The Best Activities in Whistler in the Summer
You’re coming to Whistler, the mecca of adrenaline activities, and you want to have an adventure, but without mountain biking or strenuous hikes? Lucky for you, as a local of 8 years, I’ve got the inside scoop on the best activities to do in Whistler in the summer.
Think of this as getting advice from a friend who’s lived here for years. In fact, I wrote this for a friend coming to visit. Here’s the local’s guide to the best activities to do in Whistler in the summer.
Because transparency matters: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I might earn a tiny commission — at no extra cost to you.
What is the number one thing to do in Whistler in the summer?
Harbour Air Spectacular Glacier Flight
If you are looking for a truly unique way to see the stunning blue of Garibaldi lake and the hundreds of glaciers surrounding Whistler – without the gruelling hike then this is the way to do it.
You’ll get the thrill of taking off from Green lake – Whistlers airport (yes thats right, Whistlers airport is a lake, and is only operational during the summer months when the lake is melted). You’ll get to see Whistler village from the air, and be flown around the nearby mountains, across vibrant blue lakes and past massive white glaciers.
It is an absolutely breathtaking experience that I cannot recommend enough.
Hot Tip: I dont particularly get motion sickness, but whenever I fly in a little plane (or helicopter for that matter) I feel a bit nauseous. If you’re prone to a little motion sickness – consider taking something before your flight. Trust me, nothing distracts from the epic views like feeling queasy.
What is the best way to experience the mountains in Whistler in the summer?
The Whistler Summer Alpine Experience on Whistler Blackcomb:
The most accessible and most popular activity in the summer is sightseeing up on Whistler Blackcomb. And its for good reason.
Youll upload the mountain in a gondola and have a plethera of options to explore the mountain top.
Personally, my favourite route is to upload Blackcomb Gondola from the Whistler Upper Village, have a little hike around at the top of Blackcomb (or do the Decker loop if youre up for a serious hike!), take the Peak 2 Peak across to Whistler, hike down to the Peak chair to do the suspension bridge and then either take one of the hiking trails back to the Roundhouse Lodge, or download Peak chair before walking back up to the Roundhouse Lodge and finishing with a drink at the Umbrella bar. When you’re done, download the Whistler gondola and youll have had the complete 360 degree experience!
Book Here
Whistler Blackcomb
Time: 4-6 hours
Price: $99
Where is the best place to have dinner in Whistler in the summer? The Mountain top fest
If youre visiting on a weekend (Fri/Sat/Sun) the best dinner view in town is hands down the Mountain Top feast at the Roundhouse on Whistler mountain.
It is especially magical later in the summer (end of August) when you often get spectacular sunsets on your way down after dinner.
The Mountain top feast is an easily overlooked, but absolute gem of a dinner experience in Whistler. Enjoy a buffet dinner with superb food, live music, and an incredible view over the Whistler Valley.
If you want the maximum time to eat, book the first seating. And dont skip the maple butter sauce at the salmon station – its my absolute favourite.
Book here
Whistler Blackcomb
Time: 2-3hours
Cost: $69.99 for the feast or $149.99 for the feast with a lift ticket
I want a bit of adrenaline. What are the best adventure tours in Whistler in summer?
In the true spirit of Whistler and outdoor adventure, I say jump in with both feet and try something out of your comfort zone. Depending on how “sendy” you want to go, there are lots of options of adrenaline activities in Whistler in the summer. From adrenaline ‘light’ like zip-lining, to the full blown scary of a bungee jump.
ATV tour with Canadian Wilderness:
Want to try driving an atv around the mountains? An ATV tour in the Callaghan in an absolute blast.
Youll be driven 20mins from Whistler out into the Callaghan valley, taught how to ride an ATV and then guided up to lakes, through puddles and to epic viewpoints.
Important note: if you’re not winning with the weather, and its pouring while you’re here, ATV-ing in the Callaghan is actually alot of fun in the rain. The guides will suit you up in yellow rubber to keep you (mostly) dry, and youll blast through the puddles.
Zip-lining with ZipTrek Ecotours
If you’re up for something a little more thrilling, but not quite up to a bungee jump? Ziplinning might be just the thing.
You get the adrenaline rush of going fast and whizzing through the trees, while not having to literally jump off a bridge.
The Bear Tour is a my favourite option. Youll make your way down Whistler mountain on four separate ziplines, and a network of walking paths and suspended platforms through the trees.
However, if you really want to push the adrenaline, the Sasquatch is the longest and fastest zipline going from Blackcomb to Whistler mountain. Why not challenge your friends to see who makes it down the fastest! The guides might even give away some of their secrets to help your endeavour.
Bungee Jumping with Whistler Bungee
It wouldnt be a word-class adrenaline destination without bungee jumping, would it?!
Whistler Bungee is located 15mins south of the village, on a bridge over the Checkamus river. Its an absolutely stunning place to jump off a bridge and youll get a nice rush of cold air as you fly over the river below.
Hot tip: You can do this in winter too!! Imagine jumping off a bridge with the snow glistening all around you…!
Book here
Whistler Bungee
Time: 1 hour
Cost: $150
What is the best adventure in Whistler in the summer? White Water rafting on the Elaho River
This is one of the best activities in Whistler in the summer if you’re looking for a full-send, almost full-day adventure. You’ll be taken down to Squamish and up into the Squamish valley. Launched into the Elaho river, raft down the river, maybe go for a voluntary or involuntary swim, stop for lunch, and overall have a pretty unique river experience.
Book here
Canadian Outback Rafting
Time: 5.5hours
Cost: $194.99
What is the best evening activity in Whistler in the summer?
While there is an incredible selection of bars and restaurants to spend your evenings enjoying in Whistler. Theres one thing that might be a little different (and arguably more fun). Before you judge, though, hear me out.
The Valley Lumina light show.
Ill be honest, this sounded a little undwhelming when I first heard about it. But, after going 3 times both in the summer and winter, I can assure you this is one of my favourite activities to do in Whistler in the summer.
Youll be transported through a story created by light shows and little movie clips on the side of Cougar mountain. Trust me, it is a genuinely mesmerising experience.
Book Here
The Adventure Group
Time: Approx 1hour
Cost: $49.99
What is the best free activity in Whistler in the summer? The Summer concert series:
If youre into (free) music by epic artists, make sure to check out the RMOW schedule for the summer series. Not only is there free open air music every Friday night and Sunday afternoon, but they also put on movies during the week!
All in the heart of Whistler Village at the olympic plaza.
So, bring a blanket, some snacks and your dancing shoes.
View the summer concert series schedule here
View the movies in Olympic Plaza schedule here
What is a fun locals activity in Whistler in the Summer: Bike between the lakes:
Whistler valley is home to five beautiful lakes, all varying in colour and temperature depending on how glacier-fed they are.
If you’re looking for a fun way to see the valley and experience Whistler as more of a local, grab a bike, and ride the Valley Trail to each of the five lakes. Tradition is that you have to jump in each one, and Id recommend ending with Green lake.
How to choose the best activities in Whistler in the Summer?
With all these options, how do you plan your days?
My advice is to pick one big activity everyday. With summer traffic, weather delays, and bustling summer, its easy for things not to go entirely as planned. Youll want to be present and enjoying whatever you’re doing, not stressing about making it to your next booking.
Wanting to come back in the winter? Check out this article for the perfect 3 Days in Whistler in the Winter!
If you have any questions, please find my on Instagram @adventurewithhannah and send me a DM!
