Welcome to Whistler

You can never have to much hiking during the Summer, this is why once Summer starts, I also start doing my Summer activity to do list. A summer  will not pass without me and my friends doing any hike. I will never get tired of feeling like a tourist in my own country, there is so much to explore. I have many favorite places in British Columbia, Canada and one place I like visiting is Whistler. I had been there Winter and couple of time during Summer and both experiences were quite memorable.

I never thought that I’d say this, but I am saying it now. Whistler is definitely not only a winter destination but it is even better during the Summer especially for people who loves to walk around and explore the area.

I’ve been to Whistler several times, few times I went there by myself but a lot of times I was with friends, either local or visiting friends from other country or province. Most my visit in Whistler was during winter, although I don’t do any winter activities. Some people find it weird, but I just love snow, the sight of it and the feel of it, besides its only for few hours.

I don’t get to live the everyday snow just like some of my friends in colder provinces. I find going to Whistler during winter exciting, although I have to admit I had very limited things that I can do there, mostly jut walking the village, enjoying the gondola ride and enjoying meal time at the top of the mountain. But nonetheless I enjoyed it.

I went there few times during Summer to watch the “Cheese Rolling Festival” but I never went up to the top to explore the place. This time around, I made sure to explore the area as much as I can. So I bought my season pass and enjoyed Whistler to the fullest. Join me as we explore Whistler and Things we can do during Summer.

The Fun Begins with The Whistler Gondola Ride

The fun starts with a 15 minute Gondola ride to the top of the mountain. This is an enclosed gondola that seats 4 people, or more if with kids. The gondola moves slowly as it ascend to the top giving people the opportunity to enjoy the view. It’s amazing especially during Summer as you get to see the landscape better, the biking an hiking path and the mountain and water view. There’s two tower stations but the stop for the first tower is only for bikers. The second tower which is the last stop is where people get off, and from there is the continuation of the exciting day ahead.

Experience The Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride to Blackcomb

• Distance Between Whistler a& Blackcomb Stations: 4.4 km/2.73 miles
• Max Speed: 7.5 m/s
• Ride Time: 11 minutes

The longest among the 3 gondola rides is the Peak 2 Peak located just besides the restaurant. There is no extra fee to ride this gondola, so just walk in and line up. The peak to peak gondola ride is about 11 minutes one way, and a MUST thing to do when you visit Whistler. The experience of the ride itself is activity on its own. You get to see the view in different angle and just sit and appreciate nature. It’s truly an awesome experience and I definitely won’t mind doing it again and again. You have an option between the regular gondola (red cable car) which has more service so the lineup is fast.

You can go for the glass bottom gondola (gray cable car) which have around 15 – 30 minutes wait because there are very few cable car that have bottom glass. The glass bottom is only a small portion of the center, not the entire bottom of the cable car. The glass bottom area also have a railing so nobody can stand on it. If  you do not have much time, the regular cable car is the way to go. You wouldn’t be missing anything at all even if you do not try the galss bottom option.

Let’s Go Hiking!

There are several hiking trails both in Whistler Mountain area and Blackcomb Mountain area. The hikes vary from easy to intermediate but all of them gave breathtaking view of the snowy mountain peaks and lush green trees and sometimes even lakes and creek nearby. Here are some trails that I did, but there are more trails in the area.

Whistler Mountain Hiking Trails:

• Mathhews’ Traverse Road
  • Length: 0.9km (0.6 mi) 45 minutes
  • Elevation Changes: 82. (269ft)
• Pika’s Traverse Road: This mountain road is used to return to from the Half Note Trail to the Roundhouse Lodge. There are some steep sections.
  • Length: 2.3km (1.4mi) 60 minutes
  • Elevation Changes: 272m(892ft)
• Harmony Lake Loop: This trails descends through apline forest while traveling away from the Roundhouse Lodge
  • Length: 1.9km (1.2mi) 90 minutes
  • Elevation Changes: 120m(394ft)
• Harmony Meadows: This steep trail connects High Note Trail and Harmony Lake Trail with the Roundhouse Lodge. Enjoy the great views of Fitsimmons Valley and Harmony Lake
  • Length: 1.6km (1.mi) 45 minutes
  • Elevation Changes: 81m(266ft)

Blackcomb Mountain Hiking Trails:

• Alpine Walk (to Overload Trail) – This is the one I am sharing in this post
  

• Length: 1.4km (.9mi) 32 min
• Elevation Changes: 65m(213ft)
• Overload Trail
  • Length: 3.7km (2.3mi)
  • Elevation Changes: 62m(203ft)
• Lakeside Loop
  • Length: 1.3km (.8mi)
  • Elevation Changes: 43m(141ft)

What To Bring & Few Pointer Before Going

• First thing first, make sure to inform someone where you are going.
• Depending on when you are doing the hike, always check the weather. Whistler could get fairly hot during the Summer but and could also get cold at night.
• Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen are recommended because most of the hiking trails are open. You will be exposed to the elements most of  the time
• Snack  & Drink – However short you plan to stay or do the hike, bring snacks or at least bottle of water with you. The hot weather could easily make you feel thirsty and hungry.
• Hiking Pole – Although most of the trail that I did are quite easy, do not be shy to get a hiking pole at the starting point of the hike if you think you need one. There are few hiking poles that visitors can use for free, just don’t forget to return it.
• Phone & Camera – the place was unbelievably breathtaking, so make sure to capture the beauty of the place so that you can share it with your friends.
• Take a Map before you start the hike, or take a photo of the map. Maps are provided, if you cannot find one ask a staff for one.
• Pay Attention to the Signage so that you can estimate the time. The signage shows distance and estimated time to complete the hike. Although the time to finish the hike could vary depending on your physical condition, the estimated time is a good gauge to set your timing.
• Remember to check the time for the last gondola ride so that you can time your hike. You do not want to be stranded at the top.
• Lats but not the least, Enjoy and have fun but be safe. Do only the activity that fits your physical condition, the last thing that you would want is to get into an accident while hiking.

The Hike: Harmony Lake Loop

Last week I shared my Alpine Hiking with you guys, this time around I’m sharing with you another hiking trail in Whistler which happens to be my favorite, the Harmony Trail.  This trails descends through alpine forest while traveling away from the Roundhouse Lodge

• Length: 1.9km (1.2mi) 90 minutes
• Elevation Changes: 120m(394ft)

 Harmony Trail is a relax chill hike, although the paths were uneven and not as flat, it was not a difficult path to walk on and It was easy to follow the path, take that from someone who always get lost (me!). The hiking trail gave a nice view of the mountains, one of the best. It was almost like a post card, for few seconds I cannot believe that I was really standing there appreciating the magnificent view. The highlight of the Harmony Trail is a small body of water in the foot of the mountain. I can still remember my reaction when I finally emerged from the Forrest and saw the stunning water and mountain view. What made it really mesmerizing for me were the man made board, the stillness and color of the water, the lush and green surrounding and the mountains that still have snow in some area. Within the harmony tail were some small trails, but it was almost just around the area. The sight was something that I never expected to see, truly a surprise. That is one thing that I love about hiking, wonderful surprises can come anytime. 

The Harmony Hiking Trail is one of the trail that I recommend people to check if they happen to be in Whistler during the Summer. I was one of those people who thought Whistler is more for Winter, I was totally wrong. For people who don’t do winter activity and would like to explore Whistler, then I recommend come and visit during the Summer. It is 100% more fun, you can roam around without freezing to death, you can dine and stay the patio, you can watch the sunset, you can do a lot of hiking and biking around the area too. All these will make your trip worthwhile, that’s for sure. Trust me on this. 

Feeling hungry? There are a lot of cafe and restaurant to choose from, so make sure to explore the Village because you certainly deserve to treat yourself after a nice long hike.

Explore, Shop and Dine at The Village

Explore Cafe and Restaurants

Well, my trip is not complete without listing down few places to eat. We had brunch at “The Elements“, I would rate it 5 star in terms of quality, serving portion and taste. I ordered Vegetarian Hash with Tofu. It’s a combination of butternut squash, red bell peppers, onion, tomato, kale with poach egg and and soft tofu with tomato pesto on the side. We also ordered Spinach Eggs Benedict.

For dinner, we ate at “Gnarlyroots“, a small pizza pasta restaurant. We ordered vegetarina Pizza, Garden Spinach Salad and Vegetarian Pasta and they all tasted great.  Priced right, good serving portion, quick self service and very casual dining.

For dessert, ice cream from  “Cows”  is  a MUST. The BEST Ice Cream Shop in Whistler Village. They have 2 locations that are pretty close to each other but both are alwasy busy and crowded. I never failed to visor this place whenever I go to Whistler, besides it was really hot that day and the ice cream was definitely a treat.

That’s about it, one fun filled day at Whistler. Check the place out if you happen to be in BC.

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