9 things to add to your Whistler bucket list that you don't know about

The peak of your summer happens at Whistler Blackcomb.

As soon as you step out of your car, you feel a sense of adventure beckoning you. The sun shimmers over your shades. And far in the distance, you see what remains of the winter season, massive snow-capped mountains.

Yes, this is summer in Whistler.

You feel the bustling atmosphere of the village. You catch a glimpse of mountain bikers speeding down Blackcomb Mountain. You see the many patios full of people dining outdoors as they set their agenda for the day.

Now you need to set yours. After a short two-hour drive from Vancouver, you’re ready to see what Whistler has to offer. But this time, you want to do something off the beaten track, something you haven’t ever tried before. And you can do that with a PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience Day Ticket. You get to step onboard an epic gondola, take on two mountains with more than 50 kilometres of hiking trails, and snap tons of enviable Instagram photos along the way.

To help you plan your trip to Whistler, making it even bigger and better than before, we’ve compiled a list of nine things that you can do there this summer (that you probably never knew about!).

Chow down at a Mountain Top Summer Feast

Indulge in the ultimate dining experience 6,000 feet high in the air at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Live music and dining events take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so it’s the perfect place to start or end your weekend.

Explore the Blackcomb Ascent Trails

If you want to combine good exercise with Instagram-worthy vistas, then you need to hit the Blackcomb Ascent Trails. Start out from the bottom of the valley and make your way up to the top using three interconnected trails where you’ll traverse a stunning coastal rainforest. In total, the trails gain 1,200 metres of elevation over 5.2 kilometres.

Humorously named Little Burn, Big Burn, and Heart Burn, you know what to expect before you head off on the trails from the village. It’s not all uphill however, as you can get the gondola down when you’re finished to rest your legs. Normally you’d have to pay to do these trails, but if you hold a PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience summer ticket or pass, well, it won’t cost you a thing.

Visit the Samsung Alpine Theatre

Stop by the Rendezvous Lounge and learn about the rich history and evolution of Whistler Blackcomb’s mountain ecosystem by watching the video Limitless Discovery. This is just one part of the PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience at the Samsung Alpine Theatre; during their Educational Speaker Series you’ll also have the chance to hear an inspiring talk from local experts Wayne Wiltse, Graham Sinclair, and Arthur De Jong, at 1,860 metres above sea level.

See the wildlife

Immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Whistler by viewing wildlife in their natural habitat. The mountains offer some of the most incredible biodiversity where you’ll find everything from marmots, hares, hawks, pika, deer, soaring eagles, and bears. You can even join a bear tour where you’ll get a chance to see some of the 60 local black bears! Additionally, you can see animals like squirrels, birds, and fish in the valley area, and the likes of ravens in the alpine.

View the construction of the Peak Suspension Bridge

There’s a massive 130-metre suspension bridge being built atop Whistler Mountain – and you can check out the masterpiece as it’s under construction this summer. When completed, the Peak Suspension Bridge will stretch from the Peak Chair across to part of Whistler Bowl and end at the West Ridge. And it’s expected to have an elevation gain of roughly 2,000 metres, resting at the highest elevation of any suspension bridge in North America. Now that’s a whole new high.

Enjoy an open-air chairlift ride

Experience the alpine with the wind blowing in your hair by taking a ride on one of the three open-air chairlifts located on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. You’ll feel truly invigorated as you pass over the rugged landscape with all its breathtaking scenery. Riders often spot bears from the chair, too! You can ride the lifts for free when you have a day ticket or PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Season Pass.

Visit the Roundhouse Lodge Terrace and viewing deck

Take a break mid-mountain at Whistler Blackcomb’s biggest restaurant where you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and beyond. A brand new upper level terrace and viewing deck has been opened at the Roundhouse Lodge, and another lower level is set to open this month. In total, they’re adding space for 555 more guests so you can expect a buzzing atmosphere when you stop in here for a brew during your trip.

Tackle an alpine hike

Experience the thrill of hiking through the alpine, passing beaming blue lakes, ancient glaciers, and a volcanic landscape, when you get off the chairlift at the top of Blackcomb Mountain. It’s impossible to be bored when you have access to more than 50 kilometres of trails, which offer views like Black Tusk and Garibaldi Provincial Park. You’re sure to find something suitable for your level of fitness whether you’re a complete beginner or a total alpine trail blazer. You can join an interpretive one-hour walk or go for a full-day hike on the mountains.

Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

Even if you’ve been on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola before, you can’t help but crush on the unparalleled perspective of BC that you can see from the top. This Guinness World Record–breaking sky ride takes you between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and over the diverse landscape in between. The experience is made even better if you take advantage of the PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Season Pass. Not only does it give you unlimited access to the 360 Experience all summer long, you also get to enjoy a ton of perks and discounts, plus affordable lodging offers.

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Turn an average weekend away in Whistler on its head with the epic all-in PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience Pass. If you get yours online at least two days before you arrive, you can enjoy the perks on and off the mountain for the cost of $79.95 before tax.

For more information and to get your pass, visit Whistler Blackcomb online. To get the latest updates and to stay in the know, check out Whistler Blackcomb on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

See also

• 25 things to do at the top of Whistler Blackcomb this summer
• Eat your heart out at Whistler's Mountain Top BBQ Series