From mountain top to valley bottom, Whistler’s natural beauty shines. In just three days you can explore lakes, rainforests, creeks, glaciers, wildlife, mountain tops and tons of trails on foot, on bikes and in a canoe. Here’s an example of a three-day itinerary dedicated to nature lovers looking to make the most out of their summer stay in Whistler.
Where to Stay
Immerse yourself in nature at one of Whistler’s tranquil hotels. Located in Creekside, Nita Lake Lodge has lakefront views and great stargazing from their roof-top hot tub. Or book a suite at Lost Lake Lodge in the Upper Village, just steps from Lost Lake Park. You can head to the lake for a swim, or lounge by the tree-lined pool.
To really get close to nature, stay at Riverside Resort on the banks of rushing Fitzsimmons Creek. They have RV and tent sites, but you can also glamp in one of their log cabins or yurts.
Day 1: Enchanted Forests
After you arrive in Whistler, visit Picnic Whistler’s Deli to grab a to-go charcuterie box for lunch. Stroll over to Rebagliati Park to listen to the babbling of the creek while you eat alfresco. If you have time, continue following the Valley Trail to Lost Lake Park to walk the trails.
On summer weekdays, the Whistler Museum hosts a pop-up natural history display that’s a great way to learn about the local ecosystem.
Next, start your TreeTrek Tour. You’ll walk high in the tree canopy on a network of suspended walkways and bridges as your guide introduces you to the spectacular flora and fauna of the old-growth rainforest.
Go for dinner at Alta Bistro to enjoy a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients including vegetables from North Arm Farm in nearby Pemberton.
Continue your forest adventures after dinner with an immersive multimedia experience at Vallea Lumina. You’ll go on a night walk through the woods while lighting and special effects create a unique story (read more in Magic in the Mountains).
Day 2: A Day in the Mountains
Start your day with breakfast at a local cafe. You can also pick up a take-out lunch to enjoy later on the mountain. Naked Sprout Cafe has great smoothies and lots of vegan and vegetarian options. Or head to Mount Currie Coffee for pastries and coffee. Both spots offer sandwiches and wraps to-go.
Nature lovers can’t come to Whistler without a trip up Whistler Blackcomb. After you’ve fueled up, ride the Blackcomb Gondola up into the mountains (always check gondola times and trail status before you go). At the top, go for a stroll to take in the mountain setting. You can stick close to the Rendezvous Lodge or go for a short, 30-minute walk on the Alpine Loop Trail (for more hiking suggestions read our alpine guide). This is a great place to see marmots, adorably chubby members of the rodent family. Their whistling alarm call gave Whistler Mountain its name.
Next, ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola over to Whistler Mountain. Enjoy the views as you cruise across one of the longest free-span ropeways in the world. Once you arrive, take the Peak Chair to Whistler Peak where you can walk across the Cloudraker Skybridge, take photos with the iconic inukshuk and enjoy the incredible views from the Raven’s Eye Lookout.
Now it’s time to experience some of the best hiking in Whistler and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view. The signature hike is the 4-hour-long High Note Trail which starts near the Raven’s Eye. It has incredible views of mountains, glaciers and Cheakamus Lake in the valley below. Or enjoy more mellow terrain on the Harmony Lake Loop as you walk through alpine meadows to a tiny lake. It starts at the Roundhouse and takes about 90 minutes.
Cap off your trip to the mountains with drinks at the Umbrella Bar at the Roundhouse Lodge. Enjoy the panoramic views while you sip. When you’re ready to tear yourself away from the incredible scenery, take the Whistler Gondola back to the village.
If you have time before dinner, spend a little time with Whistler’s oldest locals – the trees! Follow the short, self-guided Weird and Wonderful Trees tour through the village using the free Go Whistler Tours app. Local naturalist Ross Reid will introduce you to five different trees.
For dinner, head to Mekong in Creekside to enjoy a modern take on classic Thai dishes. Nature lovers will appreciate the serenity of the airy dining room which features trailing plants on seemingly every surface.
Day 3: Bears or Boats, and Bikes
Begin with breakfast on the patio at The Den at Nita Lake Lodge. It has great lake views and a farm-to-table menu. If you’re really hungry, order one of their bottomless Bennies.
Next, nature lovers have a choice between bears and boats. Sign up for a bear-watching tour for a chance to see some of Whistler’s famous black bears, and if you’re really lucky, their cubs too. Your guide will take you off-road in a 4×4 vehicle to bear viewing areas, feeding sites, and day beds (read more in Connecting With Black Bears in Whistler).
Or book a laid-back, guided paddling trip in the heart of the Whistler Valley. Jump into canoes, then follow your guide across Alta Lake into the slow and winding waters of the River of Golden Dreams. Your guide will tell you all about Whistler’s flora and fauna while you look out for waterfowl, songbirds, beavers and bears as you float with the current.
Break for lunch at Pizzeria Antico. With towering conifers around their patio, you’ll forget you are in the heart of Whistler Village, not in the middle of the forest.
After pizza, rent a cruiser bike or e-bike, then head out on the Valley Trail. This car-free trail network spreads 46 km around the Whistler Valley. Use the Go Whistler Tours app to follow the 11-km-long Natural Wonders Bike Tour to learn about biodiversity and geology at Lost Lake and Green Lake.
If you need a break, stop at Table Nineteen for their afternoon happy hour. The patio has an incredible view of the glacial waters of Green Lake and you can watch float planes landing while you eat.
While you can see a lot in three days, staying longer lets you slow down and deepen your connection to Whistler’s landscapes. Check out Whistler.com for more summer activity options for nature lovers.
Book your Whistler stay between May 1 and October 31, 2024, and save up to 20% on lodging and 15% on activities. Secure your mountain getaway with Whistler.com for personalized service and the local knowledge of our Whistler-based team. If this post has you dreaming about Whistler, enter our Feel It All in Whistler summer contest to win a trip for two!
