Best Places in Whistler for Families to Beat the Heat
So, you spent yesterday in the bike park and hiking in the alpine. It was hot and exposed. Today is going to be another scorcher. Where should you go to cool off and have fun? Here are some ideas
Alpha Lake Park
Alpha Lake Park is one of Whistler’s hidden gems. Perfectly situated for Creekside residents and visitors, Alpha Lake Park is a bit of a locals’ secret. The parking is ample and most everyone else is heading to Rainbow Park and Lakeside Park – Alta Lake gets the lion’s share of summer water attention.
But Alpha Lake Park shouldn’t be overlooked. Why? Tennis courts, a playground, the clean, clear water of Alpha Lake, a walk-out dock and a swim-to swimming dock. Best of all, Alpha Lake has plenty of shade. If you’ve had more than your fair share of sun, then the many shaded treed areas in Alpha Lake Park will make it a place you will return to again and again.
Bonus: take your kids to the forested area behind the playground and you will get an up-close-and personal view of the Rocky Mountaineer as it passes through to its stop at Nita Lake Lodge! Many kids adore trains so this is sure to be a hit.
Rainbow Park
Rainbow Park’s claim to fame is that it is the original site of Myrtle Phillip’s Rainbow Lodge – the place that first brought visitors to this valley back in 1914. That historical fact alone makes the park a must-visit. When the going gets hot, Rainbow Park can absorb the crowds with its massive flat grassy area. It’s also perfect for young kids as it has a good stretch of sandy beach with shallow water. Alta Lake is also the warmest of Whistler’s swimmable lakes so for swimming fans.
Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park has canoe, kayak and SUP rentals, making it a destination for many families wanting to get a middle-of-the-lake water view of the Whistler valley. Parking is pretty minimal on a hot summer’s day, but with its easy access along the Valley Trail, why not cycle to this lovely oasis? There are docks and a sandy area for kids. There is also a playground which offers good shade.
Lost Lake
Slightly off the beaten track, Lost Lake requires a bit more planning, but families still like to access Lost Lake because it is a peaceful gem in the middle of the forest. It has a great trail system around the perimeter, docks, and picnic tables.
Try Splashing Down at the Water Park
The water park at Meadow Park is the place to beat the heat when you have toddlers or very small kids and don’t want to be worried about deep water. Head to the water park for safe splashing and its soft, rubberised ground surface. The water park has a fantastic playground adjacent to it so kids can run back and forth with ease. The entire park offers great views of surrounding mountains. There are also tennis courts and a massive field to blow off steam, or head over to the river bank to watch the ducks swim by.
And Who Can Resist…
Your kids want to cool down, but are hankering for a treat too? Head to one of the fabulous ice cream shops in Whistler Village, like Cows, and make it a sweet way to end your day’s adventures in the splash zone.
Photo Credits: Mike Crane
