Five Exciting Things to Do in Whistler in the Summer

Canada’s Whistler Blackcomb, a well-known winter destination and host of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, is spectacular year-round. I hope these five exciting things to do in Whistler in the summer will help you plan the perfect vacation.

Paddle the River of Golden Dreams

Whistler’s River of Golden Dreams, also known as Alta Creek, is a five-kilometre waterway that begins at Alta Lake. Join a guided canoe trip with Canadian Wilderness Adventures and experience the Whistler outdoors from the water. I’ve been visiting Whistler for decades and only recently discovered the River of Golden Dreams. It’s a fabulous warm-weather activity and an exciting thing to do in Whistler in the summer.

The Canadian Wilderness Adventures canoe trip is beginner friendly. The guides teach basic canoe skills and techniques while the group paddles to the end of Alta Lake before the waterway narrows. From here, keep your eyes open for wildlife while paddling past lily pads, wildflowers, and leafy trees lining the River of Golden Dreams. This trip changes with the seasons. Expect faster-moving water in the spring and the possibility of additional portages later in the season.

Hike Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler offers diverse hiking trails, including accessible, family-friendly strolls and day-long adventures. You can read about five of my favourite Whistler Blackcomb hiking trails here. It is one of my favourite things to do in Whistler in the summer!

Five of the Best Hiking Trails in Whistler, B.C.

Incorporate the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola into your adventures to access over 50km of hiking trails on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The sky-high gondola linking Whistler and Blackcomb offers 360-degree views of Whistler Village, glaciers, surrounding mountain peaks, and the region’s temperate forest. I recommend waiting to ride the glass-bottom gondola for unique views of Whistler’s terrain. You can read more about accessing the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola here.

Before you head out, check the status of Whistler’s trails here. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and it is important to be prepared before you explore the trails. You can find helpful preparedness tips on the AdventureSmart website.

If you’d prefer to explore the trails with a guide, check out Mountain Skills Academy.

Experience the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye

Whistler Blackcomb’s Cloudraker suspension bridge stretches 130 metres from the top of Whistler Peak across Whister Bowl at 2182 metres of sea level. The Raven’s Eye 360-degree viewing platform at the end of Cloudraker offers staggering sky-high views of the rugged landscape. 

Access to Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye is included in the PEAK 2 PEAK 360 summer experience ticket.

Explore Whistler Blackcomb on a Mountain Bike 

A world leader in mountain biking, Whistler offers riding for all ages and stages. At the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, there are around 70 trails and 4,900 vertical feet over four distinct zones. You can find the Whistler Bike Park Trail Map and information on lessons, including Intro to Park here. 

Take a Night Walk at Vallea Lumina

Spend a magical evening following an illuminated 1.5 km trail through an old-growth forest on Cougar Mountain. Prior to beginning the Vallea Lumina night walk, elements of exploration and wonder are introduced through a song about a secret trail. The story unfolds along the path as the forest comes alive through an unforgettable multimedia experience. The night walk at Vallea Lumina takes around one hour and is suitable for all ages. The trail is not accessible for people with mobility challenges or strollers. Click here to find out more about Vallea Lumina, one of my favourite late-evening things to do in Whistler in the summer.

Travel Tips Five Exciting Things to Do in Whistler in the Summer

• Whistler is a two-hour drive from Vancouver, British Columbia. If you fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR), you can rent a vehicle or reserve a private car or shuttle bus.
• Hotel options in Whistler are plentiful and include a Four Seasons, Fairmont, and two Pan Pacific Hotels. I wrote this post to help you decide between the two Pan Pacific properties.
• The Tourism Whistler website is packed with seasonal travel information, lodging discounts, and activity deals.
• If you plan to visit Whistler during the winter, you might appreciate reading about seven things to do if you don’t ski or snowboard.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience the River of Golden Dreams and Vallea Lumina as a media guest. As always, if I don’t love an activity, I won’t recommend it.