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 Whistler 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. It’s also a great time to have a bit of a self-care check-in and put wellness on the radar with the Nourish Whistler Wellness Series.
Your much-needed mountain retreat could start with an early-morning run or walk around a glittering lake, paddle boarding, mountain biking or hiking in the sunshine and end with a trip to the spa, yoga studio or farm-to-table restaurant choice. 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
- Nourish Whistler Wellness Series | Various Dates in June
- National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21
- Run Comfy Numb Trail Running Race | May 30 (okay, not June, but so close!)
Outdoor Whistler Summer 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)
JULY
Peaks, picnics and patios are all top of mind in July. The alpine hiking and biking trails are clearing, and just about every outdoor activity from glacier glissading to whitewater rafting is open for booking. We also celebrate our local producers and artisans at the Whistler Farmers’ Market, and the Whistler Summer Concert Series brings live music to the mountains (for free).
The world-famous bike festival, Crankworx Whistler, happens in the summer. It celebrates the heart and soul of gravity-fuelled mountain biking, bringing together the best riders and biggest bike fans in the world for 10 days of racing, slopestyle competitions, Kidsworx events, bike demos and the chance to shred Whistler’s trails with other like-minded bike fans.
Events:
- Canada Day | July 1
- Crankworx Whistler Mountain Bike Festival | July 24 – August 2
- Whistler Summer Concerts | Various Dates in July & August
Outdoor Whistler Summer 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 Sightseeing Experience all on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains
- Canoe, kayak or SUP the lakes and take a guided tour down the 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 Farmers’ Market
- Get artsy indoors and outdoors on the Cultural Connector
AUGUST
The warmest month of the summer is also the liveliest. Summer is at its peak, and so are the activities and events. Adrenaline junkies get their running shoes out for the Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB, and it’s also a beautiful time to do your daily yoga routine on one of the floating, lake docks.
Events:
- BC Day | August 3
- Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB | August 21 – 23
Outdoor Whistler Summer 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
SEPTEMBER
As summer winds down, things get a touch quieter, making this the perfect time to relish in the tranquillity of the outdoors or plan a couple’s getaway. Hiking trails are clear, and the temperatures are lower, which, for the heat-averse, can mean a more pleasant hiking experience. However, the outdoor action doesn’t stop as we get closer to fall, with both the GranFondo and UCI Mountain Bike World Cup happening in September this year.
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:
- 5 Peaks Whistler Blackcomb | September 5
- Labour Day | September 7
- RBC GranFondo Whistler | September 12
- Whistler Village Beer Festival | September
- UCI Downhill World Cup | September 25 – 27
Outdoor Whistler Summer Activity Ideas:
- Seek out serenity on mountain trails on horseback
- Go fish, let a knowledgeable guide take you to the best spots
- Vallea Lumina, experience the wonder of the night
- Fly over ancient glaciers in a 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
Whistler summer truly has something for everyone. 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!
