Land in Whistler's Stunning Beauty this Summer

Whistler is more than a world-class ski resort—it's a year-round alpine haven bursting with adventure, nature, and small-town charm. Nestled in the Coast Mountains just 90 minutes north of Vancouver (or even quicker by air), Whistler invites you to trade traffic for treetops with a Harbour Air seaplane flight direct from downtown Vancouver to Green Lake. You'll touch down on glassy waters just minutes from the village and dive straight into the magic of the mountains. This summer, Harbour Air’s flights to Whistler and Whistler scenic tours will run from May 15 to September 29, making it easier than ever to experience this alpine paradise.

Choose from breathtaking experiences like the Whistler Valley Tour, the perfect introduction to Whistler's stunning scenery. Departing Green Lake by seaplane, you’ll soar over Whistler Village, past iconic venues from the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and catch aerial glimpses of sights like the spectacular 230-metre Brandywine Falls.

Or, opt for our most popular experience—the Whistler Spectacular Glacier Tour. You'll fly beyond Whistler Valley to explore the rugged peaks, majestic glaciers, alpine lakes, and lush meadows of the Coast Mountains. It's the ultimate way to witness Whistler’s grandeur from above and an experience you’ll never forget.

Top 4 Outdoor Spots in Whistler

1. Lost Lake Park 🌲
Just a short walk or bike ride from Whistler Village, Lost Lake is a local favourite year-round. In summer, you’ll find sandy beaches, BBQ areas, and a network of forested trails perfect for walking, running, or biking. Bonus: the lake is surprisingly warm by alpine standards!

2. Valley Trail 🚴
This 46-kilometre, car-free paved trail winds through Whistler’s neighborhoods, parks, and scenic lakes. Rent a bike in the Village and cruise from Alta Lake to Green Lake with views of snow-capped peaks around every bend.

3. Whistler Mountain & Peak 2 Peak Gondola 🚠
Take the gondola from the Village up to Whistler Mountain, then ride the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola—spanning 4.4 km between Whistler and Blackcomb with jaw-dropping valley views. Summer access includes alpine hiking trails with wildflowers, marmots, and panoramic lookouts.

4. Rainbow Park 🏖️
Located on the shores of Alta Lake, Rainbow Park offers one of the best views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It’s perfect for paddleboarding, picnicking, or just lounging with your feet in the water. You’ll also find a dog-friendly beach and beach volleyball courts.

Top 10 Restaurants & Must-Do Experiences in Whistler 🍽️🏞️

1. Bearfoot Bistro 🍾
This is more than dinner—it’s an experience. Bearfoot Bistro offers luxurious tasting menus, a Champagne sabering cellar, and the Ketel One Ice Room, where you can suit up and sample premium vodkas chilled to -32°C. Celebrating something? This is the spot.

2. Alta Bistro 🍷
A Village North gem, Alta Bistro is all about seasonal, sustainable, and beautifully plated cuisine. With cozy vibes and dishes like elk tartare or foraged mushroom risotto, it’s a favorite among locals and foodies alike.

3. Purebread 🍰
If you only make one stop for a snack, make it Purebread. This bakery is legendary for its lineup of baked goods—sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible. The “Crack” bar, caramel slice, and cheddar jalapeño scone are just a few must-tries.

4. Rimrock Café 🐟
Off the beaten Village path, Rimrock Café is worth the short drive for exceptional seafood and wild game in a warm, wood-accented space. The cedar-planked salmon and halibut are consistently top-tier, and the wine list is stellar.

5. Forged Axe Throwing 🪓
Toss some axes and blow off steam at this fun, welcoming venue in Function Junction. Whether you're a first-timer or a budding lumberjack, it’s a great group activity. Plus, Whistler Brewing Co. is just next door—perfect for post-throw drinks.

6. Audain Art Museum 🎨
This sleek, forest-framed museum houses some of BC’s most important artworks, from Indigenous carvings and masks to works by Emily Carr and modern West Coast artists. Even the building itself is a work of art, blending seamlessly into the surrounding evergreens.

7. Scandinave Spa Whistler 🧖‍♀️
Tucked into a cedar forest just north of the Village, this silent spa is a sanctuary of outdoor hot and cold pools, eucalyptus steam rooms, and wood-burning saunas. Digital detox required—no phones, no talking, just deep relaxation.

8. Whistler Farmers' Market 🥕
Running Sundays in the Upper Village from May to October, the market is a hub for fresh produce, artisan foods, local crafts, and live music. Try small-batch honey, handmade soaps, and seasonal fruit straight from the Pemberton Valley.

9. Vallea Lumina 🌌
As night falls, the forest transforms into an enchanted multimedia trail of lights, sound, and storytelling. Created by the team behind Cirque du Soleil, Vallea Lumina is magical, immersive, and totally unique to Whistler.

10. Whistler Sliding Centre 🛷
Ever wanted to feel like an Olympian? Here’s your chance. Located on Blackcomb Mountain, this venue from the 2010 Winter Games offers public bobsleigh and skeleton rides in winter—complete with high speeds, big thrills, and zero experience required.

A Scenic 2-Day Itinerary in Whistler

Day 1: Mountain Views, Village Vibes & Culinary Gems

9:00 AM – Arrive by Seaplane
Touch down in Whistler’s Green Lake with Harbour Air and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Coast Mountains as you land steps from adventure.

9:30 AM – Coffee & Fresh Bakes at Purebread
Start your day at Purebread, Whistler’s iconic bakery. Choose from rows of irresistible baked goods—try a raspberry scone or their famous “Crack” bar with your morning coffee.

10:30 AM – Explore the Village Stroll & Audain Art Museum
Wander the pedestrian-only Village Stroll, lined with shops, galleries, and patios. Pop into the Audain Art Museum to see remarkable West Coast and Indigenous art housed in an award-winning, modern timber structure.

12:30 PM – Farm-to-Table Lunch at Alta Bistro
Tucked into Village North, Alta Bistro serves up seasonal, sustainable dishes—think elk tartare, heirloom veggie salads, and a thoughtful BC wine list in a cozy-chic setting.

2:00 PM – Vallea Lumina Tickets & Afternoon Chill
Reserve your Vallea Lumina tickets for the evening, then relax before the night’s enchantment. Stroll Lost Lake or head back to your accommodation for a quick recharge.

3:30 PM – Axe Throwing at Forged Axe 🪓
Get into full mountain spirit with an hour at Forged Axe Throwing in Function Junction. It’s wildly fun, beginner-friendly, and right next to Whistler Brewing Co.—perfect for a celebratory local pint.

6:00 PM – Dinner at Rimrock Café or Bearfoot Bistro
Go cozy with fresh halibut and cedar-planked salmon at Rimrock Café—a locals' favorite—or opt for the upscale experience at Bearfoot Bistro, complete with Champagne sabering and vodka tasting in the Ice Room.

8:30 PM – Experience the Magic of Vallea Lumina 🌌
Wrap the day with a walk through this forest light show, blending sound, projections, and story into a dazzling night-time adventure. It’s pure Whistler magic.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure & Alpine Wellness

8:00 AM – Coffee & Breakfast at Mount Currie Coffee Co.
Grab a fresh breakfast sandwich and ethically sourced coffee at this popular spot before a full day outdoors.

9:00 AM – Choose Your Adventure
Option 1: Alpine Thrills at Whistler Blackcomb
Hop on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and enjoy panoramic views of the Coastal Range. Explore mountaintop trails, check out Cloudraker Skybridge, or join a guided alpine hike.

Option 2: Recharge at Scandinave Spa 🧖‍♀️
Looking for serenity? Head to Scandinave Spa, nestled in the forest. Alternate between hot pools, cold plunges, and eucalyptus steam rooms—all in total silence, surrounded by trees.

12:30 PM – Lunch in the Upper Village
Stop by the Whistler Farmers' Market (Sundays, May–October) for gourmet snacks, artisan goods, and a casual bite. Or grab a sit-down lunch at The Wildflower at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

2:00 PM – Whistler Sliding Centre or Ziplining Adventure
Feeling brave? Try bobsleigh or skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Centre—a true Olympic adrenaline rush. Prefer the trees? Soar with Superfly Ziplines for epic aerial views.

5:00 PM – Après Drinks at The Raven Room
Head to The Raven Room for inventive cocktails and elevated bites. With a moody, alpine-lounge atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to toast your Whistler adventure.

6:30 PM – Final Dinner at Il Caminetto or 21 Steps
Go for upscale Italian at Il Caminetto with housemade pasta and a fine wine list, or relax at 21 Steps, a cozy, casual spot known for hearty West Coast fare and upstairs views of the Village.

8:00 PM – Evening Stroll or Nightcap
Take one last evening walk along the Village paths or Green Lake boardwalk—or grab a nightcap at Bar Oso, known for its Spanish tapas and creative gin cocktails.

Book Your Scenic Flight Today

Daily Harbour Air flights between downtown Vancouver and Whistler’s Green Lake are available seasonally. Book now to enjoy a smooth, spectacular arrival with glacier views from above! Looking for more island escapes? Check out our Tofino and Comox Travel Blogs!

📍 Flight time is just under 45 minutes—and the views of Howe Sound, the Tantalus Range, and Garibaldi Lake are unforgettable.

Whistler - Frequently Asked Questions

What outdoor activities are available in Whistler?

Whistler is an outdoor playground all year round. In summer, you can enjoy:

• Hiking & Trail Running: Choose from alpine hikes like High Note Trail on Whistler Mountain or forest loops around Lost Lake.
• Mountain Biking: Home to the world-famous Whistler Bike Park, plus dozens of cross-country trails for all skill levels.
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking: Paddle Alta Lake, Green Lake, or Lost Lake for serene mountain views.
• Golf: Play a round at top-tier courses like Nicklaus North Golf Course, set right beside Green Lake.
• Ziplining & Aerial Adventures: Soar through the forest with Ziptrek Ecotours or tackle the treetop courses at The Adventure Group.

• Scenic Gondola Rides: The Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects two mountains with unmatched vistas of glaciers and alpine lakes.

   

   

Are there any festivals or events in Whistler during the summer?

Yes! Whistler hosts a lively summer calendar of events:

• Whistler Summer Concert Series: Free outdoor concerts at Olympic Plaza throughout July and August.
• Crankworx Whistler (August): A world-renowned mountain biking festival featuring competitions, demos, and fan events.
• Whistler Farmers’ Market: Held Sundays in the Upper Village, with local produce, artisan goods, food vendors, and live music.
• Canada Day Celebrations (July 1): Includes a parade, kids’ activities, and live performances in Whistler Village.

Can I explore Whistler without a car?

Definitely! Whistler is extremely walkable and offers great transit options:

• Walkable Village: Most hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions are located in or near Whistler Village.
• Free Local Transit: From spring through fall, Whistler offers free public buses on most routes.
• Bike Rentals: Easily rent a cruiser, e-bike, or mountain bike from shops like Arbutus Routes or Whistler Bike Co.
• Shuttles & Taxis: Many hotels offer complimentary shuttles, and taxis are readily available for longer excursions.

How do I book a Harbour Air flight?

Harbour Air offers seasonal flights to Whistler. To book a flight: 

  1. Visit Harbour Air's official booking page or select the 'BOOK NOW' button below.

  2. Select your departure location (e.g., Richmond (YVR South) or Downtown Vancouver) and choose Whistler as your destination.​

  3. Select 'One Way' or 'Round Trip'. Choose your travel dates and the number of passengers.​

  4. Browse available flights and select a suitable option.​

  5. Proceed to payment to confirm your booking.

Ready to fly? Start your Whistler adventure today with Harbour Air’s direct flights to Green Lake, Whistler.