8 Great Summer Activities for Families
Whistler has winter fun locked up, but the secret has long been out that summer in Whistler has a lot to offer families too. Here are a few itinerary items for your “to-do” list:
1. Cool Down at the Lake
Start with Whistler’s pristine lakes. There are 5 in total, although one, Emerald Lake, is an icy-cold glacier lake). Alta Lake is Whistler’s most popular lake, and how Whistler got its start as a tourist destination – long before the chairlifts started running. Back in the early 1900’s, Myrtle Phillip and her husband Alex started the Rainbow Lodge as a summer fishing destination. Today, Alta Lake is a water lover’s paradise, offering kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing (with summer camps available), and good old-fashioned swimming and beach play. Families flock to the beaches at Rainbow Park and Wayside Park.
Other great choices include Alpha Lake and Nita Lake – both convenient for Creekside guests, and Lost Lake, located near the Upper Village.
2. Pedal Power on the Valley Trail
The great thing about the Valley Trail is that it is paved, accessible and very family-friendly. Chariots are welcome, as well as dogs. Bring your bikes to Whistler (or rent them here) and the whole family can enjoy a leisurely cycle through the resort, stopping in the village or Alta Lake along the way. Sightsee from your bike, get where you want to go, get your exercise, AND is an entire-family-friendly activity. What’s not to love about that?
3. PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola for Family Hikes
There is something pretty spectacular about seeing the alpine covered in wildflowers. And the top of Whistler has hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy. Just be sure everyone is wearing comfortable, supportive footwear and pack plenty of sunscreen.
4. Splash Around the Water Park
Sometimes the lakes can seem a little daunting with very young kids in tow. Enter the Meadow Park Water Park! This water park has been delighting kids since the late 80s, and you can’t go wrong with a huge grassy field, easy and abundant parking, and tennis courts nearby – not to mention that it’s right on the valley trail.
With tons of fun water features, a playground, and lots of shady trees, the water park is a good bet for refreshing, cool, summer fun with minimal fuss. This water park is a favourite with locals so there will always be new friends to meet.
5. Get Your Fun On in Whistler Village
The Village has no shortage of things to do: check out the Whistler Public Library and its massive and impressive children’s area, The Audain Art Museum which often has children’s interactive art activities, and the Olympic Plaza with its fantastic children’s playground – with a huge array of food and dining options close at hand. This is urban convenience in the heart of wild Whistler.
6. Meadow Park Sports Centre – Reliable Rainy-Day Fun
It doesn’t always stay sunny and warm in Whistler and there can definitely be chilly, rainy days smack in the middle of summer. If that’s the case, head to Meadow Park Sports Centre and its fantastic pool with slide, kids’ pool and lazy river, and hot tub, or rent some ice skates and head onto the rink.
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7. When in Doubt Get Your Moo On
Summer with kids wouldn’t be right without some ice cream tasting, and Whistler has lots of places to have your fill. One of the most popular spots is Cow’s Ice Cream in the Village, with enough flavours to tempt any sweet tooth.
8. Need a Rest After Non-Stop Adventure?
There’s the Village 8 Cinemas in the Village which usually has a good family-friendly flick or two. When you’ve been playing hard in the sun, sometimes tired little legs can use some rest time, and a movie is a good option. Then get outside for more adventures.
Photo Credit: Mike Crane
