Insider’s Guide: When to Visit Whistler in the Summer
Updated March 2020 with current dates.
Summer, that glorious time of year when we become lake-worshippers, alpine hikers and at one with our bikes. No two months of summer are the same, the outdoor offerings are ruled by the rate of the snowmelt and the rotating roster of events changes the Village vibe from one week to the next. Whatever your dream summer vacation entails you can find it in Whistler, the key is knowing when. Here’s your ultimate planning guide to summer in Whistler:
JUNE
If May is when we squeeze out the last drops of winter fun while welcoming spring, then June is when we fully embrace summer. You might find some of the Insiders taking a dip year-round but for most of us, June is when we start visiting the lakes daily. The lakes aren’t only for swimming, they’re the summer social hubs of Whistler with picnic tables, beach volleyball courts, slackline posts, dog parks, SUP rentals and more. It’s also where you can get rid of your ski season goggle tan. With school still in session, early-June is on the quiet side and the perfect time to plan a DIY retreat.
Events:
- Whistler Half Marathon | June 6
- Comfortably Numb Trail Running Race | June 20
- Tenderfoot Boogie Race | June 27
Outdoor Activity Ideas:
- Hike through towering snow walls on Whistler Mountain
- Run or walk the scenic Valley Trail and the Sea to Sky Trail
- ATV or Side x Side UTV, play in the mud and soak up backcountry views
- Hit the greens, golf at one of Whistler’s four award-winning courses
- See full list
Best Time To:
- Watch the alpenglow, the peaks still have a bright blanket of snow
- Experience “hero-dirt” on the mountain bike trails
- Take some time for yourself, plan a DIY retreat
- Go for your first lake swim of the year! (Cannonballing required)
INSIDER TIP: This is a great month for early-season deals and accommodation options.
JULY
Peaks, picnics and patios are all top of mind in July. The month kicks-off with Canada Day celebrations including a free outdoor concert. The alpine hiking and biking trails are clearing and just about every outdoor activity from glacier glissading to whitewater rafting is open for booking. With the Whistler Children’s Festival in town, this is the perfect time for a family getaway.
Events:
- Canada Day | July 1
- Whistler Children’s Festival | July 10 – 12
- Red Bull 400 World Championships | July 11
Outdoor Activity Ideas:
- Zip the longest zipline in Canada and the US, The Sasquatch®
- Take a Sky Walk, cross the Cloudraker Skybridge, hike and enjoy the PEAK 2 PEAK 360° Experience all on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains
- Canoe, kayak or SUP the lakes and River of Golden Dreams
- Look for and learn about bears on a Whistler Bear Viewing Safari
- See full list
Best Time To:
- Swim in an alpine lake
- Enjoy the art of the summer après, sunny patio style
- Find the perfect memento from the artisans at the Whistler Farmer’s Market
- Get artsy indoors and outdoors on the Cultural Connector
INSIDER TIP: If you have Whistler waterfalls on your must-see list, this is when they’re pumping from the snowmelt coming out of the alpine.
AUGUST
The warmest month of the summer is also the liveliest. Summer is at its peak and so are the activities and events. Whistler revs up into an all-things-mountain-biking for Crankworx mid-month and adrenaline junkies get their running shoes out for the 5 Peaks Trail Running Series.
Events:
- BC Day | August 3
- Crankworx Whistler Mountain Bike Festival | August 5 – 16
- 5 Peaks Trail Running Series | August 22
Outdoor Activity Ideas:
- Flightsee over Whistler by plane or helicopter
- Get a dose of adrenaline whitewater rafting
- Bungee jump over a raging river
- Walk across a glacier
- Take a sightseeing tour and get to know Whistler better
- Ride the Whistler Bike Park
- See full list
Best Time To:
- Cool down in and on the water
- See the alpine wildflowers in bloom
- Celebrate mountain bike culture
- Stargaze, the annual perseid meteor shower reaches its peak this month and the northern lights can make an appearance or two
INSIDER TIP: Being the liveliest month of the summer, it’s best to visit mid-week if you like to keep things on the quiet side.
SEPTEMBER
As summer winds down things get a little more intimate, making this the perfect time to relish in the tranquility of the outdoors or plan a couples getaway. Hiking trails are clear and the temperatures are lower which for the heat-averse, can mean a more pleasant hiking experience. The already robust craft beer scene expands as the Whistler Village Beer Festival and breweries from all over BC (and beyond) roll into town. A trip to Whistler is the ultimate way to cap off your summer.
Events:
- Labour Day | September 7
- RBC GranFondo Whistler | September 12
- Whistler Village Beer Festival | September 14 – 20
Outdoor Activity Ideas:
- Seek out serenity on mountain trails by horseback
- Go fish, let a knowledgeable guide take you to the best spots
- Vallea Lumina, experience the wonder of the night
- Visit an ice cave, by helicopter
- Explore Whistler’s hiking trails on a guided tour or on your own
- See full list
Best Time To:
- Tackle the Whistler section of the BC Ale Trail
- Live in the moment, soak up the last of summer
- Try the Scandinavian art of hot / cold therapy
- Check off the lingering items on your summer bucket list, Via Ferrata anyone?
- Get your fill of mountain biking before the snow comes
INSIDER TIP: Whistler can experience a “second summer” right before fall begins in earnest, check out mid to late September for late-season deals on accommodation.
Whistler truly has something for everyone in summer. If you still have questions about when you should visit or how to plan your ultimate vacation, Whistler.com travel agents are ready to chat when you are. See you at the lake!
