When planning a summer wellness getaway, the ski resort of Whistler might not be the first place that comes to mind however there is plenty to explore during the warmer months…

Located in the mountains of British Columbia, this hugely popular Canadian destination is famous for skiing, snowboarding, and apres-ski. While there’s no doubting the resort’s winter credentials, the months of summer are equally spectacular.

The snowmelt reveals miles of hiking and biking trails, and the warm and sunny days of summer transform the mountains into Mother Nature’s very own outdoor playground.

The days of summer are a little more laid back than their winter counterparts and there’s plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge. Here’s our guide to a wellness retreat in Whistler this summer.

Enjoy a quintessentially Canadian spa experience…

There are many spas to choose from in Whistler, and the majority come highly recommended. For something truly Canadian, check out the signature treatment at The Spa at Four Seasons. It’s everything you’d imagine and more with maple syrup and brown sugar scrub, followed by a clay body wrap and finished up with an Argan oil hair treatment. For a spa with a view, look no further than the Nita Lake Lodge. Their eucalyptus steam room is one of the best ways to revitalize the senses and you’ll be able to take in the stunning views whilst taking a soak in one of the rooftop hot tubs.

Eat well…

Foodies are well catered for in Whistler at any time of year, but in particular during summer when British Columbia offers up a bounty of colourful ingredients. Leading chefs transform local produce into culinary works of art and fine dining restaurants such as the Bearfoot Bistro are championed by food critics the world over. Dine in the wine cellar, part of the largest wine cellar east of Montreal, and stocked with more than 20,000 bottles.

Araxi is one of Whistler’s oldest restaurants although its popularity lives on, probably as a result of its class, expertise, and originality. Dine on some of the freshest oysters in town or try the roasted duck with sesame and rosemary and Parmesan polenta.

The prevailing mantra at The Green Moustache is that food is medicine, so it’s hardly surprising that this vegan food company is popular with those looking to live well. Choose from a vibrant range of tasty and nutritious cold-pressed juices, smoothies and desserts sure to detoxify and nutrify body, mind and soul.

Find your true north, in the true north…

Each year, the world’s leading yogis head to Whistler for the Wanderlust Yoga Festival. Taking place from August 1st-4th, the event is a must-attend for anyone who loves yoga, meditation and the outdoors. Leading yogis, instructors, and speakers are joined by musical acts, DJs and top chefs for this true feel-good festival.

If you’re heading to Whistler either side of Wanderlust, there’s still plenty of opportunities to get your yoga on. The Yogacara Studios welcomes those of all abilities and was even featured as one of the best yoga studios in Canada by Stylight Magazine.

Axe your stress…

You won’t struggle for things to do in Whistler during the summer months, and we’d advise kicking things off by learning a Canadian skill – axe throwing. Forged Axe Throwing welcomes throwers of all levels, and the fun-loving team will provide all the guidance you need to get started with this lumberjack pastime. Hurling hatchets at a target with the hope of sinking a bullseye is perfect for letting go of stress while giving those arms a workout.

Hiking remains a firm favourite among locals and tourists alike and the best way to enjoy the scenery safely is on a Whistler guided hike. For something out of this world, hike the Joffre Trail and see the turquoise waters for yourself against a rugged mountain backdrop. The trail takes in three lakes in total, each becoming a deeper colour of turquoise. The trail is often snow-free enough to hike even weeks before other Whistler hikes and is shorter and less challenging than other hikes.

If two wheels are your preferred mode of transport, you’re in luck. Hire a bike from one of a number of Whistler locations and head out on one of the 200+ trails. Mountain biking in Whistler is a great way to get your cardio, and both novice and more experienced cyclists are well catered for – as you’d expect from the place which founded Crankworx, a multi-stop international series of elite level mountain bike competitions.

Zip lining or bungee jumping are perfect activities for those with a head for heights, and the exhilaration of the great outdoors is sure to blow those stresses away.

Sleep well…

The key to enjoying all that Whistler has to offer is to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. The imposing Fairmont Chateau Whistler has an intimate feel with open fires in communal areas, and the huge, comfy sofas are perfect after a day out hiking. Each room is large and elegantly decorated, and with four restaurants and a large spa on the premises, you really do have everything you need close by.

For something a little more intimate, opt for the Listel Hotel. 98 deluxe rooms and suites each provide big fluffy duvets, flat-screen TVs and a superb location right in the centre of Whistler Village. The hotel is also the location of the Bearfoot Bistro and Belvedere Ice Room.

Getting there…

Flights to Vancouver International Airport operate throughout the summer from the vast majority of global airport hubs. From Vancouver Airport, Whistler is a two-hour drive. There are a number of frequent shuttle options direct from the airport terminal.