There's a saying I heard when I first moved to Whistler. "People move here for the winters, but they stay for the summers." You only need two weeks of a Whistler summer to want more and understand exactly what the locals are talking about.
Of course, summer also brings Canada Day, a day to celebrate all things Canadian with fervent national pride. Whistler knows how to celebrate our national pride! Digging out our best red and white accessories there is a full day of fun and activities for the whole family. The theme for 2016 is “Strong. Proud. Free”
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Some of the best XC riding in Whistler is on our doorstep. There are great big rides on the Westside, which will take you up the Flank Trail and descend 'Howler' a black trail that descends the entire side of the mountain and is quite literally 'Epic'. The pic below was taken at the beginning of the descent into Howler, and takes in the entire Whistler valley.
The valley trail system, and lakes of Whistler can be enjoyed by the whole family. Lost Lake is one of our favourite places, and it is incredibly diverse. On the Blackcomb side, there is parking or free drop off on the N0 4 shuttle bus (summer months only) where you will find a gentle beach, picnic tables & bbq area, and a swim platform for the kids to play on. The lake is surrounded by a crushed gravel wide path for gentle walking or cycling. Jack is 16 months in this picture, and was walking form the beach to the dog beach area, about 1km. The dog beach is an off leash area where four legged furry friends can frolic, splash and swim. There is another swim platform here for adventurous owners who want to swim with their four legged pals. The path continues around and leads off to a slightly more adventurous path system that winds up into the rain forest. Here you can hike to your hearts content. A full lap is about 10km, but you can keep it shorter by following the well marked trail guides. For bikers in summer months, hidden amongst the tree's are the Zappa Trails, which rank among the best and toughest single track in the world, with names like "The pain never stops" It is usual to start at the Passive Haus, and ascend Peaches & Regalia. From there follow the trails and ascend over rock and root to the more advanced Pinnochio's furniture, Fountain of Love, Toads of the Short Forest and take a breather. This is about half way, and its a hard climb to here of about 5km. From here it's a great rip roaring descent along to "Gee I like your pants" and "Jelly Roll Gum Drops". This shoots you out near the River Run campground, which has a great breakfast stop. If your up for more riding, dig deep and climb up Hook Tender, a power climb back into the Zappa's.
Turn into "Treacherous Cretin's", followed by "Central Scrutinizer", 'Packard Goose" and finally another climb before a fun descent on "Grand Wazoo" which emerges by the beach area. Total loop is about 10km. There are dozens of little cut off's. You should only ride these trails if you are comfortable with rocks, roots, wooden bridges, and some drops (which are all marked). Some are more challenging than others, and I will be writing blog on just an introductory loop in the next few days. Bike's are definitely the best means of getting around and seeing the most of Whistler. But then two feet work well too. There's so much to see and enjoy, and with an incredible summer climate in the high 20's and early 30's C there's no better place to be. Except maybe the bike park..... |
AuthorPaul lives and works in Whistler, is a father to two boys, manages vacation rentals, and the rest of the time can be found either on skis or two wheels :) Archives
October 2016
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