Under two hours from Vancouver, Whistler is a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike. The escape into the mountains is usually a winter thing, but after living in the tourist hotspot for a full year I'd argue summer is the time to go and explore.
Obviously, I (like many people) moved to the ski town to, well, ski. Summer in the dreamy village surprised me though, and there's a lot to do in the area when the sun is out and the slopes are shut down for the season.
If you're headed to B.C. for a summer trip, or a Vancouver local wanting a little weekend getaway, then hop on the Sea-To-Sky and explore the winter escape in its off-season.
Spend the day at Lost Lake
Set back in Lost Lake Park with trails all around, this lake is a beautiful escape into nature. Although it's normally pretty busy it feels tucked away, enclosed by thick forest and lush nature. It was one of my favourite parks to go to for that reason, and the fact that there was lots of space to lay out, so you could settle in for the day here.
There's also usually food trucks here too, which is an added bonus.
Go zip-lining
I went zip-lining when a few of my friends came to visit me, and it honestly was a highlight of my summer.
Canada's longest zip-line is in Whistler, and although slightly scary, it was super fun. Ziptrek will take you up the gondola, so you also get a sweet view of the mountains with your adventure.
You'll then walk onto the platform, which is set high up in the trees – making for a beautiful and terrifying start. The long zipline above the valley will have you flying through the air at about 100 kilometres per hour, and will give you unbelievable views of the area. The rolling hills and towering mountains on every side make this one of the most unreal experiences I did.
Take the gondola up for a hike
There are a ton of beautiful hikes in the area, and although High Note Trail requires you to pay for the gondola ride up to Whistler's Peak, it's worth it.
Because you start out on the top of the mountain you're getting uninterrupted views of the mountain range beyond the entire hike. Then there's the view of Cheakamus Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park off in the distance, the fields of wildflowers, and little creeks along the way.
It was hands-down my favourite hike in Whistler, and I would recommend it to anyone visiting.
Check out the mountain bikers, or brave the trails yourself
I'm not a big mountain biker by any means, but they flood to Whistler in the warmer months, populating the mountain with wheels instead of skis.
Although I didn't participate in the adrenaline-pumping activity I loved watching them go down the mountain. Crankworx, the massive mountain biking event that comes into town, was especially cool to see. It's incredibly impressive to watch, especially from a patio with a drink in hand.
Explore the abandoned train wreck
Again, there are a lot of breahtaking hikes in town, but this one is unique in that it leads you to an abadndoned train wreck in the middle of the forest.
Whistler Train Wreck Trail has old train boxcars scattered around one area, left there from a 1956 crash and now covered in graffiti. Next to the soehwat haunting scene is a beautiful waterfall, with cascadeing emeralds green waters, and a suspension bridge you can walk along. The trail is only two kilometres so a perfect afternoon activity with a cool story behind it.
Go out to Pemberton
Okay so this isn't technically a Whistler activity, but if you're in the area it's worth driving 30 minutes further to visit the tiny town of Pemberton.
You'll feel like you're far away from the city life here, so you wander around picturesque trails and take in the beauty of the surroundings. Make sure to visit North Arm Farms while there, which is a quaint farm that sells tasty treats and has a breathtaking view of Mount Currie.
If you really want to level things up then go for a horseback trail ride here, which will take you through a rushing river and past stunning scenery.
Walk around the market on a Sunday
Whistler has a farmers' marker every Sunday from May until October where you can wonder around and check out the local vendors. It's set up outside at the base of Blackcomb and it's the perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday morning.
Theres food, cool art, and tasty treats and also shops here in the village you can stop by after.
Bike along the trail system past the lakes
A paved trail winds its way throughout Whistler, and it'll take you past all of the signature views of the area. I loved renting a bike in the village and spending the day outside.
Following the Valley Trail, you'll go by the stunning bright waters of Green Lake, pass by ancient trees, and go past the parks here. I'd recommend taking your time and stopping by Rainbow Park for a picnic on the grassy area, and then head to Nita Lake Lodge for a treat after. You can go all the way to Creekside on the trail and check out the smaller village, which has it's own cute storefronts to checkout.
If biking isn't your thing then you can also just walk along this trail. It will take you past some of the beautiful sparkling lakes in Whistler which are the highlights of summer in the town. You can even rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and explore from the water, or opt for a dip in one of them.
Alta Lake is known to be the warmest of the lakes, making it the perfect place to go for a swim on a warm summer's day.
This is just a taste of what I loved to do in Whistler during the summer months, but there's endless beauty and adventure to explore here.
Zipline.
Morgan Leet on the zipline. 