The Perfect 3-Day Summer Whistler Itinerary (With Kids): Adventure, Relaxation & UTMB Weekend
From family-friendly adventures to alpine dining, Via Ferrata, e-biking and lakeside paddling, here's exactly how we spent an unforgettable summer weekend in Whistler.
If you think Whistler is only worth visiting in winter, you're missing out.
We've visited Whistler countless times over the years for hiking and skiing, but somehow every visit we discover something completely new. This trip was originally planned around Matt racing the UTMB Whistler 50K, but it quickly turned into one of our favourite family getaways yet.
Between exploring old-growth forests with Ziptrek, watching runners tackle one of Canada's toughest trail races, e-biking around the Valley Trail, climbing Whistler Mountain on a Via Ferrata and paddling Alta Lake, we left wondering how we've still barely scratched the surface.
To make the weekend even better, we split our stay between Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside and Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. Both were fantastic for different reasons, and both put us within a few minutes' walk of everything we wanted to do.
If you're planning a summer trip to Whistler, here's exactly how we spent three incredible days.
Why Visit Whistler in Summer?
Most people know Whistler for skiing, but summer might actually be our favourite season.
Once the snow melts, the village transforms into an adventure hub filled with hiking, mountain biking, lakes, paddle sports, sightseeing gondolas, family activities, festivals and incredible dining. The best part is that you can easily park your vehicle for the weekend and explore almost everything on foot, by bike or via the gondolas.
Whether you're travelling as a couple, bringing young kids, or planning an active weekend with friends, there really is something for everyone.
Where We Stayed
Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
Our first two nights were spent at Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, and honestly, the location couldn't have been better.
Being literally steps from the Village Gondola meant early mornings were effortless—especially with Matt's 5:00 a.m. race start—and we loved being able to walk everywhere throughout the village.
Highlights included:
Spacious one-bedroom suite
Full kitchen
Cozy fireplace
Private balcony
Heated outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking the mountain
Underground parking
Walking distance to everything
One of my favourite moments was relaxing beside the pool while watching the bike park come alive each morning. The views alone make this one of the best pool decks in Whistler.
Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa
For the second half of our stay we checked into the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa.
The atmosphere here felt more like a full-service mountain resort. The staff were incredibly welcoming, there were daily family activities, and it quickly became obvious why so many people return year after year.
The kids especially loved the evening s'mores by the pool, while we appreciated having the spa just steps away after a busy weekend of adventure.
If you're looking for a little more relaxation mixed into your Whistler getaway, this is an excellent choice.
Day One: Ziplining & Mountain Dining
Treetop Adventure with Ziptrek Ecotours
We drove up early from the Fraser Valley and headed straight to Ziptrek's Treetop Adventure.
Unlike the larger zipline tours, this experience is designed for younger families and focuses just as much on learning as adventure.
Our guide, Immi, was fantastic with the kids, explaining the local forest ecosystem while leading us across suspension bridges, boardwalks and elevated tree platforms.
Aspen absolutely loved every bridge we crossed and it turned out to be the perfect way to kick off the weekend.
Why we loved it
Great for younger children
Educational without feeling like a lesson
Beautiful old-growth forest
Fantastic guides
Mountain Top Feast
That evening we headed up the Village Gondola to the Roundhouse Lodge for the Mountain Top Feast.
This has become one of our favourite Whistler traditions.
The buffet is outstanding, there's live music throughout the evening, and watching the sun slowly set over the Coast Mountains while enjoying dinner on the patio is one of those experiences that feels uniquely Whistler.
The kids spent half the evening dancing while we enjoyed one of the best buffet dinners we've had anywhere.
If you're planning multiple days exploring the alpine, I highly recommend purchasing the Alpine Experience Pass. Not only does it make sightseeing incredibly easy, but it also includes the flexibility you'll want if you're planning experiences like the Mountain Top Feast or multiple alpine adventures throughout your stay.
Race Prep
After dinner it was straight back to the hotel.
Matt's alarm was set for 3:00 a.m. for the 5:00 a.m. UTMB shuttle, so it was an early night before race day.
Day Two: UTMB Whistler
One of the coolest parts about UTMB Whistler is that even if you aren't racing, it's still incredibly fun to experience.
While Matt tackled 50 kilometres of mountain trails, the kids and I made a day of following him around the course.
Using the gondolas, we were able to cheer him on multiple times before exploring the alpine ourselves.
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
We rode across to Blackcomb on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, soaking in the incredible mountain views before heading down to Blackcomb Base.
Family Adventure Zone
The kids always have a blast at the Family Adventure Zone.
While I do think it's on the pricier side for the amount of time you'll likely spend there, it kept both kids entertained and made for an easy way to fill part of the afternoon while waiting for race updates.
Pan Pacific Pool Time
Between cheering stations we headed back to the hotel for a swim.
The pool deck views at Pan Pacific are absolutely unreal, overlooking the mountain bike park and gondolas.
It ended up being one of our favourite places to slow down during the weekend.
Watching Matt Finish
As Matt neared the finish line we made our way to Spruce Grove Park to cheer him through the final kilometres.
Seeing him cross the finish line after months of training was the perfect end to race day.
That evening called for more pool time, lots of food and an early bedtime.
Day Three: Bikes, Climbing & Relaxation
E-Bikes from Spicy Sports
The next morning we rented e-bikes from Spicy Sports. The kids rode comfortably in the bike trailer and actually fell asleep while we cruised around the Valley Trail network.
I'll admit—I was nervous. I've never been particularly confident on bikes and honestly expected to be stressed the entire ride. Instead, I absolutely loved it. The pedal assist made riding feel much more comfortable than my gravel bike, and it completely changed my opinion on e-bikes.
Matt and the kids kept exploring playgrounds and candy stores around the village while I headed off for my own adventure.
Via Ferrata with Mountain Skills Academy (MSAA)
This ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the weekend.
Despite having a healthy fear of heights, I booked the Via Ferrata tour with Mountain Skills Academy (MSAA). Our guide, Alex, was fantastic from start to finish, explaining the route, helping everyone feel comfortable and sharing stories about the surrounding peaks. The fixed cables, ladders and metal rungs made the climbing feel incredibly secure, and I was surprised by just how manageable the exposure felt.
I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa
After the day's adventures we checked into Hilton.
The atmosphere immediately felt relaxed and welcoming.
That evening the resort hosted complimentary poolside s'mores, which quickly became the highlight of the night for Aspen and River.
It felt like one of those thoughtful little touches that really elevates a family stay.
Spa Morning - Whistler Day Spa
The following morning Matt and I traded childcare duties so we could each enjoy a little recovery.
I booked a cryotherapy facial while Matt opted for the Deep Relief Sports Massage.
Looking back... scheduling a sports massage less than 48 hours after running a mountain ultra may have been a little ambitious. Oops.
Canoeing Alta Lake
After relaxing we headed out to Alta Lake for a canoe paddle.
This was such a peaceful way to experience another side of Whistler.
Paddling through the lagoon, weaving around small islands and seeing some of the beautiful lakeside homes made it feel completely different from the busy village atmosphere.
Dinner at Cinnamon Bear
That evening we finished the trip with dinner at Cinnamon Bear Bar & Grille, and it honestly exceeded our expectations.
Everything we ordered was excellent, the atmosphere was relaxed and family-friendly, and the service was fantastic.
If you're staying nearby, I'd definitely recommend adding it to your list.
The next morning we returned for the breakfast buffet before making the drive home. The kids especially loved being able to choose their own breakfast, making it a fun way to wrap up the trip.
More Whistler Hiking
If you're looking to spend even more time exploring the alpine, don't miss one of our favourite hikes in Whistler:
👉 Read our complete guide to the High Note Trail here.
It's one of the most scenic hikes in the area and pairs perfectly with the Alpine Experience Pass.
Our Favourite Summer Whistler Experiences
If you're only in Whistler for a few days, these are the experiences we'd recommend first:
Rent e-bikes and explore the Valley Trail
Paddle Alta Lake
Try the Via Ferrata with MSAA
Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Experience the Mountain Top Feast
Ziptrek Treetop Adventure (especially with kids)
Spend an afternoon relaxing by the pool
Sign up for or watch a race if your visit lines up with race weekend
Every time we visit Whistler, we leave with a longer list of things we still want to do.
That's what makes it such an incredible destination.
Whether you're hiking alpine trails, cheering on runners during UTMB, paddling one of the valley's lakes, or simply relaxing by the pool after a day of adventure, there's something special about the pace of summer here.
This trip reminded us that Whistler isn't just a winter destination—it's one of the best places in British Columbia for an active family getaway.
And somehow, even after another packed weekend, we still have plenty of reasons to come back.
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