What to Do on a Summer Weekend in Whistler

It’s often thought that Whistler’s busy season is the winter because of the mountain resort’s world-class ski slopes. But actually, Whistler is brimming with arts, culture and non-mountain biking activities that make the warm weather months equally as wonderful (or dare I say better?) to visit. As I discovered on my recent weekend trip north of Vancouver, if you’re looking to relax with wellness activities (beyond the iconic Scandinave Spa) or explore a stunning art museum that really holds its own, Whistler in the summer is the place to be. Stray from the well-peddled path with these summertime Whistler activities that have my personal stamp of approval.

Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

According to the centre’s curators, the main hall in the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is designed like a Longhouse, with the front entrance facing the east for the sunrise—welcoming to all visitors. The cultural centre (named so to reflect the evolving information, history and Indigenous culture throughout time) is both a celebration of and place to learn about the two local Indigenous nations: the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and the Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat) peoples. I visited the SLCC on National Indigenous Peoples Day, experiencing some of the rich programming like shopping at the Artists Market and attending the curators’ storyboard tour. The gallery has so much to offer with the traditional Longhouse and Istken Pithouse, immersive guided tours and an interpretive forest walk called the Salish Stroll.

Wander the Sunday Farmers’ Market

This isn’t your average farmers market. Though I only took a brief stroll through the dozens of vendors, you’re more likely to find local artisans selling carefully handcrafted goods and ready-to-eat snacks than bounties of produce (though some stalls do sell local grocery items, too. Don’t worry). For those in town on a Sunday, the Whistler Farmers’ Market is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. until October 12 along the Upper Village Stroll at the base of Blackcomb Mountain—plus there are bonus markets on long-weekend Saturdays.

Visit the Audain Art Museum

The Audain Art Museum was one of the best surprises on my weekend visit to Whistler. I was amazed at the calibre of exhibitions on offer at the nearly 10-year-old museum—and it’s just around the corner from the main village. Walking up to the building entrance is like looking at a piece of art; the museum is architecturally stunning, designed by renowned Vancouver-based firm Patkau Architects.

The museum showcases a range of local Indigenous pieces, as well as artwork from or inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Aside from the semi-permanent display, the two current exhibitions are worth a trip to the museum alone. Gathered Leaves: Discoveries from the Drawings Vault from the National Gallery of Canada showcases works of ink, graphite, pastel and watercolour spanning across the 15th to 20th century—and includes some big names like Pablo Picasso, Gustav Klimt and Marc Chagall (until October 13). Head upstairs to the selected recent works by Toronto photographer Edward Burtynsky (on until September 15) to see the coastal mountains captured in striking detail (and gain new perspective on close-to-home glacier retreats).

There are also plenty of events worth attending at the Audain, too. I was there during the Art of Wellness, featuring a wellness market with local B.C. vendors, from delightfully playful ceramicist Joe Sells Pot to tasty de-alcoholized sparkling wine, Glimmer. That evening also involved a multi-course outdoor long table dinner, which was still delicious as we sat outside under cover from the cold evening rain. The Audain will be hosting more long table dinners this summer, with its Artist Dinner Series seatings on July 18 and August 29.

Enjoy Delicious Bites and Drinks

Whistler has a wonderful food scene—after all, the resort town hosts the Whistler Cornucopia every fall to celebrate local food and drink offerings. There’s a lovely Quebec influence at some of Whistler’s restaurants, from spots like the Bearfoot Bistro (which you might know from the Vodka Ice Room) to the new Lorette Brasserie, led by uncle-nephew duo Jay Paré and James Paré. Opening earlier this spring, the restaurant in the heart of Whistler’s North Village offers breakfast and dinner (and weekend brunch). If you’re waking up after an fun après-filled night in the village, the hearty Hangover sandwich is sure to cure you.

For a family-friendly dining experience with an extraordinary view, the Mountain Top Summer Feast is exactly what it sounds like: a buffet dinner on the top of Whistler Mountain at the Roundhouse Lodge. Running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday over the summer, enjoy the scenic patio views from 1,800 metres while sampling an array of dishes (and if the weather isn’t cooperating, don’t worry, there’s indoor seating, too). Guests can purchase feast-only tickets in advance or bundle it with a Summer Alpine Experience ticket. Waiting to catch the bus back to the city at the end of your trip? Grab a sandwich and mega cookie from Moguls Coffee House—I recommend the Deli Club and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie.

Explore the Mountains With the Summer Alpine Experience

Going up Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in the summer is special (not that it isn’t amazing in the winter,too) because you can see the beautiful forest colours typically hidden under the snow. At the top of the mountain, get your photo-op by the Olympic Rings before heading out to hike or explore the peak of Whistler Mountain. For the latter (which is definitely worth the second chairlift ride), take in breathtaking views and literally walk among the clouds as you cross the summertime exclusive Cloudraker suspension bridge.

No ride up Whistler’s mountains is complete without going on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola (which still holds the world record for longest unsupported span for this type of lift since it opened in 2008). I was in awe looking out at the blanket of green valley and Fitzsimmons Creek 436 metres below, which visitors can also experience up close while walking through the village. If you plan on going up the mountains more than once, it’s worth investing in the Summer Alpine Experience Pass (a pass is $165 for adults). And a heads up for those planning on skiing at Whistler this winter, summer sightseeing is included with a 2025/2026 winter season’s pass. If you’ve been thinking of a trip, Whistler Mountain turns 60 this year—and Whistler Village turns 50 in August, too—so it’s a commemorative time to explore the mountains.

The Whistler Nourish Wellness Series

Though this season’s Nourish Wellness Series in Whistler has come to a close (it runs for the month of June), here’s your advance warning to book activities from this rejuvenating series in summer 2026. Whether it’s a yoga class on the top of Whistler Mountain, restorative sound bathing or a masterclass session, Nourish offers a plethora of wellness activities (this year had 60+ events) to keep visitors and locals busy with new and relaxing experiences. My personal favourites were the delicious Japanese-Pacific Northwest fusion wellness brunch prepared by Chef Alana Maas at a lakeside house on Alta Lake and the spiritual Mystics on the Mat yoga session led by Seane Corn.

Where to Stay for Wellness: The Four Seasons Resort Whistler

For the ultimate luxurious and relaxing experience this summer, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences has it all. Just walking into the main lobby of the hotel will put you at ease with the cozy cabin decor and the wonderfully soothing scent (which I learned is designed specifically for the hotel). With beautiful views from the rooms, the cloud-like beds and the Braidwood Tavern located conveniently at the base of the hotel (and features a wickedly good cocktail menu by the way), you can’t go wrong. Plus, the Four Seasons is walking distance from the base of Blackcomb Mountain, making it easy to get around.

 

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If the hot tub, pool and spa offerings weren’t enough, the Four Seasons also has an entire summer wellness program. Think: sunset sound bathing by the pool, outdoor painting, sensory forest bathing and much more—all included with your booking. With the seemingly endless number things to do in Whistler this summer, it’s almost impossible to be bored.