23 Awesome Things to do in Whistler this Summer


We love Whistler. It’s our favourite weekend getaway and/or day trip from Vancouver. Therefore, we thought it’s about time we published a detailed guide about all the wonderful things to do in Whistler this summer. 

It’s an easy 1.5 hour drive from Vancouver to Whistler, which makes it our go-to option for a weekend getaway from Vancouver. There are so many fun outdoor adventures in Whistler that this post could easily have 50+ items.

And that’s just the summer season!

Here are the top Whistler summer activities:

  • Peak to Peak 360 Experience – ride the longest continuous lift system in the world!
  • High Alpine Hiking trails – marvel at Black Tusk and Glaciers
  • Whistler Downhill Mountain Bike Park
  • Lost Lake hiking and biking trails
  • Bike ride the many Whistler Valley Trails
  • See colourful abandoned trains at the Whistler train wreck hike
  • Visit the spectacular Brandywine Falls
  • Golf at world class golf courses surrounded by mountains
  • Zipline down one of the longest ziplines in North America
  • Hike to Garibaldi Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park
  • River rafting down Green River or Elaho and Squamish Rivers
  • Aerial Obstacle Course and Whistler Bungee jumping
  • See wild bears in their natural habitat on a bear viewing tour
  • Get off road on an ATV, 4×4 buggy or Jeep tour with Canadian Wilderness
  • Take a relaxing Spa day at the Scandinave Spa
  • Experience the Vallea Lumina Multimedia Night Walk 
  • Take a scenic flight or heli-tour over the Coast Mountains
  • Stand-up paddleboard, kayak and/or canoe glacier fed lakes
  • Shopping on the famous Whistler Village Stroll
  • Enjoy food and drinks on a lively patio in Whistler Village

Related post – The perfect 10 Day Road Trip from Vancouver

Peak to Peak Gondola with glass bottom, silver gondola Whistler Mountain, British Columbia, Canada

1. Peak to Peak Gondola – 360 Experience

Whistler’s Peak to Peak Gondola is a must for first time visitors. This impressive tricable gondola transports guests from the top of Whistler Mountain to the top of Blackcomb Mountain in only 11 minutes.

At the time of completion in December 2008, the Peak to Peak Gondola broke three world records:

  • It’s the longest continuous lift system in the world, when connected with Whistler Gondola and Blackcomb Gondola.
  • It’s the highest life of its kind, reaching heights of 436 metres (1,430 feet) above the valley.
  • It held the record for being the longest free span between ropeway towers at 3.03 kilometres (1.88 miles) until 2017.

Guests are transported up Whistler mountain via the Whistler Village Gondola, disembarking at the Roundhouse Lodge. From here, you hike 10 minutes (down) to the Peak Express Chair and catch a lift up to Whistler Peak.

The panoramic views from the top of Whistler Mountain are outstanding. Snow capped peaks and glaciers in every direction.

You can either hike down from Whistler Peak to the Roundhouse Lodge or take the chair lift down. But be forewarned; riding down the mountain on this steep chair lift is a heart-pumping experience that will surely awaken your stomach butterflies. 

Peak to Peak Gondola hours and pricing here.

peak to peak gondola views Whistler Mountain British Columbia

After exploring Whistler Mountain and its high alpine hiking trails, take the Peak to Peak Gondola across the valley to Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a ride in one of the special glass-bottom gondolas (it’s the silver one pictured above). There’s a separate line for this glass-bottom gondola and there’s only a few of them. You may have to wait a while, depending on the volume of riders. 

From Rendezvous Lodge you take the new Blackcomb Gondola down to Upper Village, completing the full circuit.

You can also do the circuit the opposite way, starting at Blackcomb Gondola in Upper Village and finishing on the Whistler Gondola in Whistler Village.

Related: Best Things to do Along the Sea to Sky Highway

inside cabin on Peak to Peak Gondola 360 experience Whistler British Columbia

Inside the Peak to Peak Gondola crossing the valley from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain.

views of Cloudraker Skybridge from Whistler Peak, things to do in Whistler this summer

Cloudraker Skybridge on Whistler Peak

Watch this video to learn more. The Cloudraker Skybridge spans 425 feet (130 metres) from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge, crossing high above the Whistler Bowl below. It’s an exhilarating experience when you reach the middle of the bridge!

To access the Cloudraker Skybridge, you must ride up the Peak Express chairlift. This is an open chair lift, so keep this in mind when making preparations. Bring a jacket and sweater, even in the summer. 

To ride the Peak Express, guests must be 3.3 feet (1 metre) or taller. Children must be taller than 3.3 feet. To ride alone, they must be 12 years or older.

views from Cloudraker suspension bridge on Whistler Peak

2. Alpine hiking trails

Whistler boasts some of the best alpine hiking in Canada. You can access over 50 km’s of mountain trails via the Whistler Gondola and/or Blackcomb Gondola. We recommend you take the Whistler Peak chair lift to the Top of the World Summit (pictured below, with the Inuksuk). 

There are easy hikes for the novice and challenging full day hikes for the more adventurous. 

The most popular Whistler Mountain alpine hikes:

Whistler Summit Interpretive Walk 

  • Length: 1.6 km (1 mile); 60 minutes
  • Elevation Change: 30 meters (98 feet)

Mathews’ Traverse Road

  • Length: 0.9 km (0.6 mile); 45 minutes
  • Elevation Change: 82 meters (269 feet)
  • Depending on time of year and snow pack, you may walk between giant snow walls while overlooking Harmony Bowl. Stick to the trail and do not walk on the glacier areas.

Harmony Lake Loop

  • Length: 1.9 km (1.2 miles); 90 minutes
  • Elevation Change: 120 meters (394 feet)

High Note Trail

  • Length: 9.4 km (5.8 miles); 4 hours
  • Elevation Change: 420 meters (1378 feet)
  • Considered by many to be the best hike on Whistler Mountain, with stunning views of Black Tusk, Garibaldi Provincial Park and Cheakamus Lake.

Download the Whistler Alpine hiking trail map here.

the iconic Inuksuk at Top of the World Summit on the peak of Whistler Mountain.

The iconic Inuksuk at Top of the World Summit on the peak of Whistler Mountain.

Things to do in Whistler this summer, Whistler Village Bike Park

3. Whistler Mountain Bike Park

Whistler mountain has some of the best downhill mountain biking trails in Canada. Some argue the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is the best in the world. We’ll let you be the judge. 

The Whistler bike park has 70 bike trails that cover 80 kilometres and 4,900 vertical feet. Let that sink in for a moment. It’s huge.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park is grouped into four zones:

  • Fitzsimmons Zone (the original bike park zone, this section is the best place for beginners to learn with the most green trails)
  • Garbanzo Zone (more challenging, with more technical features)
  • Peak Zone (challenging and very long trail, not for beginners)
  • Creek Zone, the newest zone in Whistler Mountain Bike Park

You will need a proper downhill mountain bike to ride in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. If you don’t have a good bike with you, not to worry. There are several Whistler mountain bike rentals available in Whistler Village.

If you’re new to the sport, consider taking a few Whistler mountain bike lessons. You can get a package deal that includes bike lift ticket, bike and equipment rental, and lesson with a guide.  

forest walk at Lost Lake Park Whistler Canada

4. Lost Lake hiking trails

One of our favourite things to do in Whistler in the summer is to hike the Lost Lake nature trail.

It’s an easy forest trail with well marked paths, which is ideal for our young boys. Depending on where you start, the trail is about 5 km’s round trip (assuming you start from Whistler Village) and it has a limited elevation gain. There are multiple entry points to Lost Lake Park, including the paved trail that passes alongside the Fairmont Chateau Golf Course. 

We like this trail because it leads to Lost Lake beach park (pictured below). This lake beach park has a large grass area with picnic tables and washroom facilities. 

If you prefer to skip the hike and relax at Lost Lake Beach, there is a parking lot with limited parking. This parking lot is strictly enforced. Make sure you purchase a ticket and only park in designated spaces. Every time we visit Lost Lake Beach we see parking enforcement writing parking tickets.

Related post – 15 things to do in Squamish this summer

a red canoe cuts across the calm reflection on the water at Lost Lake in Whistler, British Columbia

A red canoe floats across the calm reflection of Lost Lake in Whistler. 

Views of Lost Lake from the hiking trail Whistler British Columbia

Views of Lost Lake from the hiking trail that loops around the lake.

5. Lost Lake Mountain Biking trails

If the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is not your thing but you want to ride some mountain terrain, check out the Lost Lake bike trails. This park has a variety of well marked trails, most are easy beginner or intermediate, so this is a great entry point for aspiring downhill mountain bikers. 

The trails are not super steep but you will work up a sweat as you make your way up to the viewpoints. There are several bike trails at Lost Lake so you can easily connect to different sections, which will keep you busy for hours. Some trails have wooden bridges and small jumps, so it’s a fun place to work on your mountain biking skills.

The best part – the Lost Lake bike park is FREE.

And, after you’ve worked up a sweat, cool off with a refreshing swim at Lost Lake beach.  

If you don’t have a bike with you, bike rentals are available at Lost Lake PassivHaus, pictured below. This facility is conveniently located right at the entrance to Lost Lake park

More info on Whistler Lost Lake bike rentals here.

Lost Lake PassivHaus in Whistler British Columbia, summer bike rentals at Lost Lake Whistler

Above is a trail marker in the Lost Lake bike trails. 

Kids Bike ride Whistler Valley Trail in Whistler Village

6. Whistler’s Valley Trail (Bike or Ralk)

Whistler’s Valley Trail is a paved network of car-free trails that connect Whistler’s many neighbourhoods, fresh water lakes, forest parks and lookout points.

Park your car and explore over 40 km’s of trails that surround Whistler, from Function Junction to Green Lake, and everything in between. 

If you have a bike, we recommend the ride from Whistler Village to Rainbow Park on Alta Lake.

View the Whistler Valley Trail Map here.

Photo of Whistler Valley Trail Map
Whistler Valley Trail Maps are located throughout the trails

7. Whistler Fitzsimmons Bike Park (FREE)

Located beside the main parking lots, the FREE Whistler Fitzsimmons Bike Park in Whistler Village is a great spot to practice your mountain biking skills. 

This bike park has technical and freeride features, including a jump track, pump track and beginner skills area.

There’s a small pump track in the forest that is ideal for little ones or novice riders (pictured above). 

free bike course in Whistler village, good for kids
Whistler Fitzsimmons Bike Park with wooden bridges and jumps

The section pictured above is for experienced riders only. Look at the size of those dirt ramps!

Did I mention this bike park is FREE to the public? 

Whistler Skate Park in Whistler Village

The Whistler skate park is located beside the Fitzsimmons bike park. 

If you don’t have a bike with you, there are several bike rental shops in Whistler Village.

Mountain bikes for rent in Whistler Village, summer activities in Whistler BC
Don’t have a bike? You can rent mountain bikes in Whistler Village

Whistler Train Wreck Hike, things to do in Whistler this summer with kids

8. Whistler Train Wreck hike

Tucked away in an old-growth forest, hidden between train tracks and the Cheakamus River, the Whistler Train Wreck site has quietly become a popular Whistler tourist attraction. 

The Whistler Train Wreck is home to several decaying box cars that were abandoned after a crash that occurred in 1956. Now, covered with layers of bright graffiti, these rusty old box cars have transformed into a unique outdoor art gallery. 

To access the Whistler Train Wreck site, you will cross the newly built Cheakamus River Suspension Bridge, also known as the Train Wreck Bridge.

Prior to this bridge being built, access to the Train Wreck was along the train tracks, which is dangerous and illegal. Because the crash site has gained popularity in recent years, the suspension bridge was built to connect the Sea to Sky Trail with the Train Wreck site. 

View the Train Wreck and Suspension Bridge map here.

Read – Hiking to the Hidden Whistler Train Wreck

Cheakamus River Suspension Bridge, also known as the Whistler Train Wreck Bridge, things to do in Whistler this summer

The Cheakamus River Suspension Bridge, also known as the Train Wreck Bridge.

9. Brandywine Falls 

This spectacular 70 metre waterfall (picture above) is best viewed from the Brandywine Falls Viewpoint, which is an easy 15 minute walk from the parking lot on a well marked trail. 

Brandywine Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in British Columbia.

The photo above is easy to capture, however, many photographers prefer to capture the waterfalls from the bottom. There’s an unofficial trail that leads to the base of Brandywine Falls, but you’re technically not supposed to use this trail and you could be fined if you do (you must cross a fence with sign that says “Area Closed; No Access”. That’s why there’s limited information about how to get to the base of Brandywine Falls. 

There are a few hiking trails inside the provincial park, including the Lava Lake Trail and sections of the Sea to Sky Trail. You can also access the iconic Whistler Bungee Bridge from the hiking trails inside Brandywine Falls Provincial Park.

To get to Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, drive the scenic Sea to Sky highway about 15 minutes south of Whistler Village. Free parking and washroom facilities are available inside the park.

View the Brandywine Falls Park Trail Map here.

whistler village golf course greens with mountain views in the backdrop

10. Whistler Golf Courses

Whistler is a golfer’s dream come true. It’s home to four pristine golf courses (if you include Big Sky Golf Club in Pemberton), so one can literally spend days golfing without visiting the same hole twice.

Whistler’s fun and challenging golf courses are surrounded by snow capped peaks and lush temperate rain forest, creating a spectacular backdrop for an epic day on the links.

Golf courses in Whistler:

  • Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club – rated #1 Golf Resort of the year, North America – IAGTO Awards, 2018
  • Nicklaus North Golf Course (designed by Jack Nicklaus)
  • Whistler Golf Club (designed by Arnold Palmer)
  • Big Sky Golf Club (located in Pemberton – 30 minutes from Whistler Village)

Search for Whistler golf packages and deals here.

view of Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf in Whistler Village
View of Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf in Upper Whistler Village
View of Whistler Golf Club in the heart of Whistler Village
View of Whistler Golf Club in the heart of Whistler Village
View of Nicklaus North Golf Course Golf Club, located north of Whistler Village near Green Lake
Nicklaus North Golf Course Golf Club, located north of Whistler Village near Green Lake

The Range at the Whistler Golf Club in Whistler Village

Driving Range in Whistler Village

The Range at the Whistler Golf Club is located across the street from the Hilton Whistler and Westin Resort Whistler. Guests playing at the Whistler Golf Club can practice their swings before tee time. 

You don’t have to play the golf course to use the driving range. It’s open to all guests. 

You can rent golf clubs if you don’t have any with you. Visit the little hut pictured below. 

11. Whistler Zipline 

Given that Whistler is surrounded by mountains and steep valleys, it’s no surprise that Whistler has some of the best zipline courses in North America.

There are two Whistler zipline companies, Superfly Ziplines and Ziptrek Ecotours, each with their own courses and treetop viewing platforms. 

Ziptrek is the original Whistler zipline adventure. It’s main course starts in Whistler Village. You take the Whistler Gondola to access the zipline course. Ziptrek has a total of 11 ziplines, 9 bridges, 10 treetop viewing platforms, and an extensive network of trails and boardwalks.

Ziptrek Ecotours has the longest zipline in North America. The Sasquatch is over 2 km in length!

Watch this short video from my Whistler Zipline tour.

12. Hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park 

Garibaldi Provincial Park is a massive wilderness park located between Squamish and Whistler. This beautiful park is best visited during the summer months, when you can hike the popular Garibaldi Lake trail, the trailhead is located 20 km south of Whistler Village.

The provincial park covers an area of over 1,950 square kilometers (753 sq mi) and is home to some of British Columbia’s best hiking trails. There are five entrance points located along the Sea to Sky Highway. There are also several campsites that are first come, first served.

The most popular trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park are Diamond Head, Black Tusk, Garibaldi Lake and Panorama Ridge, Wedgemount LakeCheakamus Lake and Singing Pass.

If you’re looking for a full day leg burner, the Garibaldi Lake hike will do the trick.

Related – Best Things to do Along the Sea to Sky Highway

13. Whistler River Rafting

Another fun summer adventure in Whistler is river rafting through spectacular landscapes surrounded by snow capped mountains and thick Pacific Northwest forest.

Whistler river rafting tours range from 2.5 hours to full day whitewater rafting excursions.

The Green River Rafting Tour is ideal for family river rafting and/or first timers. The river is located a few minutes north of Whistler Village, so it’s a convenient option. This river typically experiences Class 2 and 3 rapids, which are fun bouncy rapids that are not too intense. 

More experienced river rafters will want to tackle the mighty Elaho and Squamish Rivers. These Class 3 and 4 rapids are more challenging and pass through beautiful landscapes that can only be accessed by the river.

Learn about Whistler river rafting tours here.

Photo credit – The Adventure Group/tagwhistler.com

14. Aerial Obstacle Course

Sticking with the adventure theme, the Whistler Aerial Obstacle Course is fun activity for the whole family. This unique aerial tree course takes guests through a network of bridges, boardwalks and platforms suspended in the trees.

The Aerial Obstacle Kids Course is designed for kids aged 7 to 13 years old. It’s a beginner course with a climbing wall, fisherman’s net and suspension bridge. More info here.

The Aerial Obstacle Full Course features 70 different obstacles that include tightropes, planks, swinging logs, ziplines, cargo nets, rope swings and balance beams that are suspended 60 feet above ground. More info here.

Jeep tour with Canadian Wilderness Adventures Whistler Village ATV

15. Whistler Jeep Tour, ATV and 4×4 Buggy

For a different Whistler experience, jump on a ATV or 4×4 buggy and drive through rugged off-road track terrain. Witness the spectacular landscapes of Callaghan Valley as you cross rivers and streams and visit multiple viewpoints. 

Whistler ATV tours are typically 3 hours and cover about 4 km (2.5 miles). A valid driving license is required for this activity and it’s only suitable for single riders. Tours are run by Canadian Wilderness Adventures

Learn more about Whistler ATV tours here.

Read about our experience on this 4×4 Jeep Tour

Blackcomb Glacier Safari with Canadian Wilderness Adventures in Whistler Canada

Whistler Jeep Tours – Blackcomb Glacier Safari

We joined Canadian Wilderness Adventures on its popular Blackcomb Glacier Safari Jeep Tour. This 2 hour Jeep 4×4 adventure is a great option for families with young children. 

Can you guess when we did this jeep tour? Hint – we were required to wear face masks.

The Whistler Jeep Tour starts in Whistler Village and takes guests straight up the side of Blackcomb Mountain to view the impressive Horstman Glacier.

We’ve spent many days snowboarding Blackcomb Mountain but this was the first time experiencing the amazing panoramic views in the summer.

Watch a short video from our Whistler Jeep Safari here.

Horstman Glacier on Blackcomb Mountain. See more photos from Whistler Jeep Tour.

View of the 4x4 jeep trail up Blackcomb Mountain
View of the jeep trail up Blackcomb Mountain
Photo credit – Whistler Bungee/whistlerbungee.com

16. Whistler Bungee jumping

This one’s for the ultimate adrenaline junkie. Frequently voted as the most extreme activity in Whistler, Whistler Bungee offers thrill seekers the opportunity to throw themselves off a bridge that’s located 160 ft (50 meters) above the Cheakamus River. 

The Whistler Bungee bridge is located in an old growth forest surrounded by basalt column cliffs and views of the iconic Black Tusk peak in the distance.

Whistler Bungee is proclaimed to be one of the most scenic bungee jumping sites in the world.

The Whistler Bungee retail store is located in Whistler Village

17. Bear Viewing Tours

Whistler bear watching tours are a safe and fun way to witness black bears in their natural environment. Whistler is home to many black bears, so you’re almost guaranteed a bear sighting during the summer months. 

Guests travel in style in a 4×4 vehicle to the Callaghan Valley and Whistler Olympic Park, located about 15 minutes from Whistler Village. Whistler bear viewing tours include experienced guides who educate guests and show them bear feeding areas and dens.

Tours are typically 2.5 hours and depart at either dawn or dusk, when bears are most active. 

Fun fact – many black bears in northwestern North America are cinnamon, blonde or light brown in color. They are sometimes mistaken for grizzly bears.

18. Vallea Lumina – Multimedia Night Walk

Vallea Lumina is an immersive family activity that begins as the sun goes down. It’s a multimedia night walk with lights, video, and holograms that guide visitors on a journey up Cougar Mountain.

Watch the Vallea Lumina Night Walk video here.

You walk at your own pace, but due to stairs and uneven paths, this experience is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues.

The entire journey takes about an hour to complete. The total walking distance is 1.5 kilometres. Park rangers are situated on the trail to guide you as some parts can be quite dark. 

exhibits inside Vallea Lumina Whistler

There are several exhibits along the walk, each with its own story, music and light effects. 

Vallea Lumina night walk light show with music

Thousands of lights glitter on the tree branches, creating a fairy tale atmosphere. 

The night forest at Vallea Lumina Whistler

The brilliant light show dances to the music and the forest comes alive.

Family portrait at the end of the trail inside Vallea Lumina Whistler

Family portrait at the end of the trail at Vallea Lumina Whistler.

Photo credit – Joern Rohde/joernrohde.com

19. Scandinave Spa

Scandinave Spa Whistler offers guests a traditional Scandinavian bath experience in a peaceful, natural environment. With only 4 locations in Canada, it’s a unique adult experience (guests must be 19 years or older). 

It offers a 3-stage Scandinavian bath experience that includes steam baths, saunas, hot baths, cold plunge, and Nordic waterfall.

Of course, you can also choose one of the many massage experiences to accompany the Scandinavian bath experience.

Scandinave Spa Whistler is located a 5 minute drive away from Whistler Village. If you wish to experience just the baths a reservation isn’t required. If you want a massage, a reservation is required.

20. Scenic Float Plane or Glacier Heli Tour

Take to the skies and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of Whistler’s rugged mountain landscapes, glaciers, lakes and temperate rainforest. This is the best way to experience the magnitude and beauty of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains.

There are several helicopter tour tours to choose from, depending on how much time you want to spend in the sky and want you want to see. Most heli-tours will fly over Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the Cheakamus Glacier, Garibaldi Provincial Park and the volcanic Black Tusk mountain.

Book your Whistler Helicopter Tour here.

You can also enjoy a 30 or 40 minute glacier sightseeing experience by floatplane from Whistler. The float plane takes off on Green Lake and flies high over the region’s glaciers, snow-capped mountain peaks, lakes and dense forests.

In the summer months, you can also take a float plane from Whistler to Vancouver, which is a great way to turn your transportation into an epic sightseeing excursion. 

Book your Glacier Sightseeing Tour Whistler here.

entrance to Whistler Air floatplane dock on Green Lake in Whistler Village, British Columbia

The float planes arrive and depart Whistler at Green Lake. The dock, pictured above, is located near Nicklaus North golf course.

Whistler Air also connects Victoria and Vancouver to Whistler from May to October.

Check the Whistler floatplane schedule here.

21. Enjoy the many Whistler Lakes

Get in, or on, the water at one Whistler’s fresh water lakes. There are several lakes to choose from, with the most popular being Lost Lake (pictured above), Green Lake, and Alta Lake. 

The most popular lake for kayaking and/or paddle boarding is Atla Lake. There are a few different access points, with the most popular being Rainbow Park.

Note – Rainbow park is currently under construction with completion planned for summer 2024.

Lost Lake has a nice beach and grass park, and it’s ideal for swimming. The water is typically calm here. 

Green Lake is the biggest lake in Whistler and is popular for small boats, kayaks and SUPs.

Views of the mountains from Rainbow Park at Alta Lake
Views of the mountains from Rainbow Park at Alta Lake
View of the wooden bridge and float planes at Green Lake
View of the wooden bridge and float planes at Green Lake
Views of Blackcomb Mountain from the Valley Trail at Alta Lake
Views of Blackcomb Mountain from the Valley Trail at Alta Lake (photo taken in May)

Whistler disc golf course

22. Whistler Disc Golf Course

The Whistler Disc Golf course is located near Lost Lake. You will pass some of the disc course when hiking from Lost Lake to Green Lake. 

The 27-hole disc golf course is made up of three 9-hole sections. It takes approx. 3 hours to play all 27 holes. 

The first 9-holes are considered easy. If you’re not wanting a challenge, stick to this section.

The second 9-holes are the most difficult (the course passes some steep rocky sections). Finally, the last 9-holes are considered moderately difficult.

Guests must bring your own discs. Each player is should have their own discs when playing this course.

things to do in Whistler this summer with kids and family

23. Whistler Village Stroll

Even though there are endless things to do in Whistler this summer, the thing we like to do most is wander the Whistler Village Stroll, a pedestrian-only retail path located in the heart of Whistler Village.

The Village has a fun European alpine vibe, with lots of outdoor patios, cafes, restaurants and retail shops selling everything from bikes to sports equipment to artwork. 

We like to spend time at Whistler Olympic Plaza (pictured above and below). Our boys love the playground at Olympic Plaza and we like to indulge in fresh coffee and baked pastries from Pure Bread, a local Whistler favourite. 

View the Whistler Village map here.

Olympic Rings in Whistler Village near Brewpub

The iconic Olympic Rings in Whistler Village. 

exterior of Whistler Brewpub with clock and mountains in the backdrop, Whistler Village Stroll in the summer

Where to Eat in Whistler

There are no shortage of restaurants and summer patios in Whistler Village. We prefer to wander around Whistler Village and let the mood dictate where to eat. That said, we do have a few favourites that we’ll share with you here. 

Our favourite Whistler brunch restaurants:

  • Elements Whistler – the smoked salmon eggs benedict is delicious. Also, the French Toast with real Canadian maple syrup is outstanding.
  • La Brasserie Restaurant – french bistro-style food located in the heart of Whistler Village.
  • Earl’s Whistler – classic brunch menu, including eggs benedict, fluffy waffles & steak and eggs on garlic bread.

Our favourite Whistler patios: 

  • Merlin’s Bar & Grill – located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler’s Upper Village.
  • Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill – best place to après, located at the base of Whistler Mountain with great people watching views from the 2nd story patio. 
  • Beacon Pub & Eatery – located in the heart of Whistler Village. Pictured below.
  • The Longhorn Saloon – arguably the best and most lively patio and bar in Whistler Village. It’s legendary. But not kid friendly.

Our favourite Whistler pubs and social houses:

  • The Brewhouse (High Mountain Brewing Co) – Located at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
  • Amsterdam Cafe Pub – fun spot for a beer and burger. Nice patio in the Village. 
  • Dubh Linn Gate – traditional Irish pub located at the base of Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain in Whistler Village.

Our favourite Whistler restaurants for casual dining:

  • Sushi Village – the best sushi restaurant in Whistler Village. 
  • The Old Spaghetti Factory – affordable family restaurant with lots of options for kids. 
  • Milestones Whistler – located in Upper Village with a great patio. Bistro menu with burgers, salads, pastas and bowls.

For more foodie inspiration, check out this Whistler Dining and Restaurant Guide.

You can also pick up groceries and bring back to your Whistler hotel room. There’s a grocery store directly in Whistler Village, appropriate named The Whistler Grocery Store, and a Liquor Store is located right beside the grocery store.  

There are two spots we visit over and over again when we visit Whistler – Pure Bread (pictured above) and Cows Ice Cream Whistler (pictured below).

Both of these popular spots will likely have a long line stretching out the door. Embrace the wait, it’s worth it!

View of the heated outdoor pool at the Hilton Whistler
View of the heated outdoor pool at the Hilton Whistler

Where to Stay in Whistler

There several Whistler hotels to choose from. Location does matter, depending on what you plan to on your summer Whistler holiday.

We typically stay at hotels in Whistler Village and/or Upper Village because everything is walkable from there. 

We’ve stayed at 15+ Whistler hotels over the years, so it’s hard for us to recommend just one. We’ll write a separate blog post about the best Whistler hotels soon. 

However, given that this post is focused on summer travel, we would recommend Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. Why? Because it has a nice heated outdoor pool with food and beverage service available (photo above). 

The pool you see pictured below is from Hilton Grand Vacations Club (formerly Embarc Whistler). It’s located in Whistler Upper Village. This is also a great property for families because it has two pools, waterside, hot tubs, game rooms and the family suites are large and spacious. 

Check hotel room availability and pricing here.

outdoor pool at Embarc hotel in Whistler British Columbia Canada
Outdoor pool at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Whistler Village
View of Whistler Village from our room at the Hilton Whistler
View of Whistler Village from our room at the Hilton Whistler

Whistler Village Stroll, things to do in Whistler this summer 2020

Read more posts from British Columbia:

We hope you enjoy this list of things to do in Whistler this summer!

Have you been to Whistler in the summer? What did we miss?

Share your best Whistler travel tips in the comments below. Our readers thank you!

Blackcomb Mountain sign at the base of the mountain, in the spring with bright tulips and flowers





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