Top things to do on a Whistler summer holiday

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore during your Whistler summer holiday. From the rivers and lakes to the glaciers and meadows, the views along these mountain trails will well and truly leave you awestruck. And, when you visit in summer, you’ll be arriving just in time to see the wildflowers out in full force – not to mention all the incredible wildlife there is to see.

If you choose to ride on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, you’ll want to keep a keen eye out in case of bears roaming across the wide expanse beneath you. Although, if you’re sticking to the trails, there’s plenty for you to see, too. Spot grouse rummaging through the trees, tiny pikas hiding among boulders, and beavers swimming down gently flowing streams.

Plan a trip to Whistler between April and October, and you’ll be in prime golfing season. Discover four world-class golf courses in a stunning mountain setting close to the vibrant village, all adorned with subtly fragrant cedar and fir trees. Whether you want to spend every hour of your holiday practising your swing or fancy some leisurely afternoon entertainment, hitting up one of the fantastic clubs is highly recommended.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club is perfect for anyone looking for a bit of a challenge, whereas Whistler Golf Club can cater to golfers of any ability. Catch spectacular tri-mountain views with a game or two at Big Sky Golf Club, or take it easy at the picturesque, lake-side Nicklaus North Golf Course.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to easy-to-reach lakes around Whistler, but Alta Lake is the biggest – and most popular – in the area. Framing this glimmering body of water are multiple beaches and pristine parks, ideal for a day spent lounging in the sun. Alternatively, you’ll find more incredible scenery over at the nearby Green Lake, or you could enjoy a relaxing picnic or fire up a barbeque over at the equally-stunning Lost Lake.

If you want to up the activity, renting a kayak or SUP and spending a few hours exploring the lake will do just the trick. Or, you could gather your crew and make tracks for one of the nearby volleyball or tennis courts. You might even fancy going for a refreshing dip – if you can brave the cold!

While trips to Whistler may be all about the great outdoors, there are loads within the village that you won’t want to miss. Here, you’ll find fine art galleries, cultural museums, and an abundance of boutique shops selling all sorts, from clothes to jewellery to locally sourced artwork.

When it comes to food and drink, the farmers market on Sunday is a good place to start, with stalls offering delicious samples for you to try. Or, you can head to one of the restaurants for a mouth-watering lunch or evening meal. Get cosy, tuck into some classic fondue, or embrace the summer season and dine on fresh seafood and sushi. And, of course, there’s always the option to gravitate to one of Whistler’s buzzing cocktail bars or pubs before bringing your night to a close. 

High-adrenaline activities aren’t hard to come across during a Whistler summer holiday. So, if you’re looking to ignite your inner adventurer, you’ve come to the right place and our top recommendation is to book onto an exciting ziplining tour. If you’re feeling brave, The Sasquatch® - the longest zipline in Canada – is the ultimate experience. But, there are plenty of other options, too, all allowing you to catch incredible views as you soar through the air. 

If you’re looking to continue your thrill-seeking mission, The Whistler Mountain Bike Park should definitely be on your radar. As should the Elaho River, where exhilarating white-water rafting trips frequently take place. And, for the real daredevils out there, why not tackle the 160-foot Whistler Bungee Jump?

If you don’t particularly class yourself as an adrenaline seeker, fear not! Whistler is, in fact, a top-class wellness destination with no shortage of relaxing activities on offer for you to take advantage of during your summer holiday. You’ll want to kick things off with a visit to the Scandinave Spa Whistler – a tranquil oasis fully surrounded by ancient forest. Complete with eucalyptus steam baths, waterfalls, and plunge pools; you’re bound to leave feeling fully rested and rejuvenated.

Another relaxing way to spend your day is by embarking on a leisurely horse-riding tour through the wild mountain landscape. Or, you could chill things out even further with a peaceful fishing trip to one of the nearby rivers or lakes. For a complete detox, you could even give forest bathing a go – the options really are endless!