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Celebrate Life's Adventures!

Diverse Cultural Experiences and Canadian Travel.

Things to do in Whistler in Summer

July 5, 2020 by Tazim Leave a Comment

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Sure, when most people think of Whistler, British Columbia, they think about winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding. And it’s true that Whistler Blackcomb Resort (and the entire town) was originally set up to be a winter destination, but things have changed in recent years. Whistler is the place to visit both in winter and summer.

There is no shoulder season in Whistler – people flock here year-round, which means that many of the hotels don’t offer a discount for off-peak times and that the town is pretty much always busy.

In addition to the many conventions and conferences that happen here year-round, people from nearby Vancouver drive up for weekend getaways and day trips. There are so many different outdoor activities to partake in, lots of high-end shopping/hotels/restaurants, plenty of casual dining options, and also a lot of free things to check out, so there is really something for everyone here. There really are so many things to do in Whistler in Summer.

What to do in Whistler in Summer

What is there to do around Whistler?

Table of Contents

  • What is there to do around Whistler?
  • Watch this video to see more of what to do in Whistler in Summer:
  • What to do in Whistler in Summer outside Whistler Village
  • What to do in Whistler in Summer if it’s Raining
    • The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
    • Audain Art Museum
  • What to Wear in Whistler in Summer
  • FAQ
    • Who should visit?
    • How do you Get to Whistler?
    • Where should I Eat?

The Bike Park at Whistler is one that people travel far and wide to go to each year. There are lessons and rentals available for those who are new to the sport. With green, blue, black and double-black trails and new ones being created every year, there is something for all levels of mountain bikers here.

ZipTrek Ziplining Whistler in Summer
ZipTrek Ziplining

If you’re not into mountain biking, check out the Peak 2 Peak Gondola! Take either the Whistler or Blackcomb gondola up, wander around/hike a bit or get something to eat at either Roundhouse or Rendezvous lodge at the top of each mountain and then transfer to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to get to the other mountain! This sightseeing adventure is a lot of fun, no matter how many times you’ve been up before.

Roundhouse Lodge Whistler Mountain Summer

Many people enjoy leisurely meals at one of the many places to eat or hang out at a pub or bar for a few hours. It’s not the kind of place where anyone is rushing around! You can also check out the many museums and galleries (not to mention world-class shops).

Shannon Falls Provincial Park

Watch this video to see more of what to do in Whistler in Summer:

What to do in Whistler in Summer outside Whistler Village

There are several lakes and waterfalls near Whistler to check out as well as plenty of hiking trails to enjoy. Lost Lake is one of the more popular nearby lakes with Shannon Falls Provincial Park being a a great place to have a picnic. I suggest you take a look at this insider’s guide to the 5 lakes near Whistler.

What to do in Whistler in Summer if it’s Raining

Depending on how much it’s raining, I’d say that you can still do many of the activities you’d planned to do outdoors.

But, if you’d prefer to either escape from the rain or take respite from the heat, head inside one of the many cultural institutions in Whistler.

The Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre - Carved objects and totem pole with glass and forest behind.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Walk through this cultural centre, a collaborative effort by both the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations, on your own or let a guide lead you. There is a short video to watch to learn about the many aspects of the Squamish and Lil’wat cultural history, traditions and practices, very much still alive and thriving today. There are both temporary and permanent exhibitions housed here – and don’t forget to go out the back to take a look at both a pit house and a longhouse.

To make this more family-friendly, there is a cedar bracelet-making activity for kids of all ages to participate in. The Thunderbird café caters events within the cultural centre (and elsewhere) and it is where you can stop to have lunch or snacks. The bannock (fry bread) is especially good, as is their coffee. Learn more (and check out their virtual tour) here: SLCC.CA.

  • hereditary Haida Chief James Hart’s The Dance Screen (The Scream Too)

Audain Art Museum

Founded on the philanthropic gift of Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa, the Audain Art Museum has both permanent and temporary exhibits highlighting the art of British Columbia. There are also pieces from elsewhere in the world, all housed in this 5,203 square meters (56,000 square feet) art museum that blends in well with the natural surroundings.

Through artist talk, special event evenings, and temporary exhibits that are updated throughout the year, the Audain Art Museum is a place to return to throughout the seasons.

Summertime in Whistler

What to Wear in Whistler in Summer

Temperatures in Whistler are generally very similar to those in Vancouver: Lows of 8-10 degrees and highs of 20-25 degrees with 4-8 days of at least partial rainfall. I’ve been to Whistler in the summertime when temperatures hovered around 32 degrees, so plan accordingly and be sure to bring a hat and sunglasses.

I would recommend always wearing comfortable walking shoes/runners and shorts or those pants with the zip-off legs. Even in restaurants you will see that people dress very casually since this is an active place where people tend to be out during the day enjoying some kind of outdoor activity.

If you plan on going on the mountains, be sure to bring a light rain jacket. One year, in early September, I went on the Whistler Gondola and found that it was snowing quite heavily up top! I prepared for this and had brought a toque and light jacket.

There are plenty of lakes near Whistler, so if you’re so inclined, bring a swimsuit and quick-dry towel, too.

What to do in Whistler

FAQ

Who should visit?

Art appreciators, history enthusiasts, waterfall chasers, lake lovers, outdoor revellers, foodies, wildlife admirers, and photography fanatics.

How do you Get to Whistler?

Dinner at Nita Lake Lodge

Where should I Eat?

The main Whistler Village has an almost endless supply of restaurants, cafés, and fast-food places to suit every budget. Many of the nicer hotels also have their own restaurants. I, personally, really enjoy the restaurants at the Fairmont in the Upper Village (Blackcomb Mountain side) and the restaurant at Nita Lake Lodge in Creekside Village.

There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo options within the village.

Look out for my upcoming Eating Vegan in Whistler guide.

With so many things to do in Whistler in summertime, I bet you won’t just think of Whistler as a ski resort anymore!

things to do in whistler in summer
I acknowledge that it is a privilege to be able to travel in general. It is also a privilege to be able to drive to the destinations I mentioned. ALSO, it is a privilege to be able to take the time off/have a weekend.

I would like to encourage everyone to go on adventures (even in your own neighbourhood – I am constantly surprised by all of the new-to-me places and things there are to check out) when possible. There are so many places within the Metro Vancouver area that are accessible via transit and I plan on sharing more places that can be more easily enjoyed.


Know Before You Go: Travelling in BC may be a little different this year. As you start to plan your vacations, get the information you need to plan your trip safely and responsibly.

Plan Now: It’s time to explore our own backyard.

As always – be mindful of local communities, wildlife, and the natural environment when you travel. And follow local guidelines and regulations.

Check out these resources:
Hello B.C. https://www.hellobc.com/10-ways-to-travel-safely
Indigenous Tourism B.C https://www.indigenousbc.com/how-to-travel-responsibly

About Tazim

Tazim is the editor/creator behind BeingTazim.com (an 8 years+ lifestyle blog) and is head adventurer at Celebrating Life's Adventures!

Celebrate Life's Adventures is for environmentally and socially conscious travellers who enjoy diverse cultural experiences, being one with nature, and a slower pace of life.

Tazim has created a life full of adventures big and small. Having travelled to 14 countries and lived in four, she knows a thing or two about different cultures, food, and ways to experience and appreciate the world.

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Celebrate Life’s Adventures is for environmentally and socially conscious travellers who enjoy diverse cultural experiences, being one with nature, and a slower pace of life.

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Hello! :)

Tazim is the editor/creator behind BeingTazim.com (an 8 years+ lifestyle blog) and is head adventurer at Celebrating Life's Adventures!

Celebrate Life's Adventures is for environmentally and socially conscious travellers who enjoy diverse cultural experiences, being one with nature, and a slower pace of life.

Tazim has created a life full of adventures big and small. Having travelled to 14 countries and lived in four, she knows a thing or two about different cultures, food, and ways to experience and appreciate the world.

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