Is This North America’s Best Summer Getaway?

Yes, Whistler’s perfect-powder days and unmatched terrain deliver some of the best skiing on the planet. You should experience it. But summer? Wow.

When the snow melts, the adventure aperture widens to reveal a glacier-carved landscape that invites both action and stillness, where high-alpine ridgelines, glassy lakes, rollicking rivers, and the vibrant pedestrian Village all sit so close together you’ll want to do it all. Just give yourself plenty of time for more of everything: more trails, more river floats, more lake dips, more pure mountain living.

Get vertical first. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains with eagle-eye views of glaciers, forest, and sky, providing fast and scenic access to stunning alpine terrain. From the top, more than 30 miles of trails fan out—everything from mellow loops like Harmony Lake to exposed traverses like the 5.8-mile High Note Trail, rich with wildflowers and crystal tarns. Wherever you wander, plan to linger over the view of the dark lava spire of Black Tusk with the glacier-draped volcano Garibaldi looming beyond.

After your mountain orientation, gear up for two-wheel fun at Whistler Mountain Bike Park. More than 120 lift-served trails cater to riders of all abilities, from flowing berms to pro-level jump lines. Rent a downhill setup in the Village, load your bike on the lift, and you’re riding within minutes. Now make it a true multisport getaway with a rafting trip and discover the whitewater wave trains roiling the nearby Elaho and Squamish Rivers.

There’s a relaxing flipside to Whistler’s plentiful water. All the lakes offer shoreline escapes perfect for golden evenings and sunset picnics. At Lost Lake, locals slip in for a quick swim between rides, while Alta Lake offers watercraft rentals—put a morning SUP session on the itinerary. The Valley Trail network connects it all, making it easy to thread them together by bike.

Beyond the core, the surrounding Coast Mountains beckon with a raw wilderness that gives Whistler its edge. A short drive leads to waterfalls and provincial parks where the crowds thin as the scale grows. Brandywine Falls delivers a quick-hit payoff—a 230-foot cascade into a volcanic canyon—while Garibaldi Provincial Park rewards bigger efforts with glacier-fed lakes and long, quiet miles (try Panorama Point, or a big push up to the base of Black Tusk). Experienced hiking guides are readily available and can get you to special places; either way, in any direction, you can dip into backcountry bliss.

But the Village itself calls everyone back. All summer long, Whistler Village buzzes with energy—from free open-air concerts and lively patios to seasonal events like the Nourish Whistler Wellness Series (through June) and Crankworx (July 24 to August 2)—alongside a dining scene that ranges from post-ride casual to refined. Fuel the day’s adventure with pastries from Purebread and cap it off with oysters from Araxi or tapas at Bar Oso.

Trail or tavern, what really sets Whistler apart is the community. Famously friendly Canadians, sure—but you’ll also join a lively international cohort all experiencing their Best Day Ever. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline in the morning, seeking quiet in the afternoon, or savoring evening in the Village, you’ll be doing it with friends old and new.

This summer, feel it all: adventure, awe, and the quiet in between. Plan your escape at Summer in Whistler and remember, the longer you stay the more you play. (Use Whistler’s booking tool to find your perfect lodging.) Bonus for this summer: Book by June 30, and stays of three nights or more come with a $100 activity voucher, while five nights unlock $200 to put toward the experiences that make Whistler an unforgettable mountain haven. Enter promo code SUMMER2026 at checkout to redeem savings.

Plan Your Visit to Whistler

Summer in Whistler is all about adventure, excitement and days full of activities. But it’s also set against stunning landscapes and steeped in awe-inspiring nature. Welcome to a place with both.  Start planning your summer vacation at whistler.com/summer