The Magic of Mid-Week
If you’ve ever visited Whistler in the summertime, you’ll know that the charm and excitement of a walk along the bustling Village Stroll on a warm afternoon can be a hard feeling to top. You’ll feel like a true local as you peruse shops, patio hop amongst muddy downhill mountain bikers, and soak in the casual, laid-back approach to life that Whistler embodies. While weekends during high season undeniably offer some of the best people-watching of the year, as well as an opportunity to rub shoulders with interesting personalities from around the world, they can also feel a bit busy at times. This is no surprise. Whistler’s convenient location, just up the Sea To Sky Highway, makes it a natural getaway for weekend warriors from Vancouver. But here’s a secret: if you really want to make the most of your time in Whistler, try visiting the resort midweek. Mondays through Thursdays, Whistler is a different kind of place. All of the same experiences are available, but with minimal crowds and wait times. Additional benefits of midweek visits extend to things like accommodations, which can be significantly less expensive than on weekends. While it’s always recommended to make reservations in advance if you want to guarantee a restaurant table or spa treatment, you can be a little more flexible with planning during the week, playing activities by ear depending on the weather or how you happen to be feeling that day. Try your hand at mountain biking in the world-famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park without the pressure of weekend warriors whizzing past, or, if you’re looking for something less extreme, hop on a valley trail cruiser bike and cycle to Rainbow Park. This iconic spot on Alta Lake offers unobstructed views of surrounding mountain peaks and an opportunity to swim, canoe, or learn to stand-up paddleboard without too many spectators. If you still want to get into the alpine, grab your camera and head up to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for an alpine hike or walk, and try the brand-new Peak Suspension Bridge on Whistler Mountain. The magic of midweek is that it’s all yours.