Whistler Canada: Best Things To do in Winter, Summer

Whistler Summers

When the snow of winter thaws, Whistler transforms into an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The resort’s mountain bike park is considered among the best in the world, with more than 45 trails serviced via lifts. Trails range from gentle banked cruisers through the forest to tight and twisty tracks to steep rock faces for those willing to challenge gravity. But fear not, the scenic valley trails are just as enjoyable for family rides.

Options for hiking are nearly as limitless, but a good way to start is by taking a complimentary guided hiking tour, departing daily from the top of Whistler Mountain at 11:30 a.m. Once you get acclimated to the altitude (about 7,500 feet at the top), try tackling the High Note Trail, which leads to a brilliant blue glacial-fed lake and spectacular views. Kayaking the local lakes, whitewater rafting and fishing are also popular in the warmer seasons, and the area’s signature golf courses include ones designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Trent Jones. And for kids of all ages, the bottom of Blackcomb Mountain holds an Adventure Zone offering mini-golf, a rock climbing wall, a flying trapeze and more.

• View from the Roe Creek gravel road, on the way to the head of the hiking trail for Cypress Peak.
• iwona_kellie

Not sure if Whistler is better suited to you in winter or summer? Mix things up a bit by skiing or hiking the glacier in summer to get the best of both worlds. The glacier’s such a draw, in fact, that a concierge at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler told me she had to ship a block of the glacier back to North Carolina. Seems a guest planning a party thought it would make for captivating conversation to sprinkle specialty cocktails with glacier ice. Talk about moving heaven and mountain to please a guest!

• A bear cub rests on a tree branch.
• Sylvie Dolson

Bountiful Bears

One of my all-time favorite activities when visiting Canada is bear watching. If you’ve never done it, it’s a can’t-miss. Watch black bears cavorting for food, showing off their dominance, scuttling up trees to hide—the antics can be enthralling, the real wild side of Canada. During the guided tours at Whistler, you’ll learn about conservation measures to help sustain healthy populations and visit feeding sites and areas with bear dens. More than 50 black bears call these mountains home.