Know before you go: what to expect in Whistler this summer
Delve into thick forests, look out over ancient mountain peaks, find a new path and dip toes in glacial waters. Visitors to Whistler can carve out their own adventures this summer; have fun in Whistler’s wide-open spaces, get the release they need and the freedom they crave.
Whistler is a place to come together with friends and family, where après is an art form and where sophisticated tastes can be sated as easily as the desire for ice cream. A day trip doesn’t do Whistler justice, stay longer and explore deeper to find out what it is about these mountains that draw people to them (and sometimes doesn’t let them go).
Visit Midweek
Weekends and holidays are busy, especially at Whistler’s lakes and parks, so come midweek if possible, extend the weekend and consider staying for longer. Not only will the added time mean visitors can dig in and explore at a more relaxed pace, but it also means more choice and more deals.
Plan: book, book, book
Visitors are advised to organize accommodation, make dinner reservations, book activities and bike rentals, as well as purchase Whistler Blackcomb sightseeing and Whistler Mountain Bike Park tickets, all in advance. Capacity in Whistler is a little lower than normal due to the effects of COVID-19; popular tour times booked out last summer, as did restaurants (especially if they had a sunny patio). Most places have flexible cancellation policies, so if plans do change then they’re easy to adjust.
Whistler.com has a dining guide and interactive map to help make some food plans on their dedicated dining page. And talking of activities, it’s worth considering a guided tour like bear viewing, hiking, biking, or canoeing – local experts know hidden spots and trails, and manage the logistics so guests don’t have to.
Download Whistler Alert, it’s the official emergency notification system used by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) to communicate with residents and visitors during emergencies via text message, phone and email.
Arrival
Park and play! Get rid of the car – it’s not needed. Whistler has a 46-kilometre Valley Trail system that weaves in and out of parks, lakes and neighbourhoods. Rent a bike and use it to explore new places this summer, like Creekside Village or Function Junction. Visitors can even make it an e-bike for even more exploring power; just make sure to take a quick read of the trail etiquette before heading out.
Starting in June the RMOW is running secure bike valet parking at Olympic Plaza, Rainbow Park, Lakeside Park and Lost Lake Park, making it easy to BYOB (bring your own bike) while still having the freedom to explore on foot. There are also two free shuttles running from Whistler Village to Lost Lake Park and Rainbow Park, which will start in mid-June.
If guests do have questions while out and about, a quick and easy way to get an answer is to text Ask Whistler. Visitors can also connect via WhatsApp and use the free Whistler WiFi (currently available at Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler Town Plaza, Whistler Village Common, Village Square and the area near the Whistler Visitors Centre and new bus shelter).
During
Visitors are asked to pack their patience. Whistler’s businesses are open and can’t wait to serve guests this summer but are impacted by the current labour shortage. Guests are asked to be kind to the people serving food, managing check-in and guiding tours.
Knowing that Whistler’s parks and lakes can get busy, it’s good to have a Plan B in mind. Visitors are asked to think about visiting at off-peak times like first thing in the morning and in the evening (sunset picnic anyone?) and make sure to pack out what they pack in. The Park Eats! program is running this summer, which brings food trucks and pop-up food tents to Whistler’s parks, as well as a drop-off program with Portobello.
Check out the new and free Go Whistler Tours app, which features curated tours that guide guests to unique experiences and locations throughout Whistler, from art galleries to nature walks and Olympic legacies.
If this isn’t a visitor's first trip to Whistler, they’re being asked to consider doing a hike or visiting a lake they’ve not been to before (note that Whistler’s alpine network is typically snow-covered until mid-July). As always they must be prepared and check AdventureSmart for hiking safety tips and check BCparks.ca for any advisories or closures.
If guests need supplies for while they’re here, maybe a new pair of trail runners, more buckets and spades for the kids, drool-worthy treats for the picnic – buy them locally. Not only does this support local businesses, but gives it gives visitors a chance to connect with people who live in Whistler and might have a tip or two they’re willing to share.
Guests are asked to help Whistler with its environmental goals by drinking alpine fresh tap water, avoiding single-use plastic, choosing active modes of transportation, and using the compost and recycling bins in the Village and at the parks. Remember that Whistler is bear country, so please dispose of waste responsibly to keep wildlife wild. Wildfires are also a real threat to Whistler and visitors should be aware of the fire rating and call 911 if they see one.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the Whistler events calendar to see what’s on this summer as events are coming back including the Summer Concert Series at Whistler Olympic Park, Crankworx and GranFondo.
Reconnect with family, friends and nature, and a whole world of adventure in Whistler. Simply put, come and have some fun in the mountains this summer!