Your Guide To The Perfect Summer Weekend In Whistler


When the snow disappears and the slopes turn green, Whistler doesn’t slow down—it simply shifts into summer mode. The gondolas still glide up the mountains, but now they carry hikers and sightseers to panoramic ridgelines and wildflower meadows. The trails dry out, the lakes warm up, and the energy softens into something more relaxed, especially for families.

Base yourself at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, and you’ll have front-door access to it all—alpine adventure, lakeside lounging, and enough kid-friendly perks to make travel with little ones feel seamless.

Start at the Top

Set at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain, the Chateau offers direct access to the paved Valley Trail network and is just a short stroll to the Whistler Village Gondola. Within 20 minutes, you can be riding through the alpine zone, surrounded by rugged peaks and snowfields that linger well into July.

The real showstopper is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which links Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains via a 4.4 km cable suspended 436 metres above the valley. It’s as much a thrill ride as transportation—expect silence (and some awe) from even the most restless riders.

Once you reach the summit, choose from a variety of family-accessible alpine trails. The Spearhead Walk offers an easy loop with interpretive signs and scenic lookouts, while the Harmony Lake Loop adds a touch more adventure with its meadows and secluded lakeside views.

Lakes, Loops and Leisure

Back down in the valley, Lost Lake is a must. There’s a free village shuttle every 10–20 minutes, and the setup couldn’t be more straightforward: calm water, shady picnic spots, grassy play areas, and trails suitable for all ages—public washrooms and lifeguards round out the family-friendly amenities.

Prefer wheels to water? Rent e-bikes or trailers from shops like Evolution Whistler or Whistler Bike Co., and explore the Valley Trail, a fully paved network that winds past lakes, parks, and forested paths. Join one of the Chateau’s Experience Guides for a family ride or head out on your own toward Green Lake or around the golf course.

If you’re hiking with younger kids, try the Alpine Loop on Blackcomb—short, scenic, and relatively flat. For older children and teens, the Lakeside Loop or High Note Trail on Whistler Mountain offer more of a challenge and bigger views.

And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, indoor options like the Meadow Park Sports Centre (with pool, lazy river, and splash zone) and the Whistler Public Library (with storytime and crafts) provide reliable rainy-day back-ups.

Stay and Play

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler excels in providing thoughtful family amenities. Kids five and under eat free with a paying adult, and those aged 6–12 receive 50% off regular menus or can choose from a dedicated children’s menu.

The in-room Camp Fairmont package includes a pint-sized tent, cupcakes, and a watercolour kit to keep kids happily entertained indoors. Outside, a brand-new playground sits beside the tennis and pickleball courts.

Adults can take advantage of tennis and pickleball clinics with gear included, or tee off at the Robert Trent Jones Jr.–designed golf course, open May through October and framed by alpine scenery.

Eat Well, Travel Light

Start your morning at The Wildflower, where breakfast is served with stunning mountain views. If you’re heading out early, grab smoked meats, fresh pastries, or picnic provisions from Portobello.

Come evening, opt for a refined dinner at The Grill Room—Canadian prime steaks, Pacific seafood, and a B.C.-focused wine list—or go casual at Radiante Taqueria Terrace, a festive summer pop-up on the garden patio. Open Thursday to Sunday, it features grilled-to-order tacos, tequila cocktails, and even a “Te-Ski-La” shot ski. Dogs are welcome.

For snacks and groceries, head to Fresh Street Market in Whistler Village or Nester’s Market, just north of the main strip—both stock local produce, prepared meals, and kid-friendly essentials.

Unwind Your Way

Evenings in Whistler are what you make of them. Check out free live concerts at Whistler Olympic Plaza, or linger at the Chateau where the Mallard Lounge hosts live music on Friday nights. In July and August, garden parties on the Croquet Lawn add a festive, summery note.

If you’ve got energy to spare, the Family Adventure Zone in the Upper Village is open daily, offering mini-golf, a bungee trampoline, a climbing wall, and a batting cage. It’s pay-as-you-go, so you can dip in and out without committing to a full day.

By the time you rinse off the lake water and pack away the bikes, one thing becomes clear: Whistler doesn’t hibernate in summer—it simply opens up. The lifts still spin, the trails remain wide open, and the pace is dialled in just right for families looking to reconnect, recharge, and roam.

If You Go


The Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers summer packages with family perks and guided experiences.
 For trail maps, concert schedules, and seasonal events, visit Tourism Whistler. —Mark Sissons