If you are looking for the best things to do in Whistler with kids this summer then you are in the right place! Whistler is one of the best resorts in North America and the number one resort in Canada. But it is not just a ski resort. It actually receives more visitors in the summer months than in the winter! In the summertime, it is one of my favorite weekend trips from Vancouver! Families can take advantage of dozens of summer activities. They hike, bike, paddle, golf, swim, and enjoy world-class dining, a pedestrian-friendly village, and shopping.
Whether it is your first visit to Whistler with kids or you come back year after year, by the time you get to the bottom of this post, your itinerary will be packed full of epic things to do in Whistler this summer with your family!
Whistler with Kids Summer 2023
Ride the Peak to Peak Gondola
Whistler Blackcomb’s world record-setting PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola transforms the high alpine experience with new, awe-inspiring vistas as it bridges the gap between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It is one of the perfect things to do in Whistler with kids to show them the epic views and access the hiking trails
The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola travels a span of 4.4 kilometers/2.73 miles in about 10 minutes.
Location: On Whistler or Blackcomb. Access via Blackcomb Gondola or Whistler Village Gondola.
Ticket Prices for 2023: Adults $90, Teen (13-18) $80, Child (7-12) $45, Tot (3-6) FREE, Seniors (65+) $80,
Hike the Alpine
While on Whistler or Blackcomb, there are dozens of alpine hikes to take advantage of. Plan to spend at least half a day in the alpine area when you take into account uploading on the gondola.
Experience Vallea Lumina
Legends speak of a long-lost trail that leads to a secret valley. Join a twilight expedition to explore its mysterious beauty. Just 10 minutes drive north of Whistler village, experience a range of activities from TAG Whistler. Vallea Lumina is a sound and light experience that takes you through the forest, telling a story along the way It is one of the popular Whistler summer activities that every visitor should do!.
What to Bring / Wear: Brig your camera and a sense of wonder. Bug spray is recommended. Dress in layers, the experience is in the forest. If rain is in the forecast, bring a rain jacket as umbrellas are not permitted.
Things to note: Strollers are not permitted. There are stairs to walk down at the beginning and a bridge to cross. Those with young children should wear them in a carrier. Those with mobility issues may not be able to complete the trail as there are uneven surfaces as well as small up and downs along the path. The walk is about 30 minutes but you can go as fast or as slow as you want. Pets are not permitted.
Hours: Shows begin at sundown, so showtimes vary throughout the summer season.
Tickets: online in advance here
Visit the Ropes Course
The kid’s Treetop Adventure Course is different than any other ropes course we had done in the past. It has two daily departure times and guides help and encourages the kids along the way as needed. There is a definite technical ability required to manage the C clamps and that is the main reason that their minimum age is 7. My youngest had a hard time with the mechanics and the mental on off on off-pattern of moving throughout the course. But my 9-year-old picked it up quickly and sailed through the course!
Location: TAG Whistler on Cougar Mountain
Notes:
- 7 – 13 years old
- Ability to reach 4’7″ high with hand (no actual height requirement)
- Close-toed shoes (like running shoes)
- Comfortable clothing
- Hair tie for long hair
Read More about our time at Whistler’s Treetop adventure course.
Hit The Pool
Most of Whistler’s hotel pools are heated and in use all year long! Regardless of the time of year, consider a hotel with a great pool and you will have no shortage of fun! You can read my favorites in this review of the best Whistler hotels with pools!
Bike the Valley Trail in Whistler
One of the most popular free things to do in Whistler with kids is to bike. There are bike-friendly paths all over town, making it one of the easiest ways to get around! If you are not local, there are bike rental shops all over! The network of paved bike paths connects all of Whistler’s neighborhoods, lakes, and local forests.
There are even e-bikes that now be rented! This was a pleasant surprise this year! The Evolve Bike Share program is designed with the Whistler resident in mind but I personally think that the visitor to Whistler will get a lot more fun out of using them! The cost is .35/minute plus $1 unlock fee. If you want to keep it for more than an hour, there is a $20 surcharge (consider a day rental somewhere else if this is the case). However, if you are looking to ride from the village into Rainbow Park for example, it is the perfect car-free way to get to the lake! While these will not work for younger kids, teens in Whistler will get a kick out of these rentals!
WhistlerEvolve E-Bike Share Locations: Whistler Olympic Plaza, Rainbow Park, Fitzsimmons Connector and Meadow Park Sports Centre
Ziplining in Whistler in Summer
Ziplining in Whistler in summer is perfect for the adrenaline junkie. It is actually available all year long! You can zipline from the village or you can go to nearby Cougar Mountain.
You can book here for Ziptrek and book here for Superfly. I have done Superfly and it is amazing (and very high!!!) Both actually operate all year round, but in summer the weather is wonderful! I am not sure I would want to do it in full snow gear when it could be frigid!
Notes: There are height and weight restrictions for both zip lines.
Hit the Lake
Whistler has several swimming and paddling lakes. The most popular is Rainbow Park on Alta Lake because of its great beach access and park! Lost Lake is another popular lake because it is located right in Whistler. You can walk to Lost Lake from Whistler Village in just 15 minutes. There’s also a free shuttle all summer long. There are swimming docks and the lake it quite warm in the summer. Alpha Lake is about 5 km south of Whistler. Alpha Lake Park is large and has a children’s play structure, a dock and sandy beach, volleyball court and tennis courts, as well as picnic tables and BBQ stands.
Go Rafting on the Green River
This whitewater rafting trip takes you just north of Whistler Village to the Green River, which provides the perfect combination of fun bouncy rapids and spectacular scenery surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is the perfect choice for first-timers or for those who want a bit of excitement but not too much! The Class 2 and 3 rapids is fun and exciting for everyone and the views on Green Lake and along the Green River make for a stunning day.
This takes about 3 hours and is a ton of fun.
Location: Leaves from Cougar Mountain Base Camp, home of TAG Whistler
Book Online: Here
Visit the Bike Skills Park
Make sure to head over to the Fitzsimons Bike Skills Park which has jumps and bumps for all skill levels (yes you beginners too). It is located next to Daylot #2 between the upper village and the main village. You will find all ages and abilities, from the littlest riders to those who have years of experience! There are two pump tracks and a variety of straight tracks! This is a popular place for families if you are visiting Whistler with kids. There is also a skate and scooter park right next door if they prefer those kinds of wheels!
Make sure you bring a bike lock and a refillable bottle of water to fill up at the water station! There are bike racks everywhere! There are picnic tables if you want to pack a lunch and enjoy watching the skilled riders take to the jumps!
If you are from out of town, you can rent kid’s bikes from the local bike shops!
Get a Thrill at The Whistler Mountain Bike Park
There are a variety of passes and rentals and lessons for those looking for some downhill biking in Whistler. There are four mountain zones, green trails, technical double blacks, & jump trails for all levels of bikers. Bike Park tickets need to be bought in advance online or over the phone.
Bike Park Tickets at Whistler are available from the Resort here
Paddleboard Alta Lake
There are plenty of lakes to paddle board while in Whistler and it is one of the best family activities when the lakes are warm! If you do not own your own board, head over to Wayside Park (off Highway 99) between Whistler Village and Whistler Creekside and grab a SUP (or kayak or canoe) rental from Whistler Eco Tours (WET). This is a popular spot as the current takes paddlers down the lake towards the other end (neat Rainbow Park and the start of the River of Golden Dreams). If you start your paddle at Wayside Park you have lots of room to enjoy the lake, just remember it will likely be a tougher paddle back against the waves!
The downside to Wayside Park is that the parking lot off Hwy 99 is quite small. But there is parking alongside the highway and there is an easy bike trail to ride from Whistler Creekside of Whistler Village if you have a bike.
Another popular place to base yourself for a paddle is on the other side of the lake at Rainbow Park. There is a huge grassy area and a shallow beach entry as well as a dock entry.
Read more about our experience Whistler Eco Tours Paddleboarding Review.
Whistler Train Wreck Hike
Hiking in Whistler in summer is one of the most popular outdoor activities you can do. There are dozens of hikes taking you around the village, to alpine meadows, waterfalls, snow walls, lakes, and gorgeous views, and all levels and abilities are welcome. One of the easier hikes (or some like to call it a walk) is the Whistler Train Wreck Hike. It is just south of the Village, at Function Junction.
Beautifully colored graffiti covers up rusty train car boxes that have been lying among the trees in the forest for close to 70 years. Over time this train wreck became more than a locals’ secret and just a few years ago a path was built, along with a suspension bridge, to give visitors access to the site (without having to illegally walk on the train tracks to get there).
The trail is suitable for all ages and is even stroller-friendly until you get up to the train car area. It is well worth a trip to the train wreck to learn about the 1950s derailment and how the box cars came to lie wedged between towering cedars and fir trees.
Paddle the River of Golden Dreams
The Whistler River of Golden Dreams is a 5-kilometer river that flows from Alta Lake to Green Lake. The river takes at least a couple of hours to complete and can be done in a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard. Some also attempt to float the river, but the current does make it a bit tricky as branches overhang the river most of the way. Taking a tour is a popular way to traverse the river.
If you are looking for the perfect eco-experience in Whistler in the summer, a paddle down the River of Golden Dreams is the perfect activity. Rent a canoe or kayak from Whistler Eco Tours or book a tour guide to take you on your journey!
Location: Alta Lake to Green Lake
Rentals: Whistler Eco Tours
Prices: Vary depending on rental
Try the Whistler Single Track
These trails are maintained by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and there is no charge to use them! Right next to Lost Lake is a perfect singletrack for those who want to get a feel for mountain biking. If you have done it before or are looking for more trails there are quite a few green, blue and black options.
You can get the singletrack map from the city of Whistler here.
SLCC Squamish Li’wat Cultural Centre
Open year-round, the SLCC brings together the vibrant cultures of two local Indigenous groups in one beautiful space. It offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the Indigenous people (the Squamish and the Li-wat people) who inhabited the region that Whistler is part of.
There is an hourly guided tour that gives you a glimpse into the Squamish and the Li-wat people who lived in this region! On the main level you can find a gift shop, perfect for local Canadian souvenir shopping, as well as a cafe.
Plan for about 1 hour here.
Location: 4584 Blackcomb Way
Hours: 10am to 5pm. Tours are hourly on the hour from 10am-4pm
Prices: Adults $20.00 Students (13-18) $7.00 Children (6-12) $5.00 Family Pass $45.00 (up to 2 adults and 2 youth under 18)
Book a Photoshoot
We booked family photos in Whistler and I could not be happier! It is always hard to get photos updated so we made a point of doing it on our vacation in Whistler. You can see below how it turned out! If you use Flytographer, they have an amazing turn around time to get the photos back to you!
CLICK HERE to book a photographer in Whistler online!
Visit Brandywine Falls
Along the Sea to Sky just outside of Whistler (about 15 minutes by car) you will find Brandywine falls. It is just 5 minutes to get to the falls viewpoint from the parking lot. It is less than one-kilometer walk and is mostly flat! It is perfect for those who want to get out in nature but do not want a gruelling hike!
More Whistler Resources:
5 Things to Pack for a Summer Family Whistler Trip
Make sure you have these things packed for your trip to Whistler
- Sunscreen and hat: With plenty of beach and pool time (and hiking time too), make sure you have a hat and sunscreen.
- Bug Spray: depending where you are, the bugs can be bad. If you are headed to the alpine lakes, you will need it for sure. At dusk it is bad on the trails around Whistler village, as well as at the skate park.
- Bathing Suit: Do not forget your bathing suit. Pools and lakes are what make Whistler so great in the warmer months
- Comfortable shoes: Even if you are not a hiker, there are plenty of walking trails in the village. Whistler Village is such a walkable area and with a focus on eco-experiences, park the car and walk as much as you can.
- Bikes: If you are a local, consider bringing a bike! The village trails are perfect to bike to the lakes, and all over the village. Most people will bike to dinner and places like the farmer’s market. This helps limit your car use as well! ALl hotels offer bike valet or bike storage for visitors.
Where to stay in Whistler? Check out these top Whistler hotels with pools to keep everyone in the family happy! Here is also the best Whistler hotels for families!
How to get from Vancouver to Whistler
Check out these top things to do in Vancouver with kids
How to plan a trip to Canada with kids.
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have young children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.