I’ve attempted to ski our local mountains multiple times and unfortunately, I lack the coordination to enjoyably make my way down those slopes. I’ve always been in awe of the beauty of Whistler Blackcomb, even if that meant taking in the sights from the lodge rather than the chairlift.
So, when I had the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Blackcomb in the summertime, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see what lies beneath those layers of ice and snow.
Both mountains are included in the PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Season Pass and ticket, and as it turns out, Blackcomb has just as many activities as its counterpart.
After spending a day at the top, here are my top seven reasons to visit Blackcomb in the summer:
Take a Scenic Chairlift Ride
We made our way up Blackcomb Mountain on the scenic Wizard Express and Solar Coaster Express: two open-air chairlifts that soar above alpine flowers on a 25-minute journey up the mountain. As we rose up, the temperatures dropped, so even though it’s summer, it’s handy to bring a light sweater you can put on once you reach the top.
The higher we went, the more we enjoyed the changing scenery: denser trees, open fields with ravines running through, and, finally, the rocky top, which was delightfully dotted with light patches of snow.
2. Explore Educational Opportunities
Vacations, whether near or far, are so much more enjoyable when you know the history behind the area you’re exploring. You feel so much more a part of your surroundings, and I was impressed by the opportunities offered at Whistler Blackcomb to connect with the land around us.
Once we reached the top of the chair, we visited the Samsung Alpine Theatre, which featured visually stunning and educational videos covering the history of the mountains. There, we learned about the mountainside ecosystem and preservation efforts made by Whistler Blackcomb to protect the pristine alpine environment.
Even during your hikes, alpine ecosystem storyboards pop up to help you learn about the environment you’re trekking through!
3. See Those Epic Views
In addition to those unbeatable gondola views, there are over 50 km of hiking trails offered on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, each with their own jaw-dropping vantage points of peaks and valleys. We chose the gentle 1.6 km Alpine Walk Trail, which offered sweeping views of the Fitzsimmons Valley as seen through a sub-alpine forest.
4. Dip Your Toes
While I was a bit chicken to try it myself, you can dip your toes in the clear and refreshing water of one of the many mountaintop lakes. Blackcomb Lake is the perfect place to sit and relax, taking in the beautiful sights and smells of the natural environment. Plus, it’s only an hour roundtrip from the Rendezvous Lodge.
5. Sample The Cuisine
Enjoy fine dining with a view. Hailing from Hawksworth Restaurant, one of my favourite spots in Vancouver, Head Chef Steve Ramey has revitalized the menu at Christine’s. Featuring ethical and sustainable ingredients, the menu has all kinds of Canadian cuisine classics.
My boyfriend went with the Charred 48hr Shortrib featuring jalapeno cheddar cornbread, marinated kale, and buttered pickle, while I opted for the Vietnamese Pork Burger that comprised of grilled cabbage, carrot, cucumber, smoked peanut and cilantro and a side of root chips. We could not have been more satisfied with our meals and exceptional service.
6. Visit the Wildlife
With its thriving ecosystem, Whistler Blackcomb is home to various kinds of wildlife. It wouldn’t be out of the ordinary to spot one of the many adorable marmots roaming around (can you spot the one we saw in this photo?), or even one of the 60 bears that call the mountainside their home.
7. PEAK 2 PEAK
The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connects the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. I can get a little nervous in certain situations involving heights, but experiencing this thrilling ride with unparalleled views overpowered that. If you’re looking for the full PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience, wait for one of the gondolas with the glass bottom.
Fun fact: The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola holds three world records! It’s the “highest cable car above ground” at 436m, the “longest unsupported span between two cable car towers” at 3.024 km, and the “world’s longest continuous lift system.”
There were so many things to do on the mountain, but unfortunately, we were only up there for the day. All that means though is that we get to plan another visit to Whistler Blackcomb either later this summer or next year. After all, its many adventures are located right in our own backyard.
