Whistler is a dream summer destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, or thrilling experiences like zip lining, Whistler has it all.
With an array of guided tours and immersive nature experiences, there’s never a dull moment. Whether your family wants to climb to new heights, explore the wilderness, or encounter wildlife up close, Whistler's summer adventure tours have you covered for fun and memories.
Here are our top picks for seeing the best of Whistler in the summertime, with tours and unique sights for the whole family.
Glacier Tours: Reach New Heights
Standing on ancient glacier ice is something you and your family won’t soon forget. Whistler's 10,000-year-old glacier offers a one-of-a-kind experience — equal parts awe and education. The Glacier Discovery Tour provides an approachable, all-ages opportunity to explore alpine terrain with a guide who shares stories of the ice, its history, and the surrounding peaks. For those feeling more adventurous, the Glacier Glissading Tour allows older kids and adults to try sliding on the ice using a safe mountaineering technique.
Want to take the views up a notch? Opt for a helicopter sightseeing tour and glide above dramatic ridgelines, shimmering snowfields, and glacial valleys. It’s sightseeing, elevated — literally.
Guided Nature Walks: Explore Geology and Wildlife
Learn about the region’s wildlife, geology, and ecology on gentle hiking trails with Whistler's Guided Nature Walks and Hikes. Many tours are designed with kids in mind, offering hands-on learning and unforgettable views.
Don’t forget your camera — the scenic backdrops are stunning.
PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola: Soar Between Mountains
Sightseeing doesn’t get much more epic than this. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a record-breaking ride connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, giving you panoramic views of alpine meadows, rugged peaks, and glacier-carved valleys during the 11-minute journey.
Spanning 4.4 kilometers, this gondola ride isn’t just a way to get from point A to B — it’s a full sensory experience. With optional glass-bottom cabins and mountaintop hiking trails nearby, it’s an unforgettable way to see the scope and splendor of Whistler’s summer landscape from above.
Wild Bear Viewing: Experience the Wild Side
Whistler is home to one of North America's most visible black bear populations, and spotting one in the wild is as exciting as it is humbling. On a guided 4x4 bear tour, you’ll safely journey into bear territory with expert naturalists who know exactly where to look.
Along the way, learn about the bears’ behavior, feeding habits, and the ecological role they play in the alpine environment. It's a perfect mix of wildlife education and scenic touring, and it’s a hit with curious kids and camera-toting adults alike.
Zip Lining: Glide Through the Trees
For the adventurous, the Summer Ziptrek Ecotour offers a bird’s-eye view of Whistler’s lush forests, with routes like the Sasquatch Tour stretching over 2km between mountain peaks. For a more laid-back pace, the Bear or Eagle Tours feature shorter, yet still scenic, lines that glide through treetop canopies.
Bonus Activities for Outdoor Families
- Biking and E-Biking: Cruise the scenic Valley Trail or take a relaxed e-bike tour through alpine meadows and lakeside paths. Rentals and lessons are widely available.
- Whistler Walking Tours: This 1.5-hour walking tour through Central Whistler Village is led by knowledgeable guides. Uncover local art installations, historical sites, iconic landmarks, and views wrapped into one engaging experience. This tour strikes the perfect balance between light physical activity and cultural discovery, making it ideal for families.
- Vallea Lumina: As the sun sets, don’t miss Vallea Lumina — a night-time multimedia experience that blends storytelling, lights, and nature. Wander through the enchanted forest trails and feel like you've stepped into a fairytale. It’s a magical, low-impact experience that appeals to the senses — especially for families.
Plan Your Scenic Summer Escape
Whether you're peering into a glacial valley from the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, watching bears in the wild, or uncovering hidden gems on a village walking tour, Whistler’s summer sightseeing scene is as enriching as it is stunning. You don’t need to be an adrenaline junkie to fall in love with this mountain town — just bring your curiosity, your camera, and a sense of wonder.
So when you’re ready to soak up mountain air, uncover local stories, and see nature at its best, plan your next summer vacation in Whistler Blackcomb. You’ll come home with memories that are as vivid as the views.
