San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)

Move over Winter, a Summer Week in Whistler Shines Bright

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There is so much to do and see during summer in Whistler, you’ll need a week to fit everything in. Days fill quickly with hiking, biking, paddling, and other outdoor recreation, followed by après on the many terraces in the pedestrian Whistler Village and dinners at a spectrum of culinary options. With COVID-19 restrictio­ns removed to enter Canada, visiting Whistler for a week is the perfect way to reconnect with friends and family, adventure deeper in nature and relax among the vibrant local community.

Many travelers launch their visits here by taking the gondola from the Village to the top of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Then they board the fabled PEAK 2 PEAK gondola. The PEAK 2 PEAK gondola glistens like stars as it crosses high above the Fitzsimmon­s Valley. Huckleberr­ies, the favorite food for the black bears that can often be seen below, blanket the valley’s hillside.

There’s something new to discover all summer long on Whistler-Blackcomb, where you’ll find access to over 35 miles of hiking trails for every ability level. You can take a family stroll on a short trail or ride the Peak Express Chairlift to traverse the Cloudraker Skybridge from Whistler peak to West Ridge high above Whistler Bowl. With its expansive views, the Umbrella Bar is the perfect gathering spot for an on-mountain après after your exploratio­n.

When you head to the Whistler gondola, you’ll see plenty of mountain bikers preparing to upload to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, one of the largest lift-serviced trail systems in the world. For seasoned riders, the WMBP Peak Zone’s Top of The World trail, gateway to a 1,500-meter descent to the valley floor, reopens this summer. Far from being experts-only terrain, the WMBP features numerous beginner and intermedia­te trails to give you a taste of what mountain biking is all about. You can rent equipment and sign up for lessons at the base of the park.

Cyclists have plenty of other terrain to access throughout the area, including the 25-mile Valley Trail. Should you prefer an aquatic experience, there are bountiful beaches and paddling to be found on Whistler’s five picturesqu­e lakes. Numerous local outfitters rent standup paddleboar­ds, kayaks, and canoes. You can also access the lakes and beaches directly from the Valley Trail should you want to supplement your bike ride with a refreshing dip.

Adventure seekers will also want to experience zip lining, with Whistler hosting the longest zip line in North America. Whistler ATV tours provide another amazing way to explore the backcountr­y. From flying through the trees, chilling out by a lake or boutique browsing in the one-of-a-kind village, there’s something for everyone in Whistler.

Like the brilliant trails, Whistler’s famous terrace culture shines brightly in summer. From right off the Whistler Gondola to seemingly every curve in the village, a patio pause is the perfect après following your bike or hike adventure. Many of the bars host live music most afternoons, spirits are high, and if your hiking boots or pants are a little muddy, all the better.

Remember to save time for local culture as well. The village is set on historic Squamish and Lil’wat territory, two Indigenous nations that are celebrated at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center. The Audain Art Museum showcases an astounding number of Indigenous masks and Emily Carr paintings. Be sure you embrace the 2010 Winter Olympic spirit at Whistler Olympic Plaza, home to the Olympic rings, cauldron, and many summer events and concerts.

It’s impossible to consider Whistler in summer without highlighti­ng the four championsh­ip golf courses. The Palmer-designed Whistler Golf Club is an easy walk from the village. Nicklaus North provides excellent views like the par-3 17th, a peninsular green that sticks out into Green Lake. The Fairmont Chateau course climbs to spectacula­r vistas and falls with impressive drives off the tee. Big Sky Golf Club adds a links-style layout to the mix.

With its multi-starred properties, renowned restaurant­s, and active nightlife, Whistler offers a whole summers worth of activities and amenities. The U.S.-Canada border is free-flowing once again, making this the perfect summer to travel to Whistler for your holiday. Make your plans soon to explore what all the fun’s about.

As an added bonus, the longer you stay the more you save in Whistler. Enjoy fournight stays or longer and receive a free adventure voucher.

Plan your visit today. Get started at www.whistler.com/summer

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