Welcome to Whistler
Pssst. Hey you. Yes, you. Want to know a secret? Thought so.
Did you know Whistler — oh, welcome to Whistler, by the way — is a summer resort? Didn’t think so.
Don’t get me wrong, we do a pretty good job passing ourselves off as a winter resort. Big ski mountains, deep snow, long season, 2010 Olympic alpine and nordic events and all that winter stuff.
But between you and me, that’s just a ruse. Long before the skiers arrived, this place was all about summer. I mean, it started out as a fishing resort! No, I’m not kidding. And there are still lots of fish in the local lakes.
Chances are you enjoyed a pleasant two-hour drive or ride north from Vancouver on the amazingly scenic Sea to Sky Highway. When you left the shore of Georgia Strait, you headed up into the Coast Mountains, the ones that give Whistler its unique climatic advantages… well, unique for a mountain resort. Proximity to those Pacific waters — 30km as the crow flies — and a low base elevation of 777 metres (2,549 feet) above sea level gives the town a moderate, enjoyable climate and doesn’t leave flatlanders gasping for oxygen. Warm days, cool nights and, okay, let’s be honest, the occasional summer rain, keeps things green, lush and downright playable all summer long.
But why am I calling Whistler a summer resort? Because there’s so much to do here in the summer. So much in fact that you’d better start planning. Picking up this guide was a good first step. It’s full of good ideas.
What’s your passion? Golf? We’ve got three exceptional courses designed by three of the top names in the business (Palmer, Nicklaus and Trent-Jones Jr.). Whatever your handicap, you’ll be challenged by the level of play and awestruck by the surrounding beauty.
Is your summer about biking? Boy have we got you covered. You can enjoy a slow, scenic pedal from one end of Whistler to the other on our famed Valley Trail, a ride suitable for everyone from the youngest to oldest biker in your family.
Looking for a more challenging trail? There are miles of technical, single-track trails all around town. Or just hit one of our miles and hours-long cross-country trails and ride off into the sunset.
Looking for vertical? Check out Whistler Mountain’s world-renowned Bike Park.
And if road riding’s your rage, head south and turn west when you get to Whistler Olympic Park. You will not ride alone.
A don’t-miss day at Whistler has to include a trip up the mountain, across the Fitzsimmons Valley on the Peak 2 Peak gondola and maybe a summer snowball fight at the top. Miles of well-marked trails and panoramic views await eager hikers on both Whistler and Blackcomb.
Off the mountains, there are more local hiking trails than you can explore in one lifetime.
Don’t overlook our collection of local, unique shops; somebody’s got just what you’re looking for. And check out the amazing galleries while you’re at it. Art will still be around when your souvenir T-shirt is just a memory.
If easy is your favourite way of taking a summer day, there are beaches, sunning docks, swimmin’ holes and more patios than you can lounge on in a week’s worth of après afternoons. Go easy, go hard — it’s your holiday.
And while you’re basking in the sunshine, you might want to bask in our Olympic experience. Go on, everyone gets their picture taken on the rings. You know you want to.
Summertime in Whistler is your time. Sport, leisure, shopping, dining and cultural experiences all await your discovery. Enjoy your stay.
