This Month in Whistler: The Local’s List for August
May 2, 2017
Updated monthly, to keep things fresh.
Whistler is like an onion. Start peeling off the layers of the four seasons, the big happenings and the summer activities (there’s a ton of things to do here in and out of the alpine) and you’ll find a host of ever-changing natural wonders, unique events and interesting things to do. Check out our out-of-the-box ideas for the coming month below.
August 2017
Sweet hairy marmots, are we in August already? Summer is flying by and there’s no better time to pack in those activities before the seasons change. Here is The Local’s List for August:
We’re going to the wild side:
- Alpine wildflowers are blooming! The trails on Whistler and Blackcomb are out from the snow (including the popular High Note Trail), we’re ready to go up high and hike across alpine meadows to find the blooms.
- To check out the tiny Western toads, migrating from the lake to the forest at Lost Lake Park. To help the little toadlets make the journey safely some changes to park usage will be in effect – hard to be mad when they are so darn cute! Look, but don’t touch – we can hurt them if we pick them up.
- We’re keeping an eye on the Whistler skies, with the Perseid meteor shower expected to peak on August 12 – a lakeside dock being the perfect spot from which to wish upon shooting stars…
- And we’re learning more about Whistler’s bears with resident bear expert Michael Allen, on the mountain no less.
We’re getting active and adventurous:
- And spending lots of time on the water to beat the heat – check out all the different ways to splash and paddle.
- We’re heading out to the Riverside Greens Putting Course for little putting action, with the course open into the night with lights for late play.
- We’re also scoping out the course for this year’s 5 Peaks run on Blackcomb Mountain, always a highlight of Whistler’s trail running race calendar.
- With Crankworx just around the corner, it’s the thick of biking season. So we’re checking out the Whistler Bike Park, these ideas for things to try outside the bike park and getting the kids pumped for an entire week of Kidsworx events. Plus, there’s a ladies only bike camp later in the month which is always a blast.
- And checking out the summer biathlon at Whistler Olympic Park, range open Monday to Sunday.
We’re eating and drinking:
- Outdoors! Sampling lots and lots of delicious BBQ, hitting up both the Canadian National BBQ Championships and the BBQ nights in town – here’s a summer BBQ round-up with the events and hot spots.
- Snow cones from Frostbites at the Whistler Farmers’ Market. Cheap, tasty and sooo nice on a hot summer day.
- Kombucha on tap at Handlebar and the Green Moustache – the perfect drink with lots of yogis in town!
- Where the farm meets table in Pemberton, just a short drive north from Whistler. Growing season continues, the produce is amazing and both the Slow Food Cycle Sunday and the Araxi Longtable Dining Series at North Arm Farm happen in August.
We’re hitting the shops:
- Lululemon Athletica , Forlise and Lolë for a new yoga outfit, just in time for Wanderlust Whistler.
- Escape Route, because we think their #packitout150 Contest encouraging respect for the trails is a class act and deserves support.
- The Salomon Store Whistler for advice on new trail shoes for hitting the alpine trails.
- The delightful 122 West in Whistler Creekside for some ideas on modern home décor with a mountain twist.
- Grabbing lake supplies at The Beach Whistler – towels, beach bags, bikinis and sunglasses.
We’re expanding our horizons:
- And getting the kids into the 21st Annual 2017 LEGO Building Competition at the Whistler Museum – registering early, as it sells out fast.
- And checking out the Lines and Shapes Exhibition in The Gallery curated by local Arne Gutman, for an eclectic mix of artworks curated on a theme. We might even head home with a piece or two…
- Taking an Eat to Heal workshop to learn more about making healthy food choices – a two hour workshop that also comes with snacks and juices.
- And heading to the Whistler Public Library August 27 for their birthday celebration, with Kids clubs, movies and even a ventriloquist!
We’re trying something NEW:
- Taking a hike on the complete Blackcomb Ascent Trail, with Little Burn, Big Burn and Heartburn now open.
- Checking out the newly upgraded Fitzsimmons Bike Skills Park, a great place to take the kids to play on bikes to develop their balance and tech skills. Close by the dirt jumps for the older kids.
- Zooming from yoga to BBQ with free public transit every weekend going all the way through to September 4
- Checking our bikes into the free Bike Valet station at the Whistler Farmers’ Market – and the new Village Bike Valet Saturday August 5, 12, 19, 26 and September 2 at the Whistler Public Library.
- Trying a Great Canadian E-Bike Adventure with Canadian Wilderness Adventures on their private Callaghan Valley trail network. Includes axe throwing!!
- And getting ready for Cornucopia early this year, with tickets on sale now – no last minute ticket purchases and missing out on dinners!
We’re checking out these events:
- All month: The Whistler Presents Concert Series
- August 3 -6: Wanderlust Whistler
- August 5: Red Bull 400 out at Whistler Olympic Park (includes airshow!)
- August 4 -6: Bulleit Bourbon Canadian National BBQ Championships
- August 11 – 13: Flag Stop Theatre & Arts Festival at The Point
- August 11 – 20: Crankworx Whistler (here’s a handy guide for new visitors)
- August 20: The Funk Hunters at Maxx Fish – the Official Red Bull Joyride after party.
- August 27: FUNction Block Party
- Plus plenty more…
We’re definitely not forgetting:
- That winter is coming…and the early-ski-vacation-booking bird gets up to a 40% discount sized worm. That’s worth getting organised early for…
Well, there you have it – a short list with the flavours of the month in Whistler. There’s a ton more to discover. Get out there and giv’r.
