Sunny Days and Mountain Plays – Whistler Summer 2023 Guide

Whistler is world-renowned as a winter wonderland. What you may not know is that hidden under the winter white is a summer playground that is arguably even more fun than winter (controversial, we know). While we can’t pick a favourite season, we certainly recommend you come and see for yourself if summer in Whistler lives up to this bold claim.

Whistler summers are beloved for endless outdoor adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and a calendar packed with exciting events – Whistler summer 2023 promises to be no different. While our views are timeless, each summer is a little different in Whistler. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a Whistler summer regular, the info below will prepare you for an unforgettable visit this summer.

Whistler Blackcomb’s Elevated Adventures

With just a short chairlift or gondola ride, you can be transported to an alpine environment for you to explore. This summer, all of our summer favourites are back, with operations are slightly altered for the Fitzsimmons Chair upgrade project. Uploading for sightseeing is where you will see the most changes this summer. For full hours of operation, please refer to Whistler Blackcomb’s hours of operation information page.

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

The world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK gondola is reopening on June 10, 2023. It can be accessed via the Blackcomb Gondola starting June 10, 2023.

LOCAL TIP

Remember to pack a picnic lunch to be enjoyed somewhere scenic. Portobello’s Alpine Picnic package has everything you need to stay fueled on your adventures. Get yours while picking up your morning coffee en-route to upload.

Snow Walls

Mother Nature was generous with helpings of snow this winter. That means we can look forward to deep snow walls this summer. They typically open early to mid-June and are open until they melt into the summer sun. You can find the snow walls on Whistler Mountain along Pika’s and Matthews Traverse accessed via the Peak Chair.

Cloudraker Suspension Bridge

Get a new perspective on Whistler with a walk across the Cloudraker Suspension Bridge. Located right beside the Peak Chair you can explore this wonder on its own or as the start to an alpine hike.

• PLEASE NOTE: to access the Cloudraker Skybridge guests need to ride the open Peak Express chairlift. To ride the Peak Express, guests must be 40” (3.3 feet or 1 M) or taller and must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Children must be taller than 40” and 12 years or older to ride alone.
• The Cloudraker Skybridge will span 130m from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge, crossing high above Whistler Bowl.
• The Raven’s Eye consists of a viewing platform with 360° views from Whistler’s Peak.
• The cantilevered walkway will extend 12.5m out from the West Ridge, with exhilarating views well above Whistler Bowl.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park

For those craving two-wheeled adrenaline adventures the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is for you. This summer’s upload is via the Whistler Village Gondola. Additional lift-accessed terrain including the Garbanzo, Creek and Peak zones will be opening later in the season.

Music In The Mountains

Music just sounds better surrounded by mountains. We are delighted to share that the Whistler Presents Summer Concert Series will be returning to Olympic Plaza this year. From symphony orchestras to rock and dj’s it features a little something for everyone. To learn more about this year’s lineup read – MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: WHISTLER SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Lakes and Parks

Our little valley is filled with lakes and parks for you to explore. The best way to see them all for yourself is by biking. We welcome you to bring your own, which we can safely store for you. We also offer paddleboarding, morning lake dips and Lake Loop bus tours as part of our Whistler Experience Guide program.

Every summer, you can enjoy free Lost Lake park shuttles, which are in addition to free local transit on weekends this summer. The shuttle runs daily from  June 17 to September 4, every 20 minutes between 11 AM to 6 PM on the 10’s, 30’s and 50’s between the Village (at the  Gondola Transit Exchange Post 4) and Lost Lake Park beach (no shuttles from 3:10 PM to  3:30 PM). The shuttle is wheelchair accessible and stops at all Whistler transit stops between Gondola Transit Exchange and Lost Lake Parking Lot.

Please note that summer of 2023 Rainbow Park will be closed for planned upgrades.

Sip & Savour

Whistler is a feast for your senses; it’s also an excellent place for actual feasts. Your Chateau favourites, including the Mallard patio, Fairmont Fridays, the Cabana at the pool, The Grill Room and The Wildflower are here for you to enjoy with some fresh flavours to sip and savour.

New this year, you can now bring your dog onto our restaurant patios so they can enjoy après with the family. Portobello has also just launched alpine picnics. They perfectly pack to be enjoyed in scenic spots. You can order yours online to pick up on route to adventure.

Tennis & Pickleball

We’re bringing a new sport to our courts. New this year are four regulation pickleball courts. Book court time and play on your own or join one of our many clinics and mixers organized by the Whistler Experience Guides. We have racquets and balls available on-site for rental and included with your resort activity fee.

The long days of summer can fly by surprisingly fast, so don’t delay when planning your Whistler summer getaway. Stay longer to Experience Fairmont Moments and you can save up to 25% off our stay. Also, if Whistler is in your BC backyard, you can enjoy special savings for BC residents.