Updated July 2020. Whether it’s a beef or veggie burger you’re tossing on the BBQ to celebrate the long, light-filled days, nothing says summer like a grill and picnic by the lake.

It’s something we like to think we’ve perfected here in Whistler, and is a daily ritual for many. From the Village, you really can’t go far in any direction without ending up in an amazing park that’s perfect for a family or group barbeque. A quick stop at one of the grocery stores (or even the Whistler Farmers’ Market) and you’re armed to grill up a storm.

INSIDER TIP: When the fire danger rating is High – Extreme, the only style of BBQ allowed in Whistler parks is propane.

Lost Lake Park

If you ask most locals about their favourite place to BBQ with friends they’re going to say Lost Lake. It’s the kind of place you head when you want to relax but be social at the same time. The park has a great setup for BBQ activities like tossing around a Frisbee, slacklining or lying around on a picnic blanket. The picnic tables even have built-in BBQ stands.

Looking out from the sandy beach over the glassy, blue-green water it can be hard to believe how close you are to the Village. (That’s what the naturists like about it.)  Depending on where in the Village you leave from, it’s an easy 20 – 30 minute, leisurely walk on the Valley Trail to the park. Want to save your energy for the Lost Lake hiking and biking trails? No worries. Skip the walk in and hop on the free Lost Lake Shuttle #8 that leaves the Village every 15 minutes from mid-June to early September.

Lost Lake Park in Whistler, Canada
Lost Lake is always a good choice. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Rebagliati Park

If you’re short on time or are just looking to stay close to the Village, then Rebagliati Park is a great place to go. Tucked away between Upper Village and Village Stroll you can go from grocery store shopping to grilling in 10 minutes. The park has picnic tables, a grassy lawn and beautiful views of the glacial-fed Fitzsimmons Creek, it can also be rented out for larger functions like family reunions or wedding events. Named after Olympic gold medalist Ross Rebagliati, this park is a great spot to grill up a gold medal burger and contemplate your victory lap. (Take a virtual tour, here.)

Rainbow Park

Heading out a little farther from the Village you could make your way to Rainbow Park. Rainbow is our Cadillac of parks. It has all the extras to keep you happy and comfortable. You can take in million-dollar views of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains from the far shores of Alta Lake. Originally developed as Rainbow Lodge in 1914 it has an interesting history, take a walk around the park and you can find some of the original cabins. They have been converted into mini museums with tons of facts about the history of the area.

Is comfort your thing? How do flush toilets, wheelchair access, and picnic shelters sound? Pretty sweet, I know. Rest assured the rest of the family will not be bored while you grill. They can go swimming, or start up a beach volleyball game on one of three sand courts. The sun-worshipers can swim out to one of the floating docks, the only hard part is getting back in the water for the swim to shore. Getting to Rainbow Park is easy, saddle up for a quick 20-minute bike ride on the Valley Trail or drive and park on-site.

Rainbow Park in Whistler
Hard to beat the views from Rainbow Park. PHOTO MIKE CRANE

More Picnic and Grilling Parks in Whistler

Dog jumping into the lake in Whistler
Dog-friendly parks mean your pooch can picnic too. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

All of the parks in town have something different to offer, but without a doubt, you will have a great time exploring each, discover them all at Whistler.com.

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Along with our regular Insiders, we have a host of local and visiting authors keen to share their stories. Most of them don't actually look like bears, but they are just as lovable.