The Ultimate Guide to Whistler in Summer

Shimmering alpine lakes, dramatic mountainscapes, gushing waterfalls, adrenaline-pumping activities, world-class dining, soaring gondolas and beautiful wildlife. Whistler in summer has everything going on. Read on for our complete guide!

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Nestled amongst the mountains in British Columbia, two hours north of Vancouver, you’ll find the magical little mountain town of Whistler.

Most people think of Whistler as a winter sports playground, famous for skiing and snowboarding, with the largest ski resort in North America. Although very true, that’s only half the story!

Whistler in summer has an incredible amount going on. Probably more so than during winter! Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or you’re on your working holiday visa, this guide to Whistler in summer will provide you with everything you need to know.

We’ll share with you the top things to do in Whistler, our bar and restaurant recommendations, areas of Whistler to stay, how to get around and so much more.

We’ve both lived in Whistler, it’s actually where we met! So, as well as holding many fond memories of Whistler as a home, it also holds a very special place for us as a couple.

Helen and Andy overlooking the turquoise water of Garibaldi Lake at Panorama Ridge, Garibaldi Provincial Park, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Canada is full of incredible mountain scenery

This guide will start with everything you need to know before visiting Whistler in summer, including where to stay and hotel recommendations for every budget, currency and visa information, the best time, how to get around Whistler and more.

We’ll then share the best things to do in Whistler starting with the drive from Vancouver as this is an experience in itself with numerous amazing spots to visit and then dining and nightlife recommendations. Feel free to use the contents as necessary.

If Whistler is part of a larger trip through the Rockies, check out our post on driving from Calgary to Vancouver.

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Contents

To Know Before You Visit Whistler in Summer

What currency do I need?

You’ll need the Canadian Dollar. At the time of writing, 1 CAD is approximately 0.75 USD.

What plug do I need?

You can use plug types A and B in Canada; the same as in the US. Type A has two flat parallel pins and B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. 

You may also need a voltage converter as the voltage is 120V, whereas, in the UK and Europe, it’s between 220V and 240V. Don’t be like Helen who caused a power cut after plugging in her GHDs from the UK!

Where should I stay for my visit to Whistler in summer?

Deciding where to stay in Whistler in summer can be quite daunting as there are a few areas, each with its own unique charm. It also depends on what your budget is.

Staying in Whistler Village means you’re in the heart of everything. Bars, restaurants, shops and gondolas are right on your doorstep. You can park your car when you arrive and not need it until you leave.

View across Whistler Village with Whistler Mountain in the background, Whistler in summer, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler Village

Whistler Village is however very busy, particularly during the summer months and nightlife continues until the early hours of the morning so if you don’t want to be kept up, location within the Village is important. 

  • Budget-friendly: The Listel Hotel is a charming 3-star hotel situated just behind the main Village stroll so it’s quiet at night but still within the Village.
  • Mid-range: Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel is also located just off the main Village stroll. This is a great option if you don’t want to eat out for every meal as the suites have a kitchenette. The outdoor pool and hot tub are great after a day in the mountains.
  • Luxury: The Westin Resort & Spa is a great luxury option a 2-minute walk from the Village stroll. There’s a spa and wellness centre as well as an outdoor pool and 2 hot tubs. Perfect after a day of hiking.

If you’d prefer to stay somewhere a bit quieter than Whistler Village but still within walking distance, Upper Village offers the best of both worlds. It’s a 10-minute walk to all the action but feels quite secluded.

  • Budget-friendly: Glacier Lodge is located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain and features a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. A short walk will take you to Whistler Village.
  • Mid-range: The Marquise by Whistler Premier comes with an outdoor pool and hot tub and each apartment is fully equipped with kitchen facilities and a private balcony. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to Whistler Village.
  • Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Whistler is an absolutely stunning property with a fitness centre, spa, outdoor pool, 3 hot tubs and a stylish steakhouse with views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Whistler Creekside is a great option if you’d prefer to stay out of the tourist hustle and bustle. There are still plenty of dining and bar options and hotels tend to be cheaper.

  • Budget-friendly: Lake Placid Lodge is located close to Alpha Lake Park and has a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and sauna. Each unit comes with a kitchen and they’ve all been recently renovated.
  • Mid-range: First Tracks Lodge is located at the base of Whistler Mountain and offers air-conditioned suites with a kitchen and balcony. The outdoor swimming pool benefits from great mountain views.
  • Luxury: Nita Lake Lodge is located on the shores of Nita Lake and boasts an onsite spa, heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness centre with personal training, free canoe, kayak, paddleboard and bike rental and a free shuttle to Whistler Village.
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How can I access the mountains?

You’ll need to purchase a Summer Sightseeing Pass to access Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

How do I get around Whistler?

Whistler Village is pedestrianised and everything is within close walking distance. 

If you don’t fancy the walk to Lost Lake, there’s a free shuttle from post 4 in the Gondola Transit Exchange which runs throughout the summer.

To get to Creekside, we’d recommend taking the bus as parking is limited. Take either the number 10 or 20 bus south for approximately 10 minutes. The fare is $2.50 each way, however, between June and September, it’s free on weekends.

Alternatively, the best way to get around Whistler is to hire a bike and cycle along the Whistler Valley Trail. Cycling between Whistler Village and Creekside will only take about 30 minutes and you’ll pass some of the beautiful lakes mentioned above.

Do I need a visa?

You’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Canada as a UK passport holder. These are $7 and are valid for five years (or when the passport expires, whichever comes first).

How do I get to Whistler?

The closest airport to Whistler is Vancouver which is about an hour and a half south. Getting here is easiest and quickest with a car, especially if your visit to Whistler in summer is part of a longer trip. 

If you’re not driving, you can get a transfer from Vancouver and if you really want to arrive in style you can take a floatplane and land on Green Lake!

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Whistler in summer to maximise the activities in this guide is between July and September. In June, you’ll be able to do pretty much everything, however, the hiking will be limited due to the snow.

Whistler is extremely popular during school holidays so accommodation is limited and prices soar. If you’re not restricted on timings, we’d recommend visiting in September. July and August can also get very hot and there’s an increasing risk of wildfires.

October and November are usually very wet and you can’t access Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and the Peak 2 Peak is closed. December to April are for snow babies with endless winter activities!

Now that we’ve covered the logistics, here are the top things to do in Whistler in summer and along the Sea to Sky Highway.

Sea to Sky Highway

Driving to Whistler from Vancouver should take approximately one and a half hours, however, we wouldn’t recommend doing it in one go. Take your time as there are quite a few spectacular places to visit along the Sea to Sky Highway to break up the journey.

The Sea to Sky Highway’s name is very fitting as you’ll soon see. On your left is Howe Sound; the sea, stretching as far as the mountains to the north. On your right you have the dramatic mountainscapes; the sky.

Stawamus Chief

Your first main stop on the Sea to Sky Highway is Squamish, a great place to stretch your legs.

The Stawamus Chief is a massive cliff face and is one of North America’s largest granite monoliths. There are three distinct peaks all accessible from the main track so if time’s limited, you don’t need to summit all three.

The first peak is the closest to the car park and is a 4km round trip. This is where you’ll be rewarded with the best views of Howe Sound.

Andy and Helen on one of the peaks of Stawamus Chief, Squamish overlooking Howe Sound, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
The view over Howe Sound from the Stawamus Chief is magnificent!

The second peak is the largest and the third is the highest. Walking between the two you pass over the North Gully and here you’ll see an amazing view over Squamish and the Sea to Sky Highway.

Sea to Sky Gondola

An alternative to hiking the Stawamus Chief is the Sea to Sky Gondola where you can still experience the magnificent views over Howe Sound. Up here, you’ll also find lodges with refreshments, walking trails, suspension bridges and viewing decks.

Brandywine Falls

17km south of Whistler is the eye-catching Brandywine Falls. A 10-minute walk through the trees from the car park the 70m falls are well worth a stop and won’t take too much time. 

If you fancy spending a bit longer in this area, Brandywine Falls Provincial Park also provides hiking and mountain biking opportunities and an excellent place for a picnic at the viewpoint overlooking the falls.

The impressive Brandywine Falls immersed in lush greenery, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Brandywine Falls is a must-stop on your journey between Vancouver and Whistler
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Booking.com

Callaghan Valley

Continuing 10km north of Brandywine Falls, you’ll reach Callaghan Valley; an outdoor adventure playground that hosted several events in the 2010 Winter Olympics. 

As well as providing a plethora of winter activities, during the summer nestled amongst beautiful mountain scenery, you could easily spend a day.

View across Callaghan Valley and the surrounding Coast Mountains and lakes, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Callaghan Valley

Hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and one of the most thrilling ways to see the valley is quad biking!

Train Wreck

This is one of the most unique things to do in Whistler and is quite undiscovered by tourists.

In 1956 a freight train derailed in the area and rather than completely removing the cars, they were moved away from the tracks and left here in the forest.

Today, accessed by a suspension bridge and surrounded by hiking and biking trails, this site is a favourite among graffiti artists and photographers.

To access the site, you can either park at the Interpretive Forest Parking off Cheakamus Lake Road or walk from Cheakamus, turn right onto Jane Lakes Road and follow the signs to the Sea to Sky Trailhead.

A colourful graffiti painted train carriage immersed in thick greenery, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Train Wreck being reclaimed by nature is a beautiful spot to visit

Things to do in Whistler in Summer

Whistler is a massive adventure playground where the days are long and the activities are endless! 

From one of the many hiking trails to lakeside swimming, to bear viewing to paddleboarding, this town will always leave you wanting more. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Whistler in summer.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

First things first, get yourself up the mountains! The main highlight of any visit to Whistler in summer is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

This gondola holds the Guinness World Record for the longest and highest lift and it connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

Two cable cars on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola with vast mountain ranges beyond, Whistler in summer, Canada, British Columbia
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is a must on your trip to Whistler in summer!

The 4.4km, 11-minute journey will leave you speechless as you soar between the mountains. Offering unparalleled views over the town and its surrounding lakes, ancient glaciers, lush rainforest and dramatic mountain peaks.

Our Top Tip: wait for one of the black gondolas as they have glass bottoms.

Once you’ve ridden between the mountains, have lunch in one of the restaurants on either Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain. They both have lovely outdoor decks with stunning views!

Views over the lakes surrounding Whistler in summer from Whistler Mountain, British Columbia, Canada
Amazing views over Whistler and the surrounding lakes

The Peak 2 Peak pass also gives you access to over 50 kilometres of hiking trails on both mountains which we’ll talk more about later.

Also, a must; take Peak Chair! This chairlift whisks you to the peak of Whistler Mountain. You’ll feel on top of the world up here as you gaze over to Black Tusk in Garibaldi Provincial Park.

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Chill By a Lake

One of the best things to do in Whistler in summer is to visit one of the gorgeous surrounding lakes. 

Each lake is enveloped in beautiful scenery and each has a unique reason for visiting. A couple of lakes are easily walkable from Whistler Village, however, we’d recommend hiring a bike to reach those further out.

Lost Lake

Lost Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Whistler in summer as it’s the warmest to swim in and the closest to the Village. A 30-minute walk through the forest you’ll find this little gem. Perfect for a lazy afternoon with its grassy beach and pontoons.

Our Top Tip: if you rent a bike, you can also go for a lap of the Lost Lake Loop cycle trail before cooling off with a refreshing dip.

Alta Lake

Another popular lake for swimming and socialising is Alta Lake. There are several parks around Alta Lake to chill in. Lakeside and Wayside are walkable from the Village and Rainbow Park is accessible by car. All are accessible by bike.

View over Alta Lake to the snow-capped Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler in summer, British Columbia, Canada
Alta Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Whistler

We’d recommend Rainbow Park on the opposite side of the lake to Whistler Village as the views of Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain are absolutely breathtaking!

Alta Lake is also a popular spot for watersports as it’s a lot bigger than Lost Lake. If you’re feeling active, rent a paddleboard at Wayside, make your way to Rainbow Park, chill for an hour or so and paddle back.

Green Lake

This is the largest and deepest of the lakes in Whistler meaning it’s incredibly cold! 

Green Lake is another lake that’s popular for water-based activities including canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It’s a glacial lake so it’s not popular for swimming, except for cliff jumping!

A float plane on Green Lake in Whistler in summer with mountains in the background, British Columbia, Canada
Green Lake is the "airport" for floatplanes flying from Vancouver to Whistler

Green Lake is also the “airport” for the Vancouver to Whistler floatplanes. Grab some lunch at the restaurant at Nicklaus North Golf Course and watch them come into land.

Nita Lake

Nita Lake is a hidden treasure located in Creekside, about 4km from Whistler Village, and easily accessible by bus.

Although there’s no large grassy area to hang out on, there’s a little dock. It tends to be a lot quieter than the other lakes as it’s a bit too cold to swim in but it does make for an incredibly picturesque paddleboard.

Alpha Lake

Located on the other side of Creekside to Nita Lake, Alpha Lake has a large grassy area, a sandy beach, volleyball and tennis courts and a dock. It’s a favourite among locals as it’s closer to some of the residential neighbourhoods.

Rent a bike and Explore Whistler Valley Trail

One of the best things to do in Whistler in summer is to rent a bike and explore the Valley Trail. This fits nicely in next as it’s also the best way to get around the lakes. We spent most of our Whistler summer on bikes!

Helen's bike propped against a bench overlooking Green Lake with snow-capped mountains in the distance, Whistler in summer, British Columbia, Canada
Green Lake is a lovely place for a cycle

Many shops in Whistler Village offer bike rental and your hotel may do as well with discounted rental for guests.

Connecting Whistler Village with its lakes, neighbourhoods and scenic points, is over 40km of non-motorised trail known as the ‘Whistler Valley Trail’. If you get yourself on a bike, the more you can explore!

Unless you have a car, this is really the only way of getting to Rainbow Park on the other side of Alta Lake (unless you fancy going over the lake?!). Rainbow Park is the best spot in the area for views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Our Top Tip: watch out for bears! Especially if you’re on the trail early in the morning.

Green Lake next to the Whistler Valley Trail with mountains in the background, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler Valley Trail weaves around the lakes surrounding Whistler

Go Hiking

This one’s a given but you can’t come to Whistler in summer and not go hiking! Surrounded by hundreds of trails for hikers of all abilities, you’ll be spoilt for choice and rewarded with astonishing views and hidden gems.

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains

In Whistler itself, with your Peak 2 Peak pass, you’ll have access to numerous hiking trails on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Grab a trail map and head up Whistler Village Gondola. (Keep your eyes down on the lookout for bears!)

For an easy mellow stroll, check out the green paths. We’d recommend Peak Express Traverse which starts with a thrilling ride up Peak Chair to ‘The Top of the World’.

The blue Harmony Lake Loop is an intermediate hike just under 2km that descends through beautiful alpine forests. Our favourite hike is the High Note Trail. Starting at the top of Whistler Mountain, turn right and wrap around the backside. 

Our Top Tip: before going too far, make sure you have a photo at the famous Inukshuk!

Soak in the views from up here, they’re absolutely breathtaking! You’ll also notice the very distinguishable peak of Black Tusk on the skyline.

View from the top of Whistler Mountain overlooking Black Tusk in Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada
The view to Black Tusk from Whistler Mountain is iconic

The High Note Trail will reward you with the most scenic view of Cheakamus Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park. This hike is rated intermediate, is 9.5km and takes approximately 4 hours.

Incredible views from the top of Whistler Mountain overlooking Garibaldi Provincial Park and Cheakamus Lake in Whistler in summer, British Columbia, Canada
Cheakamus Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park

Joffre Lakes

An hour north of Whistler is Joffre Lakes; three striking blue lakes with a dramatic glacier backdrop.

Understandably, Joffre Lakes has become increasingly famous over the years. Allow for about 3-4 hours depending on fitness and how much time you spend enjoying each lake.

Our Top Tip: give yourself longer and continue hiking up to Matier Glacier. This is the only place you can see all three lakes lined up. Just look at those colours!!

Helen sat on a ledge by Matier Glacier overlooking Joffre Lakes in Whistler in summer, Canada, British Columbia
Magnificent view from Matier Glacier of Joffre Lakes

Garibaldi Provincial Park

About 20 minutes south of Whistler is Garibaldi Provincial Park where there are boundless hiking opportunities!

One of the most scenic destinations in British Columbia is the turquoise-coloured water of Garibaldi Lake. We guarantee your jaw will drop when you see the spectacular glacier and snow-capped peaks reflected in the water.

Black Tusk, the most recognisable peak from Whistler, is here. You’ll start the same way as Garibaldi Lake, but turn off left about 6km in, continue up alpine terrain and scramble up loose shale where you’ll feel well and truly on top of the world!!

The striking Black Tusk Lake and Helm Lake at the foot of the imposing Black Tusk, Garibaldi Provincial Park, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Black Tusk Lake and Helm Lake nestled underneath the imposing Black Tusk

The most epic hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park has to be Panorama Ridge!

Instead of turning left to Black Tusk after Taylor Meadows, you’ll continue through the meadow, passing streams and fields of wildflowers. The last section is pretty steep and definitely the hardest but we promise the views are SO worth it!!

Panoramic view over Panorama Ridge with the striking glacial Garibaldi Lake below and snow-capped mountains in the distance, Whistler in summer, British Columbia, Canada
The view from Panorama Ridge is one of the best views in Whistler

Our Top Tip: take two days and tick these magnificent spots off in one go. Leave early and hike to Garibaldi Lake, pitch your tent and have lunch. Then, hike to Black Tusk and the following morning to Panorama Ridge. Here is our detailed guide.

Rainbow Lake

One of our favourite hikes in Whistler in summer is Rainbow Lake.

This hike is easily accessible from the Village and is absolutely gorgeous! The trailhead is on the opposite side of Alta Lake, very close to Rainbow Park. 

Rainbow Lake is one of Whistler’s most striking and pristine alpine lakes. It’s also the source of the village’s drinking water so swimming and camping aren’t permitted.

The trail to the lake is mostly through forests and across creek bridges. A nice shelter from the sun.

View over Rainbow Lake to Wedgemount Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain in the distance, Whistler in summer, British Columbia, Canada
The view over Rainbow Lake is one of our favourites!

Allow a bit of time once you reach the lake to enjoy the wonderful views of Wedgemount and Blackcomb Mountains looming in the distance.

Andy and Helen sat on a log at the edge of Rainbow Lake in Whistler in summer, British Columbia, Canada
Rainbow Lake is one of the most spectacular hikes in Whistler

The hike is 16km round trip and we’d recommend allowing about six hours which should also give you time at the lake before your return journey.

Paddle Down the River of Golden Dreams

A ‘must-do’ for any Whistler local at least a couple of times each summer is to buy a crate of beer and paddle down the River of Golden Dreams in a blow-up dinghy.

If you’re only here for a few days and don’t want to buy a dinghy, you can book both guided and self-guided tours and rent canoes or kayaks.

This adventure starts at Alta Lake and takes you through the Whistler Wetlands down a beautiful scenic river and finishes at Green Lake.

This is a relaxing and unique way to see some of Whistler’s most epic scenery and will 100% be a highlight of your visit!

Our Top Tip: the water levels are constantly changing so bear this in mind when planning your trip. There may be a couple of points you have to get out of the river and carry your canoe if there’s not been any rain in a while.

Mountain Biking

With more than 80km of bike trails from beginner greens to expert double blacks, mountain biking in Whistler in summer is something everyone should try.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park draws in visitors from around the world with almost 5000 vertical feet of lift-serviced, adrenaline-pumping downhill trails.

A biker jumping in Whistler Bike Park with mountains in the background, British Columbia, Canada
Mountain biking in Whistler is world-renowned!

Our Tip Tip: take your bike up Peak Chair for magnificent views of Black Tusk and the surrounding Coast Mountains. You’ll find the chairlift itself a thrilling experience as you soar over an ancient glacier and crest over a 100-foot vertical cliff at the top!

Ziplining

One of the best and most exciting things to do in Whistler in summer and a great way to see the incredible scenery on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is ziplining!

The guides are extremely knowledgeable and as you whizz through the forest on an exhilarating adventure, you’ll also learn about Whistlers’ ecology and wildlife.

There’s a choice of tours ranging from those that have never ziplined before, to tours designed for families to groups and those craving adventure and thrills.

For those looking for the ultimate zipline experience, The Sasquatch is a must!! The Sasquatch is the longest zipline in Canada and the USA and spans more than 2km between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains!

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Booking.com

Bear Viewing

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are home to around 60 black bears so keep your eyes peeled!

You can join an experienced tour and travel in a 4X4 vehicle around the mountains to try and spot these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. 

With an experienced guide, you’ll not only maximise your chances of seeing bears, but you’ll also learn about the flora and fauna of the region and view bear feeding sites, daybeds and dens as well as bear viewing areas!

If you’re in Whistler for a while and have plenty of time to see the bears, one of the best places to see them is on the Whistler Village Gondola. 

Between the bike trails and the mountain restaurants is an area where people don’t go so you may just be lucky enough to see some playing in the grass.

Our Top Tip: the Whistler Golf Club before 8am is also a great place to spot some!

A black bear on the side of the Whistler Valley Trail in Whistler in summer, British Columbia, Canada
You may be lucky enough to see a black bear on the Whistler Valley Trail

Parkhurst Ghost Town

This forgotten relic of the past isn’t that well-known in Whistler so it’s a good place to go to escape the crowds and discover a local’s secret!

Parkhurst used to be an old logging town along the edge of Green Lake surrounded by forest. 

In 1926, Mrs Parkhurst, the original owner of the land sold it to The Barr Brothers Logging Company. It soon became filled with small houses, bunkhouses and a steam-powered mill. 

Seventy loggers lived and worked in the mill who named the town Parkhurst after the original owners. In the 1950s, the logging industry slowed and the town was left ghostly in 1966. Today, the town sits abandoned and is being reclaimed by nature. 

An abandoned house being reclaimed by nature in Parkhurst Ghost Town, Whistler, Canada, British Columbia
A house in Parkhurst Ghost Town being reclaimed by nature

Pay a visit to this empty settlement and wander around the graffiti-covered crumbling vehicles and buildings that remain.

The walk to reach Parkhurst is about 6km with 577 feet elevation gain so ideal for anyone. Also, it’s beautiful! On the loop back to Whistler you’ll see Green Lake and the surrounding mountains peeking through the trees.

Railway track next to the tranquil Green Lake shrouded in mist, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
On the way to Parkhurst you'll walk past the stunning Green Lake

Disc Golf

If you find yourself in need of a great afternoon activity with friends then give disc golf a go. It’s also a great way to see more of the region’s beautiful scenery as the game is played in the woods!

Scandinave Spa

If you’ve been pretty active, or even if you haven’t; a great way to end the day is in the Scandinave spa

This authentic Scandinavian spa invites you to rejuvenate after a long active day with magnificent mountain vistas. The spa is silent which allows you to immerse yourself in total tranquillity leading to complete relaxation.

Experience the unique sensation of alternating between the hot, cold and relaxation areas. Give yourself a few hours to go through the cycles.

View over the Scandinave Spa's multiple pools and relaxation rooms with mountains in the background, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Scandinave Spa is the perfect place for relaxation

Dining

Whistler has an extensive choice of dining options to suit all budgets and tastes. Whether it be casual pub grub or fine dining, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Here are some of our favourite restaurants in Whistler.

21 Steps

This was Helen’s favourite restaurant! A relaxed atmosphere with Canadian comfort food. You can choose from big portions to a selection of small plates; perfect for dinner with friends.

Our Top Tip: request a table by the window for views over Whistler Village.

Earls

Andy’s favourite restaurant because of the wings! An upscale chain serving gourmet comfort food at very reasonable prices. Earl’s has a patio looking out onto the Village stroll and it’s one of the last places in Whistler to capture the sun each day.

Our Top Tip: Happy Hour is twice a day with over 30 discounted food and drink items!

Bearfoot Bistro

We’re slightly biased about the Bearfoot Bistro as it was where Andy worked and Helen worked in The Listel Hotel where this restaurant is located. Nevertheless, this elegant French-style bistro will definitely impress!

If the 5-course tasting and wine pairing menu is stretching the budget, sit in the bar and savour some of the bar snacks – it has the tastiest poutine in the village!

For the full Bearfoot Bistro experience, before dinner, learn about the tradition of sabering in the underground cellar and even try it yourself. After dinner, head to the world’s coldest vodka tasting room with over 50 flavoured vodkas and taste your choice of 4.

4 of us doing a vodka ski shot in the World's Coldest Vodka Tasting Room at the Bearfoot Bistro, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
You can do a vodka ski shot at the Bearfoot Bistro

Our Top Tip: try the nitro ice cream. It’s made in front of you at your table and it will wonderfully top off your whole evening experience.

Pizzeria Antico

If pizza and craft beer are what tickles your taste buds, check out Pizzeria Antico. With a casual rustic setting and serving delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas, fresh pasta and salads. It also has the largest selection of craft beer on tap in Whistler.

Our Top Tip: Happy Hour is daily between 3pm and 5pm with all BC craft beers priced at $4.50 and 50% off Margherita pizza.

El Furniture Warehouse

With items on the menu starting from around $7, El Furniture Warehouse is a perfect budget-friendly option. The portions are huge and the menu has loads of options from burgers to tacos to salads. It’s also surprisingly tasty for how cheap it is!

Red Door Bistro

A firm favourite for us as this was our first date! A cosy high-end French fusion restaurant with an open kitchen behind the bar. It’s located in Creekside so you’ll need to drive, cycle or take the bus.

Our Top Tip: combine dinner here with drinks at Cure Lounge in Nita Lake Lodge next door for a perfect date evening.

Gone Village Eatery

This laid-back locally-owned hidden cafe is tucked behind a bookstore and is perfect for a cheap lunch. Either grab-and-go or sit inside. It’s a cosy little kitchen and dining area offering hearty portions for very good prices and a firm favourite among locals.

Nightlife

Whistler’s nightlife is legendary! With everything from live music, karaoke nights, après parties, cocktail evenings, cosy lounges, laid-back pubs and bars, lively nightclubs and huge sun-soaking patios. Whatever vibe you’re looking for, you’ll find it here!

Beacon

This is a great pub after a long day in the mountains. Located right in the heart of the village, a short stroll from the gondola, sit in the cosy indoors or outside on its sunny patio. There are a wide range of craft beers and wines to choose from and some good pub grub.

Tapleys

This was Whistler’s first pub and is a firm favourite among both locals and tourists. A lively venue whether it be playing sports, live music, pub quizzes or bingo, make sure you pay a visit to Tapleys.

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Brewhouse

Brewhouse has an on-site brewery and is visible from the restaurant. They sell their own handcrafted in-house brews and offer free tours and sampling on certain days of the week.

Situated in a busy area of the village with a patio that’s great for watching the world go by.

Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills has been a staple in Whistler for more than 20 years and it was hands-down our favourite place for a dance! Inside it’s got a rustic log cabin ambience and the DJ plays a range of music great for singing and dancing.

It’s a very spacious club with a huge dance floor, pool tables and booths you can reserve. You’re always guaranteed a good night at Bill’s!

FireRock Lounge

This is a lovely cosy intimate bar found in the Westin Hotel. Offering an extensive cocktail and wine menu in a warmly-lit chalet-style bar, this venue is perfect for a romantic evening.

We hope you have enjoyed our guide to Whistler in summer. As always, if you have any other questions feel free to comment or get in contact.

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