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Looking for the best things to do in Whistler summer? What are the top activities to occupy yourself and your kids during your Whistler summer vacation?! Read on to learn the best ways to entertain those active kiddos throughout your trip.
Welcome to Whistler, the adventurous wonderland nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Here, the air is fresher, the mountains grander, and the possibilities for family fun are endless. Imagine your kids’ eyes lighting up at the sight of snow-capped peaks (even in the summer) and the chance to wander through enchanting forests that seem straight out of a fairy tale. Whistler is not just a haven for the seasoned adventurer; it’s a playground for the young and the young at heart.
From the thrilling heights of the gondolas to the serene paths that weave through the valley, Whistler offers a treasure trove of activities that are perfect for kids. Whether it’s their first time on a mountain or they’re aspiring little athletes, there’s something here to ignite their passion for the great outdoors. Let’s explore the myriad ways you can create unforgettable memories with your children in this magical mountain retreat. Get ready to step outside, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and dive into a world of adventure that will keep the whole family entertained from dawn until dusk.
Whistler awaits to transform your family holiday into an epic story of discovery and joy. So, pack your bags, gather your little explorers, and set off for a journey to remember in the spectacular valley of Whistler.
Iconic Things to do in Whistler summer
Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Soar above glaciers, lakes, and forests on this incredible gondola ride between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Don’t miss the glass-bottom gondola for a bird’s-eye view! At the top of the Peak Chair, look for the Inukshuk. An inuksuk (plural: inuksuit) is a structure made of stones piled on top of each other. These unique formations serve as signposts, navigation aids, and even sacred markers for indigenous peoples across the Arctic region.
At the top of Whistler Mountain stands the 2010 Winter Olympic Games Inukshuk, which symbolizes not only heritage but also teamwork and community spirit. From this vantage point, looking out over the mountain range, it feels like you are on top of the world with the feeling of community and togetherness. It’s a powerful feeling.
Purchase tickets at the Whistler Activities site here. If you are planning to do the Whistler Village Gondola and the Blackcomb Gondola, you might consider the Summer Alpine Experience ticket or a Season pass. You can access all this information at this site.
Bathrooms are available pretty much anywhere there are restaurants set up on the mountains, so if you’re looking for a bathroom, check out Dining on Whistler or Dining on Blackcomb at this site.
If you are looking for something to do on Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening, you might also consider a two-fer. The Roundhouse restaurant on top of Whistler Mountain has live music and decent food.
The Inukshuk, a symbol of guidance and unity, took center stage during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. These stone cairns, traditionally used by the Inuit for navigation and as markers in the vast Arctic tundra, were celebrated globally when an Inunnguaq, a human-like Inukshuk, became the emblem of the Games.
This choice, however, sparked a debate within the indigenous communities. While some saw it as a tribute to Inuit culture and a symbol of friendship, others felt it misrepresented the Inukshuk’s true purpose and lacked consultation with Inuit elders. Despite the controversy, the Inukshuk stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the First Nations and the universal values of the Olympic Games: hope, friendship, and the coming together of nations.
Fun fact – there are 5 places around Whistler to see Inukshuks:
- Welcoming you to Whistler when you turn off Highway 99 and onto Village Gate Boulevard
- At the back of the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Blackcomb
- At the top of the Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain
- The top of the 7th Heaven Express on Blackcomb Mountain
- At the start of the Burnt Stew trail of the Harmony 6 Express on Whistler Mountain
Cloudraker Skybridge
A thrilling suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the Coast Mountains. Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk is an elevated viewing platform that provides a unique perspective of the alpine landscape. We haven’t done this yet because we’ve got some folks in our group who fear heights (as in me).
The Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Lookout are both included in the price of a Summer Alpine Experience Ticket. Keep in mind that access to the bridge is via the Peak Chair, which operates exclusively for sightseeing during the summer months when weather conditions are favorable. Be sure to check the chairlift operating times before planning your trip.
Free and Outdoor Whistler Summer Vacation Activities to do with Your Kids
Hiking and Biking
Explore lush forests and breathtaking vistas on family-friendly trails. Again, here is a link to the trail system around the Whistler valley in case you missed it above.
Some beginner trails include Tin Pants, Molly Hogan (add Packard Goose to I’m Not Satisfied to Why Johnny Can’t Read to Grand Wazoo for more of an intermediate challenge).
Use this site to check out things like distance, elevation about the trails to make sure that your kiddos are up to the task, and you don’t have a plethora of complaining. No one wants that.
Whistler Farmers’ Market
A cute outdoor market where local vendors offer regionally produced foods, crafts, and services. It’s a hub for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and community engagement, located in the Upper Village.
The Village
Stroll through Whistler’s charming village. Explore boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. The village isn’t the biggest that I’ve ever seen, but it’s not the smallest either. There are so many shops and restaurants. Definitely worth a walk or two. Also bear in mind that there is a playground close to an ice cream store. Summer fun. Had me a blast.
Lakes in the Area
Alta Lake
The second largest lake in Whistler. It is also a favorite of the locals and tourists alike. It’s beautiful, but we don’t spend much time here because there are so many other lakes that give us a little more space.
Lost Lake
Very close to Whistler village, so expect other locals and tourists to have your idea. There are a number of floating docks along this lake. One of them is called Big Dock, which is clothing optional.
There is no parking, so either hop on a free shuttle bus that runs between the Village (from the Olympic Plaza bus stop or the Gondola Transit Exchange near the Whistler gondola) and Lost Lake Park (runs every 10-20 minutes in the summer and is wheelchair accessible) or grab that bike and hit the Lost Lake trail.
Trailhead is right by the Skate and BMX park, and the trail should take about 10 minutes to bike depending on the size and speed of your tikes. You could also walk the Lost Lake Nature Trail. It runs parallel to the Lost Lake Trail, starting across from Passivhaus and goes through the forest. The trail is more undulated and takes maybe 30-40 minutes to walk.
Bathrooms are at the main beach and at Passivhaus in the southwest corner of the park
Dogs are allowed on leash everywhere in the park except at the main beach. Dogs are allowed off-leash at Canine Cove dog beach on the east side of the lake.
Once you get to Lost Lake, head to the main beach (which is a sandy beach) at the southeast end of the lake. This is close to the bathrooms and the picnic area.
You could pack a lunch, or you could check out some of the local food trucks that are there sometimes.
Green Lake
Named for its breathtaking aquamarine hue, is one of the largest lakes in Whistler. Green Lake owes its vibrant color to its glacial origins. Fed by Fitzsimmons Creek (from Fitzsimmons Glacier) and The River of Golden Dreams (yes, that’s a real name!), the lake contains suspended rock flour particles. These particles reflect light, creating those dazzling blue hues.
Remember, Green Lake is accessible year-round, but its color is most striking when it’s not frozen over (roughly from November to May). Nestled amidst towering mountains, it offers a serene escape for nature lovers. While there isn’t a designated beach area, you’ll find several access points along the shoreline. Green Lake is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. The calm waters invite you to explore its beauty up close. The car-free Valley Trail winds through Whistler’s neighborhoods, lakes, and viewpoints. Whether you walk, bike, run, skate, or rollerblade, this 46 km network of trails offers a delightful experience year-round.
Alta Lake
As you drive past Whistler on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, keep an eye out for Green Lake on your right. There’s a paved pull-out viewpoint called the Green Lake Lookout. It’s perfect for a quick stopover, offering stunning views of the lake with Wedge Mountain, Blackcomb Mountain, and Whistler Mountain in the background.
For a more leisurely visit, park at Golden Bear Place. This small parking lot near Green Lake provides easy access to the Valley Trail, where you can stroll along the lakeshore.
Toward the end of one of our biking trips, we happened by the Southwestern point of Green Lake and right by Restaurant 19, near the Nicklaus North golf course. It was lovely. We had a
drink and a bite while we watched the seaplanes land on the lake. There were kids playing on the lawn, and thoroughly enjoyed some relaxation time. It’s right off the Green Lake Loop, which is intermediate. So, if you’ve got some biking kiddos, plan your day accordingly. Highly recommend.
Alpha Lake
It’s a little further away from Whistler than Alta Lake, so there are more locals than tourists just in case you want to get away from all the touristy riff raff. (This is obviously a joke because you and I are the tourists).
Alpha Lake has a sandy beach called Rainbow Park– perfect for building sandcastles or just wiggling your feet OR grab a paddleboard and take off from the dock to SUP around. The lake is like a giant, sparkly pool waiting for you!
When you’ve had your fill of the water, head over to Owl’s Nest Playground. Yes, you read that right – it’s called the Owl’s Nest! Climb, slide, and swing like…. little monkeys? My simile broke down a bit, but I think you get the idea. When your little animals (or you) get hungry, grab your favorite snacks and have a picnic. Picnic tables are like magical dining spots in the forest and just waiting for you if you get there first. Unless the weather is awful, you won’t be the only family at the park.
The beach is on the West side of the lake, so it’s also a great place to see the sunset.
Whistler has decided to charge for parking at all their lakes. The idea is to reduce the number of cars on the road. On weekends, though, you catch a free shuttle from Whistler Village to Lost Lake and Rainbow Park. Keep in mind, these shuttles are pretty small, so don’t expect to haul your entire life on board. If you’re coming from Creekside and want to hop on the free shuttle, you’ll need to make your way to the village first. It’s like a little adventure before your lake adventure!
But wait, there’s more! BC Transit runs a free bus (number 8) to and from Lost Lake regularly from the GTE. Sorry, there’s no free shuttle to Alpha, Nita, or Green Lake. If you’re not keen on paying for parking, biking is your best bet! Biking is how we bumped into Alta Lake in the first place. You can pedal your way to all these lakes through the biking trails. Here is a link to the trail system around the Whistler valley. Also, parking becomes free after 6 pm.
Whistler’s lakes are a no-go zone for alcohol. If you crack open a cold one, you might just get a fine from the bylaw folks. Yeah, it’s a bit of a buzzkill, but them’s the local rules.
Garibaldi Lake
30 minutes away from Whistler village via car, you can hike (11-mile round trip) and camp around this turquoise alpine lake with a glacial view in the background. Garibaldi Lake is one of the top hikes and lakes in BC.
Hundreds of visitors travel to this lake every year to see the extraordinarily blue hue. You *can* swim in this lake, but don’t forget that it’s an alpine lake fed by a glacier. Expect it to be cold!
A free Day-Use Pass is required for access to Garibaldi Lake via the Rubble Creek trailhead from June 14, 2023 – October 9, 2023. Reserve your Day-Use Pass from BC Parks.
Museums with kids in Whistler
Audain Art Museum is located in the Village. Introduce the kids to world-class art. The Audain Art Museum is more than just a building; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of British Columbia’s artistic heritage.
Nestled in Whistler Village, this iconic museum invites visitors to explore a rich tapestry of creativity. The museum doesn’t stop at history. It celebrates contemporary British Columbia artists like Jeff Wall, Dana Claxton, and Marianne Nicolson. Their works add vibrancy and relevance to the collection.
You can buy tickets online, bear in mind that they are only open Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 6 pm.
Now that you’ve got a solid list of activities to entertain yourself and your kids, hope you enjoy your time in Whistler! Can’t wait for you to experience this natural wonderland.
If you want to think more about logistics (where to stay, how to get there, etc,) check out this post the Ultimate Guide to Whistler in the Summer.
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