Insider Guide: Whistler Blackcomb Sightseeing, Hiking & Biking

Updated June 2026

From Whistler’s unmatched alpine landscape, breathtaking glacier-fed lakes and lush forests of towering trees to the world’s premier mountain bike park and the valley’s endless network of trails, Whistler’s rugged, West Coast beauty inspires a whole summer’s worth of adventure.

You can easily spend a whole weekend or more exploring Whistler Blackcomb, with its 50+ kilometres of hiking trails for all levels and over 4,900 vertical feet of lift-serviced trails for mountain bikers. There’s also the Cloudraker Skybridge & Raven’s Eye and PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, part of the Summer Alpine Experience, and you could always add a mountain-based activity tour into the mix, like ziplining, ATVing or climbing.

Then, to celebrate a day well spent, you can enjoy a picnic at altitude at sunset, indulge in a Mountain Top Summer Feast, or raise a glass at the Umbrella Bar with its incredible views (and great Caesars).

Here’s what you need to know before you embark on your adventure to Whistler Blackcomb this summer.

Three women walk up Whistler Mountain amongst the snow walls in the early summer.
Typically open in mid-June, the snow wall canyon on Whistler Mountain is a must-see (and feel). PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

When Do Things Open at Whistler Blackcomb this Summer?

Early spring sightseeing on Whistler Blackcomb started in April, and the iconic Whistler Mountain Bike Park opened on May 15. We’ve broken out some of the key spring and summer dates you need to know so you can plan your trip sightseeing and/or hiking on Whistler Blackcomb.

Late Spring: May 16 to June 12, 2026

From May 16 to June 12, 2026, you have access to the full PEAK 2 PEAK experience, including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Whistler Village Gondola and Blackcomb Gondola on weekends. During the week, you have access to Whistler Mountain only via the Whistler Village Gondola.

  • Weekdays: Sightseeing on Whistler Mountain only
  • Weekends: The PEAK 2 PEAK experience, including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola & Whistler Village Gondola
  • Blackcomb Gondola is not operating, with the exception of Victoria Day weekend (May 16 to 18, 2026)

Summer: June 13 to September 7, 2026

The full summer hiking and sightseeing season opens on June 13, 2026, with the full PEAK 2 PEAK experience, including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Whistler Village Gondola and Blackcomb Gondola open every day of the week.

The Peak Express Chairlift is opening on June 13, 2026, which gives you access to the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye. Please check the Mountain Hours of Operation page before you make your plan, as the weather plays a huge role in mountain operations, and sometimes that can’t be planned for!

Your ticket includes access to:

  • The full PEAK 2 PEAK experience, including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Whistler Village Gondola and Blackcomb Gondola
  • Access to the Cloudraker Skybridge and 50+ km of alpine hiking trails (weather dependent)

Late Summer: September 8 to 20, 2026

The Blackcomb Gondola and PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola close for the season on September 7. You can still sightsee via the Whistler Village Gondola until September 20, with access to the Peak Chair open until September 13 (weather dependent).

Two people hike through the high alpine on Whistler Blackcomb in the summer.
Get into the high alpine on Whistler Blackcomb this summer. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Sightseeing and Hiking on Whistler Blackcomb

The Summer Alpine Experience Ticket includes access to the Whistler Village Gondola, Blackcomb Gondola and PEAK 2 PEAK, Peak Express Chairlift, Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye, although you need to check what’s open when you’re planning your trip.

Where do I get my tickets?

Summer Alpine Experience season passes and single-day lift tickets are now on sale. If you’re heading up the mountains more than once, it makes sense to purchase a summer season pass. If you have purchased or put a deposit down for a winter season pass for the upcoming season, then summer sightseeing on Whistler Blackcomb is included.

Although Summer Alpine Experience Tickets never sell out, it can’t hurt to get them early, so all you need to do is pick them up when you get here. You can book them online via Whistler.com or by calling 1-800-944-7853. In resort, you can grab Summer Alpine Experience Tickets from the Whistler Visitor Centre or Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations.

For more information on the PEAK 2 PEAK and sightseeing on Whistler Blackcomb, read our dedicated Insider post.

A family enjoy the 360 degree views from the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.
360-degree sightseeing on Whistler Blackcomb’s PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Lookout

A trip to Whistler isn’t complete without a walk along the Cloudraker Skybridge, a 130-metre alpine suspension bridge with incredible views out over the Coast Mountains. At one end, you’ll find the Raven’s Eye, a phenomenal viewing platform that gives you 360-degree mountain vistas. Make sure you check what’s open before you book your tickets.

Black Tusk and Fall Hikers at Sunset
Iconic Black Tusk Mountain is the core of an extinct volcano and, according to local Indigenous legends, also the Landing Place of the Thunderbird. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

The Peak Express Chairlift, which gives access to the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye, is opening on June 13, 2026, with the last day of operations being September 13, 2026 (these dates can change; please check the hours of operation).

If you’re travelling with kids, note that there’s a height requirement of 40 inches (3.3 feet / one metre) to ride the Peak Chair and that you can’t ride the chair with a child in any form of carrier. To experience the bridge with your little one, you will have to hike there and back, versus taking the Peak Chair.

Mountain operations are affected by the weather, so please check the hours of operation before you plan your trip. Read more about Whistler’s Suspension Bridge in our Insider’s Guide to the Whistler Peak Suspension Bridge.

Two people stand on the Raven Eye on Whistler Blackcomb, looking out over the Coast Mountains in the summer sun.
The Raven’s Eye is at one end of the Whistler suspension bridge, a must-do for this summer. PHOTO GUY FATTAL

Look out for the Cloudraker Interpretive Loop signage featuring Coast Salish art by Squamish Nation artist James Harry and stories from the Skwxwú7mesh Nation and Líl̓wat Nation, on whose unceded territory Whistler sits. There are also explanations of the mountain’s man-made engineering feats and natural magic, with detailed descriptions of the flora, fauna and alpine landscape viewpoints.

For a deeper understanding of the land and its history, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Summer Dining on Whistler Blackcomb

The two places to dine while exploring all Whistler Blackcomb has to offer are the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain and the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain. The Roundhouse is open daily for breakfast and lunch from May 16, 2026, to September 20, 2026, and Rendezvous is open daily for breakfast and lunch from June 13, 2026, to September 7, 2026.

Lunch at Christine’s, a full-service restaurant inside the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb, is a special treat and should be booked in advance (it opens June 19, 2026). And don’t miss the Umbrella Bar on Whistler Mountain, offering incredible mountain views and great Caesar cocktails (open daily for drinks from May 16, 2026, to September 20, 2026).

Mountain Top Summer Feast

One of the must-do foodie experiences of the summer, is the buffet-style dinner event that takes over the Roundhouse Lodge in the summer evenings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It’s a truly spectacular setting at 1,800 metres (6,000 feet), with the Coast Mountains as your backdrop. Live music plays as you choose from mouthwatering mains, fresh salads and delicious desserts. For dates, times and tickets, visit Whistler.com.

The Umbrella Bar in the summer overlooks the Coast Mountains from its perch on Whistler Mountain.
The Umbrella Bar on Whistler Mountain serves incredible views and great Caesar cocktails. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Summer Accessibility on Whistler Blackcomb

The Whistler Village Gondola, Blackcomb Gondola and PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola all accommodate wheelchairs. At the Roundhouse on Whistler Mountain (certified accessible by the Rick Hansen Foundation in 2024), wheelchair accessible washrooms are located on the first floor. There is an elevator that takes you to the upper floor of the building to access the Roundhouse Restaurant and Umbrella Bar.

The path of travel from the Roundhouse Lodge to the Peak 2 Peak is approximately 50 metres with an average grade of 1.5 percent. The distance from the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain to the PEAK 2 PEAK terminal is approximately 78 metres with an average grade of 5.7 percent.

At this point, the Peak Express (which takes you to the Cloudraker Skybridge) does not accommodate wheelchairs.

For more general information on accessibility in Whistler, visit Whistler.com.

Experiences and Events on Whistler Blackcomb

Nourish Whistler Wellness Series

Throughout June, Whistler Blackcomb is partnering with Tourism Whistler to bring the Nourish Whistler Wellness Series to the mountains. Some of the events take place in the Dome at Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain, and at The Lookout, a new pop-up venue on Blackcomb Mountain. Guests can immerse themselves in yoga and Pilates classes, guided meditations, sound baths, live music, speaker sessions, culinary workshops, stargazing, and more. 

World Cup Watch Parties

The world’s biggest soccer event, FWC2026, is coming to North America this June, and Whistler Blackcomb’s valley bars have all your viewing needs covered – watch your team compete on big screens and enjoy food and beverage specials at GLC, Merlin’s and Dusty’s. For more information on where to watch the football action, read, Where to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Whistler.

2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill

This year, Whistler Blackcomb is thrilled to play host to the world’s premier downhill mountain bike event, making its long-awaited debut on 1199 in the Creekside Zone of Whistler Mountain Bike Park (September 25 to 27). Returning to the sport’s spiritual home, the event promises to deliver elite racing on Whistler’s ultimate terrain, featuring the world’s top riders in what promises to be an unforgettable moment in mountain bike history.

Returning for Summer 2026

  • Celsius Mountaintop Movement: The popular event for all abilities returns on select Fridays at Roundhouse Lodge throughout the summer. Start your morning with rejuvenating yoga or Pilates against the stunning backdrop of the Coast Mountains. Stretch, sweat, or simply soak in the mountain views.
  • Girls On: A monthly community building series, creating a safe space for women to connect in the alpine. Each month will feature a different activity, including Pilates, Ascent Trail climbs, alpine hiking and paint nights.  
  • Arts Whistler Plain Air Workshop: On July 18 and August 22 at Roundhouse Lodge, Arts Whistler hosts landscape painting classes in the alpine. Hike in, paint a beautiful scenic view, have lunch with Alterra Wine and hike out with your artwork.
  • Helly Hansen Hiking Challenge: Bragging rights are on the line with this points‑driven alpine hiking challenge, where tougher trails earn higher scores. Log your hikes, climb the leaderboard, and compete to be crowned the ultimate trailblazer – with a grand prize on the line.
  • Little Adventurer’s Scavenger Hunt: Grab a scavenger hunt booklet, explore the Kid’s Adventure Trail on Blackcomb, spot all the hidden critters along the way and claim a prize and official Junior Hiking Guide Pin.
A yoga class at the top of Whistler Blackcomb on a summer's morning.
Start the day with a mountain-top stretch this summer. PHOTO MITCH WINTON

Whistler Mountain Bike Park

The Whistler Bike Park opened on May 15, 2026, with the eight-person Fitzsimmons Chair getting you on those trails faster than ever! More park zones come into play as the snow melts, so keep your eyes on the hours of operation page and check Whistler Blackcomb’s trail page to see what’s open before you come.

Whistler Bike Park Upgrades

Fitzsimmons Express: The new Fitzsimmons Express chairlift provides improved uphill capacity by transporting riders and bikes on the same chair. This is a game-changer for guests looking to access the popular Fitz Zone. New this year, they’ll be adding an extension on Ninja Cougar and a new trail from the top of Fitz – Shaolin Chipmonk (targeting fall season).  

Gatorade Skills Park: The Gatorade Skills Park features medium-sized jump and drop features for intermediate and advanced riders wanting to progress on technical features. It’s located in the Fitzsimmons Zone off Fantastic.

Expanded Creekside Zone: Creekside represents the Bike Park’s freshest and purest single-track area. It’s recommended for intermediate to expert riders looking to cruise along cascading creeks and through lush, green forests – all accessed by the upgraded 10-person Creekside Gondola. New black and double black trails provide more options and variety. 

Trail Orientation/Progression Guide: Knowing which trail to ride next has now been made clear with the Trail Progression Scale. This handy tool separates technical and freeride trails and lists them from Beginner to Pro Line in the correct order of their difficulty.

INSIDER TIPS: Take a look at Whistler.com’s Stay & Bike Park Package for a deal when you book accommodation and Whistler Bike Park tickets together.
Riders on a technical trail in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Get ready for some rocks and roots. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Whistler Bike Park’s Top of the World Trail

The Peak Zone’s Top of the World bike trail is a bucket-list, 1,500-metre descent to the valley below against the breathtaking backdrop of the snowcapped Coast Mountains. Keep your eye on Whistler Blackcomb’s social media and trail page for updates on when it’s opening.

To do Top of the World, you need a specific ticket. These are limited in number, and you must get them from Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations.

A group of mountain bike riders enjoy the view of Black Tusk from the Top of the World Trail on Whistler Mountain.
Go with a pro. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Level up with Lessons

If you’re looking to pick up some new skills and improve your riding this season, taking a lesson with a pro is the way to go. If you’re new to downhill biking, opt for the Intro to Park session, which helps first-time riders develop basic downhill skills. They also offer private clinics for groups of up to four people, so if you’ve got a crew that’s a similar skill level, this could be a good option, as what you focus on is fully customizable. There are also Men’s Nights and Women’s Nights, for all levels of riders, which are fun and pressure-free.

For the kids, DFX is back with their club and daily group lessons, along with three-day Summer Gravity Camps for tweens, teens and adults. Find out more about Whistler Blackcomb lessons on their website.

New to the Whistler Bike Park?

Any beginners planning to visit the Whistler Bike Park for the first time are strongly encouraged to take a lesson and take it from us; you’re going to want the proper equipment. Check out A First-Timer and Beginner Guide for the Whistler Mountain Bike Park for a full rundown of what you need and what to expect.

Whistler Blackcomb has put up progression signage in the park to allow riders to safely figure out which trails to try next as they improve their skills. The team at the Orientation Centre (located at the top of the Fitzsimmons chairlift) can also help riders navigate the area and get riding tips.

Whistler Bike Park Accessibility

Whistler Mountain Bike Park uses an adaptive mountain bike trail rating system (created by the Kootenay Adaptive Sports Association) with considerations specifically tailored to the needs of those users. Adaptive mountain bikes can be used on the gondolas and chairs of the bike park.

For more information on how to upload, take a look at Whistler Blackcomb’s bike park accessibility page.

Crankworx Whistler Mountain Bike Festival

Catch the gravity-fuelled, two-wheel action of the Crankworx Whistler Mountain Bike Festival, which happens July 24 to August 2, 2026.

7 Not-to-Miss Summer Experiences on Whistler Blackcomb

The mountains are always a hot spot for a cool summer escape, and with all of the signature experiences back, there’s no better time to get into the alpine.

Two people hike in the high alpine on Whistler Blackcomb in the summer. There's a lake in front of them reflecting them as they hike.
Enjoy the vastness and coolness of Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine. PHOTO GUY FATTAL

1. Snow Walls

Late May to mid-June is when you can typically experience the snow walls on the way to/from Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain. They obviously melt, so time is of the essence if you want to feel the coolness of this frozen pathway carved into the snow.

2. Picnics with Altitude

Pack a picnic (have fun visiting Whistler’s take-out dining options, bakeries and grocery stores) and find a secluded and cool spot to dine in the alpine. Read some of our suggested spots in Picnics With Altitude.

3. Alpine Wildflowers

From the end of July until mid-August is when to experience the full bloom of Whistler’s alpine wildflowers. Take a read of Alpine Wildflower Season in Whistler for more info on what you’ll see and where to go.

4. Ascent Trail Challenge

Hike the Ascent Trail, which goes from the base of Blackcomb Mountain all the way to the top, in the shade of the old-growth forest. The full trail is a 6.2-kilometre journey with 1,200 metres of elevation gain, but there are options to break it into two smaller sections. Read about the options in Insider Guide: Summer Hiking in Whistler.

5. Summer Feast up the Mountain

Celebrate your day at The Summer Feast, a buffet-style dinner event that takes over the Roundhouse Lodge in the evenings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For dates, times and tickets, visit Whistler.com.

6. Tours on the Mountains

Play in the mountains by taking a guided hike, a bear viewing tour, riding an ATV or climbing on a Via Ferrata tour.

7. Family Adventure Zone

Located at the bottom of Blackcomb Mountain, the Family Adventure Zone has climbing walls, bouncy castles, mini golf, bungee trampolines, rope courses and more.

Extend your stay to have more time for all the activities you want to do during your summer vacation to Whistler. Book 3+ nights between April 15 and October 31, 2026, and receive a free $100 Activity Voucher ($200 if you stay 5+ nights) with Whistler.com (enter promo code SUMMER2026 upon check-out). Feeling lucky? Enter the Find Your Whistler Feeling summer contest for a chance to win a trip to Whistler.

Become a Rewards by Whistler.com member to access additional savings and exclusive perks.

Already thinking about winter 2026/27? Book 5+ nights between November 20, 2026, and April 30, 2027, to receive a free $75 Whistler Dining Voucher (enter the promo code WINTERDINING).tain getaway with Whistler.com for personalized service and the local knowledge of our Whistler-based team. Plus, get access to the best rates, discounts and deals.

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