Whistler Summer Secrets: Insider Tips for Summer Vacation Planning
When it comes to summer vacations, the equation is simple. We want more time to relax and we want to spend less. Most of all, we want to come home feeling like we’ve actually had a break and discovered something new – not simply been stuck in a hot car with the kids.
We’re lucky enough to live here year-round we know exactly how awesome summer in Whistler can be, so we’ve put together some simple tips, from finding the savings to shaking up how you think about travel and planning, all so you can maximize every moment of your summer.
Less organizing, more strolling.
For the Best Deals, Book Early
A big part of any trip is the accommodation, and now until May 31 is when the early booking deals are on. It’s a no-brainer, with discounts up to 40%, the best choice of dates and types of accommodation – and activities as well. Lock it in now.
Pick Travel Time Wisely
Sitting in traffic isn’t a great way to start or end a holiday. The cool thing about those summer vacation days is you can choose ANY day of the week to arrive and leave and avoid the busier Friday and Sunday travel times on Highway 99, plus get the other advantages of holidaying midweek while the world is at work. But you don’t have to invest all your vacation time – adding even one or two days onto your weekend is a super smart option, because that precious time off should be spend out in nature, not on the highway.
Maximize those Sea to Sky views by getting someone else to drive, so you can soak up all that majesty.
Travel Light
Bikes of all kinds (including chariots), paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, golf clubs, essential baby gear – it’s all available to pre-book and rent right here. You don’t need to bring the entire garage on vacation.
Eat for Less
There’s plenty of ways to keep the food costs down and still eat like a king. Grab accommodation with a kitchen and do some meals at home then and mix it up with nights at Whistler’s restaurants. Keep an eye out for dining specials when you are in town (Insider tip: midweek and off peak), and you can also try Whistler’s food trucks and the Farmers’ Markets for cheap eats. And it’s summer, so grilling and picnicking are other great ways to have a big feed for less while enjoying the outdoors (just please be bear smart and pack out what you pack in).
Not a bad spot for dinner.
Après for Less
No matter what patio you are eyeing up for your post exercise cold beverage, they’re likely to have a happy hour or even two with drink specials galore – keep an eye on the specials boards or ask a server.
Leave the Car Behind
With plenty of transfer options from Vancouver and surrounding airports, neighbourhoods where you can walk everywhere, free transit on peak summer weekends and over 40 km of Valley Trail set aside for non-motorised traffic only, there’s really no need to bring the vehicle. Simplify your travel and go self propelled, and you’re guaranteed to see more of Whistler…and you won’t have to deal with parking, gas and other vehicle related hassles.
Free concerts, plenty of seating and the backdrop isn’t too shabby either.
Find Free Entertainment
There’s always a lot of things happening throughout Whistler and a lot of entertainment through the summer has no price tag attached. Catch street entertainment, free concerts, art demos and music through the Village Stroll, and you can also catch other things like races, free outdoor movies, kids craft stations and more – every day of the week. Take a look at our event calendar to find out what’s on, and when you’re in town….
Chat to a Local
We’ve got a brilliant Visitor Centre and a Village Host program staffed by locals who know the ins and outs of Whistler and are ready to share their knowledge. Looking for what’s on that day, what hiking trails are open or a place to eat? Hit ‘em up. And if you want advice before you book big things like accommodation, then give the Whistler.com team a call. Their office is right at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains so they have an excellent idea of what’s happening in town and where to sniff out the discounts. You can also keep an eye out for our Insider Local’s List at the start of every month for more off-the-beaten-path ideas on things to do.
The perfect antidote to the workaday world.
Plan..and Don’t Plan
There are so many summer activities to do here in Whistler you can book something every single day – and now is the time to find discounts. But don’t be afraid to schedule a day or two with nothing to do because in our humble opinion some of the best days of summer are simply spent meandering. So leave yourself a couple of days to go beyond the Village; explore the Valley Trail to find a different view of the mountains, cruise the neighbourhoods, check out all the lakes, hike from dusk til dawn, dip into our arts and culture, wander the Village and stumble across the perfect ice cream. Because some of the best summer memories are from the days where you let the moments just drift away.
Check out our Insider summer articles for more ideas on things to do in town. Ready to plan your trip? Whistler.com is the best place to start. Roll on summer.
Bonus: Summer Teaser Video, May 26 2017
We snuck out of the office to check out the lakes, beaches and trails – it might only be spring but we’re knocking on summers door already. Bring – it – on!
A post shared by Tourism Whistler (@gowhistler) on May 26, 2017 at 3:56pm PDT
Article source: https://www.whistler.com/blog/post/2017/05/25/whistler-summer-deals-and-tips/
