10 fun things to do in Whistler this summer

For an unforgettable summer vacation to Whistler, BC, try these 10 fun activities.

Whistler, BC is your base camp for adventure, just 1.5 hours from Vancouver!
Image credit: Tourism Whistler

By: Rachael Hopwood

The long days of summer are perfect for getting active outdoors and making the most of the warm weather. This is especially true if you happen to be spending summer in Whistler. While this Canadian mountain resort town is most famous as a winter ski destination, the months of June through August provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy an abundance of adrenaline-fuelled activities and explore the breathtaking Whistler backcountry.

Go Axe Throwing: We start our list of activities with one of the best things to do in Whistler – axe throwing! Originally reserved as an entertainment source for lumberjacks, axe throwing is now a bona fide sport and a popular party idea. Forged Axe Throwing has everything you and your group need to get started and will help you on your way to hitting your first bullseye. The venue recently took home the Whistler Excellence Award for Best Experience Service in the small business category.

Try Axe Throwing in Whistler!
Image credit: Forged Axe Throwing

Freefall: There are a ton of unforgettable ways to take in the views in Whistler – from helicopters to seaplanes, gondolas to good old-fashioned hikes. But few compare to the view you’ll get when you jump out of a plane 10,000 ft with Whistler Skydiving. Just go easy on the breakfast!

Head out on an RZR Tour: For those seeking a faster paced afternoon of sightseeing, try The Adventure Group’s RZR Tours. Put on a helmet, fasten your seatbelt and hurtle through the Whistler backcountry behind the wheel of a 2-seat or 4-seat RZR. The various routes take in some of the region’s most impressive scenery, with trails passing glacier-fed lakes against a backdrop of the West Coast’s most infamous rainforest. Photographers will capture the fun along the way so you can purchase your pics later on.

Offroading around Whistler, BC
Image credit: The Adventure Group – RZR Tours

Take a Hike: Whistler is regarded as a hiker’s paradise by those in the know, offering up trails of varying difficulty. Whether you opt for the shade of a forest trail or the challenge of a steep mountain climb, there’s an abundance of beauty waiting to be explored. The Valley Trail remains one of the most popular routes for hiking in Whistler and this paved network connects all the major neighbourhoods, lakes, viewpoints and picnic spots.

Spectacular scenery makes Whistler a hiker’s dream come true!
Image credit: Tourism Whistler

Whitewater Rafting: Cool off from the summer heat and ride the wild waters of Whistler with Wedge Rafting. Expect the Class 1 to Class 4 rapids to give you something of a turbulent ride, as you and your fellow passengers work together to combat this natural challenge posed by the pristine rivers.

Lots of whitewater awaits in Whistler!
Image credit: Wedge Rafting

Soar across the valley: Ziplining has become a must-do Whistler activity, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. There are loads of different options available in the summer, including the monstrous 2 km Sasquatch zipline. You’ll probably want to take a deep breath as you step off the edge, but the Superfly Ziplines team will be there to keep you safe and help you enjoy this bucket list activity.

Ziplining: for thrillseekers only!
Image credit: Superfly Ziplines

Play a round of golf: A round of golf is perhaps one of the most relaxing ways to spend a summer afternoon in Whistler, and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course has two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole Par 3 course. Set against a stunning mountain backdrop, the courses are challenging for the low handicapper, playable for the occasional golfer and enjoyable for all.

See Whistler from above: To see Whistler from a totally different perspective, take to the skies and enjoy an aerial view of the Coast Mountains. A helicopter tour is one of the best ways to see the beautiful backcountry of British Columbia and take plenty of photos along the way.

Helicopter tours offer the opportunity to explore the backcountry, or even visit a glacier!
Image credit: Blackcomb Helicopters

Go Biking: Whether you’re an avid mountain biker or more casual cyclist, Whistler has a trail to suit you. Like hiking, biking is one of the area’s best summer activities and you’ll find plenty of mountain biking rentals in Whistler too. To see the world’s best performers on two wheels, check out the Crankworx Festival in August.

Whistler’s mountain biking is legendary for a reason.
Image credit: Tourism Whistler

Slide like an Olympian: Ever wanted to know what it really feels like to fly down the track in a metal cart going 90 km/h? Well, now you can! Be an Olympian for a day and try out the bobsleigh on the actual track from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Summer deal: Youth aged 12-18 slide free with a paying adult.