Editor’s Note: This content was originally posted in 2017, but it is still so on-point that we’ve simply given it a quick update to reflect resort changes in 2023. 

Seriously­. August, where are you going?

Time waits for no one and the months are marching on. While we’re hoping September serves up some warm late summer sun like it has in previous years, the time to check off the summer, bucket list items is very definitely NOW.

Here are 5 things you absolutely have to do to get your summer in, before autumn rolls around.

1. Eat Alfresco

Eating outside in a t-shirt and shorts is only possible in summer and there are just a few weeks left to enjoy Whistler’s patio scene before you’ve got to get your cardi on. Take a look at our dining guide to pick out some patios that you want to visit before the end of the summer.

A couple dines on a pretty patio in Whistler Village.
Araxi’s patio on the Whistler Village Stroll is a definite crowd pleaser. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
INSIDER TIP: Some of the most iconic patios in Whistler are in the alpine. You can have a Mountain Top Summer Feast on the Roundhouse patio overlooking the Coast Mountains or devour a salmon bake after you ATV or 4×4 up to the Crystal Hut, located 6,000 feet up Blackcomb Mountain.

2. Alpine Hiking

The Whistler Blackcomb hiking trails are in the best condition of the season right now. You haven’t missed your chance – the meadows are bright with wildflowers, the marmots are lounging in the sun and the glaciers are hanging out waiting for you. Take a read of A Hike for Every Ambition on Whistler Blackcomb for some hiking inspiration.

A couple hikes in the high alpine on Whistler Blackcomb.
Hikes in the high alpine. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

3. Play Golf

Still haven’t dusted off the clubs? We hear you. Bring them out to play in Whistler, where the courses are in phenomenal shape – just one of the many reasons to swing this summer. While golf season usually extends through into October, if you want a warm weather round now’s the time to lock it in. Already been out a couple of times? Challenge yourself on a new course – we’ve got four of them to choose from.

A group of golfers enjoy the summer sun on the greens in Whistler.
Get the swings in this summer. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

4. Paddle

Warm days mean Whistler’s lakes are swimmable – but unless you are a penguin there’s a day in the not-too-distant-future where dipping your toes into the water will be more shocking than refreshing. So make sure you get on or in the water while the weather is good and the spirit is willing. Take a look at our On the Water in Whistler post for some ideas.

Two paddle boarders make their way across a lake in Whistler in the summer sun.
Paddle perfect mornings on the lake. PHOTO MARK MACKAY

5. Have an Adventure

Go on, live a little. Bungee off a bridge, zip across a valley, swing through the forest canopy, go jet boating, drive a UTV, take a tour deep into an ice cave…with all the summer activities available in Whistler there’s a way to push your boundaries here, guaranteed.

A woman takes a leap of faith bungee jumping over a glacial river in Whistler.
There’s still time for a summer thrill or two. PHOTO MIKE CRANE

If you’d love some additional thrill this summer take a look at our All Thriller, No Filler post and 5 Summer Must-Do Adventures.

Check out our summer itineraries for more ideas for a late summer getaway, and remember sneaking a couple of days midweek is the key to lower rates for longer stays. Learn more about summer in Whistler with Whistler.com.

This spring, for every third night you book between March 1 - April 30, 2024, receive a free $75 CAD Whistler Après Voucher. Book your summer stay by April 30, 2024, and save up to 30% on lodging and 20% on activities. Plus, you’ll receive a free $150 Activity Voucher on stays of 3 or more nights. Secure your mountain getaway with Whistler.com for personalized service and the local knowledge of our Whistler-based team

Author

Pip has somehow worked her way around from being a snow-and-bike bum to holding a real job while also being outdoors as much as possible. She’s collected scars, bikes for (almost) every occasion, a small trail dog and a love of craft beer plus a rudimentary understanding of skiing, snowboarding, sketching, and the art of chairlift conversations. She currently believes a combination of gravity, snow, dirt and rad people are what make Whistler tick but investigations are ongoing.