If there’s one thing you shouldn’t leave at home when visiting Whistler in the summer, it’s your camera. There are hundreds of unique photo spots in the Whistler Valley to take that Instagram shot, but it’s best to gain some elevation to get the best views of the beautiful Coast Mountain landscape. A 20-minute ride on the Blackcomb Gondola will springboard you up to 1,850m above sea level for a scenic view along the alpine trails of Whistler Blackcomb’s dual mountains, linked by the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. While there’s plenty more spots to stop for snaps during your day of sightseeing, we’ve curated our top 10 photo locations for you right here, so head to any of them for the best Whistler views
1. WHISTLER MOUNTAIN – TOP OF THE WORLD SUMMIT
This is the highest and easiest photo spot on this list to access. From the Roundhouse Lodge (at the top of the Whistler Village Gondola) it’s a short walk down to the Peak Express chairlift which will whisk you up to the Whistler Summit, known as Top of the World. Beautiful mountains and glaciers stretch in every direction, so get your shots by strolling around the Whistler Summit Interpretative Walk. That way you’ll get the best angles on the various terrain features like the iconic Black Tusk, an ancient and extinct volcano. You’ll also learn a bit about the geological history of Whistler and Garibaldi Provincial Park.
2. WHISTLER MOUNTAIN – CHEAKAMUS LAKE LOOKOUTS
One gem you can’t see from the summit is Cheakamus Lake. If you begin your hike from the Top of World Summit, High Note Trail traverses the south side of Whistler Mountain. Along the scenic alpine trail, you’ll find plentiful Instagram worthy views of this turquoise, glacier-fed lake that feeds the mighty Cheakamus River.
3. WHISTLER MOUNTAIN – FLUTE SUMMIT
The two to three-hour hike to the summit of Flute along the Musical Bumps Trail reaches the very edge of the resort area on the boundary of Garibaldi Provincial Park. While not as high in elevation as the Whistler Summit, Flute Summit provides the best views of the rolling Musical Bumps and the pyramidal Fissile Mountain. The hike back to the Roundhouse along the High Note Trail also reveals some colourful rock formations.
4. BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN – DECKER LOOP TRAIL
Another of the favourite Whistler Blackcomb day hikes for views is the Overlord and Decker loop . Connecting with Overlord Trail, the Decker Loop is a world-class alpine trail and among the best hiking experiences on Blackcomb Mountain. Start this journey by hiking clockwise up and into Garibaldi Provincial Park with incredible views of ancient mountain peaks, the Overlord Glacier and the Decker Tarn This chain of peaks and glaciers forms the fabled Spearhead Traverse which links Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. It was first completed on skis in 1964.
5. WHISTLER MOUNTAIN – SNOW WALLS
In the early summer months, operations staff plow the road to the top of Whistler Mountain leaving towering snow walls. Take the Peak Chair to Whistler’s peak and then follow Pika’s and Mathew’s Traverse back down toward the Roundhouse. This Instagram worthy spot is best seen during May and early June.
6. WHISTLER AND BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN – THE PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA
Take in the high alpine views on the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, one of the world's longest continuous lift systems. This unique journey is the centerpiece of Whistler Blackcomb’s Summer Alpine Experience, and offers unparalleled Coast Mountain views. Being suspended 436 metres above the valley floor gives you a unique perspective, with views of the Fitzsimmons Valley and the peaks and glaciers in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Ride the glass-bottom cabin for a bird’s eye view of the creek and forests below. Accessible from the base of Whistler on the Whistler Village Gondola or from the base of Blackcomb on the Blackcomb Gondola.
7. WHISTLER MOUNTAIN – THE CLOUDRAKER SKYBRIDGE AND RAVEN’S EYE LOOKOUT
Considered one of the must-see scenic adventures in Whistler, a walk on the Cloudraker Skybridge and the Raven’s Eye Lookout crosses a suspension bridge 130m from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge, high above Whistler Bowl. Experience amazing views, and a feeling of being on top of the world as you cross this amazing structure. Accessible during the summer months.
8. WHISTLER MOUNTAIN – THE UMBRELLA BAR
The Umbrella Bar is a must stop spot for a dining experience with world class mountain views. Located at the top of Whistler Mountain, in front of the Roundhouse Lodge, the Umbrella Bar is the ultimate on-mountain experience with patio views. Guests can enjoy a drink and soak in the 360° views under a giant umbrella that can be lowered on sunny summer days or in the winter when glass panels and heaters protect one from the elements. An extended wooden deck provides the perfect photo spots with a scenic back drop.
9. BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN – THE ASCENT TRAIL
These three interconnected uphill hiking trails meander through breathtaking old growth coastal rain forest terrain from Whistler’s valley bottom to the Rendezvous Lodge. The Ascent trails have been designed to showcase the beauty and diversity of Blackcomb Mountain while offering an exhilarating uphill hike, the perfect combination for anyone seeking a photo worthy destination.
Make sure pick up your Summer Alpine Experience Pass to see all of the best views at Whistler, and get UNLIMITED sightseeing and summer access to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains with 50+ km of hiking trails including the Blackcomb Ascent Trails, and an ever changing landscape, from early summer snow walls to blooming wildflowers to ancient glaciers, plus save on lodging and more.
