Come summer, the scenery is no less breath-taking, but the activities on offer are – unsurprisingly – a little different. Whistler's many mountain lakes mean visitors can lie on the beach, fish or explore by kayak, canoe or stand up paddleboard. The main events, however, are the fabulous and extensive networks of hiking and biking trails through the beautiful mountain scenery. Use the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK gondola system to zip between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, and enjoy 30 miles of well-maintained trekking trails. Alternatively, bikers should head downhill to the valley between the peaks on the paved valley trail, or take on the famous network of routes through the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Golfers can also take their pick from four local courses.
Whatever the season, after all these exertions you'll have earned drinks and dinner, and Whistler has some excellent restaurants and bars, both on and off the mountain. Enjoy everything from world class Italian and fancy French cuisine to sizzling steaks and succulent seafood at some of Canada's finest eateries, and for aprés-ski or aprés-bike/hike the town offers everything from cocktail bars to pubs and clubs featuring international DJs.
Re-reading all that, we might just upgrade Whistler to best resort in the world status.