Experiencing Whistler Beyond the Village: Our Creekside Summer Adventure
I’ve been to Whistler dozens of times — ski trips, girl’s weekends, hiking escapes, family adventures — you name it. But this trip? This was the first time I felt like I really experienced Whistler. And here’s the spoiler: we didn’t spend a single minute in the main village.
Whistler is so much more than its busy plaza, boutique shops, and crowded patios. On this trip, we discovered a side of Whistler that’s relaxed, family-friendly, and full of hidden gems — all without the hustle and bustle of the village.
Staying in Creekside at Nita Lake Lodge
We based ourselves in Creekside at the beautiful Nita Lake Lodge (this stay deserves its own blog post because it instantly became our new favourite — stay tuned for a full review!). Nestled right on the lake, this location was perfect.
We were steps away from bike trails, quiet lakefront parks, and canoeing, yet far removed from the noise and chaos of the main strip. For a family trip, Creekside ticked all the boxes.
Biking Everywhere
Whistler has an incredible network of bike trails that connect lakes, parks, and neighbourhoods. We rode everywhere. No traffic, no stress, no parking struggles. Just sunshine, two wheels, and happy kids.
I’ve added a map of Whistler’s biking and lake trails so you can plan your own adventure — trust me, you’ll want it.
Lake Days & Park Playgrounds
When the sun is hot, there’s no better way to spend the day than at one of Whistler’s many lakes. We hopped from lake to lake — swimming, paddling, and lounging on the shore. Best part? Many of the lake parks have playgrounds, which meant Aspen and River were busy all day long.
Here are a few favourites:
Alta Lake Park – A classic Whistler hangout with great swimming and big park spaces.
Lakeside Park – Canoe and SUP rentals plus lots of family-friendly shoreline.
Lost Lake Park – Perfect for a quick dip after a bike ride.
Mountain Top Feast at Roundhouse Lodge
One of the absolute highlights of our trip was catching the final Mountain Top Feast of the season at Roundhouse Lodge. With our Summer Alpine Experience Season Passes, we got to take the gondola up for an evening of incredible food and even better views.
Typically, you don’t get to be on Whistler Mountain at sunset unless you’ve hiked up — so this felt really special. Watching the sky shift from golden light to pink hues at 1,850m elevation was an unforgettable way to wrap up summer.
💡 Season Pass Tip: If you’re planning to spend more than two days in the alpine, the Summer Experience Pass is a must.
Pass includes unlimited gondola rides, Peak 2 Peak, and discounts on activities.
Buy one adult pass, get the second at a discount.
Kids are FREE — huge bonus for families!
Canoeing, Dining & Date Nights
Staying at Nita Lake Lodge came with complimentary canoe rentals — and we took full advantage. Paddling out on Nita Lake in the evening was such a peaceful way to end the day.
Dining at Nita was another highlight:
The Cure – Our go-to for family meals, smoothies, and ice cream.
The Den – A cozy, elevated dining spot where Matt and I snuck in a much-needed date night (thanks to Whistler Babysitting — lifesaver!).
Hiking Adventures
Of course, no Whistler trip is complete without hiking. We managed to squeeze in our family’s favourite local hike, plus a couple of solo missions:
I hiked Blackcomb Peak with my friend Tabitha — more on that soon.
Matt finally made it up to Wedgemount Lake, one of Whistler’s most iconic alpine hikes.
Getting to Whistler & Creekside
Driving from Vancouver is straightforward:
Head north on Highway 99, the Sea to Sky Highway.
It’s about a 1 hour 45 minute drive (depending on traffic).
Creekside is the first Whistler exit — no need to fight your way through the main village.
Pro Tip: Stop in Squamish for snacks or a leg stretch. The Sea to Sky views alone make the drive worth it.
Where to Stay in Whistler
Looking to skip the crowds like we did? Here are three top picks:
Nita Lake Lodge – Our new #1 favourite for families and couples alike.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Classic luxury at the base of Blackcomb.
Aava Whistler Hotel – Great value, central location, and bike-friendly.
This trip completely changed the way I see Whistler. Yes, the village has its charms, but Creekside opened our eyes to a side of Whistler that’s quieter, more relaxed, and way more family-friendly.
Between biking trails, endless lakes, alpine feasts, and cozy evenings at Nita, we discovered that Whistler is so much more than just a ski village.
If you’ve only ever experienced Whistler from the village, I can’t recommend exploring its lakes, trails, and hidden corners enough. It might just change how you see Whistler, too.
Interested in the Ultimate Sea to Sky Road Trip?
Check out our complete Sea to Sky Guide and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
