Whistler is a summer playground bursting with adventures for every member of the family. From alpine trails to lakeside lounging, action-packed afternoons to relaxing evenings, there’s no better time to make memories together. Here’s your guide to summer family adventures in Whistler.
Explore the Alpine
Kick things off with a trip up the mountains. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb, offering jaw-dropping 360° views and plenty of photo ops. On Whistler Mountain, see if they’ll hold your hand as you go across the Cloudraker Skybridge (a 130-metre suspension bridge).
At the top of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, you’ll find a network of alpine hiking trails suitable for families. Try the Alpine Loop (Blackcomb) for an easy stroll through wildflower-filled meadows, or if your crew is up for it, go for Harmony Lake Loop (Whistler) for a bit more of a challenge and a scenic lakeside reward. If you are a family that hikes a lot, take a look at the Half Note and High Note trails on Whistler Mountain.
INSIDER TIP: Check out the Mountain Top Feast as a dinner option after your day exploring and hiking in the alpine. And if you’re a family who really, really, really hikes, check out our teenage contributor’s account of hiking to Russet Lake with his family.
If you download via the Blackcomb Gondola, it will deliver you to the Whistler Blackcomb Family Adventure Zone for bouncy castles, rope courses, climbing walls, trampolines, mini golf and more.
Take a Tour
Got a kid with a need for speed? Or maybe it’s a more explore and discover together vibe you’re after? Families can enjoy everything from bear-viewing safaris and canoe trips down the River of Golden Dreams, to kicking up some mud on an ATV or Side-by-Side. For the latter options, if you want to be in the driver’s seat, you need a driver’s license.
If your crew is looking for water-based action, whitewater rafting on the Green or Elaho-Squamish rivers delivers heart-pounding excitement and splash-filled memories. Choose a family-friendly route with gentle rapids or go big on a high-adventure course—either way, it’s an unforgettable experience and a great way to cool off on a hot day.
Let Them Roll Solo
Whistler is full of youth-focused programs that let the kids branch off and have their own adventures. Look into summer camps or day programs. For younger kids (under 12), Whistler Sports Legacies, Kiddie Combo Camps and Mountain Skills Academy offer a variety of sports and programs.
If you’re looking for bike-specific, try Whistler Blackcomb’s DFX, Axis Camps, WORCA and ZEP. On Alta Lake, there’s also the Whistler Sailing Club and The Point Artists-Run Centre, which offers music and drama programming.
For tweens and teens, Whistler Blackcomb’s DFX bike program goes up to age sixteen, The Point has programs for up to age 14, and The Core has indoor climbing camps for ages 7 to 14.
Summer Music Concert Series
Opt for an early dinner or grab something to-go and bring the family to the free summer concert series at Whistler Olympic Plaza. There’s nothing like seeing the kids dance, or, if teenagers, self-consciously nod along to the beat of the music as the sun dips behind the mountains.
From country to electronic dance, classical to reggae, each week of the summer sees a different style of music take to the stage.
If you are going to do dinner al fresco, head to Main Street and check out the amazing options for takeout food; burgers and hot dogs from Splitz, pies heaped with mash and peas from Peaked Pies, sushi from Satchi Sushi, pasta and pizza from Pasta Lupino, and noodles from Main Street Noodles and more.
Foodie Fun
Whistler’s food scene is as diverse as its terrain. Grab fresh-baked pastries from purebread, a local favourite for its huge array of delicious goodies, including almond croissants, chocolate raspberry loaf, flourless brownies and buckwheat scones. Another bakery that’s a bit more tucked away but has some delicious options is Alpha Café, which is located at the Pinnacle Hotel.
For a laid-back lunch or dinner, the younger crowd love the authentic tacos and buzzy energy at La Cantina. Hunter Gather is another casual option with great brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, ribs and wings (they have great craft beers too). Pizzeria Antico is, as the name suggests, a great place for family-pleasing pizza!
For dinner, family sushi feasts are fun at Sushi Village at the base of Whistler Mountain and Nagomi Sushi at the base of Blackcomb. Another tucked-away spot that brings the umami is Ohyama Ramen. And for dessert, nothing beats a cone from Cows Ice Cream or Rocky Mountain Chocolate for a well-earned sugar rush.
Bike to the Lakes
Rent some bikes (e-bikes are an option) and hit the 46-kilometre Valley Trail, a scenic paved network connecting the entire resort. Pedal out to Lost Lake, Alta Lake, or Rainbow Park for a swim, picnic and play.
The Valley Trail is car-free and easy to follow, making it a fun and active way to explore more of what Whistler has to offer. Wayside and Lakeside parks have watersport rental operations, which means you can get out on the water without having to tow your gear.
And although we suggest packing a bag with some water and snacks, it’s good to note that the Parks Eats program brings food trucks to some of Whistler’s parks in the summer months (there are also water bottle filling stations at the parks).
If you have some avid bikers on your hands, Lost Lake is a great place to start, as it’s full of winding green and blue trails that aren’t far from a “main” trail.
INSIDER TIP: If you’d like a specific route to follow, check out the free Go Whistler Tours app and look for the Spring/Summer self-guided bike tour.
Family Après Fun
Après isn’t just for ski season, and it’s not just for adults! Wrap up your day at one of Whistler’s family-friendly patios. The Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) offers great views of the bike park as well as tasty bites like Ahi Poke Tostones and Gorgonzola Potatoes. Dubh Linn Gate features live music (sometimes an Irish fiddle) and hearty pub fare, and Brewhouse has kid-friendly menus and room to roam—plus locally crafted beer for the grown-ups.
Dusty’s Bar & BBQ in Creekside has a casual, local vibe and a huge patio. Check their social media feed to see if The Hairframers are playing, as partying with these two musical heroes is always a good time. And if you like your drink with a side of incredible mountain views, grab a beverage while you’re up at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. See if the kids can spot a marmot while you sip on a cold one!
Evening Family Fun
Keep the magic going into the evening. Vallea Lumina is a multimedia forest walk that combines incredible light installations with storytelling. It’s magical to be out in the forest in the dark, and this experience certainly spans the generations.
Head to Lost Lake Park for a game of disc golf under the late-day sun, and on rainy nights or when you’re feeling competitive, challenge the family to an Escape Room adventure in the Village.
If the kids are looking for a break from the ‘rents, they’re welcome at the Whistler Youth Centre inside the Maury Young Arts Centre. They can drop in during opening hours to play a game of pool, skate on the mini-ramp or make a new friend over a board game or some crafts.
Whislife Arcade & VR Experience is another indoor option where you could challenge the kids to a Mario Kart GP DX race or test their skills with Mega Shot, the Punching Bag, and the Photo Booth. They also have 12 virtual reality options, including Godzilla Kaiju Wars or Roller Coaster.
Pick Accommodation with a Pool and Games Room
When it’s time to rest, pick a place that keeps the good times going. Whistler has many family-friendly accommodations offering pools, hot tubs, game rooms and spacious suites.
Having access to a kitchen and a living room area is great when travelling with the family. Try the Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Whistler’s Upper Village, which, along with kitchens, also has a pool with a fun slide and a children’s games room. Legends and Evolution Whistler (both in Creekside) also have dedicated games and movie rooms, plus a communal BBQ in the pool area, which is great for when the kids don’t want to get out of the water!
Fairmont Chateau Whistler is great for families with its big pool, mini bath-robes and kids amenities, on-site restaurants and the back garden area used for lawn games in the summer. For centrally-located hotels with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere, try the Pan Pacific Mountainside (pool with a view and kitchens) and Pan Pacific Village Centre (full kitchens and daily buffet breakfast).
Whistler in the summer is the perfect blend of nature, activity and family-friendly relaxation. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or chilling lakeside, there’s something for every member of the family, big or small.
Pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a few extra snacks), and get ready to make summer memories that’ll last a lifetime. If you like this blog, you might also want to read 6 Young Family Adventures in Whistler: Summer, Dining With Kids in Whistler and Adventuring With Kids.
Spring savings are calling! There’s so much to see and do in spring, you’ll want plenty of time for fun in the sun. Extend your stay and book midweek for increased savings, with 3 nights starting from $135 CAD per night. Coming during Nourish? Book 3+ nights between May 29 and June 30, 2025, to receive a free $100 or $200 Wellness Activity Voucher, valid for use on wellness activities or Nourish Whistler Wellness Series tickets.
For summer, book ahead and save up to 25% on lodging. Plus, you'll receive a free $100 CAD Activity Voucher on stays of 3 or more nights ($200 for 5 nights). You can also win a summer trip to Whistler with the Escape the Ordinary contest!
Insider Tip: Sign up for Whistler Rewards to access additional savings and exclusive perks.