Essential Whistler Summer Activities & patios
It has become a tradition for my family to spend a bit of Summer in Whistler. Our favourite days in Whistler consist of classic Canadian views with glacier-topped mountains, local beer, great food and wildlife. We are able to see so much of the mountain town in one day, as we always make it a prerogative to bike in Whistler.
Where to stay in Whistler?
From a sleep capsule hotel to 5 star hotels and plenty of VRBO options in between, it can be difficult to decide where to stay while in Whistler. The best area is within the village, or at least within walking distance of the village centre. A lot of activities have shuttle services that pick up from the village so it makes sense if you don’t have access to a car. I’ve tried and tested these accommodations for quality and location.
Westin Resort & Spa ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ – some rooms have a view of bike park & kitchenettes
Executive Hotel at Whistler ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ kitchenettes
Sleep Pod Pangea Hotel (adults only) ⭐️ ⭐️ just a sleep pod – no rooms!
The best Whistler VRBO we’ve stayed in ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ perfect for a family of 8!
Whistler Patios
Summer in Whistler calls for a patio and a beer! There are some unsung watering holes with epic views of mountain peaks where you can sit and lounge for hours in the sunshine. These are my go-tos for the best patios in Whistler – make a reservation or you might miss out!
Table 19 at Nicklaus North – Golf Optional
Overlooking Green Lake, this is a must-stop after a long bike ride from the village. If you’re a golfer, you’ll want to book a tee time at Nicklaus North Golf Course because these are some of the most gorgeous views in Canadian golf! But if golf is a swing-and-a-miss for you then Table 19’s patio will do ya.
Nita Lake Lodge – Hiking & SUP Boarding Available
Another lakefront dining experience, Nita Lake Lodge is an upscale boutique hotel that is the next best thing to staying in the Whistler Village. There are hundreds of hiking trails and convenient rentals available at Nita Lake. If you can’t afford the price tag at Nita Lake, I would like to stop during a bike ride and come for a nice lakefront lunch.
Raven Room at the Pan Pacific Village
Located inside the Pan Pacific Hotel at the village centre, the Raven Room is a cut above, with high-quality cocktails and delicious food served outside, surrounded by trees and mountains. It feels bougie, but you can totally get in wearing your bike gear or a windbreaker.
Four Seasons Whistler Patio
I must also mention that the very swanky Four Seasons offers a spacious patio with live music, or sometimes a DJ. It is a great spot to hang out with a vibrant summer cocktail. I love their mini Airstream bar and the seasonal archway for a picture-perfect moment in Whistler. Interested in staying at this Whistler resort that has the most incredible amenities? Check availability for your dates here.
Peak2Peak Gondola
You need to do the Peak2Peak gondola at least once during your trip to Whistler. One and done purely because it is a pricey activity at around $85 per person (kids under 6 are free). With your ticket you get one gondola ride up Whistler mountain, unlimited peak to peak gondola rides and one ride down to either Whistler mountain base or Blackcomb mountain base. I was a little worried my 4 year old would be fearful of the heights at 1430 feet above the valley floor at its highest point. But he was a champ and all of the gondolas were large enough to fit 5 adults, 2 kiddos and 1 double stroller. On your way up to and down from the Peak2Peak gondola keep your eyes open for bears. This trip with the kids we spotted 5 including one at the peak!
Whistler Bike Park
The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is one of the top things to do in Whistler in summer, attracting riders from around the world with more than 70 lift‑accessed trails for every ability level. It’s a core summer experience whether you’re a first‑timer looking for a guided lesson or an experienced rider chasing technical descents.
Pricing
Summer rates vary by season, but most travellers can expect:
- Adults: about $90 to $100 for a one‑day ticket
- Youth and seniors: about $80 to $90
- Kids (5 to 12): about $53 to $58 Multi‑day passes offer better value for longer stays.
Ages and Requirements
- Minimum age to ride is 5
- Riders under 13 must be accompanied by an adult or enrolled in a lesson
- The Top of the World alpine zone is reserved for riders 12 and older with advanced skills
Experience Levels
The park is designed for all levels, with beginner‑friendly green trails, flow and jump lines, technical black routes, and expert alpine terrain. Lessons and camps are available throughout the season, making it easy for new riders to build confidence.
Key Dates and Events
The Whistler Bike Park typically operates from mid‑May to mid‑October, making it a major highlight of summer in Whistler. Important upcoming events include:
- Crankworx Whistler: July 24 to August 2, 2026
- UCI Downhill World Cup: September 25 to 27, 2026
Both events draw international athletes and spectators, so travellers should book accommodations early.
Heading to Whistler with small kids?
I’ve travelled to Whistler with my kids who at the time were 1 and 4. I was worried Whistler didn’t have much to do for young families but I was so wrong! Check out this guide and video for more tips!
Vallea Lumina
I was blown away with the incredible night hike experience at Vallea Lumina. We opted for the bus transfer from the heart of Whistler village to take us up about 20 minutes into the woods where a gorgeous light show is installed throughout the forest path. I highly recommend you experience this if you haven’t before!
Pro tip! Want to do numerous activities in one Summer in Whistler vacation? Book a bundle with Tag Whistler – I am not an affiliate, it is just a great way to save some money! Book during the week days to save up to 25%.
North America’s Longest ZipLine (2 kms or 1.2 miles)
I can’t wait until my kids are old enough to go on this incredible zipline experience! The Saskquatch zipline by Ziptrek EcoTours is the longest in North America at 2 kms long! Expect to go over 100 km, hovering 600 feet above the forest floor. If that’s a little too much for you then there’s an option to enjoy a tree trek with 9 tree top bridges within 2 hours.
Bungee Jump
If you’re brave enough, there’s an opportunity to bungee jump surrounded by forest in Whistler. It is one of the top things to do in the summertime and although I have yet to go it is on my bucket list summer in Whistler activities.
White Water Rafting
Another classic summer activity in Whistler is white water rafting. Available for any skill level over the age of 10, you can drift and bounce your way through the Canadian wilderness while on this adventurous rafting experience.
Hidden Wine Cellar Beneath Whistler
Did you know there’s a 16,000-bottle wine cellar tucked beneath Whistler? At the Bearfoot Bistro, you can book the ultimate sabering experience as we did for my mom – see video. You get to learn how to saber a bottle of sparkling wine of your choice and sip as you learn about the history of popping the cork in such an epic way! It’s one of the most unique things to do in Whistler with a dash of VIP flair.
Bike Whistler with this route
Don’t want to risk getting lost? There are plenty of guided ebike tours that will not only keep you on route but also stay bear aware. I see at least one bear every time I go to Whistler!
Start Point: The Westin
There are so many spots to rent any kind of bike you could imagine in Whistler but you can easily reach The Westin from the village. It is my preferred spot to begin the bike ride. From there head towards the village on Whistler Way and cross the Sea to Sky Highway. There you’ll find the Valley Trail for an easy coast down to Alta Lake.
Tip: Bring a bike lock. You’ll never know when you’ll want to refuel at an unexpected café or hop on a canoe!
Alta Lake: Canoes, SUP & Beaches
Alta lake offers a lovely placed to relax before you get serious about biking. Bring your bathing suit on hot days to take advantage of the sun and SUP/Canoe/Kayak rentals on offer at the beach. If you’re not into biking this is one of the best locations for a picnic and it is a short walk from the village centre. Since it is all downhill from the village I would not recommend biking back to the village the way you came unless you are up for a challenge!
Note: One you follow the trail to the other side of the lake you’ll find a long straight stretch of trail that is perpendicular to the train tracks. Keep your eye out on the forest to your right as there are hidden decaying cars that make for great photos!
Rainbow Park
Do not miss your turn off to Rainbow Park! I am speaking from experience. It is all uphill if you keep on the road but a bonus is you might make it far enough to reach the Whistler Cemetery but the down side is you’ll be too tired to find out how far deep it goes. So turn at Rainbow Park and enjoy a little water refuel station, bathrooms and the view above.
Green Lake: Refuel with a View
Green Lake is aptly named for its pale emerald glow in the water. You’ll find canoes, float planes and fly fishermen dotting the surface. It borders a golf course boasting the “best patio view” in Whistler. Park your bikes and head on inside to refuel if you want to make it to Lost Lake. It’s a climb! But if I can make it you can too.
Lost Lake Trail
Follow the signs to Lost Lake Trail and make sure you keep an eye out because last time I was in Whistler I completely missed the turn off. Now I know you might start cursing my name when you start to make your way up the hills. I was too! In fact, I maintain that there is no shame in walking your bike up the hill to the top. You’ll know you’re at the top when you reach the maps and gorgeous view of the lakes you just visited flanked by rocks.
Sometimes you might find the lake with food trucks stationed at the beach depending on the weather. I was more amazed that I made it and there were so many blue jays! From here it is a breezy ride back down to the valley. And voila! 2.5 hours done. Beer earned. So much of Whistler seen!
There are so many Whistler summer activities! Tell us which is your favourite in the comments below!
