The Province

Whistler Blackcomb stays lively

Just because the snow has melted doesn’t mean the village closes up shop

-

With one of the best ski seasons finished you would expect Whistler Blackcomb to get quieter in the summer. You would be wrong. Home of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which offers incredible 360 degree views of the valley and the bustling cobbleston­ed village, Whistler is truly a year-round destinatio­n.

With its array of shops, cafés and bars, parks and outdoor artworks, restaurant­s and legendary nightlife, Whistler Village is a destinatio­n unto itself.

One part quaint mountain village, one part internatio­nal cultural mecca, it is a pedestrian-only wonderland.

The culinary scene offers more than 200 restaurant­s and bars to choose from so the range is as big as your appetite.

Keep it casual at GLC or Ingrid’s Village Café, or stick with establishm­ents like Earls and The Old Spaghetti Factory.

Discover why the fresh fare from Sushi Village has a devout following, browse the internatio­nally acclaimed wine cellar at Bearfoot Bistro, or truly indulge at Araxi, named Whistler’s best restaurant.

From the heart of the resort in the main village, to the alpine seclusion of the Upper Village base of Blackcomb Mountain, to the charming and laid-back location of Creekside, each area has its own distinct feel and advantages.

Experience picture-perfect lakes and beaches, walking and biking trails, four championsh­ip golf courses, or fun at the Nintendo Family Adventure Zone.

Get your adrenalin pumping with Ziptrek Ecotours, the world-famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park, white water rafting or backcountr­y ATV/UTV tours.

Then relax at the Scandinave Spa, or take in a world of culture at the Audain Art Museum. Whistler’s summer season offers something for everyone. Here are just a few of the events happening this summer.

JUNE 17-18 Tough Mudder

Choose from the half (eight kilometres, 13 obstacles) or the full (16 to 20 kilometres 20+ obstacles) either way you are going to get dirty and you’re going to have a good time. Tough Mudder isn’t a race — it’s one of the best mud obstacle course challenges on the planet. With the help of your fellow Whistler Mudders, you’ll overcome obstacles, adrenalin-pumping challenges ... and the little voice in your head that says “you can’t.”

JULY 7-9 Whistler Children’s Festival

The Whistler Children’s Festival occurs each summer at Whistler Olympic Plaza for a weekend-long celebratio­n of creativity and art for kids and families. With a diverse lineup of live performers, hands-on creative workshops, roving entertainm­ent and free activities, this festival is the largest of its kind in the region. It is a fantastic opportunit­y for families to spend some quality time together.

AUG. 3-6 Wanderlust Whistler

Yoga and music come together in the mountains for the annual Wanderlust Festival. Yogis from around the globe will be down-dogging, dancing, dining on organic delicacies and sharing their wisdom in an amazing event across the wellness community. Drawing the world’s leading yoga teachers, top musical acts and DJs, renowned speakers, top chefs and winemakers, Wanderlust Whistler is an event not to be missed.

AUG. 4-6 Bulleit Bourbon Canadian National BBQ Championsh­ips

Hosted at Dusty’s Bar & BBQ in Whistler Creekside it’s your chance to show off your barbecue skills. It’s Whistler’s tastiest summer event.

AUG. 11-20 Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival

Crankworx Whistler has become the authoritat­ive freeride mountain bike festival. Downhill, enduro, trials, pump track, whip-offs, music, art — this festival has it all. A magnet for the world’s best riders seeking monster air and gravity-fuelled mountain biking. Over 10 days in August, the venues at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park serve as a modern day Colosseum to the world’s best mountain bike athletes.

 ?? — PHOTOS: PAUL MORRISON ?? The Peak 2 Peak Gondola offers a stellar view of the Fitzsimmon­s mountains, the valley and Whistler village below.
— PHOTOS: PAUL MORRISON The Peak 2 Peak Gondola offers a stellar view of the Fitzsimmon­s mountains, the valley and Whistler village below.
 ??  ?? There are more than 200 restaurant­s in Whistler. The village also hosts a children’s festival in early July.
There are more than 200 restaurant­s in Whistler. The village also hosts a children’s festival in early July.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Canada