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Heading to Whistler but only have three days to spend here? No problem, because we’ve crafted the perfect summer time itinerary to help you make the most of it!
We lived in Vancouver for a long time, which means that we made countless trips up to Whistler on weekends! So after exploring as many of its trails, patios, and hidden gems as humanly possible, we’re here to share our tried-and-tested 3-day itinerary with you.
From thrilling adventures to relaxing lakeside afternoons, this guide captures everything that makes summers in Whistler unforgettable. With detailed timing, handy tips, and local favorites included, all you have to do is follow along and enjoy. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Whistler was this ziplining adventure! Flying across the valley on Canada’s longest zipline was wild—in the best way. The views were unreal, the ride was smooth, and we couldn’t stop smiling the whole time!
Day 1
Breakfast – Purebread
Located right in Whistler Village, Purebread is the perfect place to kick off your first morning here. This beloved bakery opens at 8 am, giving you enough time to grab a coffee and a pastry to go before your tour begins at 9 am. I highly recommend the raspberry ricotta muffin or the goat’s cheese and caramelized onion scones. If you love starting your day with good coffee and a treat, you might find yourself coming back to this spot again (and again) before your trip is over!
Morning – Go Sightseeing!
This sightseeing tour of Whistler is perfect for first-time visitors. Choose the 9 am departure and enjoy a relaxed, informative introduction to Whistler with a friendly local guide. You can join a small group or opt for a private tour if you want something a little more personalized.
When we did this tour, we loved how it allowed us to slow down and soak in Whistler’s stunning scenery while learning about the area’s history, culture, and hidden gems. Our guide, Ryan, knew Whistler inside and out and even helped us plan out the rest of our trip!
You’ll visit iconic spots like Whistler Blackcomb, Lost Lake, Green Lake Lookout, and Rainbow Park. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a black bear like we did!
The tour mixes easy walks, cultural stops, and beautiful viewpoints, making it a fantastic way to get your bearings on your first day here. I’m really not surprised that it has hundreds of 5-star reviews!
Book this sightseeing tour here, with FREE cancellation!
Lunch – Hunter Gather
This morning’s tour ends at the Whistler Olympic Plaza at around 12 pm—just in time for lunch! So when hunger hits, head to Hunter Gather, which is just a 6-minute walk away. It’s a local favorite spot, and we’ve been here countless times because we just can’t get enough of the brisket sandwiches. They also offer big, fresh salads if you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, and if you need drink recommendations, the friendly staff are always happy to help.
Afternoon – Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola
No trip to Whistler is complete without riding the famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola! Spanning 4.4 kilometers (2.7 miles), it’s the longest and highest lift in the world, and the 11-minute ride between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains offers jaw-dropping views of glaciers, forests, and rugged peaks. I’m not kidding when I say that these are some of the best vistas in Canada.
Most people spend around 2–3 hours at the top, depending on how much they want to explore. There’s plenty to do once you reach the summit, but some of our favorite activities are:
- Walk the Skybridge – This experience is included with your ticket, and it offers a thrilling walk out to a stunning mountain viewpoint. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the vistas are so worth it.
- Stroll the Snow Walls – These towering snow corridors reach up to 12 meters (40 feet) in height and are an easy walk from the gondola station.
- Lakeside Loop – We love this scenic 9.5-kilometer (6-mile) hike to beautiful Blackcomb Lake. If you’re a fan of hiking, definitely take the time to enjoy this incredible trail.
- Skywalk Adventure – For something a little more daring, you can clip into a harness and walk along cliffs and suspension bridges with a guide. It’s popular, so we highly recommend booking in advance!
But that’s not all. Before heading back down on the gondola, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a drink with a view at the Roundhouse Lodge. It’s a pretty spectacular way to toast your mountaintop adventure.
Dinner – Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar
After you get back down from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, head for dinner at Araxi. It’s just a 4-minute walk from the base of the gondola, and it’s an upscale spot that’s known for its fresh seafood, although it does have other options if that’s not your vibe. It’s also very popular, so I strongly recommend making a reservation in advance!
Evening – Explore Whistler Village
Whistler Village is a vibrant, pedestrian-only hub that’s perfect for an evening stroll during the summer time, when the sun doesn’t set until around 9 pm. It’s full of charming shops, great restaurants, and lively bars, so it’s our favorite place to unwind after a day of adventure! Here are a few ideas on what to get up to this evening:
Grab Dessert
COWS Ice Cream is a real Whistler institution, and with good reason. There’s usually a queue out front, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. They have so many amazing flavors, from “Moo York Cheesecake” to “Cownadian Maple.” You can’t leave Whistler without enjoying at least one cone!
Go Shopping
There are about 50 stores in Whistler Village, from stylish clothing and jewelry stores to souvenir shops and even a super cute handmade sweater store. In fact, it’s one of my favorite places to go shopping!
Play Some Games
Ready for a challenge? Head to Escape! Whistler for a fun escape room adventure right in the heart of the Village. The puzzles are so creative and imaginative – they never fail to impress me! It’s such a fun way for families and groups to spend an evening in Whistler Village.
Enjoy a Drink
We love the Dubh Linh Gate Irish Pub because it offers classic après-ski vibes, even in the middle of the summer. It combines the lively fun of an Irish pub with a spacious Canadian patio – what’s not to love? We always have such a great time here!
Day 2
Breakfast – Lift Coffee Company
This morning, grab a quick breakfast at Lift Coffee Company. They make amazing sandwiches, delicious donuts, and super fluffy brioche. It opens at 7 am and is just a 1-minute walk from the meeting spot for this morning’s tour. The meeting time is 8:30 am, so we suggest getting to Lift soon after it opens so that you have plenty of time to enjoy your breakfast and some of Whistler’s best coffee.
Morning – Go on an off-road buggy adventure!
A trip to Whistler is nothing without a healthy dose of adrenaline, so this morning we’re heading out on this incredible 4×4 off-road buggy tour through the Callaghan Valley! The adventure kicks off at 9:00 am, but make sure to arrive at the meeting point by 8:30 am to check in and gear up.
Then, over the next three hours, you’ll drive high-powered buggies through dense forests, up steep backcountry roads, and even across creeks and rivers. Expect to get a little muddy and a lot thrilled!
Each buggy fits two people, and most pairs like to swap drivers halfway through. That’s what we did! These machines can hit speeds of up to 60 mph (96 kmh), making for an incredibly exhilarating ride.
We loved splashing through creeks and racing through giant puddles. In fact, we were laughing our heads off the entire time! And be sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, grouse, and even black bears if you’re lucky.
We also stopped at a stunning viewpoint, where our guide snapped some fun action shots for us. With over 600+ five-star reviews, it’s no wonder this off-road adventure is one of Whistler’s top-rated tours. It’s an epic way to spend a morning here, that’s for sure!
Book this exciting ATV tour here, before it sells out!
Lunch – Peaked Pies
After the tour drops you back in Mountain Square, head to Peaked Pies for a quick and delicious lunch. It’s about a 10-minute walk along Northlands Boulevard, and their elevated meat pies are out of this world. They have unusual flavors, like kangaroo, and you can have your pies “peaked,” which means that they come with a small mountain of peas, gravy, and mashed potatoes on top. Yum!
Afternoon – Relax at the Scandinave Spa
The Scandinave Spa offers a truly magical experience. It’s just a 6-minute drive from Whistler Village, but it feels far removed from any civilization. It’s so peaceful; treat yourself to an incredible afternoon of enjoying their saunas, hot tubs, and cold plunge pools right in the middle of nature. The massages here are incredible, too, and the perfect way to relax after this morning’s thrilling ATV adventure.
If you’re not renting a car in Whistler, you can always grab a taxi from town. Some hotels even offer a free shuttle service to the spa! I do suggest booking in advance because this place is understandably popular.
Dinner – Caramba
Caramba is an incredible Italian-style bistro, and eating here is a must while you’re in Whistler! It’s right in the heart of Whistler Village, and it serves amazing pizzas, as well as big bowls of fresh pasta and juicy steaks. You really cannot beat it!
Evening – Go Axe Throwing!
Axe throwing is a quintessentially Canadian thing to do. It may sound odd, but don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. I like to say that “it’s like bowling, but way more dangerous,” although in reality, the rules and training mean it’s super safe.
The best way to enjoy axe throwing in Whistler is with this guided session! They offer hour-long sessions in the evening at 6 pm, 6:15 pm, and 7:30 pm, so book whichever one suits you best. Trust me, that hour will go by so fast!
One of my favorite things about axe throwing is that it brings out the competitive side in everyone! It’s also just such a fun way to blow off steam after all of the exploring you’ve been doing. They serve drinks and snacks here, too, so it’s just an all-around fun place to hang out.
Check out 5-star reviews and book your axe-throwing session here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Day 3
Breakfast – Crêpe Montagne
Crêpe Montagne is a French-style sit-down brunch spot in North Whistler Village. We love coming here for their delicious crepes, which come in both sweet and savory varieties, and they also do a huge range of eggs Benedict. Personally, I like the croissant eggs benny!
Morning – Scenic Walk or Bike Along the Valley Trail
This morning, start your day with a relaxing adventure along Whistler’s Valley Trail. It’s a paved, flat path that connects the village to lakes, forests, and neighborhoods with beautiful views the whole way. Depending on where you start in Whistler Village, it’s about a 30-minute walk to Lost Lake. You can stroll, rent a bike, take the free shuttle, or drive yourself. There’s even free parking available!
The journey is very scenic, but the destination, Lost Lake, is even better. It’s one of Whistler’s most loved summer spots, and when you get here, you will totally understand why! The crisp, clear water is perfect for a refreshing swim, and we love jumping off the floating pontoon.
Meanwhile, Blackcomb Mountain towers in the background, so it’s a prime spot for photos. And in the summer, there are food trucks and barbecue facilities around, making it easy to grab a drink or a bite to eat while you lounge by the water. It’s the perfect place to kick back, swim, and enjoy a summery morning in Whistler!
Lunch – Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill
Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill is right next to the meeting point for this afternoon’s tour, and it also serves up fantastic burgers alongside classic Canadian poutine. I mean, you’ve got to eat poutine at least once while you’re in Whistler! And if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, I highly recommend the donut bites.
Afternoon – Ride North America’s longest zipline
This afternoon, get your adrenaline pumping with one of Whistler’s most thrilling activities. Of course, I’m talking about the famous Sasquatch zipline, which is the longest in North America! Yup, it spans over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) and takes you soaring high above the forest, reaching speeds of over 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour.
This is an experience you’ll never forget. How do I know? Because we did this last time we were in Whistler and absolutely loved it! We’ve tried ziplines all over the world, and nothing compares to the pure speed and jaw-dropping mountain views of the Sasquatch.
There are multiple afternoon departure times available, but the 2:00 pm slot fits perfectly into this itinerary, with plenty of time before your next activity at 4:45 pm. The whole experience, including transportation and safety briefing, lasts about 1.5 hours.
Book this zipline adventure here—your adrenaline fix awaits!
Dinner – Whistler Fine Dining Tour
After an action-packed day, it’s time to unwind and indulge! Whistler boasts some world-class restaurants, and tonight you’ll experience the best of them on a progressive dinner tour. It’s truly an incredible experience.
In fact, this fine dining tour is one of the best things that we have ever done on our travels. The lineup of restaurants changes often to stay current with Whistler’s hottest spots, which means no two tours are exactly the same. One staple, though, is a stop at the legendary Bearfoot Bistro, which is home to a 15,000-bottle wine cellar. Here, you’ll even get the chance to saber a bottle of champagne, which is a skill I still brag about to this day.
Throughout the evening, you’ll enjoy incredible dishes like fresh salmon, perfectly cooked steaks, and unique seasonal creations, all prepared by some of Whistler’s best chefs. It’s a fantastic way to sample a range of Whistler’s restaurants, bars, and dessert spots all in one night.
And once the tour ends, you’re welcome to stay at the final restaurant for a cozy nightcap if you’d like. That’s what I call the perfect end to a delicious evening – and an epic trip to Whistler. Cheers!
Spots fill up quickly—secure your spot at this top dining experience here!
Where to Stay in Whistler
Now that you’ve got your Whistler itinerary all mapped out, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! I always recommend staying right in Whistler Village so you’re close to all the best restaurants and shops. After plenty of visits, I’ve narrowed down the best hotels for every budget to help you find the ideal base for your trip.
Just a heads up, Whistler books up fast, especially in peak seasons. I highly recommend reserving your hotel early to lock in the best rates and availability. With that said, here are my top picks!
Luxury – $$$
For a luxury hotel in the heart of Whistler, the Whistler Village Suites is my top choice. For Whistler, it’s still a great value hotel and has a stunning indoor/outdoor swimming pool, plus a bar, several hot tubs, and a well-equipped fitness center. As for the rooms, they’re so comfortable that you might not want to leave the property. Some of the suites even have balconies with mountain views!
Prices range from $300 to $800+ CAD, depending on season and room size. You can check availability and reserve your stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Our go-to hotel in Whistler is the Adara Hotel. For us, it is the perfect mix of luxury and affordability with everything you need for a comfortable stay. They offer underground parking and are only a one-minute walk from the Whistler Stroll, so you can park your car and leave it while you explore Whistler Village.
They also have a beautiful outdoor pool and hot tub offering mountain views – perfect for relaxing in the evening. The loft rooms are our favorite, and most also offer mountain views from the upstairs patio.
Rooms range from $150 to $300+ CAD per night. Book Adara Hotel on Booking.com here.
Budget – $
Pangea Pod Hotel is a stylish, budget-friendly stay in the heart of Whistler Village, perfect for travellers who want to be close to the action without the high price tag. This unique pod-style hotel offers sleek, modern sleeping spaces with privacy screens and secure storage, along with inviting shared areas like a rooftop bar, café, and guest lounge. It’s ideal for solo travellers or couples who plan to spend their days exploring and their nights crashing somewhere simple and comfortable.
Private pods with shared bathrooms start around $100 CAD per night, and you can check availability on Booking.com.
Check out all of Whistler’s accommodation options here!
Renting a Car in British Columbia
If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!
And if you’re planning to visit the Canadian Rockies during your trip, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!
In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Whistler in the summer is something truly special, and we hope this itinerary gave you a great head start on planning your trip. From heart-pumping adventures to laid-back afternoons by the lake, these are the experiences we keep coming back for—and couldn’t wait to share. Whether it’s your first time here or you’ve been before, there’s always more to explore.
If your travels continue beyond Whistler, be sure to check out some of our other Canada blogs here—we’ve got plenty more local favorites waiting for you! Here are a few more we think you’ll find helpful.
10 Best Things to do in Whistler, British Columbia
The BEST Via Ferrata Tour in Whistler: Our Review
WHISTLER ITINERARY – How to Spend 1,2, or 3 Days in Whistler!
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Anchorage, Alaska: 3-Day Itinerary