Our Top 15 Whistler Activities In Summer (2022 Update)

Most people consider Whistler to be a winter holiday destination with its cold weather, snow-covered mountain tops, and alpine views. They’re certainly not wrong. But what  many people don’t know is that Whistler is one of the best summer vacation spots in North America. With a never ending list of Whistler summer activities, glorious weather, and opportunities to both adventure and unwind; this is the ideal location for your summer vacation.  

We Can’t Wait— Whistler’s Sunny Summertime Temperatures

One of the top reasons that Whistler is a great summer vacation spot is because of its fabulous summer weather and due to many of Whistler’s summer events and activities. In the summertime months—from around May to the beginning of September—you can expect the Whistler Village temperatures to remain in the range of around 17°C (62°F) to about 27°C (80°F).

So, what does this mean for you? It means you can pack t-shirts, shorts, light shirts and sweaters, and sandals. Of course, if you plan to do any alpine hiking, then be sure to pack appropriately as temperatures in the mountains are always subject to change. 

Our Top 15 Whistler Summer Activities

We had a hard time narrowing it down to just 15 activities—like we said, there’s plenty to do in Whistler.

Here’s a few of our favourite summertime activities, but be warned: you might just be tempted to stick around all summer.

1. Endless Spots to Camp

Take it easy around a campfire on the first night.

One of the most popular summer activities in Whistler is camping. From nearby public sites to remote backcountry alpine spots, Whistler has it all. If you’re looking for free camping, check out Sproatt Alpine Trail, Madeley Lake, and the Whistler Train Wreck sites. All of these locations are fairly accessible and free.

Another great thing about Whistler? There are Provincial campgrounds a-plenty, from Nairn Falls Provincial Park to Callaghan Lake and Garibaldi Provincial Parks. Want something a bit less rugged? There are plenty of RV campsites to enjoy, too! Keep reading about Whistler Camping options here.

Our Favourite Campgrounds Near Whistler

• • Cheakamus Lake Campground: If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, then this campground provides relatively easy access with approximately seven kilometres of lush forested trail—from the parking lot—leading you to Cheakamus Lake.
  • Riverside Camping and RV Resort: Looking for a more luxurious camping trip? At the Riverside Resort, walk-in tent sites give you access to a full facility comfort station including bathrooms, showers, and dishwashing stations. If you’re looking to upgrade, then check out their impressive cabin and yurt rentals for an unforgettable experience.
  • Helm Creek Campground: If you’re eager to venture into the backcountry, this is the one for you. This campground sits at the foot of the infamous Black Tusk and provides a great overnight spot for those looking to explore the Garibaldi Provincial Park. A relatively difficult ascent over approximately eight kilometres brings you to this campsite, but you will not be dissapointed. Permits and camping reservations may be required for some of the areas mentioned above. Please check out the BC Parks website for more information.

2. Whistler’s World Famous Bike Park 

Whistler is known across the globe for its epic bike park. Situated on Whistler Mountain, you and your friends can ride the chair lifts up the mountain over and over to power back down the mountain. 

From beginner tracks to expert-level trails, Whistler Bike Park has something for everyone. With nearly 70 trails that span four distinct mountain zones, you and your crew can shred down the number one lift-access downhill bike park in the world. 

Our Favourite Trails in the Whistler Bike Park

• A Line (Black Diamond): Whistler’s most iconic trail in the bike park and one of the most famous jump trails in the world, A Line is only for highly experienced and advanced mountain bikers, with its big tables, mandatory drops and high speeds.
  
• Miss Fire (Black Diamond): This is a gnarly tech trail that winds its way down into Creekside, with lots of roots, lots of tech, and lots of fun. Finish the trail off with a quick pit stop at Dusty’s Bar & BBQ at the bottom of Creekside Mountain.
• Del Boca Vista (Green): This is a fun and flowy tech trail that’s great for beginners to get a feel for some technical riding.

3. Whistler’s Epic Patio Beers 

If your adventuring spirit ever needs a break—or a beer, that is—Whistler is well-equipped to handle this. With countless spaces to call into for a quick bite and a  beverage, it’ll be hard to choose.

Check out spots like The Longhorn Saloon and Grill at the base of Whistler Mountain, giving you the ultimate summer view. Or, if you’re looking for something in the Upper Village, consider heading to Merlin’s Pub or Portobello.

Our Favourite Summer Patios in Whistler

• Cure Lounge & Patio
  Found at the Nita Lake Lodge, this is a great spot to spend a summer’s day, overlooking the beautiful Nita Lake. With craft cocktails, local beer, and a selection  of some delicious light bites and main dishes, this is where you’ll want to be after a long day at Alpha Lake.
  

• Table Nineteen
  Whether you’ve just finished a round of 18 holes at the Nicklaus North Golf Course, or you’ve been for a stroll around Green Lake, you should definitely check out Table Nineteen. This patio has the best view in all of Whistler, overlooking Green Lake and the golf course. Soak up the sun and enjoy their great selection of food and drinks.
  

• Blacks
  Sitting at the base of Whistler Mountain, Blacks is the perfect spot to call for a nice cold beer and a bite to eat. Whether you’ve had a busy day of shopping around Whistler Village or an adrenaline packed day in the bike park, Blacks has a great view of the mountain and could not be in a better location.

4. Don’t Forget About Axe Throwing

We’re not trying to throw in a shameless plug here or anything—but axe throwing is a perfectly appropriate summer activity that your whole crew will get a kick out of. From summer season of league play to goofy group activities, Forged Axe is ready to help you unleash your inner lumberjack. 

If you’re a first-timer or a practised thrower, we’re the spot for you. We offer group events, party booking, casual drop-ins, and more!

Plus, we now serve ice cold, refreshing beer on our sun-soaked patio, perfect for those long summer days. Come down to Function Junction and check us out!

5. A Technical Forest Treetop Adventure 

If you’re looking to explore Whistler from a different perspective, why not try it from high atop the trees. Whistler Tree Adventure Tours is the perfect summer activity for you and your crew, especially if you’re hoping to adventure from a different point of view.

Conquer tightropes, teeter across planks, battle swinging logs, and zip down a custom network of trails built by Whistler’s finest treetop engineers. Starting at around $39 per person, you and your family can customise your treetop package to optimise your experience.

6. Ice Cold Mountain Whitewater Rafting 

Travel the Green River Run with your besties.

Nothing says summer like facing the high-speed, exhilarating whitewater rapids of the glacier-melted waters of the Green, Lower Cheakamus, Elaho, and Squamish Rivers. Paddle hard or hold on tight as you and your crew explore with top-rated guides who navigate you rapidly (but safely) through the rapids. Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping, heart-stopping, crazy good time as you explore the rivers of Whistler, starting at $129.99 per person with Wedge Rafting.

7. Face Your Fears Bungee Jumping

This summer activity isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re a thrill-seeker looking for an eye-popping adventure, try bungee jumping off of a bridge over the glacial-fed Cheakamus River. Whistler Bungee is British Columbia’s highest year-round bungee jumping venue featuring a 50-metre (160-ft) drop from the bridge to the river.

Close to Whistler Village, it’s a quick trip to your ultimate adventure. Surrounded by rugged basalt column cliffs and alpine forest, with a rushing river below, this bungee jumping excursion is everything you could want for your exciting summer adventure.

Jumps need to be pre-booked and prices are $130 per person, per jump. Be aware that Whistler Bungee books up fast, so make reservations a couple of weeks in advance to ensure a spot.

8. Ride Deep into the BackCountry on a RZR Tour

Far more exhilarating than just a regular walking tour through the mountains, an RZR tour with TAG Whistler will allow you and your crew to ride side-by-side as you zip through the backcountry, climb up Cougar Mountain, and rip along old logging roads. This all-terrain tour is guaranteed to get your heart racing, so make sure you’re ready for an exciting adventure like you’ve never experienced. 

Prices start from $239.99 per/RZR with options for both beginner and intermediate tours.

9. Cool Down on a Mountain Lake Canoe, Kayak, and SUP

The beauty of Alta speaks for itself. Whistler is a top BC destination

When all else fails, take to the water for your latest adventure. With plenty of glacier-fed rivers and alpine lakes to go around, you can have your pick of gorgeous spots to get your kayak, canoe, or SUP on. You’ll have tons of choices when it comes to how you plan to watercraft.

Whistler Eco Tours offer rentals at their Alta Lake, Wayside Park location with kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and pedal boats available. They offer hourly rentals, half-day, and full-day rentals. Please check out their website for pricing.

Our Favourite Lakes in Whistler

• Alta Lake: One of the largest lakes in Whistler, with several parks, beaches, and docks to choose from to spend your day soaking up the sun, Alta Lake is also one of the best lakes for paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing. Being such a big lake, it’s a great destination to get out on the water and go for a paddle.
• Lost Lake: Conveniently located near Whistler Village and amongst the Lost Lake biking trails, this is a perfect spot to take a dip after a long, hard bike ride. 
• Alpha Lake: This is a small, picturesque lake located near Creekside, great for getting your paddle board out and exploring all corners of the lake.

10. Record Breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola 

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is a must for anyone who is spending time in Whistler and looking for a stunning, birds-eye-view of beautiful British Columbia. You can ride the special, glass-bottom gondolas for a peek into the Alpine forest surrounding Whistler. 

Prices range from about $29 to about $58, depending on your age and the access to the lift you want. During the summer, you have options to attend the Mountain Top Summer Feast dinners that are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

11. Float Down The River of Golden Dreams

Take the plunge and journey across Alta Lake, through the Whistler Wetlands and down the River of Golden Dreams for some spectacular views of this beautiful mountain town. Choose a canoe or kayak as your means of transport as you paddle your way across the water. Rentals are available from Whistler Eco Tours, with tours starting from $99.99 per person. 

12. A Round of Disc Golf

If you’re looking for an activity that won’t break the bank, this is the one for you. The 27-hole disc golf course found at Lost Lake Park provides fun for all the family anda great way to get out into nature and explore Whistler like you’ve never seen it before.

The course itself consists of three separate 9-hole sections that range in difficulty. The first 9-hole stretch is the easiest of all, with the second being the most difficult. The second section takes you up a rocky hillside and through the woods with baskets placed in tricky spots throughout the forest—but the views from the 18th hole make it worth it. The third section is moderately difficult, bringing you back to the start of the course.

The best part is that the only things you need to bring is your own disc and positive vibes. Each player will require their own disc. 

13. Hike the Peaks of Whistler

Cloudraker is a quick and easy hike from the Whistler Roundhouse

With all of the mountains that surround this beautiful part of the world, it will come as no surprise that Whistler is home to some incredible hiking trails. Whether you’re looking for beginner trails throughout the valley, trails that to get the heart rate up, or gruelling, leg-pumping hikes, Whistler has it all. 

South of Whistler you will find Brandywine Falls, a popular sightseeing destination. Throughout this area you will also find a number of trails that are beginner-friendly and weave through the woodlands. A lovely hike along the Brandywine Trail will take you from the carpark towards the Whistler bungee jump and bridge, with the option to also take a small detour to view the falls.

If you’re looking to get the heart racing and the legs burning, we suggest the Ascent Trail on Blackcomb Mountain, with three separate sections of the trail aptly named Little Burn, Big Burn, and Heart Burn.

Our Favourite Advanced Hikes Around Whistler

Among our favourite advanced hikes in Whistler, the Panorama Ridge via Helm Creek Trail has to be mentioned. 

The trail begins at the Cheakamus Lake parking lot and winds through an enchanting old growth forest, before crossing the Cheakamus River and starting a continuous ascent through the woods to Helm Creek. 

After passing through Helm Creek Campground, the ascent eases, crossing several creeks and opening to provide spectacular views of Black Tusk. Continuing along the trail, you will eventually begin one final ascent to Panorama Ridge, which will provide you with jaw-dropping views of Garibaldi Lake and Black Tusk alike. 

Other advanced hikes that we highly recommend would be Wedgemount Lake and Brandywine Meadows. 

14. Test Drive a Bobsled (Yes, in Summer)

Looking for an experience of a lifetime, then I’m pretty sure this activity ticks that box. Not many people get the opportunity to experience what it would be like to rush down the fastest ice track in the world through passenger bobsleigh and skeleton rides.

Channel that inner Olympian and feel firsthand what it would have been like for those competing in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. You will also get a guided tour of the venue before hurtling down the track at speeds of up to 90km/hr.

Pricing starts at $99 for adults, with youth between the ages of 12-18 getting to ride free with a full-paying adult. A bucket list experience for the whole family to enjoy!

15. Speed Down the Longest Zipline in Whistler

If your thirst for adventure isn’t already satisfied, then how about some more adrenaline inducing activities? One of the longest ziplines in the world ought to do it. Right?

Ziptrek Ecotours is home to the Sasquatch, the longest zipline in Whistler, Canada and the USA. Spanning a whopping distance of over two kilometres with heights exceeding 600ft, the Sasquatch will provide unmatched scenic views paired with true exhilaration. Check this activity out and zipline side by side with a friend at speeds well over 100km/hr.

Tour prices for adults start at $139.99 for a single tour only. Bundles of two or more Ziptrek tours result in savings and discounts.

Whistler: More Than Just a Winter Destination

Whistler is renowned as a world class ski resort, but Whistler is far more than just a winter destination. For locals, summer can often be the favoured season and, with all of the activities listed above, it’s easy to see why. 

If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors this summer, there is no place better to be. Lose yourself in a Whistler summer. Because it might just be one of our favourite places to be, you’re going to want to see it for yourself.