Whistler Blackcomb stays lively all summer with dining, nightlife, events
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 Earl’s 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 3 – THE NORTH FACE WHISTLER HALF MARATHON
The name is a misnomer as there are four distances to choose from: a 21.1 km half marathon, 30 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 1 km kids run. With Whistler’s natural beauty you may just keep running long after the finish line. Add to that a festival atmosphere with live music and kids activities, and it makes for a great weekend.
JUNE 1-4, THINKBIKE WHISTLER
This is your opportunity to test the latest and greatest new bikes. For four days, the world’s leading bike and gear manufacturers will be set up at ThinkBike Whistler, formerly known as Outerbike, at the expo site at Whistler Village. Access to Whistler bike park, the lift-accessed downhill mountain bike park, as well as guided trail rides, lunches, parties and beer included in the price of admission.
JUNE 17-18, TOUGH MUDDER
Choose from the half (8 kilometres, 13 obstacles) or the full (16-20 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, handson creative workshops, roving entertainment and free activities, this festival is the largest of its kind in the region. It is a great 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.