MCCC’s Top Ten Summertime Pursuits in Whistler, BC
Lapping up the Lakes
Whistler has a host of beautiful lakes to choose from, allowing you to relax, picnic and take a swim against a variety of beautiful mountain backdrops. Try your hand at some volleyball at Rainbow Park, rent a stand-up paddle board for the day at Lakeside on Alta Lake or bare it all at Lost Lake’s nudist spot. Watch out for the annual mass toad migration at Lost Lake in July, as tens of thousands of tiny Western toadlets make their march from the shores of the lake into the surrounding forest. Whilst it’s a little too cold for swimming, Green Lake offers some secluded beach spots which are worth a visit if you’re looking to escape the crowds.
Bear Spotting
A trip to Whistler isn’t complete without encountering one of BC’s cuddliest creatures. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are home to nearly 60 resident black bears and cubs, who live alongside all the action of mountain sports, seemingly without much interest in us mere humans! With an organised bear spotting tour, you’ll travel in a 4×4 to traverse the largest concentration of mother bear ranges in the region. Take an even closer look with short walks to feeding sites and wander through old growth forests where bears have hibernated through many winters. With experienced and qualified guides, you’re sure to get a truly incredible outdoor experience.
Mountain Biking
BC is one of the greatest places on earth for mountain biking terrain and every year, thousands flock from all over the world to try out the epic trails on offer here. Bike trails carve through many of the town’s surrounding mountains, so if you’ve got your own bike, you can easily spend several days exploring all the different trails in the area, offering something for all levels of ability. If you’ve not tried downhill biking before, it’s for sure worth a go. With Bike Park 101, you can learn all the basics of downhill biking for two hours, will full kit and lift pass provided.
Seaplane Tours
Unique to British Columbia’s coast, floatplane tours are one of Whistler’s most spectacular activities, departing daily during the summer months from the glorious Green Lake. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the stunning surrounding mountain ranges, glaciers, valleys, rivers and lakes. A complimentary shuttle runs between Whistler Village and the plane dock, which makes it super easy to access and the floatplane base is only a few steps away from the Jack Nicklaus Clubhouse, which features ‘Whistler’s most scenic patio’ – the perfect spot to edit some photos post-flight!
Visit the Harbour Air website here!
Zip-Trek Adventures
Operating in a true old-growth temperate rainforest above Fitzsimmons creek, there is spectacular scenery and amazing views to take in with a Zip-Trek session. Your inspiring journey through the forest happens via a combination of suspension bridges, treetop observation platforms, ground based trails and ziplines. The educational component provides a unique insight into the surrounding environment on both a local and global scale, all whilst providing an adrenaline rush like no other! Choose from various tours including The Sasquatch – longest zip-line in Canada & the USA! This ultimate zip-line experience spans a mind-blowing distance of over two kilometers, so you’ll experience spectacular views and over 7,000 feet of pure eco-exhileration!
Visit the Ziptrek website here!
The Garibaldi Lake Hike
The hike to Garibaldi Lake is an 18km (return) intermediate-expert hike that is accessible in the summer months between July and September. Elevation gain on this hike is 820m and should take around five hours (add on extra time for sightseeing and rest stops). Garibaldi Provincial Park’s rich geological history, diverse vegetation, snow-capped mountain, iridescent waters, abundant wildlife and scenic vistas all contribute to the immense beauty. The park offers over 90 kilometers of established hiking trails, making it a favourite year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
River of Golden Dreams
A summer visit to Whistler would not be complete without a paddle down the River of Golden Dreams – a popular activity for the locals. This journey will take you across Alta Lake through the Whistler wetlands down a scenic glacier river to Green Lake. See plenty of Whistler’s flora, fauna and wildlife en route, all in the comfort of a rented kayak or use your own Explorer inflatable, just like the locals. You can take a guided float on the river too – with qualified adventure guides showing you the ropes. Don’t forget to bring snacks and refreshments – the journey can take between three and five hours, depending on your speed!
Scandinave Spa
Tucked into the hillside, just north of the village, this haven of tranquility is a real treat for the mind, body and soul after a day of action in Whistler. Spend an evening between various rock pools of different temperatures, and experience the age-old Finnish tradition of soaking in outdoor baths at Whistler’s most unique spa. What’s more, there are saunas and steam rooms, relaxation areas and a yoga room, ensuring maximum relaxation. Enjoy healthy treats at the on-site cafe and treat yourself to a world-class massage from one of the spa’s experienced therapists.
Vallea Lumina – limited time only!
Another evening activity that you won’t forget in a hurry – Vallea Lumina is an immersive, light-up night walk created by Montreal-based entertainment studio, Moment Factory and Whistler’s very own ‘The Adventure Group’. This 1.5 km walk is staged at Cougar Mountain, just eight minutes north of Whistler Village by car and uses the lush rainforest and a stunning array of mountain and valley views as its backdrop. Through the use of emotive lights, video, soundscape, and scenography, guests are transported to a magical world with opportunities to touch, play and explore their surroundings. Vallea Lumina will run daily until October, beginning at sundown and walks will occur every 20 minutes.
Visa the Vallea Lumina Website here!
Come and enjoy Whistler’s best coffee
Your time in Whistler should most definitely include a taste of some of the best coffee in town! Cool down in the summer heat with some of our delicious iced coffee drinks including the Epic Mocha Frappe, Espresso Milkshake and Afffogado (a double shot espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream). We can offer most of our usual hot drinks on ice too for the warmer weather – from Iced Chocolate, Iced Americano, Iced Latte, Iced Chai and Iced Canadiano. There’s a host of treats to eat too including freshly made burritos, cakes and salads.
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