If you are looking for the best things to do in Whistler in August then you are in the right place! Whistler is one of the best resorts in North America and the number one resort in Canada. But it is not just a ski resort. It actually receives more visitors in the summer months than in the ski season in the winter! In August, visitors take advantage of dozens of Whistler summer activities. They hike, bike, paddle, golf, swim, and take advantage of world-class dining, a pedestrian-friendly village, and shop.
Whistler offers stunning glacier-fed lakes, its old-growth forest walking, hiking and biking trails, golf courses, West Coast beauty, shopping and excellent dining!
Whether August will be your first visit to Whistler or you come back year after year, by the time you get to the bottom of this post, your itinerary will be packed full of epic things to do in Whistler in August!
The Best Things To Do in Whistler in August
Ride the Peak to Peak Gondola
Whistler Blackcomb’s world record-setting PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola transforms the high alpine experience with new, awe-inspiring vistas as it bridges the gap between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It is one of the perfect things to do in Whistler in August because of the stunning views and warm and pleasant weather.
The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, as part of the world’s longest continuous lift system, introduces summer guests to unprecedented access to Whistler Blackcomb’s high alpine for sightseeing, hiking, and mountain-top dining. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola travels a span of 4.4 kilometers/2.73 miles in about 10 minutes.
While on Whistler or Blackcomb, there are dozens of alpine hikes to take advantage of. Plan for at least two hours just to get up the mountain, ride across and ride back down. I suggest while you are on one of the mountains, grab something to eat or take a short hike.
Location: On Whistler or Blackcomb. Access via Blackcomb Gondola or Whistler Village Gondola.
Ticket Prices for 2023: Adults $90, Teen (13-18) $80, Child (7-12) $45, Tot (3-6) FREE, Seniors (65+) $80,
Bike the Valley Trail in Whistler
One of the most popular free things to do in Whistler in August (if you are driving here locally) is to bike. There are bike-friendly paths all over town, making it one of the easiest ways to get around! If you are not local, there are bike rental shops all over! The network of paved bike paths connects all of Whistler’s neighborhoods, lakes, and local forest.
There are even e-bikes that now be rented! This was a pleasant surprise this year! The Evolve Bike Share program is designed with the Whistler resident in mind but I personally think that the visitor to Whistler will get a lot more fun out of using them! The cost is .35/minute plus $1 unlock fee. If you want to keep it for more than an hour, there is a $20 surcharge (consider a day rental somewhere else if this is the case). However if you are looking to ride from the village into Rainbow Park for example, it is the perfect car-free way to get to the lake!
WhistlerEvolve E-Bike Share Locations: Whistler Olympic Plaza, Rainbow Park, Fitzsimmons Connector and Meadow Park Sports Centre
Visit the Bike Skills Park
Make sure to head over to the Fitzsimons Bike Skills Park which has jumps and bumps for all skill levels (yes you beginners too). It is located next to Daylot #2 between the upper village and the main village. You will find all ages and abilities, from the littlest riders to those who have years of experience! There are two pump tracks and a variety of straight tracks! This is a popular place to bring kids of all ages if you are visiting whistler with kids. There is also a skate and scooter park right next door if they prefer those kinds of wheels!
Make sure you bring a bike lock and a refillable bottle of water to fill up at the water station! There are bike racks everywhere! There are picnic tables if you want to pack a lunch and enjoy watching the skilled riders take to the jumps!
Ziplining in Whistler in August
Ziplining in Whistler in August is perfect for the adrenaline junkie. It is actually available all year long! You can zipline from the village or you can go to nearby Cougar Mountain.
You can book here for Ziptrek and book here for Superfly. I have done Superfly and it is amazing (and very high!!!) Both actually operate all year round, but in August the weather is wonderful! I am not sure I would want to do it in full snowgear when it could be frigid!
Go Rafting on the Green River
This whitewater rafting trip takes you just north of Whistler Village to the Green River, which provides the perfect combination of fun bouncy rapids and spectacular scenery surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is the perfect choice for first-timers or for those who want a bit of excitement but not too much! The Class 2 and 3 rapids is fun and exciting for everyone and the views on Green Lake and along the Green river make for a stunning day.
This takes about 3 hours and is a ton of fun.
Location: Leaves from Cougar Mountain Base Camp, home of TAG Whistler
Book Online: Here
Get a Thrill at The Whistler Mountain Bike Park
There are a variety of passes and rentals and lessons for those looking for some August downhill biking in Whistler. There are four mountain zones, green trails, technical double blacks, & jump trails for all levels of bikers. Bike Park tickets need to be bought in advance online or over the phone.
Bike Park Tickets at Whistler are available from the Resort here
Try the Whistler Single Track
These trails are maintained by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and there is no charge to use them! Right next to Lost Lake is a perfect singletrack for those who want to get a feel for mountain biking. If you have done it before or are looking for more trails there are quite a few green, blue and black options.
You can get the singletrack map from the city of Whistler here.
One of my favorite things is to bring up our e-bikes and ride these trails!
Paddleboard Alta Lake
There are plenty of lakes to paddle board while in Whistler and it is one of the best August activities when the lakes are warm! If you do not own your own board, head over to Wayside park (off Highway 99) between Whistler Village and Whistler Creekside and grab a SUP (or kayak or canoe) rental from Whistler Eco Tours (WET). This is a popular spot as the current takes paddlers down the lake towards the other end (neat Rainbow Park and the start of the River of Golden Dreams). If you start your paddle at Wayside Park you have lots of room to enjoy the lake, just remember it will likely be a tougher paddle back against the waves!
The downside to Wayside Park is that the parking lot off Hwy 99 is quite small. But there is parking alongside the highway and there is an easy bike trail to ride from Whistler Creekside of Whistler Village if you have a bike.
Another popular place to base yourself for a paddle is on the otherside of the lake at Rainbow Park. There is a huge grassy area and a shallow beach entry as well as dock entry.
Rental Costs for a Stand Up Paddleboard at Wayside Park: $42 / Hour $126 / Half Day (4 Hours) $210 /
Whistler Summer Concert Series August 2023 Lineup
From classical music and indie pop to chilled-out beats, R&B and rock bands, Whistler Olympic Plaza is the place to be for free, outdoor concerts all summer long. Bring your picnic blanket and grab a spot on the great lawn or dance up at the stage to live DJ sets before the headlining performers begin at 7:30.
Dates: Aug 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 31st
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Notes: Complimentary, secured bike valet is available on site. There are also dates in July. Check them out in things to do in Whistler in July.
Whistler Train Wreck Hike
Hiking in Whistler in August is one of the most popular outdoor activities you can do. There are dozens of hikes taking you around the village, to alpine meadows, waterfalls, snow walls, lakes, and gorgeous views, and all levels and abilities are welcome. One of the easier hikes (or some like to call it a walk) is the Whistler Train Wreck Hike. It is just south of the Village, at Function Junction.
Beautifully colored graffiti covers up rusty train car boxes that have been lying among the trees in the forest for close to 70 years. Over time this train wreck became more than a locals’ secret and just a few years ago a path was built, along with a suspension bridge, to give visitors access to the site (without having to illegally walk on the train tracks to get there).
The trail is suitable for all ages and is even stroller-friendly until you get up to the train car area. It is well worth a trip to the train wreck to learn about the 1950s derailment and how the box cars came to lie wedged between towering cedars and fir trees.
Paddle the River of Golden Dreams
The Whistler River of Golden Dreams is a 5 kilometre river that flows from Alta Lake to Green Lake. The river takes at least a couple of hours to complete and can be done in a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard. Some also attempt to float the river, but the current does make it a bit tricky as branches overhang the river most of the way. Taking a tour is a popular way to traverse the river.
If you are looking for the perfect eco-experience in Whistler in the summer, a paddle down the River of Golden Dreams is the perfect activity. Rent a canoe or kayak from Whistler Eco Tours or book a tour guide to take you on your journey!
Location: Alta Lake to Green Lake
Rentals: Whistler Eco Tours
Prices: Vary depending on rental
SLCC Squamish Li’wat Cultural Centre
Open year-round, the SLCC brings together the vibrant cultures of two local Indigenous groups in one beautiful space. It offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the Indigenous people (the Squamish and the Li-wat people) who inhabited the region that Whistler is part of.
There is an hourly guided tour that gives you a glimpse into the Squamish and the Li-wat people who lived in this region! On the main level you can find a gift shop, perfect for local souvenir shopping, as well as a cafe.
Plan for about 1 hour here.
Location: 4584 Blackcomb Way
Hours: 10am to 5pm. Tours are hourly on the hour from 10am-4pm
Prices: Adults $20.00 Students (13-18) $7.00 Children (6-12) $5.00 Family Pass $45.00 (up to 2 adults and 2 youth under 18)
Take A Food Tour
Take a break from biking and hiking the alpine forest to indulge in some fine British Columbia cuisine. Food tours are popular in almost every city and Whistler is no exception. You can take an early evening food tour with an expert foodie when you visit Whistler in August.
This luxury experience also has a wine add on and ends early enough in the evening to have a nightcap.
Experience Vallea Lumina
Legends speak of a long-lost trail that leads to a secret valley. Join a twilight expedition to explore its mysterious beauty. Just 10 minutes drive north of Whistler village, experience a range of activities from TAG Whistler. Vallea Lumina is a sound and light experience that takes you through the forest, telling a story along the way It is one of the popular Whistler summer activities that every visitor should do!.
What to Bring / Wear: Brig your camera and a sense of wonder. Bug spray is recommended. Dress in layers, the experience is in the forest. If rain is in the forecast, bring a rain jacket as umbrellas are not permitted.
Things to note: Strollers are not permitted. There are stairs to walk down at the beginning and a bridge to cross. Those with young children should wear them in a carrier. Those with mobility issues may not be able to complete the trail as there are uneven surfaces as well as small up and downs along the path. The walk is about 30 minutes but you can go as fast or as slow as you want. Pets are not permitted.
Umbrellas are not permitted.
Hours: Shows begin at sundown, so showtimes vary throughout the season.
Tickets: online in advance here
If you are planning a September visit, many of these August activities are still going strong, but check out the list of things to do in September in Whistler just to make sure!
More Whistler Travel Resources for 2023
If you are still in the planning stages, this information will help you plan your visit to Whistler.
Start with how to get from Vancouver to Whistler. If you are from out of town, there are ways to get to Whistler without a car.
Traveling with Kids? This post has all of the best things to do in Whistler with kids! It has things for all seasons! I also have a post on the best Whistler hotels for families.
Shopping? Whistler Village has plenty of shopping options from clothing, to gear to souvenirs. Make sure you read this post on Whistler souvenirs before your trip!
5 Things to pack for a Summer Whistler Trip
Make sure you have these things packed for your trip to Whistler
- Sunscreen and hat: With plenty of beach and pool time (and hiking time too), make sure you have a hat and sunscreen.
- Bug Spray: depending where you are, the bugs can be bad. If you are headed to the alpine lakes, you will need it for sure. At dusk it is bad on the trails around Whistler village, as well as at the skate park.
- Bathing Suit: Do not forget your bathing suit. Pools and lakes are what make Whistler so great in the warmer months
- Comfortable shoes: Even if you are not a hiker, there are plenty of walking trails in the village. Whistler Village is such a walkable area and with a focus on eco-experiences, park the car and walk as much as you can.
- Bikes: If you are a local, consider bringing a bike! The village trails are perfect to bike to the lakes, and all over the village. Most people will bike to dinner and places like the farmer’s market. This helps limit your car use as well! ALl hotels offer bike valet or bike storage for visitors.
That is far from all, read my Guide to What to wear in Whistler which has a complete packing list for visiting at any time of the year.
Where to Stay in Whistler
Below I have listed some popular properties in Whistler to stay.
Four Seasons Whistler – The Four Seasons is one of Whistler’s luxury 5 star properties. The Four Seasons Whistler has a swimming pool and hot tub. They offer a bike valet that is convenient and safe. In the winter, I love the ski valet option where you can leave your skis at the ski hill instead of having to bring them back to the hotel. Four Seasons is located in the Upper Village near the Blackcomb Gondola. If you are visiting as a family, they offer playpens or cribs and high chairs for guests. They also offer childproofing items, art class, a seasonal playroom, and little luxuries like kids bath robes.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
Delta Hotel Whistler – The Delta offers rooms with full kitchens. This is ideal for those who like condo style accommodation but want the convenience of a hotel. There is coin laundry on site which may be needed to dry out wet ski gear. The Delta offers babysitting services as well. There is a heated indoor/outdoor pool as well as a hot tub. The Delta is in Whistler Village close to everything.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
AirBNB‘s are another great option as they offer more space. Most are designed for 4 or more people making them perfect for families or trips with friends. You can read more about Whistler AirBNB’s or check out my go-to favorite here. One downside to AirBNB’s is that they are not all in the village.
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!