Whistler, BC.
The warmer months edition.
Whistler Blackcomb is known as the greatest ski resort in North America, home to tens of thousands of ski bums and family holidays from the moment the first flurry falls from the sky. But that doesn’t mean the rest of the year sucks, in fact there will be many mountain bikers and hikers who would argue that the warmer months are even better! Here is your Whistler Blackcomb guide -The Summer Edition.
Whistler Blackcomb lives along the Sea-To-Sky highway, a breathtaking route that takes you from Vancouver all the way to Pemberton 2.5 hours away. The area makes up of Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton; they encompasses all that the Pacific North West offers, from beautiful mountain ranges and temperate rainforests, to quiet ocean coves and glacial lakes. It’s no surprise that every other person living there is an outdoors fanatic, opting for a more do-it-yourself lifestyle, and a routine removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. And as the snow starts to melt and the days get warmer, the rest of us folk go to visit for a taste of it all.
SNOW IN SUMMER.
I mean, who knew.
But yes, for those of you who are in denial of the changing seasons, you can experience the remnants of the snowy months a little longer in Whistler -until as late as July-early August! After a successfully snow-engulfed Winter, there’ll be enough of a base layer to last until late May for you to enjoy some fun, slushy skiing.
The gondola is open in the summer so you can take a ride up to the middle (midstation) or top of the mountain on both Whistler and Blackcomb. Have a walk around, take a couple (= dozens) of pictures, sit and enjoy the view for longer than you think you’ll end up doing, and head back down in time for a nap before dinner. Orrrrr you can take a walk on one of the hiking trails. There’s plenty of hikes up top all with varying lengths, scenery and difficulty; and if you pick the right trail you might come across the infamous snowy walls. When I last found them they were three times my height! On Whistler mountain there’s also the fun of the suspension bridge, accessed by taking the Peak Chairlift - such incredible views and you can see Black Tusk, the neighbouring frosted mountain tops and all the lakes below.
THE LAKES.
If you can’t tell by all these images, frollicking at the lakes around Whistler is one of my favourite ways to spend the summer days. With so many lakes, all of them varying in temperature, ambiance and shades of blue-green, there’ll be one just right for you. While the glacial-fed water will be cold enough to give you goosebumps all summer, you’ll be so thankful on the hot, dry, and sticky summer’s days - there’s no better way to wash off all that perspiration like a cryotherapy-type swim!
Green Lake with its cloudy minerally pastel-green hue (you can spot Green Lake in some the images in this blog post) is a popular spot for locals with boats, you’ll be sure to see a wake-boarder or three whizz by you.
Lost Lake is a popular one for its proximity to the Village - only a 20 minute walk along the Lost Lake Trail from the main parking lots. My favourite spot is the “nudist dock” at the far end of the lake, where I can strip off my bikini top and avoid tan lines. If you’re not afraid to free-the-nip too, this is a great spot where you can avoid any side glances from others and feel comfortable - of course, there might be a few other lass’ and lads who are doing the same. If that’s not your kind of vibe then there’s a huge beach where you can even play volleyball.
Alta Lake isn’t too far either! Attached to Rainbow Park, it has a similar vibe to Lost Lake but much, much bigger. The beach here gets very busy very quickly on summer weekends so best to get there earlier rather than later. There’s also a spot called Blueberry Docks, a row of docks for you to chill on and dip your toes in the water as you read.
Over towards Creekside you have a few lakes as well, starting with Nita Lake. Most people may know this lake due to the popular luxurious hotel Nita Lake Lodge which backs onto it. They have their own private dock and is a stunning place to stay if you want to relax in your bath robe at 11am but be able to go out for a paddle at noon.
Sure, it’s just another lake but Alpha Lake has a lot of non-aquatic activities around with their tennis courts, an off-leash dog park and a kids playground -even a designated dog dock! Bring your stand-up paddle board and get out and active.
Forgot your swimsuit for the lakes? Don’t worry, because The Beach Whistler in the village will have all the cute ‘kinis from all the brands that you’ll normally have to pay duties on if you ordered it yourself!
ACTIVITIES.
If you’re not really one for the outdoor adventures (don’t want to get lost in the woods), frollicking in unchlorinated water (um, leeches?), or nature in general (too many bugs), then fret not for there are other activities to enjoy.
Whistler is a popular spot for golfing - I should know because that’s all my dad does when he comes up here. There’s quite a few golf courses around [Nicklaus North, Whistler Golf Club, Fairmont Chateau], and it’s not uncommon for a bear or two to show up and munch on the dandelions around. You can’t say you experience that at every golf course! But don’t worry, the bears are harmless as long as you don’t hit the ball at them or approach them, just leave them be or ask the golf course for any cautionary measures you need to know.
Scandinave Spa is one of the not-so-hidden jewels of Whistler and I’ve never had a bad day there. A beautiful spa that focuses on hydrotherapy with multiple indoor and outdoor baths, steam and dry saunas, and massage therapy. The hot-and-cold cycle is a long-practiced relaxation method to detox and release tensions.
If you’re looking for some Whistler exclusive things then definitely visit one of the few micro-breweries around. My favourites are Coast Mountain and Whistler Brewing, and they both offer a myriad of brews on tap. You can always take some beers to go for your evening beers in your hotel room, or take some back home to relive some memories.
As a lover of art and museums, I’m so happy to see that there some art centres in Whistler and are well worth a visit. The Audain Art Museum has a beautiful space both inside and out, and has an extensive Pacific North West coast art collection. Run by the Indigenous Tourism Association, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre celebrates the Squamish and Lil’wat nations who are from this area. They offer events, cultural activities, and learning resources of these two nations. As Whistler resides on their land it is an honour to learn about the history of the region and the nature we’re all enjoying.
A family run farm located in Pemberton, just 20-minutes north of Whistler, North Arm Farms is a fun family spot to spend the day. Various fruit pickings, feeding the chickens and piglets, eating fresh ice cream, how could you not have a good time out there. They also sell fresh farm produce for you to take home, which is always a win in my books!
