Our family adventure
After leaving Tofino, we took the ferry (BC Ferries) back to Horseshoe Bay, remember to book in advance, it’s quick and easy online and saves a lot of stress. From there, we drove up to Whistler in our rented white Jeep.
Whistler is world-famous as a ski resort, but it’s absolutely worth visiting in summer too. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with plenty to do for families.
We checked into Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel, which turned out to be the perfect base. We had a small apartment with a kitchenette, so we could make our own breakfast – and being right in the centre meant we could walk everywhere.
We absolutely loved this place – you can book it directly here.
Just across the road you’ll find the Fresh St. Market, a large supermarket where we stocked up on breakfast supplies and snacks. There are also loads of little takeaway spots nearby – from pizza and noodles to healthy bowls – which made it easy to grab something quick when we didn’t feel like sitting down at a restaurant.
The hotel also has a pool, which quickly became part of our daily routine. With kids, that little afternoon swim was such a great treat.
Exploring Whistler Village
On our first day, we wandered around Whistler Village. The pedestrian street is full of shops, cafés and restaurants, and even though the ski slopes were green, the area around the lifts still buzzed with life. One evening we had dinner here – so many cosy places to choose from.
Another evening we had pizzas at Pizzeria Antico, just by our hotel – the pizzas were absolutely delicious and the atmosphere really fun and welcoming.
A Day Trip to the Sea to Sky Gondola
The next day, we drove back towards Squamish to visit the Sea to Sky Gondola. This was one of the highlights of our whole Canada trip. The ride up offers breathtaking views, and once at the top, there’s a suspension bridge, walking trails and even a restaurant. Emil, who has a fear of heights, was a bit nervous at first but ended up enjoying it a lot. It’s definitely worth the trip if you’re in the area.
Book your ticket and read more about the Sea to sky gondola.
Hiking the Train Wreck Trail
Another day we set off on the Train Wreck Trail. Back in 1956, a train derailed here, and several cars were left in the forest. Over the years they’ve been covered in colourful graffiti, and it’s become a quirky and fun spot to explore. The walk there takes you through the forest and across a suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River – a real adventure for the kids.
Chasing Waterfalls
Of course, we couldn’t miss the waterfalls around Whistler. We drove to Brandywine Falls, just a short trip from the village, and the view was simply stunning. The trail is easy, making it great with children.
Our Time in Whistler
In total, we stayed four nights in Whistler, and that felt just right. We balanced exploring with relaxed afternoons by the pool and enjoyed the laid-back summer vibe of the town. On our last morning, we had breakfast in our room before packing up the car and setting off towards Jasper – with plenty of good memories from Whistler in our luggage.
Tips for Visiting Whistler in Summer
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Choose a hotel with a pool: perfect for families to unwind after sightseeing.
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Try the Sea to Sky Gondola: incredible views and a suspension bridge.
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Don’t miss Train Wreck Trail: quirky, fun, and a great family hike.
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Stock up at Fresh Street Market: ideal if you’ve got a kitchenette or just to stock up on drinks and snacks.
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Bring layers: even in summer, evenings can get chilly in the mountains.
Where to Stay in Whistler
If Summit Lodge isn’t available, there are plenty of family-friendly options in Whistler:
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Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites – Spacious suites with kitchens, plus indoor and outdoor pools. Perfect if you want a bit more room.
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Fairmont Chateau Whistler – A very luxurious choice with a great pool area, spa and direct access to the slopes (or hiking trails in summer).
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Aava Whistler Hotel – A modern hotel close to the village centre, with a heated outdoor pool and easy access to shops and restaurants.
Book your stay in Whistler here and support the blog.
Where to Eat in Whistler
Whistler has so many places to eat, from casual cafés to fine dining. A few family-friendly favourites:
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Creekbread – Known for its wood-fired pizzas made with local ingredients. Great atmosphere, and kids love it.
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El Furniture Warehouse – Famous for its cheap eats – everything on the menu is budget-friendly, making it a great spot for a casual meal.
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Alta Bistro – A bit more refined, but still relaxed. They focus on local, seasonal food and it’s a great place for a nice evening out.
More Things to Do in Whistler
If you’re spending a few days in Whistler, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained:
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Peak 2 Peak Gondola – This is one of Whistler’s most iconic attractions. The gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and offers breathtaking 360-degree views. Some cabins even have a glass bottom if you dare to look down!
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Lost Lake – Just a short walk from the village, this is a family favourite for swimming, picnicking or simply relaxing on the beach. In summer, it’s a brilliant way to cool off.
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Whistler Museum – A small but fun spot to learn about the history of the area, including stories about skiing, the 2010 Olympics, and even local wildlife. Great for a quieter morning or if the weather turns.
Our journey actually began in Vancouver, followed by a few days on beautiful Vancouver Island, before we made our way to Whistler.
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