Whistler is a well-known tourist destination in Canada, renowned for being one of the world’s top ski resorts, which makes it a particularly bustling location during winter. However, many personal preference is the summer season in Whistler.
The weather is currently great, with an average temperature of 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). During the summer, there are more activities available compared to other seasons, such as the famous Whistler Bike Park with 70 biking trails, and beautiful lakes to swim in, and the best time for hiking is from May to August. And many other things to do in Whistler this Summer season.
We will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the top summer activities. Use this guide to plan your visit to Whistler during this summer season.
Why Visit Whistler In This Summer?
Whistler is a great summer destination in British Columbia! The temperature is warm and averages around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day. The hottest month is August, with temperatures averaging around 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit).
Whistler has cool mountain air which keeps the humidity low, making it pleasant to visit. During the 3 summer months (June, July, and August), it typically rains for less than 16 days. Summer is the best season to visit this mountain village because of the longer daylight hours. With 16 hours of daylight, starting from 5 am and going until 9:30 pm, you have more time to explore.
Did you know that despite being famous for skiing, Whistler actually attracts more tourists during the summer? Around 1.7 million visitors come to Whistler every summer because of the diverse range of activities available such as mountain biking, white water rafting, and ATV rides. Additionally, the summer offers the best and most picturesque hiking opportunities. Therefore, we suggest spending a full weekend here during the summer season.
This blog presents a comprehensive list of Things To Do In Whistler This Summer that can be enjoyed in Whistler during the summer season, catering to the interests of a diverse range of individuals.
A Few Fun Things To Do In Whistler This Summer
01. Whistler Bike Park
During the summer, the Whistler Bike Park is a major attraction in Whistler. It is the world’s leading lift-accessed bike park with more than 70 trails distributed across Fitzsimmons, Garbanzo, Creekside, and Peak zones. The bike park’s rideable terrain is North America’s largest, thanks to this variety throughout the zones.
One of the best things about this place is that there are trails for every skill level. If you’re a beginner, start with “EZ Does It.” You can take the Fitzsimmons Express lift and ride down this easy trail to the village. Other easy trails include “Crabapple Turns” and “Del Boca Vista.” For intermediate riders, “B-Line” and “Ninja Cougar” are good options. However, the expert and pro-level trails are extremely steep and technical and are only recommended for confident bikers.
One-day admission to Whistler Bike Park is priced at $84 CAD.
There are three places where you can rent bikes in Whistler: Evolution on Whistler Green, Garbanzo Bike and Bean Rental on Mountain Square, and Whistler Sports Rentals on Gateway Drive.
If you are not interested in riding at the bike park, you can check out the trails at Lost Lake, which is located just outside the Upper Village. There are 55 trails here, spanning 34 kilometers (21 miles), and most of them are suitable for beginner to intermediate bikers. The Cheakamus Lake Trail is another great option, located 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the village, but keep in mind that it is a shared trail with hikers, and depending on your skill level, it may take 2-6 hours to complete.
Consider joining a half-day mountain bike tour with a pro if you’re interested in exploring Whistler’s bike trails. This tour is suitable for all levels, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll have a great time! Additionally, you can customize the tour to your group’s preferences or change the location based on the weather. Prices start from CAD 227 per person.
02. Enjoy A Day At Lost Lake Beach
Spending a day at Lost Lake is one of the top Things To Do In Whistler This Summer. It’s a large lake, covering 167 meters square, and it’s also very picturesque. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, but keep in mind that it can be chilly at only 12 Celsius (54 Fahrenheit) in the summer. Additionally, there’s a pontoon in the middle of the lake that people can jump off of.
To get to Lost Lake from Whistler’s Upper Village, you can take a 20-minute walk using the Valley Trail. Alternatively, you can hop on the free shuttle bus from Whistler Village, specifically Route 8, which only runs from June to September.
Surrounded by Blackcomb Mountain, the lake makes for a fantastic photo location, particularly during sunset when the peaks are tinged with shades of pink and orange.
During the summer, there are BBQ facilities available for cooking with friends, and also some food trucks parked nearby. This spot is popular among locals for their days of leisure.
03. Ziplining
We wanted to share that Whistler has the longest zipline in North America called The Sasquatch, which is over 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) long. Ziplining is a very popular summer activity in Whistler.
The Sasquatch Zipline tour in Whistler costs $147 CAD and takes 1.5 hours to complete. During the tour, you’ll experience high speeds of over 100 kilometers (62 miles) an hour while enjoying the longest zipline trips in Canada. An expert guide will accompany you to ensure your safety while you indulge in this thrilling activity. The views from up there were also amazing!
To participate in the tour, you must meet certain requirements. Your weight should be between 27 kg (60 lbs) and 113 kg (249 lbs). Only children who are seven years old or older are allowed to join. The tour is available all year round, so make sure to dress appropriately.
If the Sasquatch zipline tour seems too intense, Ziptrek has another tour with 5 ziplines. These ziplines aren’t as fast or far as the Sasquatch, making it a great option for families or those who are nervous. It costs $158 CAD.
04. Bungee Jumping
Are you an adventurous traveler? If so, have you considered bungee jumping at Whistler Bungee, which is widely considered as the most scenic bungee spot in the world? The location is surrounded by old-growth forests and basalt cliffs, and you’ll be jumping into the beautiful blue waters below.
Although Whistler Bungee has an office in Whistler, the 160 ft jump over the Cheakamus River is located an hour away from town along the Sea to Sky Highway. They do not provide transportation, so you must drive yourself there.
The cost of jumping here is $130 CAD. You can choose to do a tandem jump with another person, which also costs $130 per person, as long as the combined weight is under 300 lbs. This popular activity is usually fully booked weeks ahead, particularly during the summer, so it is recommended to make reservations early to avoid disappointment.
05. Try Via Ferrata
You can have an incredible rock climbing experience in Whistler, BC with the Via Ferrata Tour. Even if you’re a beginner, you can climb a mountain peak next to a glacier with the assistance of safety cables. The tour will conclude with you reaching the summit of Whistler Mountain, which is 2160 meters (7087 feet) high.
Image Credits To https://www.whistler.com/
If you’re wondering about Via Ferrata, it’s a form of assisted rock climbing that involves iron ladder rungs and poles instead of using only your fingertips and feet to grip edges like in traditional rock climbing. It’s similar to climbing a jungle gym and doesn’t require any prior experience.
To start, take the Whistler Village gondola or the Peak 2 Peak gondola to the top of Whistler Peak, where your guide will outfit you with safety gear. From there, you’ll hike a bit before starting the Via Ferrata route and climbing upward. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience.
To start the tour, you must have a Peak 2 Peak gondola sightseeing pass. You can purchase this pass separately or along with your Via Ferrata tour. If you’re already planning to ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, adding the Via Ferrata tour is a great way to make the most of your visit (the total cost will be $258 CAD).
06. Ride An ATV
Consider signing up for the ATV tour in Whistler if you’re up for an adventure. This tour is highly rated and provides an enjoyable way to explore the scenic areas around town. You can admire the breathtaking views of Blacktusk and Blackcomb as you speed around on an ATV.
Out of the several ATV tours available in Whistler, many suggest choosing this one. The tour has received excellent reviews, and considering the level of professionalism, this should be a reliable choice.
The ATV tour lasts for 2 hours and costs approximately $188 CAD. There are multiple departure times available during the day and you have the option to ride with a partner for a reduced price.
Riding an ATV in Whistler is a must-do activity for anyone who loves to drive!
07. Go Whitewater Rafting
If you’re looking for an exciting afternoon, consider going whitewater rafting on the Green River. The refreshing rapids from the nearby glaciers will provide a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.
This is a great chance to try whitewater rafting even if you’re a beginner. The rapids on Green River are only a class II or III, so they’re not too difficult. An experienced guide will teach you safety tips and how to raft. They will also provide all the necessary equipment, including paddles, helmets, and life jackets.
The tour operator for this specific tour is The Adventure Group. They have been operating for more than 20 years, which means they are a reliable company. The cost for each person to participate in the 2-hour ride is $180 CAD.
The departure point is at Cougar Mountain Basecamp, which is located only a 10-minute drive away from Whistler Village.
08. Hike to Cheakamus Lake
The Cheakamus Lake hike is available for families to explore during the summer months, though it may be possible to do so until October based on weather conditions. The lake itself has a mesmerizing opal color and is located approximately 915 meters (3,002 feet) above sea level. Additionally, this hike has picturesque views and is an excellent option for families of all ages.
The hike to the lake is considered easy and covers a distance of only 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from the parking lot. It usually takes about an hour for most people to reach it. However, the complete trail is 16 kilometers (10 miles) long and takes a total of 5 hours to complete.
After you arrive at the lake, you will stroll along the shore for 4 kilometers (6.4 miles) and enjoy the beautiful scenery until you reach Singing Creek Campground. You can take a great photo of the lake from here. Then, just retrace your steps along the same trail to return to the starting point at the car park.
Cheakamus Lake has a unique microclimate, causing different weather than Whistler Village.
The starting point of the trail is located at the Cheakamus Crossing neighborhood, which is about 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) down Cheakamus Lake Forest Road from the car park.
09. Explore Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is not far from the famous Shannon Falls in Squamish. You can view it from a nearby viewpoint that is only a 1 km (0.62 mi) walk from the parking area. To get there, it’s only a 15-minute drive from Whistler and the car park is located off of Highway 99.
If you’re up for a challenge and physically fit, you can follow the locals’ lead and hike to the base of the falls. Simply walk towards the fence located at the far left side of the viewing platform and start descending from there. The initial part of the trail passes through the forest, but beyond that, the route to the waterfall is not a traditional trail, but rather involves climbing over large rocks.
Towards the end of the trail, there is a man-made set of steps that require a rope to climb down. Afterward, you will enter another forested section that leads to the base of the falls. It’s worth noting that the path to the base is only recommended for those with a decent level of fitness; however, the views from the bottom are truly breathtaking. If you do manage to make it, don’t forget to take plenty of pictures!
10. Kayak – At River of Golden Dreams
Doesn’t kayaking the River of Golden Dreams during your summer trip to Whistler sound amazing? This beautiful river is fed by a glacier and runs from Alta Lake to Green Lake, covering a distance of 5 kilometers (3 miles). You can pick between kayaking or canoeing. Bear in mind that the river can be fast-moving in the early summer and you will need to be careful of beaver dam obstacles floating in the river.
During your paddle, you may encounter other types of wildlife such as geese, otters, eagles, and osprey.
You have the option to make an online reservation ahead of time for a 3-hour guided kayaking excursion on the River of Golden Dreams. The cost for this experience is approximately $139 CAD and covers transportation, a guide, gear, and safety equipment.
Visit Whistler Today To Experience The Top Things To Do In Whistler This Summer
So there you have it – some of the best things to do in Whistler this summer. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or a peaceful walk in nature, you’ll find something that fits your needs and interests. Don’t miss out on these unique Whistler summer activities and experiences and make sure to add them to your list! Enjoy!