Contributed by Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel
Host to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and home to Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, Whistler is a bucket-list destination for many winter travellers.
But did you know, it’s now the town’s summer activities that attract approximately 56% of its 2.7 million visitors each year?
Just 90 minutes from Vancouver and four hours from Seattle, Whistler is an outdoor enthusiast’s Mecca. In the valley, you’ll find 185 miles of maintained hiking and biking trails, 15 public parks and five lakes, as well as 99 miles of alpine hiking trails and 6 miles of alpine running trails on Whistler Blackcomb alone.
The ways to play, relax and be inspired include everything from summer favourites, such as hiking, biking, stand-up paddleboarding, and horseback riding, to rock climbing, sailing, yoga and international festivals.
There’s a local saying in Whistler: “Winter is why you come, but summer is why you stay.” So here’s our guide to the best things to see, do and experience in Whistler this summer.
Summit Lodge Loves
Each item on this list has been given two big thumbs-up by Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel staff. Not only for the life-long memories they create, but also for their commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious business practices in the Whistler valley.
Historic Li-lik-hel Gold Mine Expedition
With: Copper Cayuse Outfitters
Spend three days and two nights exploring BC’s spectacular Coast Mountain Range and visiting the old Li-lik-hel gold mine.
Whistler Peak Via Ferrata
With: Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures
Hike, scramble and rock climb your way from the base of to the very peak of Whistler mountain via the “iron road” Via Ferrata.
Skywalk Trail to Iceberg Lake
Where: Rainbow Mountain, Whistler
Wind through coastal temperate rainforest up Whistler’s newest high-alpine hiking trail on this self-guided adventure to the crystal waters of Iceberg Lake.
David McColm’s Alpine Photography Tour
With: Whistler Blackcomb
Get exclusive access to the Whistler Blackcomb alpine for sunset, as well as tips and guidance from one of the best in the industry.
River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour
With: Canadian Wilderness Adventures
Paddle your canoe down the river from Alta Lake to Green Lake on a three-hour adventure. It doesn’t get much more Canadian than this.
Summit Lodge is a boutique hotel in Whistler with a big goal: to improve the health and wellbeing of the plant by getting people outdoors, one person at a time. They believe that to take care of others and the environment we must first take care of ourselves. Most people will wait until the New Year to change the daily habits that could be having negative effects on their health, but they think there’s no better time to start than right now!
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