Whistler is a winter bucket list destination for most, but it is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts in the summer. With scenic mountain hikes, icy lake dips, forest trails, and slow mornings wandering through the village with a coffee in hand, Whistler makes for the perfect summer weekend escape. Here’s how to make the most of your getaway to one of my favourite mountain towns.
How to get there
Whistler is a scenic two hour drive from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway. The drive itself is one of the highlights of the trip, with the winding roads, views of towering rock faces, waterfalls, alpine forests, glaciers, snow capped mountains, and stunning views of Howe Sound.
I suggest hiring a car, however, if you’re not up for driving, shuttle buses run from downtown Vancouver and from the airport, making it easy to get here even without a car.
When to visit
Whistler is magical year round, though this post focuses on the summer months. For a summer getaway, I recommend visiting between June and September, when the weather is ideal for hiking, lake days, and spending time outdoors.
Whistler gets busy in July and August, but there’s a reason for it. This is when the village is alive with markets, events, and endless outdoor activities. Just keep in mind that booking accommodation early is a good idea if you’re visiting during this season.
If you’re planning a winter trip instead, check out my Whistler in Winter travel guide for everything you need to know about visiting during snow season.
Where to stay
Whistler has accommodation options for every type of trip, whether you want to stay right in the middle of the village or somewhere a little quieter. For a luxury stay, Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Four Seasons Resort Whistler are both nice options with mountain views and easy access to the village. Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre is a great choice if you want to stay right in the heart of Whistler Village, within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the gondolas.
If you’re after something a little more relaxed, Nita Lake Lodge in Creekside has a quieter feel and beautiful lake views, while still only being a short drive or shuttle into the main village.
You can explore more options and book your stay using the booking.com widget below.
Day One
Late Afternoon: Assuming you’re coming from Vancouver, begin your weekend with a scenic drive along the Sea to Sky Highway. Be sure to stop at a few lookouts along the way to stretch your legs and soak in the stunning scenery. Some spots worth checking out are Shannon Falls, a beautiful waterfall just minutes off the highway; Porteau Cove, a peaceful oceanfront stop with a little pier and mountain views; and Browning Lake at Murrin Provincial Park, where you can take a short walk around the water. Another stop worth making is Tantalus Lookout, a roadside pull off with panoramic views of Mt Tantalus.
If you have some extra time, consider spending a day or two exploring Squamish. Many of the stops mentioned above can easily be combined into a weekend trip.
Dinner: Once you’ve arrived in Whistler, check into your hotel, then head over to Creekbread for dinner. This cosy spot is famous for its wood fired pizza, and we recommend trying the Lumberjack and the Pepperoni & Mushroom, both were really good. It can get busy, especially on Friday evenings, so making a reservation is definitely a good idea if you’re visiting with a group. While you’re in the area, explore the Whistler Creekside area, take a few. It’s quieter than the main village and has a more laid back kind of vibe. If time allows, go for a walk around the peaceful Nita Lake, which is also worth a visit while you’re here.
Day Two
Morning: Start your morning with breakfast at Stonesedge Kitchen, in Whistler Village. With a menu full of brunch favourites, it’s the perfect spot to fuel up before a full day of exploring.
Late Morning: After breakfast, head up the mountain for one of Whistler’s most scenic hikes, High Note Trail. This 9.5 km loop winds through alpine meadows and offers incredible views of Cheakamus Lake and the surrounding mountains. As the trailhead is at the summit of Whistler Mountain, you’ll need to purchase a Summer Alpine Experience ticket. It’s one of the more expensive hikes, but is worth every cent. It’s truly one of the most beautiful hikes we’ve done.
After catching the gondola from Whistler Village, take the Peak Express chairlift to the top of the mountain. From there, you can begin the hike. You can also begin from the Roundhouse Lodge, however for the best experience, I recommend starting at the summit, hiking counterclockwise. This way, you’ll be heading downhill for most of the route and enjoying the best views of the lake along the way. Begin the hike by crossing the Cloudraker Skybridge, a thrilling suspension bridge with jaw dropping views of the valleys and mountains. After the Skybridge, the trail drops down and winds through meadows and ridges, with incredible views the whole way.
Make the most of your pass by riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the world’s highest and longest lift system, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. You can do this either before or after your hike, depending on how you want to plan your day.
- Pre-hike: From the base of Upper Village, catch the Blackcomb Gondola to Rendezvous Lodge. From there, hop on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. This will take you to the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Once you’re at Roundhouse, take the Peak Express chairlift to the summit to begin your hike.
- Post-hike: After completing High Note, you’ll finish right at the Roundhouse. From there, hop on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb. If you’re up for it, grab a drink at the Umbrella Bar and soak in more of the mountain views. Then take the Blackcomb Gondola down to Blackcomb Base. From there, it’s about a 10 minute walk back to Whistler Village.
Evening: After a full day of exploring, head to Splitz Grill, a laidback burger joint where you can build your own creation or pick one of their creative options from the menu. End your day with a sweet treat and grab some ice cream from Cows or Lucia Gelato. Then, spend the rest of the evening wandering around Whistler Village.
Day Three
Morning: Start your Sunday at the Whistler Farmers Market. Open on Sundays from May to October in Upper Village Stroll, at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Here you can wander through local produce stands, discover handmade goods, and grab a few tasty treats.
Late Morning: After browsing the market, head to the Whistler Train Wreck for a unique hike. This short forest trail leads you across suspension bridges over the rushing Cheakamus River. It then continues to a cluster of abandoned train cars that have sat hidden in the woods since 1956, each now covered in layers of colourful graffiti.
The trailhead is about a 10 minute drive from Whistler Village. We parked in a pull off along the highway and did the hike backwards. Though, it turns out there’s a proper “Train Wreck Parking” lot off Jane Lakes Road. From there, follow the sign for the Sea to Sky Trail. If you’re using public transit, BC Transit’s Line 10 bus runs from Whistler Village to the HI Whistler Hostel. From here it’s a 10 minute walk from the trailhead.
Lunch: After your hike, stop by Peaked Pies for lunch. A road trip staple in Australia, I hadn’t had a meat pie with tomato sauce since we left Aus, so this one really hit the spot.
Afternoon: Next, head to Lost Lake via the scenic Valley Trail. This easy to follow path connects Whistler Village to several lakes, including Lost Lake. It’s a great spot for a swim on a warm summer day or to cool off after your hike. You’ll find people swimming, paddle boarding and sunbathing along the shoreline.
We parked in the day lots, near Whistler Village and walked. Though limited, there is parking available at the Lost Lake lot just off Lost Lake Road. If you’re visiting during the summer season and not feeling up for the walk, you can also catch the free local shuttle from Whistler Village to Lost Lake.
Late Afternoon: Finish your day at Green Lake. If you’re up for it, you can continue along the Valley Trail or take a short drive to the lake. To get there, park at Meadow Park Sports Centre or take the Route 6 bus from Whistler Village to the Meadow Park Sports Centre.
If you have a car, it’s worth checking out the Green Lake Boat Launch area at sunset. There’s a small table here, or you can bring a picnic and blanket to sit on the small jetty. It’s a beautiful to watch the mountains turn pink as the sun sets.
Dinner: If a picnic isn’t your thing, head back to Whistler Village for dinner at El Furniture Warehouse. They offer a range of delicious options, including salads, tacos, and burgers, along with plenty of epic cocktails! It’s a spot we keep coming back to, and it’s the perfect place to end your trip before heading back to Vancouver.
Tips for Your Whistler Weekend
- Packing: Bring layers, as mountain weather can be unpredictable, even in summer. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and good hiking shoes.
- Parking: There is day parking near the village, with oversized lots available. Be sure to download the PayByPhone Parking app to top up your balance easily throughout the day. Come early, as the lots fill up quickly.
- Getting Around: Whistler is very walkable, and you can easily get around the village and nearby attractions by foot or bike. There are also convenient shuttles that can help you get to spots like Lost Lake, Green Lake, or the Train Wreck Trail.
- Booking Ahead: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on summer weekends. Be sure to book your accommodation and any activities in advance to avoid missing out.
- Lift tickets: If you plan to do popular activities like the Peak 2 Peak gondola, book your tickets online ahead of time to skip the queue.
Final Thoughts:
Whistler is the kind of place that keeps you coming back. If you have more time, or are already planning your next trip back, hikes like Panorama Ridge, Garibaldi Lake, and Wedgemount Lake are all still on my own list to do one day.
If you’re also spending time in the city, I’ve put together a guide to the best hikes near Vancouver, including some great day trips like this.
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