After a an extended cool and wet spring, it looks like the long anticipated summer weather has arrived in the Sea to Sky Corridor. The Valley looks lush and the animals look healthy and well rested. The Summer Season 2022 is starting to get into full swing and it is finally time to enjoy travel again. So we decided to dedicate this summer blog entry to exploring Whistler and the Sea to Sky corridor for fun. If you are looking for Real Estate Market updates, please contact us anytime and check out our monthly newsletters on our website or sign up for our monthly and weekly updates!
Hiking
The best time for hiking is May until October, but for the longer hikes in the alpine, the best time is July, August and September when the snow has melted. There are plenty of beautiful hiking trails up Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, which offer breathtaking views of the lakes, the valley and surrounding peaks. You may see Whiskey Jacks, bears, chipmunks and marmots on your way. Fun fact: did you know the marmots up on Whistler Mountain make a whistling sound, which gave them the nickname ‘Whistler’ and with that, the era for the resort began. The gondola will take you up the mountain in summer, either for a hike or just to enjoy the views and some food and drinks at one of the mountain lodges. Besides Whistler Blackcomb there are plenty of hiking trails in and around Whistler which offer more or less difficult terrain to explore. A lot of the hikes will lead you to gorgeous glacier lakes, waterfalls and rivers. A lot of the trails and its rivers/lakes are protected, therefore dogs are not allowed.
But if you are planning on coming to Whistler with your furry friend, do not worry, there are plenty of dog friendly hiking trails around:
Lost Lake Trails – it is a very popular area for hiking and biking, the trails are well maintained. There is a dog beach at the Lake with a dog ramp too so everyone can get onto the dock and into the water.
Riverside Trail – located in Cheakamus, the trail starts in the Cheakamus neighbourhood following along the beautiful Cheakamus River. Watch out for white water kayakers exploring the river while you are there. The trails are easy to find and there is plenty of parking. This trail is perfect for cross country biking and hiking.
Sea to Sky trail – the Sea to Sky trail connects Whistler to Pemberton and Squamish. It is a green trail that connects from the Lost Lake trails (just off Molly Hogan trail). If you go towards Squamish, you pass the beautiful Brandywine Waterfalls. The Sea to Sky trails is mostly quiet and you can do just parts of it too. It is perfect for hiking and biking and dog friendly.
Brandywine Meadows Trail – this beautiful trail is located off the Callaghan Valley up a dirt road. Once you are up there, the lush meadows are covered with wildflowers and offer some great views of the surrounding peaks. Best is to have a 4×4 vehicle.
Ancient Cedars Trail – This trail leads you through 1,000 year old trees with beautiful views. This 5km hike is mostly quiet.
For more information on hiking in Whistler, please check out the Whistler.com homepage:
https://www.whistler.com/activities/hiking/
Chasing Waterfalls
If you are out hiking, biking or just exploring by car, there are some stunning and easy to access waterfalls to check out while you are about:
Shannon Falls – located in Squamish, this is a perfect stop on your way up to Whistler if you are driving up from Vancouver. With its 335 meters height, it is BC’s third tallest waterfall! Access from the Highway 99 and follow the signs for the Sea to Sky Gondola when you are about to pass through Squamish, just before the Stawamus Chief. The hiking trail to the viewing platform is only 5 minutes. Definitely worth a stop!
Brandywine Falls – is probably the most popular one and easy to access. If you are driving the highway 99, keep an eye out for the sign for Brandywine Falls just about 20 minutes south of Whistler. The short trail starts right at the parking lot and takes you to a perfect viewpoint of this stunning 70 meter high waterfall and Daisy Lake.
Alexander Falls – Alexander Falls is another easy access waterfall just off the Callaghan Valley Road. Turn off at the Callaghan Valley about 20 min south of Whistler and it will be on your left. The falls are right at the parking lot and quite impressive. You can see the 43 meter high waterfall from the viewing platform. Keep an eye out for bears on the Callaghan Valley Road!
Nairn Falls – are definitely a must see! This beautiful green crashing river winds through steep, angular rocks and a zig-zagging canyon. They are not as high but just as impressive to watch. Nairn Falls are located on the Highway 99 between Whistler and Pemberton, about 20 minute drive north from Whistler. The trail starts at the parking lot as well and is about 1.2 kilometres to the waterfall. The viewing point is wet and can be slippery, so please be careful.
Camping
Whistler and the surrounding area is a mecca for camping enthusiasts. Besides the two main campgrounds in Whistler, Riverside RV Resort and Campground & Whistler RV Park and Campgrounds – https://www.whistler.com/activities/camping/, there are plenty of beautiful camping spots to “get away” for a night or two. Here are a few suggestions from us:
Alice Lake Provincial Park – located off the Highway 99 just north of Squamish, this popular campground is perfect for families as it provides proper Washrooms and easy access. Reservations must be made through the BC Parks Reservation System. Best to book early as this campground books out quickly.
Paradise Valley Campground – this is a very quiet and remote campsite near Squamish. It is very family oriented and therefore loud noises like music may not be welcomed. This campground is surrounded by beautiful coastal rainforest. Bookings are best made online or over the phone.
Cal-Cheak Rec Site – no reservations! This just south of Whistler located campground has a first-come, first-serve policy, offers outhouses and no power or sewage services. This site is close to Brandywine Falls and there are plenty of hiking trails around.
Sea to Sky Trail – this is a popular bike and hike trail. There are awesome spots along to camp – starting at Lost Lake towards the Green Lake Lookout. Potential campsites are hidden along the way. You can keep going towards the Ghost Town trail to find more spots if nothing is available. No reservations needed, first-come, first-serve only.
Nairn Falls Provincial Park – just where the above mentioned Waterfall is located, this is a perfect spot if you are looking for an RV site that feels more like a camping area. The site offers pit toilets and a water pump. Perfect location to hike to Nairn Falls and Mile One Lake. It is best to make a reservation in the busy summer months.
Strawberry Point – this beautiful and popular campground is located close to the beach on Lillooet Lake. Drive up north from Pemberton towards Lillooet and turn onto the In-Shuck-ch Forest Road just before the Duffy Lake Road starts. Follow the Forest Road for about 6 kilometres and Strawberry Point will be on your right. This campground has only 27 sites and offers outhouses. You must self-register when you get there.
Festivals/Events:
Crankworx, the popular bike event is back on tour this year. It began in Whistler in 2004 and is back again. Dates for Whistler are August 5 – 14 2022.
See the full schedule here: https://www.crankworx.com/whistler/schedule/
Best to plan your trip early. https://www.crankworx.com/whistler/plan-your-trip/
The Whistler Summer Concert Series is back too. An impressive lineup of musicians and performers are playing at this popular outdoor event this year. Kick off is Friday, July 1st 2022 with 12 nights of music shows. Each programme starts 6.30pm with a live DJ before the headlining performers at 7.30pm. Bring your own refreshments and a blanket or chairs to sit on.
See the full line up here:
https://www.whistler.com/blog/post/2022/06/14/summer-concert-series/
Other Whistler Summer Sports events:
5 Peaks Trail Running Series – August 27 2022
Whistler Alpine Meadows Races – September 9 to 11 2022
RBC GranFondo Whistler – September 10 2022
Norco Canadian Enduro Series – September 24 & 25 2022
https://www.whistler.com/blog/category/festivals-and-events/
We hope this will give you some inspiration for your next summer trip to Whistler. Summer is a busy time so it is best to make reservation for camping, restaurants, hotels etc. as early as possible.
If you are looking to get more information about the Whistler Real Estate Market while you are here, please give us a call at 604-932-1311 or email us at elizabeth@elizabethchaplin.com and we will happily provide you with an appointment and further information.