Day Trip to Whistler from Vancouver in Summer

The beautiful mountain town of Whistler is a haven for sports enthusiasts, and a day trip to Whistler from Vancouver is a must-do activity.

In winter, the town sees tourists flocking to it for skiing and snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America.

In summer, the town comes alive with activities like mountain biking and hiking. And the not-to-miss Peak-2-Peak Gondola that plies between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

If you have just a day in Whistler in summer, then this gondola ride should be at the top of your itinerary.

How to Travel from Vancouver to Whistler

Whistler lies at a distance of 121 kilometres from Vancouver.

The best way to get to Whistler is by bus from Vancouver, which will take about 2 hours and will go through the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway. If you're driving, then keep some extra time on hand to stop at the beautiful scenic spots along the way.

A luxury train called 'Rocky Mountaineer' also runs between the two cities on scheduled days and offers panoramic views of the Fraser Valley and the mountains and forests of Alberta and British Columbia. But it's expensive both in terms of money and time since it takes 12 hours to cover the distance.

How to Spend a Day in Whistler in Summer

We started very early from Vancouver since we had just a day in Whistler. Buses ply at regular intervals, but it's best to buy tickets in advance, especially during the peak season. We reached Whistler within two hours through the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway. The town is small and has an old-world charm to it. Whistler is a walkable city; you can easily go on foot around restaurants and the marketplace.

The day was sunny and bright, and we wanted to make the most of it, so we headed straight for the gondola ride.

Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola

One of the absolute highlights of visiting Whistler in summer is riding the famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which connects Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain and offers spectacular views of forests, lakes and snow-capped peaks.

Tips for Visiting the Peak 2 Peak Gondola

• Allow at least 3 hours for the entire experience.

• Carry a light jacket even in summer.

• There are 3 gondola rides in all: the Whistler Village gondola, Blackcomb Gondola and Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

• The 436-metre-high Peak 2 Peak gondola is a cable car connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It has held the Guinness World Record for being the highest of its kind gondola.

• You should keep aside at least two hours for the entire gondola experience.

• Buy the Peak 2 Peak 360-degree Experience ticket. This will give you access to all three gondola rides.

• At 4 kilometres long, it is also one of the longest lift systems in the world.

• The ride between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is an 11-minute journey.

One gets to see stunning alpine scenery through the gondola...

My parting tip to anyone planning to do a day trip to Whistler is that the Peak 2 Peak Gondola will take up a good amount of your one day in Whistler, although theoretically it's a 3-hour activity.

If you really wish to explore Whistler at leisure, then you should plan at least 2 or more days. With two days in hand, you could explore the Whistler Village, and walk around Lost Lake with its beautiful nature walks and biking trails.

If you're driving, then you must plan to stop at Shannon Falls on the way betwen Vancouver and Whistler.