Whistler in the summer has a choose-your-own-adventure feel to it because the options are varied and filled with mountain fun, but the outcome is up to you. A weekend stay only gives you the tip of the iceberg of what’s on offer, so don’t make the mistake of not staying for longer.
I came here nearly two decades ago (I came for the winter, but stayed for the summer), and I am still finding hidden gems. Below, I’ve stitched together a week-long itinerary that blends the iconic with the unexpected, giving you the inside scoop on what to do, where to wander, and when to simply soak it all in.
Day 1: Welcome to Whistler
Morning
Arrive and exhale. Whether you’re driving up the Sea to Sky or arriving via floatplane (you fancy thing, you), start with coffee at Mount Currie Coffee Co., Alpha Café, or Provisions Whistler, three local hot spots. Wander the Village Stroll to stretch out travel legs, soak in those mountain peaks peeking around every corner and get the lay of the land.
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Afternoon
Check into your accommodation, grab your swimsuit and then head for Lost Lake. You can walk there from Whistler Village, but I’d suggest renting a bike and cruising the paved Valley Trail until you hit the wide, dirt path to Lost Lake.
Swim to one of the floating docks and look back over the forest and mountains, before lounging on the beach or lawn area and grabbing a bite from a local food truck.
Evening
Ease into Whistler life with an al fresco dinner on the patio of Pizzeria Antico, Hunter Gather or Caramba for relaxed eating vibes. Take a sunset stroll along the Village’s lit pathways and let the alpine air work its magic.
Blogs to Read for this Day
Whistler’s Summer Food Truck Scene
Know Before You Go: Whistler’s Lakes and Parks
Day 2: Peak Adventures
Morning/Afternoon
Time to hit those mountains! Grab a hearty breakfast at Crepe Montagne or Lorette Brasserie (both on Main Street), then take the Whistler Village Gondola or Blackcomb Gondola up to the PEAK 2 PEAK and Cloudraker Skybridge. Pack a light layer — the alpine air can be crisp, even in the summer.
You can opt for a short hike to an alpine lake, journey to meadows filled with wildflowers or go on a full-day, iconic hike like the High Note Trail for panoramic views that’ll stay with you forever. Remember to check which trails are open before you start your apline adventure.
Evening
Spruce up back at your pad, then head to one of Whistler’s fine-dining restaurants for a little vacation indulgence. Araxi, Wild Blue, and Bearfoot Bistro are all award-winning options that make dinner an experience.
Blogs to Read for this Day
Insider’s Guide to Alpine Sightseeing and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola
Insider’s Guide: Whistler Mountain Suspension Bridge
Alpine Hiking Guide: Trails on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains
Insider’s Guide to Breakfast and Brunch in Whistler
Hiking in Whistler’s Wildflower Season
Day 3: Lakes and Leisure
Morning
Take it down a notch. Coffee and pastries at purebread, followed by a gentle paddleboard session on Alta Lake, will do the trick. Hop on that rental bike and head to Lakeside Park, where you can rent a board from Backroads Whistler and explore the lake that started tourism in the Whistler Valley.
Another water-based option is to do a guided tour of the River of Golden Dreams, which weaves its way from Alta Lake to Green Lake. You’ll get a full rundown on the flora and fauna, as well as a bit of Whistler history, and I’m sure, a few local tips.
Afternoon
For lunch, check the park food truck schedule, or if you’re a pre-planner, bring a picnic to your chosen Alta Lake park. We suggest visiting The Deli by Picnic Whistler, which offers delicious charcuterie boxes and sandwiches for your picnicking needs, or have fun exploring the options at Fresh St. Market.
Depending on your mood, you could play volleyball and take in the mountain views at Rainbow Park or get your book out under the shade of the trees at Wayside Park. No judgment if this leads to a little summer time napping.
Evening
Enjoy a few libations this evening at three places in Whistler that know how to put the craft in craft cocktail: The Raven Room, Bar Oso and Balam. Afterward, check out the free, live music or movies happening throughout the summer at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
Blogs to Read for this Day
Exploring Whistler’s River of Golden Dreams
Whistler Summer Concert Series
Where to Find Sweet Treats in Whistler
The People’s History of Whistler
Day 4: Adventure Day
Morning / Early Afternoon
Fuel up with a breakfast sandwich or egg bennie at Forecast Cafe, then head out for an adrenaline fix.
Choices abound: downhill biking in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, ziplining across the valley, ATVing in the backcountry, whitewater rafting on the Green River, or a via ferrata climb.
Late Afternoon
Change the tempo with a visit to the Audain Art Museum — a stunning architectural piece in its own right, housing First Nations carvings and Emily Carr’s iconic works.
Evening
Make it casual tonight on Main Street. Just off the Village Stroll, Main Street is packed with eateries offering Aussie pies, crepes, pasta, sushi, Thai noodles, ahi tuna bowls and more. Most of these places don’t take reservations or have limited indoor seating, but there are parks and green spaces all around you for an alfresco picnic dinner.
Then, head off to a multimedia show in the forest with Vallea Lumina. You follow a one-kilometre pathway through beautiful light displays, following a whimsical storyline. It really makes for a magical night in the mountains.
Blogs to Read for this Day
Mountain Top ATV Dining Adventure in Whistler
Whistler Mountain Bike Park 101
Whistler Changemaker Series: Ziptrek Eco Tours
How to Get the Most From Your Visit to the Audain Art Museum
8 Grab and Go Dining Favourites From Whistler’s Main Street
Day 5: Culture & Connection
Morning
Go on an early morning run around the lakes before the heat of the day, stretch it out with some yoga in the park or start the day swinging with a round of golf. If you’re looking to connect with locals, try joining a We Run Whistler event or check the wellness events calendar for what local yoga instructors are offering.
Afternoon
Book a tour or wander at your own pace through the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) — an essential experience for understanding the land you’re playing on. For lunch, don’t miss the bannock tacos at the Thunderbird Cafe!
The SLCC is hosting artisan markets over the summer months, and the Whistler Farmers’ Market happens every Sunday in the nearby Upper Village. Both markets give you the opportunity to connect with local producers and artisans, as well as pick up some yummy treats, gifts and keepsakes.
Then head off to a late afternoon spa session at the Scandinave Spa. Hot, cold, relax, repeat. Silence is golden here — and yes, your phone needs a nap too.
Evening
Check in with the team at Arts Whistler, located at the Maury Young Arts Centre, to see if there are any performances, festivals or workshops on while you’re staying. They have a great artisan gift store and a free gallery to peruse.
For dinner, Whistler has three Italian restaurants; Quattro and Il Caminetto have great pasta and patios, as well as the smaller and more casual Pasta Lupino (a local favourite).
Blogs to Read for this Day
A Visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Golf in Whistler: Your Questions Answered
Laid Back Summer Fun in Whistler
Insider Guide to Trail Running in Whistler
Day 6: Explore the Valley
Morning
Get up early and cruise down the Valley Trail on a bike or e-bike, and have breakfast in Creekside. This is where the original village of Whistler was constructed, and it’s now a hub of locally-owned stores and eateries.
We’d go for breakfast at Rockit Coffee Company or Fix Cafe at Nita Lake Lodge. For a treat, the cinnamon buns at the award-winning, vegan bakery, BReD, are delicious. Then you can explore the unique boutiques, read the historical panels, and look up at the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic rings.
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Download the free Go Whistler Tours app and check out the Summer Bike and Discover Creekside tours for a route guide and suggestions on where to stop for drinks and snacks.
Afternoon
Continue your journey south towards Function Junction, stopping off at the lakes, parks and viewpoints as you please. When you get to “Function”, explore Whistler’s two craft breweries, peruse the shop and galleries, grab lunch at Forecast Coffee and even get in a round of axe throwing!
You can route around Alta Lake on your way back for a different way back to Whistler Village, and a stop off at Rainbow Park. If you didn’t visit The Fix at Nita Lake Lodge on your way down, they have amazing ice cream!
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Evening
Keeping with the exploring theme, look at Whistler Tasting Tours, which whisks you around several Whistler restaurants in one night!
Blogs to Read for this Day
Insider’s Guide to Whistler Creekside
Is Function Junction Whistler’s Coolest Neighbourhood?
Tasty Tours Dinner Edition: Whistler Tasting Tours
Insider’s Guide: Craft Breweries in Whistler
Day 7: Farewell, For Now
Morning
What was one of your favourite things from the past week? Early-morning forest bathing, coffee with a mountain view, an exhilarating run, bike or lake swim, an adrenaline-pumping adventure? This is the morning to squeeze in one more Whistler experience, so make it count.
Afternoon
We’re sorry you’re leaving us. You were wise enough to pick a longer stay, but now you know that even a week is not enough. We’ll look forward to seeing you next time you’re looking for adventures in the mountains.
