A Year-Round Playground

It's impossible to think of Whistler without envisioning snow-capped mountains and world-class skiing. Located north of Vancouver, BC, Whistler is renowned as a premier ski resort and the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. While its reputation as a winter wonderland is well-deserved, summertime in Whistler is equally spectacular.

This charming mountainside town in British Columbia has long been a popular winter destination for Canadians, offering activities beyond skiing and snowboarding, including snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ski jumping at the Olympic Park. Whistler's summer experiences offer a range of adventure from the legendary Bike Park and championship golf courses to glacier-fed lakes and alpine hikes. The heart of Whistler is its compact, chalet-style pedestrian village nestled at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

Whistler’s Lakes: Summer Serenity

The lakes lining the Whistler valley draw thousands of visitors every summer, eager to relax, hang out, and immerse themselves in the mountain lifestyle. With five lakes easily accessible from Highway 99—Alpha, Nita, Alta, Lost, and Green—you have plenty of options to choose from.

Alta Lake Alta Lake is the most popular, offering numerous access points along its shoreline. The valley trail circles the lake, providing access to four main docks and beaches: Wayside Park, Lakeside Park, Blueberry Docks, and Rainbow Park. Lakeside Park is particularly inviting, with amenities such as picnic tables, BBQ platforms, a sandy beach, and a concession stand run by Backroads Whistler. Backroads also offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, along with guided and self-guided tours down the River of Golden Dreams. I considered taking the kids on a canoe trip but decided to save that adventure for one of the other infamous lakes we'll visit later in the week. It was a stunning sight to see my kids enjoying themselves in the clear blue water on a hot 90-degree day.

Dive into Local History at the Whistler Museum

The Whistler Museum, located in Whistler Village, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the area's rich history. From the early mountain settlers to the 2010 Olympics, the museum offers a comprehensive look at Whistler's evolution, including the construction of the village and what life is like living in a mountain lodge. With a wide array of exhibits and artifacts, visitors are sure to discover fascinating tidbits throughout. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and is free to enter, with a small donation encouraged.

Explore Whistler’s Olympic Plaza

From the moment you arrive in Whistler Village or Olympic Plaza, situated at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, it's clear that this is a resort village unlike any other. The village is expansive, with a pedestrian-only layout filled with shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants, making it a destination in itself.

Since the Paris Olympics were happening during our visit, the kids were especially thrilled to see the iconic five interlocking Olympic rings at the entrance of the Olympic Plaza. While they enjoyed the playground, I indulged in some shopping—Patagonia was having a sale! Before we left, we stopped for appetizers and drinks at The High Mountain Brewing Company Brewhouse, one of the busiest spots in the village. The spacious patio was perfect for people-watching.

Relax at Whistler RV Park & Campgrounds

After exploring Olympic Plaza, we returned to our beautiful RV campsite atop a mountain. The Whistler RV Park & Campgrounds is celebrated for its serene atmosphere and prime location, offering easy access to local hikes and city attractions. Even if you didn't leave the campground, you'd have plenty to do—miles of hiking and snowmobile trails (in winter), a coffee shop that also serves dinner, a playground, ping-pong, and wiffle ball golf. We enjoyed our morning coffee and tried the pizzas for dinner. They were fantastic! This campground was a true gem: a beautiful location, full-hookup sites, and amazing amenities. We also met a lovely family from Germany on a two-week Canadian adventure. Despite language differences, the kids hit it off immediately. We shared conversations about life in our respective countries, the joys of raising children who appreciate nature and the small things in life, and lessons learned on the road. We love our new German friends!

Future Adventures

Hit the Trails at Whistler Blackcomb Towering over Whistler Village, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains offer over 200 ski runs and 8,000 acres of rideable terrain. Whistler Blackcomb Resort is a paradise for ski enthusiasts, boasting the longest ski season in Canada. You can even ski in summer on the resort's Horstman Glacier! The resort also offers heli-skiing, backcountry skiing, and a snow tubing hill.

In the summer, the mountains transform into a haven for cyclists. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park features over 4,900 vertical feet of lift-serviced trails suitable for all types of riders. Other activities include hiking, alpine hiking, mini-golf, ATVing, ziplining, and more.

View Glaciers on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola One of Whistler's must-see attractions is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola at Whistler Blackcomb Resort. Suitable for the whole family, the gondola offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, ancient glaciers, and coastal rainforests. You'll definitely want to make sure your camera or phone is fully charged! The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is a marvel of engineering, holding world records for the highest lift of its kind (1,427 feet), the longest unsupported span, and the longest continuous lift system.

Go Hiking at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park For those looking to explore the great Canadian outdoors on foot, Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is a must-visit. The park is home to a stunning 230-foot waterfall, easily accessible via a 15-minute walk on the Brandywine Falls Trail. The trail leads to two upper viewing platforms overlooking the falls. A short walk further will bring you to another platform with views of Daisy Lake and the Black Tusk.

Hike to the Train Wreck The Train Wreck is one of the most unique hikes in the Whistler area. Along the banks of the Cheakamus River, surrounded by ancient trees, lie seven Canadian National Railway (CN) boxcars covered in colorful graffiti. For years, the origin of these boxcars was a mystery, but locals have been hiking to this hidden gem for decades. Research by the Whistler Museum later revealed that a freighter derailed in 1956 while entering an area under track repair. The damaged boxcars were dragged up the tracks and rolled into the forest, where they remain today.

Whistler, BC