August is midsummer in Whistler, and that means hiking, trail running, biking and sightseeing in the fresh alpine air, cooling off with a lake dip and taking in the sweet tunes of the Whistler Summer Concert Series.
Crankworx Whistler returns from July 24 to August 2, transforming the town into the heart of mountain biking with elite athletes, amateur riders and fans from around the world. The final weekend of events is jam-packed with iconic spectator events like the Dual Slalom finals, Crabapple Hits and Rhapsody Slopestyle going down on August 1 and 2.
So get outside and into the mountains this August to soak up the season while it’s still here – it’ll be gone before we know it! Here’s what’s happening in Whistler this August.
Outdoor Adventure
You’ll find us:
- Going the distance at the Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB on August 22 and 23. With two days of racing and four different distances that balance challenge with beauty, runners can choose their own adventure: 12 KM, 26 KM, 50 KM or 100 KM.
- Descending the mind-blowing Top of the World trail, located in the Peak Zone of the Whistler Bike Park. Beginning at the top of the Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain, Top of the World takes you through Whistler’s insane alpine environment on tacky single track filled with built-up berms, switchback corners and fun flowy descents along the way. It’s a black diamond-rated trail for advanced riders only. Beginner riders should check out the great green and blue trails within the Whistler Bike Park, or book a lesson.
- Joining the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program for a free adaptive mountain bike Try it Day on August 14 at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. This event is open to individuals with disabilities ages 5+, no experience needed and is a great opportunity to try a variety of e-assist adaptive bikes, with guidance from experienced instructors. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required.
- Wandering amongst fields of colourful wildflowers on an alpine hike. The wildflowers typically bloom until mid-August, but timing can shift each year depending on the weather. Read our wildflowers blog post to learn about where to discover these colourful beauties.
- Experiencing the thrill of racing down the track on a Summer Bobsleigh at the Whistler Sliding Centre. Guests go with a professional pilot, reaching speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour! This summer, youth ages 12 to 18 slide for 50% off (2 youth per 1 paying adult).
Adventure Lite
You’ll find us:
- Cheering on the athletes participating in the Rhapsody Slopestyle as part of Crankworx on Sunday, August 1, at 10 AM. The season-defining conclusion of the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship and the Triple Crown of Slopestyle, this event brings together over 35,000 fans on the ground and millions more around the world. The 12 best male riders and 6 best female riders in the world bring their A-game to this invitational showcase. There is also the Crabapple Hits finals happening at 3:30 PM, and the Specialized Dual Slalom finals on August 1. Check out the full Crankworx Schedule.
- Painting on top of a mountain with the Plein Air Painting Adventure, hosted by Arts Whistler on August 22. You hike on Whistler Mountain up to Harmony Ridge with local artist, Heidi Mattson, where all your paint gear is waiting for you.
- Stretching it out at the free Lululemon Summer Yoga Series classes, located at the Westin Resort & Spa in the heart of the Village every Saturday throughout the summer from 9 AM to 10 AM. Bring your own mat, water bottle and an extra layer for cozying up in savasana (and in case it’s chilly). If you’re into outdoor movement classes, then check out the Mountain Top Movement classes on top of Whistler Mountain, happening every Friday at 10 AM until August 29.
- Pitching a tent and spending the evening stargazing at Whistler Olympic Park. Located in the Callaghan Valley, away from the lights of Whistler Village, the campground sits in a unique location to experience a truly dark night sky. The darkest nights of the month occur during the New Moon, when there is little or no moonlight to brighten the sky. While you’re there, check out the new Olympic Ski Jump Scramble Challenge , where you can challenge yourself to climb 538 stairs to the top of the Olympic ski jumps, stand where Olympic athletes once began their descent, and enjoy spectacular views of the Callaghan Valley.
More ways to get outside.
Family Fun
You’ll find us:
- Watching the little ones get creative at Crafts in the Park every Wednesday until August 20. It’s located at Florence Petersen Park from 11 AM to 12 PM, and hosted by the Whistler Library and the Whistler Museum. Each week features a Whistler-themed craft and is for kiddos under six (kids must be accompanied by an adult). Drop-ins are welcome, and it’s free. In case of bad weather, this program will move inside the Whistler Museum. Please note that the August 5 session will be inside the Museum!
- Having a family picnic in the park with Whistler’s Park Eats food truck program dishing up delicious food from local vendors at Alpha Lake, Rainbow Park, Lakeside Park and Lost Lake. If you opt for Lost Lake, keep an eye out for tiny toads hopping about, as the toadlets have begun their migration from the lake to the forest. The little hoppers are about the size of a dime, and they are a threatened species, so support their mission by watching your step, walking your bike, keeping an eye on signage and looking but not touching.
- Dropping off the kids at the Whistler Core Climbing & Fitness Centre’s Climb & Dine evening program. Parents can treat themselves to a date night while the kids enjoy indoor climbing and a kid’s style dinner from 5:30 to 8:00 PM.
- Grabbing a bowl of popcorn and a picnic blanket and heading out to watch a Movie in the Plaza. Happening on select Wednesdays and Saturdays in August, enjoy some family-friendly titles like School of Rock, Free Solo and A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood.
- Spending a Sunday afternoon creating together as a family at the Sunday Scribbles held at the Audain Art Museum. These drop-in style workshop invites participants of all ages to dive into the beauty of the natural world through hands-on art activities inspired by Whistler’s summer flora.
- Rolling around at the Whistler Skate Park at the Zero Ceiling All Aboard Skate Jam & Fundraiser on August 26. All ages and abilities are welcome, from kids under 10 to adults and everyone in between. Whether you are a pro or a beginner, all are welcome to join in on the fun, including a live DJ, BBQ, prizes and more – all for a good cause!
More family-friendly activities.
Arts & Culture
You’ll find us:
- Gathering in the Rainbow Theatre to watch DaVinci presents: Rise of Resilience on August 1, hosted by Crankworx Whistler. This raw and real documentary follows professional mountain biker and North Vancouver firefighter Steve Vanderhoek through two of the most intense years of his life. Steve opens up like never before about the weight first responders carry, how adrenaline can mask pain, and how riding a bike through the woods can sometimes feel like the only way to breathe again. Book your tickets in advance, as this screening is sure to sell out.
- Browsing the incredible talents of artisans from the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation at the Spo7ez Artist Market. It takes place on the Mezzanine Patio at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) on August 2. While you are there, check out the SLCC’s newest exhibition, Wisdom of the Animal People, on until August 30.
- Supporting the 15th Annual Flag Stop Theatre & Arts Festival on August 5 to 8, hosted by The Point Artist-Run Centre. This milestone is being celebrated with four straight days of live original theatre, music and comedy from Whistler, the Sea to Sky and across the province.
- Celebrating our beloved local library at Whistler Library’s 40th Birthday Bash! On August 28, families can enjoy crafts, games, music, birthday cake, and a DJ Ira dance party, plus a Summer Reading Club medal ceremony with Whistler VIPs. Adults can check out the 40 Years of Stories from Library Directors Past & Present on August 27 in the Library Fireplace Lounge for a conversation with all of our past & present Library Directors. They will share stories, challenges, and triumphs from the past 40 years.
- Soaking in the sounds of the Whistler Concert Series, happening on select Thursdays and Fridays throughout the month. Dance the night away with iconic artists like Kim Churchill, The Hip Abduction and more playing on the Olympic Plaza stage.
- Teeny Tiny Art Show returns for its 8th year, showcasing original works by local artists measuring just 3″ x 3″ or smaller. This free exhibit runs until October 2 at the Maury Young Arts Centre in Whistler Village.
Eating, Drinking & Shopping
You’ll find us:
- Dining at the debut Dîner à St-Tropez at Nita Lake Lodge on August 14. This unforgettable evening is inspired by the iconic Côte d’Azur, beginning with a welcome cocktail and elegant canapés, followed by a golden-hour DJ set as the sun sets over Nita Lake. Gather around a beautifully appointed communal table for a lavish three-course family-style feast. As twilight gives way to evening, the celebration continues in Lakeside Lounge, where music and handcrafted cocktails set the tone for a memorable night.
- Dressing in white and taking a seat at the picturesque Audain Long Table Dinner en Blanc on August 15. Dine al fresco, featuring a seasonal three-course menu by the Collective Kitchen. The evening includes exclusive access to Inside Passage, a celebrated exhibition by Takao Tanabe, along with intimate tours led by the Museum’s Executive Director. There is also the Wild Blue Long Table Dinner at The Range on August 16. Savour a seasonal menu celebrating West Coast ingredients, paired with handcrafted cocktails, including a special collaboration with Vancouver’s acclaimed The Keefer Bar.
- Tasting the vibrant flavours of Latin America at Pura Vida at the Braidwood Tavern, located at the Four Seasons resort. Bold flavours, refreshing cocktails and live music come together in a rhythmic, open-air setting designed for relaxed gatherings. This is a not-to-be-missed summer dining experience, offered every Thursday until September 10.
- Experiencing an evening where art, nature, and mixology come together at The Art of the Cocktail: Birds, Bees & Butterflies on August 21, hosted at the Audain Art Museum. Centred around Jack Shadbolt’s dynamic Transformation Theme (1981), this event explores themes of metamorphosis and interconnectedness found throughout the Museum’s Permanent Collection. Guests will enjoy a signature cocktail inspired by the event, infused with wildflower notes and golden honey.
- Strolling through the Whistler Farmers’ Market, happening every Sunday through to October 13. Check out an abundance of local produce, on-site food, treats, craft goods and live music.
- Filling our plates at the Mountain Top Summer Feast at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Take the gondola up (make sure you have a Summer Alpine Experience Ticket) and enjoy a buffet meal with live music while taking in the incredible views, every Friday to Sunday until August 31.
- Cooling off with a delicious Maple Bacon flavoured gelato at Portobello. This signature ice cream is in collaboration with Lucia Gelato and is inspired by their most popular donut! Check out our blog, A Guide to Whistler Ice Cream, for the full round-up.
- Trying out Whistler’s newest food spot, Kebab on Fire. They’ve been serving halal Mediterranean cuisine since 2024 (originating in Victoria, BC), bringing people together over fresh, bold flavours and time-honoured recipes. We can confirm that they make their wraps in house, and that the spicy chicken wrap is a 10/10 – now available in the heart of Whistler Village!
More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.
Save the Date
Whistler Summer Concert Series | Select dates throughout August
RBC GranFondo Whistler | September 12
Whistler Village Beer Festival | September 16 to 20
UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill | September 25 to 27
Whistler X Tri | September 19 & 20
Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra | October 3
Whistler Writers Festival | November 5 to 8
Be a Responsible Traveller: Don’t Love It to Death
- Wildfires are a very real risk to Whistler, especially at the height of the summer. 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 (check it on our weather page). If you see a fire, call 9-1-1.
- 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.
- Whistler is bear country. Take a read of our Bear Aware blog post so you can act responsibly on behalf of these beautiful, wild creatures. Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear.
- If you’re using the hiking and biking trails around Whistler regularly, consider donating to or joining WORCA, a local organization that maintains Whistler’s trail system.
- Help keep Whistler green by choosing tap water over bottled water, avoiding single-use plastics, leaving the car at home, choosing active transportation and sorting garbage properly to reduce your waste.
- Be AdventureSmart and always practice Leave No Trace principles. Consider our Responsible Travel pillars, Respect Nature, Think Environment, Don’t Love It to Death and Support Local.
If You’re Driving . . .
- Take a read of Go Car Free: 8 Reasons to Ditch the Car on Your Whistler Trip in case we can convince you that you don’t need your car!
- Help reduce congestion on the highway by travelling during non-peak times. Peak travel times on the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler include Friday afternoons and evenings, weekends and holidays. To avoid this busy time, plan to visit Whistler midweek when the highway and the resort are typically quieter. Extend your weekend – plan to arrive on Thursday night and leave on Monday morning to avoid the weekend traffic. If you’re visiting Whistler only for the day, plan on staying for dinner to avoid the rush of day traffic leaving the resort after the mountain closes.
- Always check DriveBC for current road conditions before getting on the road. Follow @DriveBC on Twitter and listen to MountainFM for the latest updates.
- Paid parking is in effect in all the Day Lots, although there is complimentary parking from 5 PM to 8 AM. Overnight parking is allowed in the Day Lots, but no overnight camping or sleeping in vehicles. Please check the RMOW website for more information on parking.
- Marketplace parking has new tariffs: 1 first 30 minutes and $2 first hour (15-minute, storefront parking remains free). For shopping at Fresh St. Market, register your license plate in the machine prior to shopping, and they will reimburse you for 1 hour with a minimum $25 purchase.
