14T06:46:57","modified_gmt":"2018-05-13T20:46:57","slug":"summer-in-whistler-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/summer-in-whistler-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer in Whistler 101"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whistler <\/a>is an AWESOME town for all four seasons. From skiing all winter to mountain biking in summer, there\u2019s always an activity waiting to be done.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If your plans for the day have fallen through and you need a last minute activity stat – then keep reading!<\/p>\n

Hiking & Sightseeing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Whistler <\/a>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\u2019ll need a sightseeing pass<\/a> to get on the gondola\/chairlift, which you can purchase on the day.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n

While you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

\"Whistler

Life is good at the top!<\/p><\/div>\n

Mountain Biking<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re 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<\/a> has trails for all levels of skill, trust me when i say \u2018all levels\u2019! I went up \u00a0(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\u00a0countless times! \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

You\u2019re 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\u2019re going to need it, maybe book a day in advance.<\/p>\n\"Mountain\n

Go to the local lakes (or beaches as Canadians call them!)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s a total of five lakes in the Whistler area but the most popular is Lost Lake (which isn\u2019t really lost at all!), it\u2019s 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\u2019s restroom in Canadian) and BBQ’s with picnic tables to use.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for amaaazing views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains then Alta Lake at Rainbow Park is perfect! It\u2019s a 20 minute bike ride along the Valley Trail from Whistler <\/a>Village. If you\u2019re a beach volleyball buff, there are courts available for use as well as your typical picnic tables and BBQ\u2019s. This side of Alta Lake has shallow water and a sandy shore which is great if you have a young family.<\/p>\n\"Alta\n

Bungee Jumping<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019ve ever wanted to bungee jump, then Whistler is the place to try it.\u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n

I honestly don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever screamed so much in my life but it was the most surreal feeling I\u2019ve 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!<\/p>\n

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\u2019re wanting to do this on the way to Whistler, the bridge is located about 45 minutes from the nearest town, Squamish <\/a>(skwar-mish) – there is also a Walmart here!<\/p>\n\"Bungee\n

Bear Tours<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the main things I was excited about during summer was seeing all the bears! Since I\u2019m from Brisbane<\/a>, the only bears we see are Koala Bears and they aren\u2019t even related to bears!<\/p>\n

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\u00a0visit bear dens and walk through Hemlock Forests.\u00a0 Along with the bears, you\u2019ll also see plenty of other wildlife such as deer, owls, marmots and maybe even coyotes!<\/p>\n\"Deer\n

Have you ever been to Whistler in the summer? Comment with your fave memory below.<\/em><\/h2>\n