Whistler

Whistler is known for being one of the best ski resort in North America.

Definitely, it doesn’t disappoint!

But not being a skier myself, does it hold enough for someone like me to carve a few days out of my precious vacation days to visit?

Absolutely!

I wanted to experience the beauty of Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. Where else would you get a chance to take a gondola joining two side by side mountains?  Peak 2 Peak Gondola is the one. Till date, it’s the longest unsupported lift span in the world (3.024 kilometers or 1.88 miles). It’s also the highest lift of its kind with an elevation of 436 meters (1,427 ft).

So, let's take a deep dive and see what all Whistler has to offer during summers. One can spend hours or days relishing the beauty of mountains, lakes and enjoy activities such as the gondola ride between mountains, zip line, chair lift, hiking, golf, mountain biking, bear watching the list is never-ending. Create your adventure itinerary depending on your interest area to explore Whistler.

WHISTLER VILLAGE

After reaching the village, follow the signs "LOT 1 to 5" and park your car there. Its a paid parking and only public parking available in the area. It is situated approximately 5 minutes walk from the village. If you reach after 10 am, I would suggest looking for parking in LOT 3,4, or 5 is comparatively easier which is an additional minute of walk to the village.

(Glimpse of Whistler Village)

After spending the half day exploring Sea to Sky Highway, you must be tired. Do you feel like relaxing on the beach?  Yes, Lost Lake should be your next destination.

LOST LAKE

(Welcome to Lost Lake Beaches)

Recommended Time: 1-2 hours

Lost Lake is approximately 3 km away from the Whistler village. Unfortunately, Lost Lake does not have any designated parking access for the public. So, you need to park the car in the parking area of the village and head to the Lost Lake. To, reach Lost lake you can walk, bike, or ride on a free shuttle bus. The free shuttle bus leaves every 15 minutes from the village.

Lost Lake has a small beautiful beach where you can take a dip in turquoise blue water and enjoy lush greenery and view of mountains while relaxing. Keep in mind at times water is a bit on the cooler side. One can spend hours enjoying the beauty and water.

(On the way walking towards the beach from the bus stop)

(First view of the Beach and Picnic Area, Mountains are hiding behind the smoky weather)

(Close up look beach surrounded by alpine forest)

Are you feeling refreshed? Yes, are you excited to explore the fun and vibrant European style village of Whistler. Let's begin taking a stroll on the curved stone walkway streets of the pedestrian-only village exploring farmers market, local artisan’s gallery and don't forget to check out live events in the village.

End your day by extravagant dinner in a patio restaurant, or amazing coffee with dessert in local cafeterias, or drinks in a pub with some live performances.

(Explore the shops and take a stroll in the village)

(Enjoy your evening while strolling in the village and exploring)

PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA

Recommended Time: 4-5 hours

While strolling in town you must have seen the signs of Peak to Peak Gondola and thought should we do it or not? It’s a must do.

(Entrance for the Gondola Ride)

Before heading for the gondola things to pay attention:

Weather prediction can be bit challenging job especially when you are on mountains. So, I would recommend carrying a light jacket before going up and also carry sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

You can buy tickets online a few days in advance where you might be able to save a couple of dollars. If, you want to buy on the same day then head to the visitor center located at the base of the lifts.

From the same center, you can also collect your hiking map. If, you plan for a hike it will guide you. You can gather information as which trails are open, the time required to complete the trails.

(Its time to hop on the Gondola)

So, you must be wondering, where to start?

It approximately takes 20 minutes from base lift to reach Roundhouse Lodge (Whistler Mountain). After reaching take some pictures of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games display. Take a walk around and enjoy the view of the mountains around you. Few trails start from here also if interested to explore.

(First View after reaching Whistler Mountain)

You can also head for Blackcomb Mountain Gondola from here. It’s an 11-minute ride between the two mountains. After reaching you can enjoy the 360-degree view of mountains. Multiple trail options are there if you want to explore. Just wander around and relish the beauty of mountains and valleys.

Summer is a good season for wildlife watching. Most common animals found are bears, deer, marmots, chipmunks and whiskey jacks. While you are on gondola keep a watch in valleys. When I was on the gondola from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain, we witnessed a black bear walking on one of the trails. The best moment of the gondola ride. Oops, couldn’t take any pictures by the time I moved to zoom lens gondola was way away from the bear.

(View Of Blackcomb Mountain)

(Glimpse of the Blackcomb Mountain Area)

After exploring Blackcomb head back to Whistler Mountain. Its time to head for Peak Chair which will take you to the new Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk are now open and ready for you to explore. It has a breathtaking view and unforgettable experience of one’s life. In spite of fear from the height and the shaking bridge, I managed to cross the bridge and experience the thrill. After crossing the bridge, I felt like I was on top of the world.

(Head towards the chairlift from the Whistler Mountain)

(A Beautiful small lake on the way to chairlift)

(Time for picture after reaching the Top of the Summit)

(Time to head towards the Suspension Bridge)

(Trying to Overcome my fear and cross the bridge)

If you want to experience more adventure, then head for some alpine trails for the view of lakes, mountains, and valleys.

The two most recommended trails, Half note trail which is approximately 6-7 km, and High note trail is approximately 10-11 km. Both the trails begin after crossing the suspension bridge, and the loop ends at the Roundhouse Lodge (Whistler Mountain). Do keep in mind, these trails are not walk in the path, you will need to climb up and down the mountains. 

(Path on the way of Half Note Trail)

We opted to go ahead for Half Note Trail assuming that it is only 3.5 km loop as we found mentioned everywhere on the internet. We headed for the trail after crossing the suspension bridge and continued ahead hopping on and off the rocky path of the mountains. At times the trail became bit scary and challenging, but we managed to keep going. As we keep on going ahead, we realize that 3 km slowly turned into 7 km loop and now in between of the trail, we don't have an option but to complete the loop successfully. It took approximately 3 hours to complete the loop. The weather was smoky and cloudy, due to which we could not get very clear views of mountains and lakes. But the experience was worth the effort. After finishing the trail, we were completely exhausted, so it was time to relax and head towards the cafeteria to grab some food and drinks.

(Trying to capture a panoramic view while on trail) 

(Reached the viewpoint of the trail)

(Got some magnificent view of mountains and lakes while on trail)

ZIP LINE

If you want to experience more adventure you must go for their zip line. It is among top ten zip line of North America. Due to time constraint, we missed it. It will take you high above the forests of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, giving you the thrill of a lifetime experience. The cost of zip line is approximately 120 CAD per person.