Whistler Discovered
Highlights to Explore in Two Hours or Less
By Dee Raffo / Images By Joern Rohde
Start High:
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Kick off your visit with the iconic Peak 2 Peak Gondola. This engineering marvel suspends you 426 metres (1,400 feet) above the valley, with a span of 4.4 kilometres (2.7 miles) connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. In just 11 minutes, you’ll glide over valleys, alpine meadows, and take in spectacular views. Purchase your Summer Alpine Experience pass in advance and upload early on either the Blackcomb Gondola or Whistler Village Gondola to avoid crowds. Open daily until Sept. 7.
Cross the Sky:
Cloudraker Skybridge
From the top of the Whistler Gondola, take the easy-to-moderate level Peak Express Traverse trail to the Peak Express Chair. After arriving at Whistler Peak station, step onto the Cloudraker Skybridge, a 130 m (426 ft.) high suspension bridge, one of the highest in North America. Adjacent is The Raven’s Eye viewing platform, offering a 360-degree panorama. It’s perfect for a quick photo stop and a moment of awe. Then, if you have time, return to the Peak Chair via the 30-minute Cloudraker Loop trail.
Hike the Alpine :
Trails for all Ability Levels
With the Summer Alpine Experience ticket, you have unlimited access to more than 50 km of trails. On Whistler Mountain, for shorter treks, try the easy Spearhead Loop trail (1 hour) or the moderate Whistler Summit trail (40 minutes). Both offer sweeping vistas. Early summer brings snow walls, while July and August burst with alpine blooms. On Blackcomb Mountain, the 30-minute Alpine Loop trail is a gentle walk with stunning photo ops and informative storyboards, or the clockwise Lakeside Loop (40 minutes) is a quick climb to stunning wildflowers overlooking Blackcomb Lake. whistlerblackcomb.com
Cool Down:
Lakeside Lounging
After the hike, unwind at Lost Lake, Alta Lake’s Rainbow Park, or Lakeside Park for a refreshing dip or a sunny patch of grass to lounge on. And you can grab a bite from a local food truck most days until Sept. 7. whistler.com/activities
An Audain Art Museum Escape
If rain rolls in or the sun gets too intense, the Audain Art Museum offers a serene indoor escape. Showcasing British Columbia art, including First Nations works and seasonal exhibitions, the stunning architecture alone is worth the visit. You can explore the galleries in less than an hour, making it the perfect weather-proof micro-adventure. audainartmuseum.com
Stunning Waterfalls
The Sea to Sky Corridor offers several waterfalls within a short drive or when you are travelling to and from Whistler. Each location is unique, and all are relatively easily accessed, so it’s worth stopping at one or more. From north to south your options include Nairn, Alexander, Brandywine and Shannon falls.
End with Flavour:
Village Patio Scene
Whether you’ve been active or just relaxing, wrap up your day in a place where patio culture thrives. From craft cocktails at Il Caminetto or Araxi to seasonal soft-serve ice cream from Provisions, Whistler Village’s pedestrian stroll is lined with spots for people watching. Whether sipping a local IPA or enjoying a sunset view, the Village’s energy is the perfect capstone. whistler.com/dining
Big thrills don’t necessarily require big blocks of time. Just pack light, move quickly, and let the mountains take care of the rest.
