The Gentle Traveller: Whistler

Whistler ain’t just snow-capped mountains and cute snowboarders, although we love those things, too.

The local saying is that people come for the winter but stay for the summer. It’s true. Summer is our favourite season here and this is why:

Lake-to-Lake Paddling

Grab a kayak, canoe, paddleboard or inner tube and paddle from calm Alta Lake, through a barely-visible parting in the reeds, down the curvaceous River of Golden Dreams – a narrow, snake-like waterway with encroaching trees and beaver dams – and re-emerge in Green Lake, where the water is, well, emerald green. 

Whistler Eco Tours is the only outfitter that does the full lake-to-lake paddle, as they have a base at both lakes.

Hiking Blackhomb

While snapping photos at the top of Blackcomb Mountain is nice, you can escape the crowds by strolling a few minutes to the Alpine Walk, a 1.6 km loop trail. There’s a network of 18 trails on top of Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, spreading over 50 kilometres.

The Farmers Market

From June to October, every Sunday (and Wednesdays in July and August) brings local farmers to the Upper Village. We like buying organic produce and bringing it back to a place like the Delta Whistler Village Suites, where we can prepare meals in our full kitchen.

The Patio (and food) at Ciao-Thyme Bistro

We love hanging out on the flower-filled patio of Ciao-Thyme Bistro to munch on a mostly locally-sourced menu. Executive Chef Ryan Liebrecht cooks non-processed and non-medicated food and makes everything in-house.  

Other eateries we like are Alta Bistro, a high end restaurant focused on local and naturally-raised food, and Christine’s on Blackcomb, with many Oceanwise seafood options. 

Outdoor Accomodation

A 10-minute cycle from the Village is Riverside Resort campground. Our favourite camping/cabin hybrid to sleep in is the yurt, circular “tents” on platforms with bunk beds.

Renting a bike gets you pretty much anywhere in Whistler (the Valley Trail runs through the 40-acre campground and takes you back to the Village, or take the free shuttle), so there’s really no need for a car!

From Vancouver to Whistler

We like to take a combo of the train and bus when going to Whistler. Head up with the Rocky Mountaineer train, a 3.5 hour sightseeing train that shows off the Sea to Sky corridor in all its glory, and return with Pacific Coach, a two-hour bus journey.

Either way, you can spend your time gawking at the scenery instead of on the steering wheel: this route is considered one of the best drives in the world.

Oh, and yes, there are cute snowboarders in Whistler in the summer, too.

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What are your favourite things to do in Whistler? We want to hear 'em - post in the comments below.

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