12-07-2025
Summer At Whistler Blackcomb Can Be Action-Packed Or Super Chill
The coolest ski town in Canada is transformed into a different kind of playground during warm weather months, when hiking and biking offer big thrills. There's also plenty of options for serious relaxing and sensational dining. Let's hit a few highlights at this world-class destination north of Vancouver, B.C.
Whistler Blackcomb Resort offers outdoor thrills year-round. The Cloudraker Skybridge high on the ... More mountain is a big draw during summer months, offering stunning views of the Coast Mountain range.
All the vertical without the climb
Start the day by boarding a high speed gondola to the top of one of the peaks for which this expansive resort is named. The well-used phrase about getting there is half the fun definitely applies as you soar above the treetops and drink in the spectacular mountain views in all directions. Wow.
Up top on the Blackcomb side, if you time the arrival to sync with an early lunch, grab a table at Christine's for a three-course feast that shines a light on local produce including a salad featuring greens picked to order, charred carrots from just up the road in Pemberton and goat cheese from Salt Spring Island.
While the Rendezvous Lodge and the base area might be buzzing with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, it's no sweat to break away from the crowds when you venture out on the easy-to-negotiate hiking trails. Grab a map to stay on track and get ready to capture some Instagram-worthy shots of those jagged, snow-capped peaks.
The Saudan Coulair at Whistler Blackcomb Resort in British Columbia is considered extreme skiing in ... More the winter months. Summer visitors can enjoy a up close view via the high-speed gondola in the summer months.
Peak-2-Peak for the win
After exploring the top of the Blackcomb area, hop on board the Peak-2-Peak gondola for a heart-racing ride high above the treetops. Scared of heights? You might want to skip this one, which offers one of the highest rides on the planet, soaring more than 1,400 above the deeply forested floor. Gulp.
On the Whistler side, visitors line up to pose in front of the Olympic rings commemorating the 2010 winter games. There's also a long list of eateries and watering holes in The Roundhouse where visitors can feast and drink, including the iconic Umbrella Bar with its 360-degree view.
Whistler might be best known as a world-class ski resort, but in the summer, it's all about mountain ... More biking and hiking.
To access the thrilling Cloudracker Skybridge, hike down the mountain a bit to the Peak Express chairlift that delivers another jolt of adrenalin. Making the short trek across that suspension bridge delivers you to a viewing platform called Raven's Eye. Take a deep breath and drink in that astonishing vista, which is nearly impossible to capture on that smartphone.
There are more trails to explore up top – bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, even if the temp's cool, you need those fluids – but all good things must end and the last gondola rides head down the mountain around 5 p.m. That return trip offers more thrills, especially you catch the steady stream of expert mountain bikers bombing down the course during the descent. This resort has become a magnet for riders from around the globe, many gathering for an annual festival in August called Crankworx. This year marks the event's 20th anniversary.
Lorette in Whistler Village offers an elevated Brasserie-style menu featuring classics such as a ... More salmon rillette finished with a delicate sliver of cured fish.
Hungry yet?
The time-honored description of 'something for everyone' truly hits when it comes to the food options at this bustling resort. There's all manner of grab-and-go meals and snacks at the excellent grocery store near the Village Square, which is also home to fast food staples like KFC and Dairy Queen. And, good luck, trying to snag a seat at the wildly popular taqueria, La Cantina.
On the high-end side, there's the legendary Araxi and its classy sibling restaurants, il Camentto and the recently expanded Bar Oso. Slightly tucked away, across from the Aava Hotel, Wild Blue serves an inventive lineup of seasonally-driven fare created by chef-owner Alex Chen and his stellar team. Current standouts put a fun spin on some classics: A cauliflower Caesar that doesn't shy away from the umami bomb delivered by bits of anchovy, a beautiful vongole celebrating the giant clam known as geoduck and the sensational sablefish finished table-side with an intense sauce made from roasted fish bones.
It's essential to leave room for that final course at Wild Blue, with pastry chef Carl Sanchez elevating sweets to an art form. Want proof? Order the celebration of summer strawberries, which includes an incredibly elegant presentation of shave ice. That shareable dish includes an assortment of toppings begging for the creation of a sundae-like treat that will make you feel like a kid again.
The elegant strawberry shave ice dessert at Wild Blue in Whistler Village is a tribute to summer's ... More favorite fruit. Pastry chef Carl Sanchez created a selection of fun accompaniments including tiny meringue, boba and dried berries.
