Updated February 2024

When the snow melts off Whistler’s mountaintops a whole other world is revealed. High above the treeline, our alpine peaks await, vast and rugged, ready to be explored – hidden in plain sight.

Two people hike to an alpine lake on Whistler Blackcomb in the summer sun,
Summer’s best-kept secret. PHOTO GUY FATTAL

With so much to see and do in the village and valley, the high alpine can get overlooked amid all the summer fun. But when you take the time to explore Whistler Blackcomb’s mountaintops, you find a change of pace, a place of expansiveness, solitude and simplicity, all just a quick gondola ride away. When you expand your itinerary to include the alpine you’re rewarded with a range of summer activities for both the adventure-seeker and the sightseer.

Suspend your disbelief on a suspension bridge perched on a peak. Wander in wonder through towering snow walls. Journey through time exploring over 50 kilometres of hiking trails across a volcanic landscape dotted with ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes and wildflower-filled meadows.

Three women walk up Whistler Mountain amongst the snow walls in the early summer.
There’s a whole world tucked away in Whistler’s mountaintops. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Looking to kick back? Take in the 360-degree views on the world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and then treat yourself to a mountaintop dining experience before the ride back down to the village.

And that’s just the tip of the alpine. With Whistler’s vibrant village, rich local culture and abundance of activities around town, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to take it in and get the full taste of summer. Adventure through the valley by bike, make a splash in our lakes and rivers and hike through ancient forests.

A group of friends walk down the Whistler Village Stroll on a sunny, summer's day.
Take a sunny walk down Whistler’s Village Stroll this summer. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Visit Midweek

Weekends and holidays are busy, especially at Whistler’s lakes and parks, so come midweek if you can, extend your weekends and consider staying for longer. Not only will the added time mean you can dig in and explore at a more relaxed pace, but it also means more choice and more deals (FYI – rates decrease the longer you stay and there are added perks like free $150/ $250 Adventure Vouchers).

Before You Arrive: Book, Book, Book

  • We advise organizing your accommodation in advance as well as making dinner reservations and booking activities. Popular tour times booked out last summer, as did the restaurants (especially if they had a sunny patio). We have a dining guide and interactive map to help you make some food plans on our dedicated dining page. We want you to have the best time, not a stressed time and most places have flexible cancellation policies, so if your plans do change then they’re easy to adjust.
A couple dine on a sunny, outdoor patio in Whistler.
Make a reservation at your favourite dining spots in Whistler this summer. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
  • While we’re talking about activities, it’s worth considering a guided tour like bear viewing, hiking, biking, or canoeing – local experts know hidden spots and trails, and manage the logistics so you don’t have to. There’s been so much to keep in mind over the past year that it’s a relief to hand the decision-making over to someone else for the day. Bike rentals (for the bike park and Valley Trail) are also very popular in the summer, so if you can, consider making a booking in advance. 
  • Although tickets for the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola never sell out, it can’t help to get them early so all you need to do is pick them up when you get here. You can book them via Whistler.com or by calling 1-800-944-7853. In resort, you can grab PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola tickets from the Whistler Visitor Centre or Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations. For more on Whistler Blackcomb operations take a look at, Know Before You Go: Whistler Blackcomb Sightseeing, Biking and Hiking.
A family looks out at the view from the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola in Whistler with the summer sun shining in.
The record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is part of BC’s most iconic alpine experience. PHOTO GUY FATTAL
  • If you’re planning on doing some hiking in and around Whistler and you’re heading into a BC Park (like Garibaldi Provincial Park), make sure you check BCparks.ca for information on the free day-use passes (vehicle and trail), which are required during peak hours, as well as any advisories or closures. Before you go, make sure to review the BC Parks Responsible Recreation Guide to brush up on how to recreate safely and respectfully this summer.
  • Whistler Alert is the official emergency notification system used by the RMOW to communicate with residents and visitors during emergencies via text message, phone and email. We encourage you to sign up for it while you’re here (just in case). When you register, you will be asked to provide your contact number and the date you plan to leave Whistler so that you don’t receive alerts when you’re back home.
Two women walk across the Cloudraker Skybridge, Whistler's Suspension Bridge on Whistler Blackcomb.
Heighten your sense of adventure this summer. PHOTO GUY FATTAL

When You Arrive

  • Check into your accommodation and relax. You’re in Whistler now.
  • Park and play! Get rid of the car – you don’t need it. Whistler has a 46-kilometre Valley Trail system that weaves in and out of parks, lakes and neighbourhoods. We suggest renting a bike and using it to explore new places this summer. Have you ever been down to Creekside Village or Function Junction? You could even make it an e-bike for even more exploring power; just make sure you take a quick read of the trail etiquette before heading out.
A couple walk their bikes onto a lakeside dock in the summer's sun in Whistler.
Grab a bike and be part of the active transport movement. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
  • If you do have questions while you’re out and about, a quick and easy way to get an answer is to text Ask Whistler. You can also connect via WhatsApp and use the free Whistler WiFi (currently available at Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler Town Plaza, Whistler Village Common, Village Square and the area near the Whistler Visitors Centre and new bus shelter).

During Your Visit

  • Knowing that Whistler’s parks and lakes can get busy, make sure you’ve got a Plan B up your sleeve. Think about visiting at off-peak times like first thing in the morning and in the evening (sunset picnic anyone?) and make sure you pack out what you pack in. Read more in, Know Before You Go: Whistler’s Lakes and Parks.
  • We’re looking forward to seeing the refreshed Rainbow Park, which was closed in 2023 but is slated to open in June of this year! They’ll still be working on Phase 3 of the improvements, but Rainbow Park, the washrooms and Valley Trail are expected to remain open to the public during construction. Learn more about this project on the RMOW site.
A family with young children walks through Whistler Village in the summer.
Explore Whistler Village, which has a fully pedestrianized pathway that runs from its top to bottom, meaning you can let the kids stretch their legs. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
  • Check out the free Go Whistler Tours app, which features curated tours that guide you to unique experiences and locations throughout Whistler, from art galleries to nature walks.
  • If you’re a regular to Whistler, consider doing a hike or visiting a lake that you’ve not been to before (note that Whistler’s alpine network is typically covered until mid-July). We’ve got a plethora of information on hikes in Whistler for you to check out; as always AdventureSmart and follow the Three Ts for safe outdoor exploration (trip planning, training and taking the essentials).
  • Wildfires are a very real threat to Whistler in the summer when the weather gets hot and dry. Whistler’s fire danger rating gets updated daily by the BC Wildfire Service and when it reaches High or Extreme open fires of any kind are banned. That means no campfires, no tiki torches, no fireworks, etc. Do not throw cigarette butts (of any kind) onto trails, into forested areas, or out of car windows. If you see a fire call 911.
Two friends walk shop in Creekside Village in Whistler.
Make sure you take a trip to Creekside Village for some fun shopping options. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
  • If you need supplies for while you’re here, maybe a new pair of trail runners, more buckets and spades for the kids, drool-worthy treats for the picnic – buy them locally. Not only does this support local business, but gives you a chance to connect with people who live here and might have a tip or two they’re willing to share with a savvy traveller.
  • Keep an eye on our events calendar to see what’s on this summer as events are coming back including the Summer Concert Series at Whistler Olympic Plaza, Crankworx and GranFondo.
  • Help Whistler with its environmental goals by drinking alpine fresh tap water versus bottled, avoiding single-use plastic, choosing active modes of transportation and using the compost and recycling bins in the Village and at the parks. Remember that Whistler is bear country, so please dispose of your waste responsibly and read up on how to be bear-aware. If a bin is full please take your waste back to your accommodation to dispose of, let’s keep wildlife wild. 
A woman enjoys the sunset at the top of Whistler Mountain in the high alpine.
Breathe in Whistler’s unique, alpine vistas. PHOTO GUY FATTAL

Extend your itinerary, expand your expectations and maximize the midweek for the fullest Whistler experience this summer. Whistler.com also has a handy page with Know Before You Go information, including border requirements, currency, weather, etc.

Take a read of our other Know Before You Go posts for this summer on Whistler Blackcomb Sightseeing, Biking and Hiking, and Whistler’s Lakes and Parks.

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

You can often find Dee exploring all Whistler has to offer with her three-kid tribe in tow. Originally from the UK, Dee enjoys balancing out high-thrills adventures with down-time basking in the beauty of the wonderful place she now calls home.