Summer Activities in Whistler, Canada: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide

Summer in Whistler is arguably Canada’s worst kept secret. Over recent years, visitor numbers to this mountain resort have increased during the months of May through September. Once the six-month-long winter has finally abated, the spring thaw reveals an outdoor adventure playground, complete with endless trails and stunning scenery. Snow sports are replaced with hiking and biking, icy temperatures make way for summer warmth, and mother nature seems to breathe life into this mountain vista. While winter in Whistler is without doubt, truly epic, our latest insider’s guide explores why you really should head for the mountains of British Columbia for the best Whistler summer activities.

Summer Weather in Whistler

The months of summer (and fall) are arguably the best time to visit Whistler if you love the outdoors. The lack of snow opens up miles of hiking and biking trails. In contrast to the chilly winter, Whistler enjoys a very pleasant, warm summer. From May through September, you can anticipate Whistler Village temperatures to hover between 17°C and 28°C (63°F – 82°F). If you’re heading out for some alpine hiking however, be sure to pack a sweater. Temperatures are always likely to vary at altitude. The odd rainy day is inevitable, although plenty of indoor activities mean there’ll never be a dull moment.

Top Whistler Summer Activities

Axe Throwing

While you can throw axes at Forged throughout the year, the month of June celebrates of International Axe Throwing Day. The global celebration brings together lumberjacks and lumberjills from around the world. There’s no better place to celebrate this occasion than at one of the original urban throwing venues. As one of the best rainy day activities in Whistler, it’s an epic activity to have on the list for those days where the sun doesn’t come out to play.

Bungee Jumping

Where better to cross this activity off your bucket list, than in Whistler? Whistler Bungee is home to British Columbia’s highest year-round bungee jump and features a staggering 160 ft drop. Jump off the bridge and soar through the mountain air, high above the glacial-fed Cheakamus River. While you might not get much time to fully appreciate the views, it’ll sure make for an epic photograph.

Canoe, Kayak, or Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Whistler can experience some very warm days during the summer months, so it’s hardly surprising that so many people cool off with water-related sports. The Adventure Group has lots of hire options and skill-oriented classes to get you started with canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding. Look out for specific adventure tours, SUP lessons, and excursions.

Zip Lining

In addition to being a fun thing to do, zip lining in Whistler is also a great way to see your beautiful surroundings. Explore a network of trails and boardwalks that connect the top and bottom of this zip lining adventure. Then admire the views from Cougar Mountain before plummeting down in a harness that’ll keep you safe as you soar.

Summer Events in Whistler

Whistler Children’s Festival (July 5-7th)

If you’re considering a family trip to Whistler this summer, why not go while the Children’s Festival is taking place? Hands-on arts and crafts activities, theater, dance, and musical performances at Olympic Plaza are sure to keep the kids entertained as you kick back and enjoy the sunshine.

Wanderlust Yoga Festival (Aug 1-4th)

Arguably the most serene week on the Whistler events calendar, Wanderlust is all about mindful living. This week, instructors, musicians, speakers, chefs and celebrants come together to practice yoga and meditation. Expect to make new friends, explore new ideas, and try new cuisine at one of the most laid-back events of the year.

Crankworx Whistler (August 9-18th)

If skiing and snowboarding are Whistler’s leading sports in winter, biking is easily their summer counterpart. During August, the best riders and biggest bike fans come from around the world to participate in thrilling races, slopestyle competitions, Kidsworx, bike demos and more, in a mountain biking extravaganza.

Other dates for your diary

The Subaru IRONMAN triathlon takes place on July 28th, so bag yourself a spot at the heart of the action. Cheer the competitors on as they swim, bike, and run their way through the lakes, roads and trails of Whistler. Similarly, the military-style Tough Mudder takes place June 15-16th and is one of the toughest and most entertaining obstacle courses around.

Best Ways to Explore Whistler

Hiking

With months to go until the first snowfall of winter, the Whistler trails are a hiker’s paradise. Whistler’s location in the middle of the Coast Mountain range means you can truly immerse yourself in the Canadian wilderness. If you’re new to Whistler, it’s best to head out on a guided hike with a certified guide, where you’ll be able to enjoy the wilderness safely.

Horseback Riding

Saddle up and take in the Whistler scenery from horseback, choosing from kid-friendly trails through the forest, or longer tours that take in the rugged mountain landscape. No matter whether you’re an experienced equestrian or have never ridden before, Copper Cayuse Outfitters will have a trusty steed to suit you, and you can choose from hour-long to full day rides.

Photo Walking Tours

If you’re looking to really capture the incredible landscape in Whistler, check out the Photo Walks Tour by Coast Mountain Photography. This walking tour takes in the breathtaking sights at a leisurely pace, ideal for the whole family. The photo walk will teach you how to take better photos on any device, including iPhones, SLRs, or Polaroids. They’ll cover everything from lighting and camera settings to composition. It’s a great way to experience the great outdoors and fill up that Instagram feed.

Heli-Sightseeing

If sightseeing on the ground sounds a little dull to you, opt for a Whistler heli-sightseeing tour instead. Experienced pilots will guide you on a speedy, adrenaline-pumping tour offering up some of the most beautiful alpine views along the way. There are a number of heli adventures to choose from, including heli-rafting and even heli-yoga tours, where you’ll head on a helicopter journey to the most epic yoga spot you could imagine.

Whitewater Jet Boat Tours

If you thought white water rafting couldn’t get any more exciting, think again. While jetting down the rapids in a speedboat might not be for everyone, it’s certainly proving popular with thrillseekers. Join expert pilots riding through lush, green forests, taking in mountain vistas and the local wildlife residents.

RZR Tours

If white-knuckle thrills are your kind of thing, head off-road on a RZR tour in Whistler, cruising the rugged trails and enjoying an exhilarating quad based ride lasting from an hour up to an entire day. You’ll head deep into the mountains, taking full advantage of the snow melt, at the wheel of a 2-seat or 4-seat RZR.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Just because the snow has gone doesn’t mean you can’t ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. In fact, this unsupported lift is one of the best ways to check out the mountain vista. Connecting the two mountains of Blackcomb and Whistler, the gondola is the perfect sightseeing experience and the highest of its kind at 1,427 feet.

Safety First! Don’t Get Lost or Eaten!

Whistler is a beautiful place to visit in summer. However, always take care when heading out in the wilderness to enjoy your trip safely. Remember also that Whistler is located in the heart of bear country. Pay attention, be vigilant, and always listen to the advice of locals and guides. The bears in and around Whistler know about humans, and will mostly ignore you or try to get away from you. Make some noise if out walking to announce your arrival – bears almost always try to put distance between themselves and humans.

Getting There

There are many ways to get to Whistler. Flights to Vancouver International Airport operate frequently from most airports across the United States, and shuttles operate daily from Vancouver Airport to Whistler. To find out more about travel and transportation options, visit Tourism Whistler. To check out activity and itinerary options, check out Whistler Adventures.

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Rachael Hopwood is a freelance travel writer and PR consultant with a love of the outdoors, adventure, good food and great shoes! Splitting her time between Canada and England, she is a keen skier, tea drinker and air miles collector. Rachael writes regularly about Canadian travel and technology with a focus around Whistler, British Columbia.

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