August is midsummer in Whistler and that means hiking, trail running, biking and sightseeing in the fresh alpine air, cooling off with a lake dip and cheers-ing on a beautiful patio.
The outdoor adventures in Whistler are as boundless as your imagination, with a wealth of dining and cultural events happening al fresco too, from paddling along floating art displays at Art on The Lake, to soaking up the sunshine at free concerts and movies in the plaza.
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So get outside and into the mountains this August to soak up the season while it’s still here – it’ll be gone before we know it! Here’s what’s happening in Whistler this August.
Outdoor Adventure
You’ll find us:
- Descending the mind-blowing Top of the World trail, located in the Peak Zone of the Whistler Bike Park. Beginning at the top of the Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain, Top of the World takes you through Whistler’s insane alpine environment on tacky, smooth single track filled with built-up berms, switchback corners and fun flowy descents along the way. It’s a black diamond-rated trail for advanced riders only. Beginner riders should check out the other great green and blue trails within the Whistler Bike Park, or book a lesson.
- Trail running on one of Whistler’s great trail networks. August is a great time to trail run in the alpine trail network on Whistler Blackcomb as it’s cooler up high and the endless views are a great distraction for when your lungs and legs start to protest. If you’re a trail runner who likes racing, the 5 Peaks Trail Running Series returns on Blackcomb Mountain on August 31. For more races, check out our Going the Distance blog.
- Setting sail on a private boat charter with Whistler Sailing on Alta Lake. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a wing-foiling lesson for a bit of an adrenaline rush. Learn more about the history of sailing in Whistler in our new blog, Sail Away on Whistler’s Alta Lake.
- Experiencing the thrill of racing down the track on a Summer Bobsleigh at the Whistler Sliding Centre. Guests race down the track with a professional pilot, reaching speeds of up to 90 km per hour! This summer, youth ages 12 to 18 slide for 50% off (2 youth per 1 paying adult), so you can bring the whole crew.
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Adventure Lite
You’ll find us:
- Throwing frisbees at the new disc golf course at Whistler Olympic Park. This new 9-hole course is free within operating hours, with disc rentals available inside the Day Lodge if you don’t have your own.
- Wandering amongst fields of colourful wildflowers on an alpine hike. The wildflowers typically stick around until around mid-August, but timing can shift slightly each year depending on the previous winter’s snowpack and the melt rate of spring. Read our wildflowers blog post to learn about where to discover the little beauties.
- Cruising all over Whistler on an e-bike tour with Cycle Whistler. Guides share their local knowledge about Whistler’s not-to-miss viewpoints and landmarks, as you pedal the iconic Valley Trail without breaking (much of) a sweat.
- Finding deep relaxation and rejuvenation at one of Yogacara’s summer workshops, including the August New Moon Yoga Nidra, Summer Full Moon Nidra and Gong Yoga Nidra events happening throughout the month. Learn more here.
- Strolling through the Whistler Farmers’ Market, happening every Sunday through to October 13, plus Saturdays on long weekends (this month that’s Saturday, August 3). Check out an abundance of local produce, on-site food, treats, craft goods and live music.
- Heading out for a Bear Viewing Tour on Whistler Blackcomb – the home of up to 60 black bears and cubs. Travel in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle through a maze of ski area roads, while safely getting to view bears in their natural habitat.
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More ways to get outside.
Family Fun
You’ll find us:
- Having a family picnic in the park with Whistler’s Park Eats food truck program dishing up delicious food from local vendors at Alpha Lake, Rainbow Park, Meadow Park, Lakeside Park and Lost Lake. If you opt for the latter, keep an eye out for tiny toads hopping about as the Lost Lake toadlets have begun their migration from the lake to the forest. The little hoppers are about the size of a dime and they are a threatened species, so support their mission by watching your step, walking your bike, keeping an eye on signage and looking but not touching.
- Bringing some popcorn and a low-slung camp chair to Movies in Olympic Plaza, happening on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from August 7 to 24. This month, the movies are Next Goal Wins, Bob Marley: One Love and Mrs. Doubtfire.
- Taking a break from the sun at Escape! Whistler. Families can work as a team to escape from one of the six different themed rooms, solving puzzles and riddles in a completely immersive experience.
- Encouraging the kiddos to tap into their creative side at Crafts in the Park on August 7, 14 and 21 from 11 AM to 12 PM, located in Florence Petersen Park (behind the library). Kids under six (with an accompanying adult) can enjoy Whistler-themed crafts while learning a bit about Whistler’s history. No registration is required, just drop in!
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More family-friendly activities.
Arts & Culture
You’ll find us:
- Spending Sunday afternoons relaxing in the sun and listening to live music at the inaugural Sunday Sessions, part of the Whistler Concert Series. Sunday Sessions bring festival vibes to Whistler Olympic Plaza as major touring acts and local musicians come together for an afternoon full of performances. On Thursdays and Fridays from August 8 to August 30, we will be checking out the headlining concerts, also located in Whistle Olympic Plaza.
- Grabbing a kayak, canoe or paddleboard (rentals available) to see Alta Lake transform into a floating art oasis at Art on The Lake, a vibrant community celebration featuring incredible artists, music, dance and more on August 15 and 16. New this year is the Pop-up Market at Lakeside Park, where festival-goers can interact with local creators and purchase their favourite finds.
- Exploring the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre’s newest exhibition, Chief Dan George – Actor and Activist. The exhibition explores the life and legacy of Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George (1899 – 1981), including his influence as a First Nations rights advocate and his career as an actor.
- Being wowed by the talent on display at the Flag Stop Theatre & Arts Festival, happening August 7 to 10 with events at both Florence Petersen Park and The Point. You’ll find youth improv on the afternoon of the 7th, theatre and comedy performances on the 8th, and floating plays and live music on the 9th and 10th.
- Discovering the artistry of clay at the 2200 Degrees: The Ceramic Art of the Sea to Sky Potters’ Guild exhibit, from now until August 14 at the Maury Young Arts Centre. The exhibition celebrates the remarkable versatility and artistic potential of clay, brought to life by the skilled hands of 11 Potters’ Guild members. From tableware to intricate sculpture, the artwork on display represents the diversity of design, firing and finishing techniques used by clay artists.
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Eating, Drinking & Shopping
You’ll find us:
- Feasting on a delicious meal in the alpine with the Hawksworth x Whistler Blackcomb Summer Pop-Up on August 8. Chef David Hawksworth and his talented culinary team bring an unforgettable culinary experience to the top of Whistler Mountain. Tickets to the dinner event include full-day sightseeing access, including the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola, so you can really take advantage of being in the alpine.
- Dining al fresco under the magnificent presence of Ts̓zil (Mount Currie) at the Araxi Longtable Dinner on August 11. The event takes place in the fields of North Arm Fam in our neighbouring community of Pemberton. It begins with a cocktail reception and live entertainment before a four-course, family-style dinner is served with wine pairings along the iconic singular continuous table.
- Spending an evening enjoying fine art and fine dining at the Audain Art Museums’ Artist Dinner Series on August 9 and August 23. Guests are given an exclusive tour of the new exhibit Tom Thompson: North Star exhibition and a three-course dinner with wine pairings by Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Be sure to buy tickets ahead of time to secure your seat at the table.
- Taking in breathtaking mountain views at the Corona Mountaintop Lodge Summer Series Sessions on August 25, located at the re-imagined Seppo’s Bar space on Whistler Mountain. Enjoy live music, food and beverage specials with unparalleled views from 12 PM to 5 PM.
- Sipping on a mocktail at The The 0% Lounge, a pop-up lobby lounge at the Four Seasons Resort. They’re offering a selection of zero-proof beers, wines and crafted mocktails on the newly enhanced outdoor terrace.
- Grabbing dinner at the new Purple Panda Chai Thai Bistro. This brand-new restaurant brings the delights of Asian cuisine to the Upper Village Stroll. Dim-Sum, anyone?
- Having a fiesta at the Radiante Taqueria Terrace pop-up, located at Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Enjoy delicious margaritas and authentic Mexican tacos on the secret garden terrace, open Thursday to Sunday. While at the Fairmont, check out The Clubhouse. This hidden gem is located at the Fairmont Chateau Golf Course (but open to all, golfers and non-golfers). Walk five minutes or take the free shuttle over for picturesque patio views of the 18th hole. Visit during happy hour from 4 to 7 PM, Sunday to Thursday, for great deals on food and drinks while you take in the views.
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More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.
Save the Date
Whistler Summer Concert Series | Select dates throughout July and August
RBC GranFondo Whistler | September 7
Whistler Village Beer Festival | September 14
XTERRA Whistler | September 14 & 15
Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra | October 5
Whistler Writers Festival | October 17 – 20
Be a Responsible Traveller: Don’t Love It to Death
- Wildfires are a very real risk to Whistler, even into the fall months. Whistler’s fire danger rating gets updated daily by the BC Wildfire Service and when it reaches High or Extreme, open fires of any kind are banned (check it on our weather page). If you see a fire call 9-1-1.
- Whistler Alert is the official emergency notification system used by the RMOW to communicate with residents and visitors during emergencies via text message, phone and email. We encourage you to sign up for it while you’re here (just in case). When you register, you will be asked to provide your contact number and the date you plan to leave Whistler so that you don’t receive alerts when you’re back home.
- Whistler is bear country. Take a read of our Bear Aware blog post so you can act responsibly on behalf of these beautiful, wild creatures. Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear.
- If you’re using the hiking and biking trails around Whistler regularly, consider donating to or joining WORCA, a local organization that maintains Whistler’s trail system.
- Help keep Whistler green by choosing tap water over bottled water, avoiding single-use plastics, leaving the car at home, choosing active transportation and sorting garbage properly to reduce your waste.
- Be AdventureSmart and always practice Leave No Trace principles. Consider our Responsible Travel pillars, Respect Nature, Think Environment, Don’t Love It to Death and Support Local.
If You’re Driving . . .
- Take a read of Go Car Free: 8 Reasons to Ditch the Car on Your Whistler Trip in case we can convince you that you don’t need your car!
- Help reduce congestion on the highway by travelling during non-peak times. Peak travel times on the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler include Friday afternoons and evenings, weekends and holidays. To avoid this busy time, plan to visit Whistler midweek when the highway and the resort are typically quieter. Extend your weekend – plan to arrive on Thursday night and leave on Monday morning to avoid the weekend traffic. If you’re visiting Whistler only for the day, plan on staying for dinner to avoid the rush of day traffic leaving the resort after the mountain closes.
- Always check DriveBC for current road conditions before getting on the road. Follow @DriveBC on Twitter and listen to MountainFM for the latest updates.
- Paid parking is in effect in all the Day Lots although there is complimentary parking from 5 PM to 8 AM. Overnight parking is now allowed in the Day Lots, but no overnight camping or sleeping in vehicles. Please check the RMOW website for more information on parking.
- Marketplace parking has new tariffs; $1 first 30 min and $2 first hour (15-minute, storefront parking remains free). For shopping at Fresh St. Market, register your license plate in the machine prior to shopping and they will reimburse you for 1 hour with a minimum $25 purchase.
Book your summer 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!
