21 Best Cheap Summer Family Activities In Whistler (2024)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole

I’ve had a home in Whistler for over 20 years and have raised four kids playing in one of the most beautiful places in the world. In summer, you are presented with countless things to do and many of them are free or budget-friendly. Nature, wildlife and outdoor adventures beckon you whenever you step outside your door. Amazing restaurants and markets tempt you with fantastic food, wines and craft beers. There are beaches, spas, and golf, in addition to countless playgrounds, tennis, pickle ball and basketball courts. There is truly something for everyone in your family – young children, teens and anyone who is a kid at heart. Here are my favorite and best inexpensive things for families to do in Whistler in the summer.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you buy something through my site. This helps me run my website and produce the articles that I hope you find helpful.

Other Whistler Tips

I love my summers in Whistler but I also enjoy Whistler all year round. For more information about my favorite activities in all seasons and other tips for how best to enjoy Whistler like a local, please see my articles below.

For dining options:

• Whistler Restaurants: Budget Friendly Choices!;
• Whistler Treats: 5 Amazing Places To Wreck Your Diet; and
• Fine dining in Whistler: My Four Favourites

For summer activities:

• 4 Whistler Adrenaline Pumping Summer Attractions.

For winter activities:

• A Whistler Winter in Canada: 7 of My Favourite Things; and
• Whistler Ski Resort: 10 Tips For The Best Ski or Snowboard Day

For Indoor activities:

• Whistler Indoor Activities: 8 Favourites From A Local.

Transportation In Whistler

You do not need a car in Whistler. It offers an excellent public bus transportation system that should get you to most spots in Whistler. Furthermore, in previous years, it offered free rides on weekends and public holidays.

In addition, there are taxis and some kind of ride sharing opportunities (not Uber or Lyft) for private transfers (these seem to come and go so once there, find out what is currently available).

Many hotels also offer free shuttles to various destinations. If that is important to you, follow up with the hotel to find out where they go. Also, many tours offer free pick up or drop off.

Whistler Accommodation

There are lots of beautiful hotels in Whistler. Where you stay will really depend on how many are in your family and which part of Whistler you prefer.

Anything in or near the Village or the base of Blackcomb means that you are within walking distance of the Village and all of its restaurants, bars, and stores. You can easily access the gondolas and lifts. You won’t need a car to enjoy most of what Whistler has to offer.

The downside is that in the summer, it is VERY busy in the Village and around Blackcomb. If you prefer this vibe, then make sure that you check Tripadvisor to ensure that the accommodation that you may be considering does not have any noise complaints.

If you have a car or don’t mind relying on buses or shuttles, and would prefer a quieter spot, then I would head to the Creekside area. There are still a few shops and restaurants, but you are in Whistler’s natural surroundings without the crowds. It is only 10 minutes to Whistler Village by car and it is connected by the Valley Trail.

For the best accommodation near any of these Whistler activities, I would highly recommend searching below in booking.com and using the amazing interactive map to find your ideal location at the best prices.

Booking.com

Best Affordable Summer Things To Do With Kids In Whistler

In this blog, I am going to list my favourite low cost Whistler summer attractions for families. Some of them are free, and some of them are not. However, all of them are reasonably priced and good value for the experiences that they are offering. Most of them are suitable for children of all ages and are not listed in any particular order.

Valley Trail

The Valley Trail is a paved car-free trail that connects all of Whistler. It is 25 miles (40 km) long and in summer, you can find people walking, running, cycling, or rollerblading on it. The trail takes you through stunning forests, along the bases of majestic snow capped mountains, and pass beautiful crystal clear blue lakes, among other things.

You can spend the day biking the whole thing, bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy at dozens of parks along the way, or take a couple hours a day exploring different parts. It is free and a wonderful safe way to see the many natural wonders of Whistler.

Here is a map to better understand the Valley Trail. My favourite is to bike the trail. There are several spots in Whistler Village where you can rent a bike. You do not need to take a guided trip. It is very easy to use and find your way.

If you choose to bike and need to rent one, make sure you rent a bike for the day to save money. It is normally better value than renting a bike for couple hours at a time.

Lakes and Parks

There are dozens of parks, playgrounds and picnic areas in Whistler that are free and offer endless hours of activities for families of all ages. However, my two favourites are Rainbow Park and Alpha Lake Park. Neither are close to the Village but both can be found along the Valley Trail.

Rainbow Park

Rainbow Park is on the far side of Alta lake. There is a beach and large grassy area for blankets, or for playing frisbee or soccer. A couple of docks are available a short swim from shore. There is a free shuttle from Whistler Village to the park.

There are three beach volleyball courts and normally, you can count on a game or two while there. Whether it’s kicking a ball around, playing frisbee or volleyball, people are normally very friendly and are happy to have you join if you ask.

If you love dogs, there is a separate dock nearby for dogs to swim off leash. It is super fun watching these guys in the water.

There usually is a food truck or two at the park, but nothing is guaranteed so make sure you bring snacks or a picnic for the day. It is a drive or long walk to a restaurant or a store. A few free charcoal grills are also available next to picnic tables if you are there early enough to snag one.

For even more fun, head to Home Hardware at Function Junction beforehand and purchase an air mattress, dingy or other water toys to enjoy at the lake.

Alpha Lake Park

Alpha Lake Park is near Nita Lake Lodge at Creekside. It is on Alpha Lake tucked in the trees and below beautiful mountains. There is a large playground for children, a small beach, one beach volleyball court and docks. There are free tennis, pickle ball and basketball courts as well. Sometimes, a company is there who rents out paddle boards or kayaks.

There is also a dog park with a separate dock for them.

You can bring a picnic or something to cook on the charcoal grilled barbecues provided free of charge. You can also easily walk to Nita Lake Lodge and sit on their gorgeous patio for some food or drink, or buy a sandwich at the coffee shop. There are also more snack and food options in Creekside Village, just another 10 minutes walk.

There isn’t a free shuttle to this park from the Village, but there is free parking. In addition, the local buses drop you only a few minutes walk.

One of the best things about Alpha Lake Park is that is largely unknown to tourists. It is less busy than many others and gives you an opportunity to spread out and enjoy yourself without the crowds.

Lost Lake Park

There are many more parks with lake access in Whistler. The closest one to Whistler Village is Lost Lake Park. You can easily walk from the Village to the park along the Valley Trail. It would take you between 30 minutes – 60 minutes depending on where you are starting in the Village.

It offers a beach, and free charcoal barbecues. There isn’t any parking (unless you have physical accessibility issues), but there is a free shuttle from the Village. There is often one food truck offering some kind of food (maybe just ice cream), so make sure you bring a picnic or snacks for your visit.

In exchange for its ease and proximity to the Village, you get the crowds. It is busy but you should be able to find spot to lay out a blanket to enjoy your day.

Wayside Park

Wayside Park is in between Whistler Village and Alpha Lake Park. It has free parking, a concession stand for snacks, playground, beach, swimming, and rentals such as stand up paddle boards. It is often pretty busy but it is another free park with lake access with an easy bike ride from the Village.

Patios At The Nita Lake Lodge or Nicklaus North Golf Course

There are two spectacular patios in Whistler – Nita Lake Lode and Nicklaus North Golf Course. Both are gorgeous and are found at opposite ends of Whistler.

Nita Lake

The patio at Nita Lake Lodge at Creekside offers both shade and sunshine, depending on your needs. It overlooks Nita Lake and Rainbow Mountain, allowing you to bask in the beautiful Whistler summer.

Nita Lake Lodge provides lounge or formal dining menus with sensational food and drink. On most nights, there is either live music or a DJ, creating a relaxing atmosphere for the evening. Heat lamps and blankets are available for cooler nights.

It is worthwhile to stop in for a drink just to soak up the atmosphere and breathtaking views from this gorgeous hotel. Nita Lake is just steps away so if your kids are old enough, they are able to play while you enjoy a moment to yourself.

In addition, the Valley Trail goes directly in front of the patio so not only is it an easy spot to take a breather if you are spending the day exploring Whistler along the Valley Trail, if old enough, your kids can keep exploring on their own. Alpha lake is just minutes away on bike.

Nicklaus North Golf Course

Table Nineteen Lakeside Eatery at Nicklaus North Golf Course also offers a beautiful patio with spectacular views. You overlook Emerald Lake and Cougar Mountain, and can watch the float planes take off and land. The food and drink menu is casual, yet delicious.

You can also easily reach it by the Valley Trail or hop on a bus or take a taxi to it.

For a handy list of these activities, links to their websites, and helpful hints, please fill out the form. 

Walking or Hiking the Trails

There are many walking and hiking trails all over Whistler. Several of them are easy and relatively flat for those that want to experience the outdoors in Whistler, without committing to day long hikes or requiring special equipment.

Most of them are free to do, although if you choose to do some of the hikes on the top of Whistler or Blackcomb Mountains, you will need to purchase a lift ticket.

An easy one to access and enjoy is the Lost Lake Loop. You can effortlessly walk along the Valley Trail from the Village to the Loop. You can choose from a relatively flat loop, or go into some of the trails off the Loop into the lower parts of the mountain.

It is fun to walk along the paths choosing different directions to discover hidden wonders like creeks, private sunbathing spots amongst the reeds by the lake, or little wooden bridges crossing over small dips in the mountains.

For more adventurous hikers, I would recommend heading up to the top of Whistler or Blackcomb Mountains to go on one of the hikes up there. There are several that are a little more demanding than the Lost Lake Loop, but yet are still reasonable for the moderately fit person. I consider myself one of those people.

The views on top of the mountain will simply take your breath away. In late spring/early summer, you can witness thousands of wildflowers as you head up into Blackcomb Mountain, away from the lifts. You can also see some of the spectacular ski runs that make Whistler a world renowned ski resort.

These are just a couple of hiking recommendations. There are countless others. For a list of amazing hikes all over the Whistler region, please refer to Whistler Hiking Trails.

Free Outdoor Concerts

Throughout the summer, you can catch free concerts in Whistler Olympic Plaza. The type of performances include rock’n roll, classical, folk, and even children’s music. Check out the concert listings to find the dates and performances. Bring your blanket, lawn chair, or cushions and pick a spot on the grass. 

One of the best things about the location of these free concerts is that they are surrounded by take out restaurants, coffee shops, dessert spots, and a ginormous playground.

Play Frisbee or Disc Golf

Just above Nicklaus North Golf Course on the other side of the Lost Lake loop is a 27 “hole” frisbee golf course. It is free to play with no age limitations – there isn’t even a check-in desk or anyone supervising – but you need to bring your own discs.

There is another free disc golf course at Whistler Olympic Park in Callaghan Valley, a 30 minute drive south of Whistler Village. This is a stunning setting in the mountains that hosted many winter events at the 2010 Olympic Games. Once you are finished disc golf, there are lots of other free or budget-friendly family activities to do (see below).

Check in at the Day Lodge to pick up a course map and more information. You can also rent discs here.

Warning: If you rent discs and lose them (which is kind of easy to do in the trees and underbrush), you will have to pay for them (last time they were $20 each but check before you go)! However, you can play for hours and hours for free. My kids love it.

Whistler Olympic Park

Whistler Olympic Park hosted several alpine winter events during the 2010 Winter Olympics. This included Ski Jumping and the Biathalon (cross country skiing and rifle shooting). It is located in Callaghan Valley about 30 minutes south of Whistler Village.

In the winter, athletes still train for Biathalon and Ski Jumping and the park is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to the public.

However, in summer, it turns into a very cool recreational area that offers free or reasonably priced activities suitable for all ages. Some activities are only available on weekends and Mondays so check the schedule before heading over.

The Day Lodge offers drinks and snacks, but bring a picnic if you think you will be spending the day there.

Learn To Shoot A 22 Calibre Rifle

In this interactive experience, guests learn to take aim and shoot a 22 calibre rifle at the Olympic shooting range. A guide also teaches you about the sport of Biathalon and its athletes. No previous experience is necessary. Ages 8 and up are welcome.

Climb the Ski Jump

You can either hike up to the top directly on the ski jump or along paths next to the ski jump for unbelievable views. It is free to do and the kids love to do this.

Once you reach the top, you will question the sanity of anyone deciding that skiing down and jumping off of it is a remotely good idea!

Electric Bike Rental

In the past, you could rent electric bikes and explore the paved trails. Electric bike rentals were reasonably priced. Some years they offer electric bikes while other years they do not. Contact the lodge to find out more information.

Mini Golf

A mini golf course is available to play for only a few dollars per person at the Riverside Camping and RV Park, located in between Whistler Village and Nicklaus North Golf Course, along the Valley Trail.

It isn’t in the most stellar condition, but it is cheap and perfect for young families with kids who may be a little wild in their golf strokes. It is virtually unknown and there is rarely another person on the course. You can play for as long as you want.

There is another course in the Family Adventure Zone at the base of Blackcomb Mountain next to the Fairmont Hotel. However, it is far more expensive and usually exceptionally busy. However, the course is in much better condition than the Riverside one.

Treetop Adventure Course 

The Treetop Adventure Course offered by the Adventure Group is an amazing summer family activity in Whistler. This multi-level and multi-challenging course takes place in the trees of Cougar Mountain on the outskirts of Whistler.

The challenges start easy and mere feet off the ground, and then gradually get more difficult and higher as the course progresses. Everyone is harnessed so that slips and falls are safe.

There is a child’s course for children younger than 13 years old and/or less than 5’11” (with their hands straight in the air) and harder and more exciting course for teens and adults. The cost includes transportation to and from Whistler Village so you don’t need to have a car to join in the fun.

The full course is difficult. You need to have good core strength and not be afraid of heights. There is no time limit for finishing the course which means that you and your kids could spend hours in the trees burning off energy.

We spent four hours on the course and only two of my kids managed to finish it but there were lots of laughs a long the way!

It is also a great activity if it rains. The treetops create a natural umbrella so that you are sheltered from most of the rainfall.

For the excitement, novelty, and number of hours of fun, this is a reasonably priced family attraction in Whistler.

Summer Barbecue at Four Seasons Hotel

Every Thursday in summer, the Four Seasons Hotel hosts a summer barbecue from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Situated on the patio outside its restaurant Sidecut, the Hotel sets out a buffet filled with an unbelievable assortment of barbecued meats, fish, and seafood, together with delicious salads, sides and of course, dessert.

There is also live music and free activities for children. For the selection and opportunity to eat as much and as long as you want, it is good value plus children pay at a reduced rate. There really isn’t a better deal in town for the quality and quantity of food, or the atmosphere.

Reservations are not accepted so either come early or arrive late so you don’t have to wait too long. 

Bobsleigh Run

The Whistler Sliding Centre offers the opportunity to ride a real bobsleigh with wheels on the actual 2010 Olympic bobsleigh course. This course is still deemed to be the fastest course in the world, and as such, a trained pilot drives the sled with you and three others down the track.

Included in this package is a discussion from experts on how the bobsleigh course was created and is maintained during the winter months, and a tour of the facility that includes a walk along the race track.

Youth aged between 12-18 years old slide for free with a full paying adult. You must be a minimum of 12 years old to ride the bobsleigh. The experience also runs even it is raining. No experience is required!

In addition, Whistler Sliding Centre is a 100% not for profit organization. Every dollar spent goes back to help train athletes from all over the world.

We have done the bobsleigh run a couple of times. It is a heart pumping experience that makes your head spin thinking about how fast the real athletes are going when the course turns to ice, they start at the top of the course, and the sleds are sliding on ice!

Tennis or Pickle Ball Drills At Whistler Racquet Club

Whistler Racquet Club is a tennis and pickle ball facility walking distance from Whistler Village. It has several outside and inside tennis and pickle ball courts.

The Club offers many different programs for adults and children alike. There are regular inexpensive daily drop-in social mixers and drill sessions for all tennis and pickle ball levels at very reasonable prices.

They will even include a rented tennis or pickle ball racquet for free or only a few dollars for those that need one.

It is easy to register online for the sessions.

I have done dozens of drills and joined countless more social mixers. The pros are excellent and you get to meet and play with lots of locals as well as people visiting from all over the world.

For a handy list of these activities, links to their websites, and helpful hints, please fill out the form. 

Whistler Golf Club

Whistler Golf Club is a championship golf club in the centre of Whistler which is surrounded by mountains and forests. It is literally a 5 minute walk from Whistler Village.

It offers many great reasonably priced promotions for both adults and children, such as dynamic pricing so that green fees cost less later in the afternoon than early morning, and the earlier you book when there is less demand, the less the green fees will cost.

In addition, one junior player (16 years old or younger) plays for free with one paying adult during certain times.

Accordingly, one adult and one child could play a round of golf on a world class golf course for less than $75 USD altogether. For those of you who do not play golf, you might think this is a expensive but for those who do, you will know this is unbelievable value.

In addition, a bucket of balls at the adjacent driving range is cheap for those who need a little practice or want to try their hand at the sport.

Spend The Day On Whistler And Blackcomb Mountains

One of the most exciting things to do in Whistler at anytime of year, but especially in summer, is to spend the day on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It is a fantastic family activity.

Whistler Mountain soars 5020 feet (1530 metres), and Blackcomb reaches 5133 feet (1565 metre). Through a series of gondolas and lifts, you can reach the tops of both mountains where you are offered lots of amazing hikes for all levels with breathtaking panoramic views.

In addition, you can enjoy lunch on either mountain or lounge in the sun with a cocktail in hand contemplating your next activity.

Riding the Peak to Peak Gondola (Photo courtesy of Whistler Tourism/Mike Crane).

Riding The Lifts, Gondolas And Peak 2 Peak Gondola

No matter how old you are, there is a special thrill soaring hundreds or thousands feet in the air as you ride the gondolas, lifts and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola in Whistler. The views will simply take your breath away.

At the top, there is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola which has one of the longest free spans between ropeway towers in the world at 1.88 miles (3.03 kilometres). It also holds the world record for the highest point above the ground at 1,430 feet (436 metres).

A highlight of every day spent on the mountains is to take a ride or two (or three or four) on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. It connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains so you can easily explore both of them. It only takes 11 minutes to cross and you will hold your breath for most of it.

For an extra thrill, wait for one of the gondolas with a glass bottom!

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is only one gondola that you can take on your day on the mountain. There are several more lifts and gondolas that you can take on both mountains from the base of Whistler or Blackcomb Mountains to reach the top. All of them are unique, fun and offer different views worth seeing.

It is common to spot bears on the journey up and down, so make sure you keep a close eye out for these amazing creatures.

Just remember: No matter how hot it is in Whistler Village, it will be several degrees cooler at the top. Make sure you take an extra layer, especially if you will be riding the lifts (as opposed to the gondolas) or hiking.

Skyraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk on Whistler Mountain

At 7155 ft (2181 metres), you will reach “Whistler Peak” where you will find the new Cloudraker Sky Bridge. This suspension bridge is 426 ft (130 metres) long and crosses from the Whistler Peak to the West Ridge where Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk viewing platform is located. 

From many places along this bridge and viewing platform, you will get a 360 view of Rainbow Mountain, Black Tusk and other Coast Mountains.

In order to access Whistler Peak and Cloudraker Sky Bridge, you must take a lift (not a gondola) after reaching the Roundhouse on Whistler Mountain. You must be 40″ or taller to take the lift. Children must be a minimum of 40″ and 12 years old to ride the lift alone.

This is a scary lift. I ride it all the time when I ski and I am always a little unnerved by it. You are very high above the ground in an open-air chair.

You need to make a judgement call whether your children are mature enough to sit still and back on the lift before taking it. Going down is even more scarier. I never go down this lift. In winter, I ski down (of course) and in summer, I always hike (which is an amazing experience – see below).

Hiking

One of my favorite activities to do on Whistler or Blackcomb Mountains is hike. There are lots of them that are family friendly and I focus on those even though I often hike without my kids. They are the right difficulty for me and give me fantastic views.

Blackcomb Mountain

Head behind the Peak 2 Peak Gondola Station. There is a very short 1 km loop that is lovely. It might seem daunting because it starts by going up, but it is an easy climb. Once you reach the top, then the rest is either pretty level, or you are coming back down at the end.

The other hike that I love is the one that starts on this 1km loop, but once you reach the halfway point, instead of returning, you head to the Glacier Lake. In total, the hike takes around 2 hours altogether. The path goes up and down, but nothing too crazy. The lake is very cool to see. In addition, in late spring and early summer, there are wild flowers everywhere which is spectacular.

Whistler Mountain

As mentioned above, one of my favorite hikes is from Whistler Peak back down to the Roundhouse. What is so cool about this hike is that you follow a couple of ski trails that give you stunning views of different parts of the mountains. It is relatively easy hike – it is all downhill on a moderate slope on gravel/soil – provided your knees are ok with that type of hiking.

Cost

The good news is that there is one flat rate for a day up on the mountains. You can do everything that I described here – the gondolas, lifts, Cloudraker, hikes – as many times as you want. The bad news is that it is an expensive ticket for adults and teens (13 years and older), although children’s tickets are decent value.

However, there are ways to defray the cost. First, purchase your tickets early. Usually there is a discounted rate if you buy your tickets before the summer season begins.

Second, buy a season’s pass which is only 50% more than the early bird pricing for the one day ticket. This is a fantastic deal. It is still not a “cheap” but for the scope of the family activities offered on the mountains, it is moderately priced. In addition, it is one of the best summer attractions in Whistler and an important one to understand the beauty and natural wonders of this part of the world.

White Water Rafting

I took my kids white water rafting with Canadian Outback Rafting Company out in Squamish, British Columbia and it was a blast.

Squamish is one hour north of Vancouver and 40 minutes south of Whistler. Basically, it is in the middle of the two. We drove ourselves, but the company offers transportation for those who do not have a car.

We did the three hour Cheakamus Splash and it was spectacular. The rapids were level 1 and 2, perfect for families and for our first time rafting. You must be 5 years or older and weigh minimum 50 lbs to do this entry level rafting trip.

There are other more challenging rapids and tours that they offer but you need to be a minimum 13 years old and 90 lbs.

It was spectacularly beautiful and this from someone who is “used to” the breathtaking scenery of the Whistler area. We were surrounded by mountains, eagles, and forests. We even saw a dolphin. It was a the fun and exciting, and the perfect way to spend a summer day.

Unfortunately, this is not cheap. However, it is special and worth the money if your budget allows.

Last Word

I have only scratched the surface of what is available to do and see in summer in Whistler. The 21 listed here are my favourites and ones that I do almost every summer. They are either free, inexpensive or good value in relation to the experiences that you have.

Check out my other articles listed at the top of this article for more incredible Whistler activities and restaurants, many of which include inside tips to maximizing your time or paying as little as possible for the best experiences.

If you would like to save this article for future use, please click on the “Save” button on one of the photos below. If you think others might like it, please share it by email or on your favourite social media channels! Thanks!