Whistler earns a gold star for Pacific Northwest scenery and is an adventure hub all year long.
Photo © Getty Images / Xin Min / 500px
Growing up in Seattle, British Columbia was on my doorstep. I’ve been making trips to the region with my family, on solo adventures, and with friends for most of my life. BC was close enough for a road trip (or a ferry ride to Vancouver Island) and yet far enough away that it still held the intrigue of a foreign adventure—and all the magic that makes the Pacific Northwest so special.
One place I kept coming back to was Whistler. Sitting at the base of Whisler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountains, it earns a gold star for Pacific Northwest scenery and is an adventure hub all year long.
I long-associated Whistler with winter adventures: snowy mountains, skiing, and snowboarding. Once the snow melts away, though, Whistler transforms into an entirely different place in late spring and summer. Alpine lakes, sun-soaked meadows, shadowy old-growth forests, and glacial rivers cutting through mountains keep any nature-loving, active traveler on their toes. And for those who prefer a more laidback adventure, Whistler’s summertime charm is filled with relaxed walks and views aplenty.
About an hour-and-a-half-to-two-hour scenic drive from Vancouver, Whistler is an easy escape for a long weekend trip in beautiful British Columbia. As you wind along the coast, you’ll be sandwiched between Howe Sound and soaring mountains, teasing for what it is to come.
Hiking, backpacking, and camping
Tucked among the Coast Mountains, Whistler’s backyard is a playground for hiking and backpacking. Dozens of miles of trails wind through shady forests, colorful fields of wildflowers, past icy blue lakes and tumbling waterfalls, and looking out towards snow-dusted mountain tops. Many of the trails are on the longer side and require a bit of a climb—but the pristine wilderness is a high payoff for the effort.
Many of Whistler’s trails can be accessed by taking the Whistler Village Gondola or the Blackcomb Gondola. Some of Whistler’s most scenic summer hikes include:
- Joffre Lakes
- High Note Trail
- Panorama Ridge
- Garibaldi Lake
- Ancient Cedars Trail
If you wish to linger a bit longer in the great outdoors, turn the hike into a backpack and camp under the stars for the night. Campsites are available along many of the trails, such as Russet Lake reachable by High Note, as well as Singing Pass and Musical Bumps. Reservations are required for backcountry camping sites. Whistler has plenty of drive-up camping options as well, including Riverside Campground in Fitzsimmons Creek and Whistler Olympic Park Campground in Callaghan Valley.
Mountain biking and leisurely cycling
If you prefer to adventure on two wheels, Whistler is notorious for its mountain biking. Whistler Mountain Bike Park is world-famous for its steep descents through scenic forests. With over 50 miles of bike trails, there are plenty of adrenaline-pumping double backs that require expertise as well as plenty of easier paths. Newer bikers can book mountain biking lessons to brush up on skills before barreling down the hills.
Alternatively, opt for a lower intensity bike ride outside of the park. Gravel and road bikes are available for rental across town—and there is plenty to explore by bike. Whether you’re peddling through the village or choosing a lengthier ride along the Whistler Valley or Sea to Sky Trails, the region has many options for cycling—all that come with some epic views.
Whistler by water
Whistler’s mountainous terrain may steal the spotlight, but the area is surrounded by lakes and rivers, as well. Take a dip in an icy glacial or alpine lake after a long hike. Trust me, it’s incredibly refreshing after you heat up during your hike. Take a deep breath, jump in, and feel the rush when the cold water hits you.
You can also spend a day dedicated to water sports and explore Whistler’s surroundings by water. Chekamus River is ideal for family-friendly rafting, with class 1 and 2 rapids. Float gently downstream while taking in the towering trees of Paradise Valley. For more adrenaline, book a white-water rafting adventure on Green River. Bounce through class 2 and 3 rapids with views of snowy mountains along the way.
Experience Whistler by water at a slower pace by paddling along its rivers and lakes. A popular spot is the River of Golden Dreams, which is a 5km waterway that can be traversed by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Along the way, you will pass old growth forest, mountains, wetlands and perhaps even some wildlife. Look out for black bears, eagles, beavers, and more.
Whistler also has plenty of sandy lakeside beaches, where you can swim, play beach volleyball, rent kayaks and paddleboards. Put spots like Wayside Park, Lost Lake, Rainbow Park, and Nita Lake on your list for a beach or lake day, as relaxed or active as you want to make it.
Relaxed adventures
If you’re after Whistler’s views but aren’t up for the more physically challenging adventures, there are plenty of ways to still enjoy it. While not as bustling as it is during winter months, Whistler Village is filled with shops, restaurants, and wine bars for a day of wandering and eating. Grab lunch or dinner on a patio and enjoy the views and late sunsets. Take a walk through Florence Petersen Park, browse the farmer’s market, or catch live music at the Whistler Olympic Plaza, where free concerts are held all summer long.
Other ideas for ways to stay busy in Whistler include:
- Visit the Olympic Rings
- Take a gondola ride to the top of Blackcomb
- Zipline among the trees
- Go horseback riding through the mountains
- Swim, beach, picnic, and relax at Alta Lake
- Take a sea plane ride over glaciers
Getting There
The easiest way to reach Whistler is to fly into Vancouver and then drive the rest of the way. In just under two hours by car, you will have left the city behind and be surrounded by some of the very best of the Pacific Northwest. The drive is spectacular and is part of the fun of reaching Whistler.
Seattle and Bellingham are also relatively accessible to Whistler, though involve an international border crossing. The drive is about four hours from Seattle and two-and-a-half hours from Bellingham, traffic dependent, and not including border crossing time.
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