9 Must-Do Family & Kid-Friendly Activities in Whistler This Summer

In this article we bring you 9 family & kid-friendly activities that will make your visit unforgettable.

From the enchanting Vallea Lumina to the thrilling Off-Road Buggy Tours and peaceful Guided River Paddling Trips, we've handpicked a diverse range of activities to ensure there's a wide variety to choose from.

Why these activities, you ask? Well, we chose them because they offer a perfect mix of excitement, relaxation, and exploration for you and your kids. Keep reading and let's make this summer one for the books!

Fun fact: Vallea Lumina transforms Cougar Mountain’s old-growth forest into a magical wonderland at night.

This enchanting experience is brought to life by Montreal-based Moment Factory and The Adventure Group, making it a fantastic attraction for families visiting Whistler this summer.

Vallea Lumina invites guests into a mesmerizing universe inspired by Whistler’s natural beauty and local culture. Stroll through a hidden valley where stardust falls from the sky, filling everything with light.

As you begin this evening excursion, you'll follow cryptic radio transmissions and the lingering traces of two long-ago hikers. These clues will lead you to the starting point where the real journey begins.

Along the 1.5 km undulating trail, you'll encounter inspiring light displays and interactive elements that bring the forest to life. It's an experience that leaves a lasting impression long after you leave.

Visitors should plan to spend between 50 to 80 minutes exploring the summer trail, which is 1.5 km long. In winter, the trail is slightly shorter at 1 km and takes around 40 to 60 minutes to complete.

Parking is a breeze with complimentary spaces available at the venue. Just follow Google Maps or Waze to Cougar Mountain Road, a mere 10-minute drive from Whistler Village.

Get ready to explore the untamed beauty of Whistler with the Off-Road Buggy Adventure by Canadian Wilderness Adventures. This electrifying activity promises an unforgettable experience for both beginners and experienced adventurers.

Designed specifically for families and those new to off-roading, the Odyssey Off-Road Buggy Tour lets participants navigate their own 4x4 off-road machine through rugged mountain roads and forested trails.

Feel the excitement as you bounce along these paths, all while soaking in breathtaking mountain scenery and the fresh air of the Sea to Sky region.

Departing at 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 3:30 pm, each tour spans 3 hours round trip, making it convenient to fit into your day.

The adventure includes shuttle service, training, and ride time, ensuring you have everything you need for a safe and exhilarating experience.

Participants can choose between a 2-seater or a 4-seater buggy, making it perfect for couples or families. And for those looking to add a little extra peace of mind, there's an option for Driver Collision Coverage/Fuel Surcharge.

For groups looking to break away from routine, Canadian Wilderness Adventures offers customized programs perfect for team building or just a fun day out.

Their guided adventures accommodate groups ranging from 10 to over 250 people, providing a wide range of experiences—from mild to wild.

Flying high above dense forests, glistening lakes, and rugged mountain peaks—sounds like a dream, right? That's exactly what you get with the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola on Whistler Blackcomb.

This gondola ride offers an unparalleled sightseeing experience that connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in a continuous 13.5-kilometer loop.

The glass-bottom gondola is a special ride that provides an exhilarating bird's-eye view of the forest below, adding an extra layer of excitement to your alpine adventure.

Once you’ve soaked in all those amazing views, why not enjoy a refreshing beverage at the Umbrella Bar on Whistler Mountain? It’s the perfect spot to relax and savor the moment, making your day in the mountains even more special.

The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is also an engineering marvel. It holds world records for being the longest continuous lift system and the highest gondola of its kind, soaring 436 meters above the valley floor.

For those who love hiking, this gondola ride grants access to over 50 kilometers of hiking trails spread across both mountains.

And if you’re visiting during the summer months, don’t miss the Peak Express chairlift and the Cloudraker Skybridge.

Planning to visit in the summer? Upload via the Blackcomb Gondola located in the Upper Village, just a short walk from Whistler Village.

This route provides access to a vast summer alpine experience, including alpine hiking and mountain-top dining. The special silver glass-bottom gondola is perfect for capturing memorable photos of the majestic landscape.

Standing on top of Whistler Mountain, surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery, and feeling a mix of thrill and awe. That’s exactly what the Whistler Sky Walk delivers. This 2-hour guided tour is perfect for families looking to combine adventure with a dash of education.

Starting with a gondola ride to the mountain’s peak, the experience already promises stunning views. Once you arrive, safety is a priority—everyone gets a helmet and harness before setting off.

The path along the cliff edge is both exhilarating and secure since everyone clips into a safety cable. Walking over small bridges and ramps, all while taking in spectacular vistas high above Whistler.

The alpine weather can be a bit unpredictable, so make sure to come prepared. Waterproof clothing and warm layers are highly recommended.

If you don’t have your own, no worries—there are borrowing options available. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also crucial because the snow can make the sun’s brightness even more intense.

A key aspect of the Whistler Sky Walk is the educational component. As you hike, your guide will share fascinating stories about the Coast Mountains glaciers and their formation over the last 10,000 years.

Talking about flying, here you will soar above Whistler's majestic mountains, taking in the stunning scenery from a bird's-eye view, is defenitely an unforgettable experience.

With Whistler's Helicopter Sightseeing Tours, every season offers a new and unique perspective of this wonderful region.

For those looking for an added thrill, some of these tours even include alpine landings—a perfect opportunity to touch down and immerse yourself in the high-altitude beauty.

The BC Experience tour is the most popular choice for a reason. In just 24 minutes, you’ll fly through ancient glaciers and conclude with a complimentary 15-minute mountain landing, where you can savor the awe-inspiring views.

For those craving a more extensive experience, the Blackcomb Signature tour is a must. This 40-minute journey takes you over the Ipsoot Icefield north of Whistler and includes glaciers, alpine lakes, and even a summer waterfall.

There are some important details to keep in mind. Mountain landings are complimentary but depend on weather conditions.

All tours depart from the Whistler Heliport at 9960 Heliport Road, and they are subject to weather and aircraft availability.

For those planning something truly special, consider a Whistler heli proposal. Create a magical moment amidst the breathtaking Coast Mountain scenery.

You’ll soar above Whistler to one of their secluded alpine locations, where you’ll have 20 minutes to pop the question.

If you're seeking an adventurous family outing or a romantic proposal spot, Whistler's Helicopter Sightseeing Tours provide an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of what this beautiful region has to offer.

When it comes to experiencing the great outdoors, few things can match the thrill and serenity of paddling down a river. In Whistler, the Guided River Paddling Trip along the River of Golden Dreams is an adventure that stands out.

Offered by Backroads Whistler, this activity has been a favorite since 1985, providing unforgettable experiences for paddlers of all skill levels.

The self-guided trips are perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace. With an orientation session available, even beginners can feel confident to paddle through the changing waterways.

For a more structured experience, the guided river paddling trips with certified instructors are a fantastic choice.

These tours are limited to five boats per guide, ensuring personalized attention and a wealth of knowledge about the area’s history, flora, and fauna.

If you're planning a group outing, Backroads Whistler offers group adventures for parties of 10 or more.

With a maximum of four boats per guide, these trips are customized to the specific needs of your group, ensuring that everyone has a memorable time.

Beyond paddling, Backroads Whistler also offers other activities like wildlife at twilight tours. These tours allow you to witness the magical transformation of the landscape as the sun sets, casting a crimson glow over the mountains and illuminating the river's vibrant ecosystem.

For those who prefer to explore on their own terms, boat rentals are also available, suitable for families and individuals of all skill levels.

After your river adventure, you can relax and unwind at the beautiful Lakeside Park, where you can swim, fish, picnic, and more.

Did you know that Whistler's Train Wreck site has been around since 1956? This unique spot near the Cheakamus River is a fantastic destination, and the short, easy trail makes it perfect for families and kids of all ages.

The hike is just 2 kilometers round-trip and takes about an hour, but it's packed with adventure and history!

Starting at Jane Lakes Road, the trail takes you through the lush forest along the Sea To Sky Trail. It's a mostly easy hike, with just a short, steep downhill section near the end.

As you walk, you'll cross a suspension bridge built in 2016. This bridge not only offers stunning views of the rushing Cheakamus River below but also adds a touch of excitement to the hike.

These abandoned cars have become a canvas for local artists and a popular tourist attraction. The site consists of seven box cars, each with its unique charm and vivid graffiti.

As you explore, you'll notice ramps built for mountain bikers, adding another layer of fun to the area. They're often missed by hikers but are well worth the extra few minutes.

What's great about this hike is its accessibility. The trail is easy enough for kids and offers plenty of interesting sights to keep them engaged.

A warm summer day spent at Alta Lake is where the fun never seems to end! Just a quick 10-minute drive from Whistler Village, this lake is the perfect spot for families looking for some outdoor adventure.

With three main beaches—Rainbow Park, Wayside Park, and Lakeside Park—Alta Lake offers diverse activities for visitors.

Rainbow Park is a a popular place to visit with its wide, grassy lawns and volleyball courts. You can even rent a kayak or canoe and paddle out onto the shimmering blue water.

Over at Wayside Park, you’ll find a dock that’s perfect for jumping into the refreshing lake. This park also has picnic areas and kayak rentals, making it a great spot for families who want to mix relaxation with a bit of adventure. T

Lakeside Park is another highlight, especially for families with young kids. It includes a fun playground where children can let their imaginations run wild.

Additionally, the beach here is perfect for building sandcastles or just splashing around in the water. Don’t forget the grassy areas, ideal for setting up a picnic or simply lounging around.

And let’s not forget about our pets! Barking Beach is a designated off-leash area where dogs can run freely and even have their own beach to splash around.

It’s the perfect spot for your canine companions to join in on the summer fun.

Located at the northwestern point of Alta Lake, Rainbow Park is a true highlight in Whistler. It’s easily accessible via Alice Lake Road and connected with the Valley Trail, making it a convenient spot for families looking for a day of fun and relaxation.

Rainbow Park stands out with its combination of a lakefront beach, a large grassy area, and dramatic mountain views.

The park includes the largest beach in Whistler, complete with a dock and a designated swimming area, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot summer day.

There’s also a sandy area where kids can build their dream sandcastles. For those who love to stay active, Rainbow Park offers beach volleyball courts and a vast, open lawn ideal for running around, playing with a ball, or throwing a Frisbee.

One of the best parts of visiting Rainbow Park during the summer is the Park Eats food trucks. From May 17 to September 2, 2024, you can indulge in delicious treats like crepes, gelato, and pizza.

These food trucks are scheduled at multiple parks, and you can enjoy this authentic Whistler food and beverage experience at Rainbow Park from approximately 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As you can see, Whistler is a hub of fun and excitement for families and kids during the summer! From the magical experience of Vallea Lumina to the high-octane thrills of the Off-Road Buggy Tour, there's a wide range of activities. 

These activities were chosen to showcase the variety and excitement Whistler offers. And remember, for more amazing ideas and adventures, visit ActiviFinder Whistler!