When Pique reached out to the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) with a somewhat vague request for information about the summer ahead, a certain former Pique reporter-turned-communications-official who shall not be named was not a fan of the pitch.
It’s too vague, he said (or she—who’s to say?), and no readers will be interested in it as a cover feature. Also, it would require a lot of work for said communications official, who always had a penchant for dragging his (or her) feet, along with multiple layers of approval from people with more power and responsibility—and who can be bothered for a lame idea such as this?
Would the juice, this lazy, cynical municipal employee asked, be worth the squeeze?
At the risk of spoiling the rest of this one-of-a-kind summer preview feature, we can say without reservation that yes, it most assuredly was.
So read on for all the local summer info you ever cared to know—and if there’s anything that’s missing, we all have a certain inept, bumbling fool in the communications department at municipal hall to thank. Let’s call him Brandon B. No wait, that’s too obvious. B. Barrett. Yes, that will do.
PARK PATROL
After the new-and-improved Rainbow Park opened to the public last year with an official ribbon cutting in June, the park has been open and welcoming guests for weeks already in 2025. And if you haven’t made the trek yet yourself, the docks at Barking Bay are just as revelatory as you remember them (if the water is still a bit cold for some pups’ tastes).
If you’re not from Whistler, and unfamiliar with the resort’s parks game, you might not realize there are no fewer than 11 major parks listed on the RMOW’s website—that’s one for about every 1,400 locals! Which doesn’t really mean anything, but it’s fun to picture each of them crammed with 1,400 people.
Depending where you go, you’ll find amenities like tennis, pickleball and basketball (Cheakamus Crossing, Millar’s Pond Park, Alpha Lake Park, Myrtle Philip, Meadow Park and Emerald Park) and beach volleyball courts (Alpha Lake Park, Bayly Park and Rainbow Park), along with other outdoor rec activities such as disc golf, the skatepark, the bike skills park, and more (to say nothing of Whistler Blackcomb’s summer offerings… but read on for more on that).
You can find all the local parks info you can shake a wet dog at over at whistler.ca/parks.
RMOW PARK HIGHLIGHTS
Here are some local park tidbits courtesy of the RMOW itself.
Taluswood Neighbourhood Park Project: In addition to pop-up engagement events on May 8 and 14, an online survey will remain open until May 31. Staff will compile the feedback gathered during this May engagement period and report back with outcomes and a proposed park design concept at a Committee of the Whole meeting this summer.
In June, we will start the first of three rounds of engagement on a new Park and Valley Trail Strategy. June will also see the public release of final draft documents: Recreation Trails Strategy and Disc Golf Feasibility Study. More info on these on engage.whistler.ca/
At Pine Point Park, an accessible trail to the lakefront, environmental protection fencing and a new swim dock should be in place for July 1. For more information on these projects, as well as other construction projects being led by Parks Planning, visit whistler.ca/services/construction-projects
Meadow Park: We’re still awaiting feedback regarding further First Nations considerations. But the water park and playground will remain as is for the summer of 2025.
Western toads at Lost Lake Park: We hope for minimal closures due to the underpass installed last year but it is too early to say definitively. A rough estimate for trail closures is late July to early August for migration.
Park Eats: Early-season offerings at Lost Lake Park and Rainbow Park begin on May 16, with food trucks on Fridays to Mondays. Park Eats runs daily in multiple parks from June 27 to Labour Day.
FInd more info at whistler.ca/parkeats
MERRY WHISMAS
It’s not summer in Whistler until Whismas comes—that is, the opening of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, the biggest, bestest downhill mountain biking venue North America, and dare we say the world, has to offer.
As with every year, that day falls on the May long weekend: May 16 this year (also the day this issue of Pique hits the stands! Crazy how things work out sometimes).
They won’t all be open from the jump, but the WMBP will once again offer up more than 100 trails spread through four distinct mountain zones this summer, with camps, programs and lessons tailored to all sorts of riders.
That’s to say nothing of the typical sightseeing, on-mountain dining, and other activities you’ll find up the mountain this summer.
Read on for more key bike park info straight from Whistler Blackcomb itself, along with some of the major dates to circle on your calendar.
Whistler Blackcomb’s Bike Park highlights
• Fitzsimmons Express: Last year, the new Fitsimmons Express 8-seater chairlift provided improved uphill capacity, with the ability to transport riders and bikes on the same chair. This was a gamechanger for WMBP guests looking to quickly access the popular Fitz Zone. Newly expanded trails will be coming to the Fitsimmons Zone.
• Gatorade Skills Park: The Gatorade Skills Park features medium-sized jump and drop features, for intermediate and advanced riders wanting to progress on technical features. It’s located in the Fitzsimmons Zone, off Fantastic.
• Expanded Creekside Zone: Creekside represents the Bike Park’s freshest and purest single-track area. It’s recommended for intermediate to expert riders looking to cruise along cascading creeks and through lush, green forests—all accessed by the upgraded 10-person Creekside Gondola. Newly expanded trails will be coming to the Creekside Zone.
• Trail Orientation/Progression Guide: Knowing which trail to ride next has now been made clear with the Trail Progression Scale. This handy tool separates technical and freeride trails and lists them from Beginner to Pro Line in the correct order of difficulty.
• Bike Park Trail Map: Explore WB’s riding zones and every trail in the bike park with the trail map, and use the Trail Progression Matrix to know which trail you should ride next based on your riding ability (2025 trail maps coming soon).
KEY DATES AT WB
• May 16: Whismas (Whistler Mountain Bike Park opening day)
• May 17: Summer Alpine Experience kicks off (reduced operational footprint) — Whistler Village Gondola, Blackcomb Gondola (May 17-19 only) and P2P operational
• May 17: Santa Day in Whistler Mountain Bike Park (WMBP) - Bike Park lift tickets are awarded to the first 50 people in line dressed like Santa and wearing a full face helmet.
• May 19: Blackcomb Gondola closes until mid-June for maintenance
• June 14: Target opening date for full Summer Alpine Experience, including Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Lookout.
• June 14: Whistler Mountain Bike Park fully open
• June 14: The Adventure Zone at Blackcomb base opens
• June 20: Mountain Top Summer Feast returns, through to August 30
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
It wouldn’t be summer in a tourist town without a seemingly endless lineup of events on the calendar, and Whistler of course has you covered again this year.
There’s National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 (programming to be confirmed as of this writing, but check out the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre at slcc.ca for all the latest, along with info on other events and programming), and Canada Day on July 1, which will again feature a foot- and pedal-powered parade through Whistler Village (community groups can apply to take part at whistler.ca/canadaday).
The biggest party of the summer, Crankworx, is slotted in for Aug. 7 to 17, while events like the Nourish Whistler Wellness Series (May 31 to June 29), the 4th Annual GolfBC Group: BC Women’s Open (at Nicklaus North from June 5 to 7—spectators encouraged!), the Whistler Half Marathon (June 7), XFONDO (June 14) and Art on the Lake (moving to Lost Lake Park this year, on July 10 and 11) will keep the good times rolling throughout.
We couldn’t possibly list them all, so this is but a taste of what’s on offer this summer, with more being added all the time—stay tuned to your local social channels/info sources (like piquenewsmagazine.com) far all the latest in the resort.
Whistler Summer Concert Series and other key dates
Full lineup will be announced May 26.
Concert dates:
July 1: Bahamas
July 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25
Aug. 21, 22, 28, 29
Whistler’s 50th Anniversary
One of the more prestigious dates on the 2025 events calendar is the RMOW’s 50th anniversary celebrations, details of which have been shrouded in mystery for months. But according to the municipality, it will all start with a kick-off weekend in August.
“We will reach out to community organizations and resort partners in the coming weeks and months to ensure there are 50th celebration events happening well into the fall,” the RMOW said. “The official date of incorporation of the Resort Municipality of Whistler was Sept. 6, 1975.”
Official celebration: Aug. 21 to 24. More info will come in the coming weeks.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Whistler Summer Concert Series musical act with a touch of nostalgia and a strong locals night appeal.
Friday, Aug. 22
Whistler Summer Concert Series musical act with a Canadian band with a Whistler connection and appealing to locals and visitors alike.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Village takeover with a festival-style daytime celebration (~11 a.m.-4 p.m.) that will build throughout the day and culminate in a participatory moment of celebration reflecting our theme: From Trailblazers to Tomorrow Makers.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Park activations throughout the valley.
MORE TIDBITS FROM TOURISM WHISTLER
Here are some more summer 2025 highlights courtesy of Tourism Whistler, presented for your visitation/referential/informational enjoyment.
• Whistler’s lakes and parks are very busy and vehicle parking is limited. During peak times, consider visiting the lakes and parks with a bike or hop on the free weekend/stat holiday shuttle. Otherwise, consider visiting midweek and during non-peak times for the best experience, to help reduce volumes in natural spaces and beaches, and to lessen the impact on the local environment. Have a Plan B in case the lake/park you plan to visit is at capacity by the time you arrive.
• Pay parking will be in effect from May 15 to Sept. 15 at Rainbow Park, Lakeside Park, Wayside Park and Alpha Lake Park. Parking can be paid via onsite meters or the PayByPhone app. Accessible parking will be offered at no cost.
• Take advantage of free local transit, June 17 to Labour Day, on weekends and statutory holidays during summer.
• Evolve E-Bike Share is back in Whistler this year, with additional locations launched in May. For more information head to evo.ca/evolve. Many shops in town also rent bikes to visitors.
•BC Parks will once a gain require day-use passes for Golden Ears, Pipi7íyekw / Joffre Lakes, and Garibaldi Parks during peak summer months. Passes will be needed starting May 16 for Golden Ears, May 17 for Pipi7íyekw / Joffre Lakes, and June 13 for Garibaldi Park. Passes can be reserved online at 7 a.m., two days before your planned visit. Read more at bcparks.ca.
• Whistler is a pet-friendly community and asks dog owners to follow rules for responsible pet ownership. Please follow the Animal Responsibility Bylaw: Leash your dog – Dogs must be leashed, except when in an off-leash park; Licence your dog – Dogs in Whistler must possess and wear a valid dog licence; Pick up after your dog and put the waste in a garbage can.
• Before heading to Whistler, keep up to date at whistler.com/know-before-you-go.
NOT ALL FUN AND GAMES
Of course, with each summer also comes a heightened awareness around things like wildfire and wildlife preservation, and locals and guests are reminded to recreate responsibly, which means always disposing of waste properly (not to mention smoking materials), and cutting down on needless summer waste in general (looking at you, plastic inflatable floaties) by renting or borrowing gear from friends.
Find more info about responsible tourism at dontloveittodeath.com.
As for wildfire and other emergencies, the main call to action, for both locals and guests, is to sign up for the RMOW’s Whistler Alert system at whistler.ca/whistleralert, and always keep an eye on the current fire danger rating and the overall fire situation at bcwildfire.ca or the BC Wildfire Service App. When the fire danger rating hits high in Whistler, fires of all kinds are banned, which means no campfires, no tiki torches, no sky lanterns, and no fireworks. Learn more at whistler.ca/fire.
If you see smoke in Whistler, report it immediately by calling 911. Outside the resort, contact the BCWS at 1-800-663-5555 or by texting *5555.
SUMMER SPECTACULAR
So there you have it—quick, easy, and hopefully informational.
Not awards bait, but a nice little piece of community service for a big long weekend paper.
And a reminder for all of us that sometimes the lowest-hanging fruit can also be quite delicious.
If by some miracle you have any other questions about summer in Whistler, feel free to email [email protected], or you can also try your preferred online search engine (they’re really quite effective these days).
