Whistler’s Best Summer Picnic Spots
With Whistler’s spectacular mountain vistas it’s not surprising that visitors want to spend as much time as possible in our great outdoors. A picnic al fresco has always been a favourite, but this summer more than any other, it’s become the go-to option to savour Whistler’s many culinary offerings. Masters of picnic-friendly food long before public health orders, Portobello’s take away meals are just what you need to go somewhere beautiful and nosh on tasty treats.
To help you plan your perfect picnic we have put together some of our favourite spots in Whistler. The best part? They’re all within an easy stroll of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Croquet Lawn
You don’t need to venture far from the hotel to find a picturesque picnic spot. Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s own mountainside croquet lawn is the garden picnic locale of your dreams. It is popular for its lush grass and dreamy views, but what you will really love is the beverage service. The lawn is part of the Mallard Lounge patio so you can order bubbles, beers or even a signature cocktail to sip and savour with your meal.
Lost Lake Park
A picnic by the lake should be on everyone’s summer bucket list. You can’t go wrong with spreading out a blanket on the sunny lakeside lawn at Lost Lake. It’s a local favourite and it’s easy to see why. Lost Lake Park combines the convenience of being within walking distance of Whistler Village (and Fairmont Chateau Whistler) and the feeling of being wonderfully remote.
Hotel guests can enjoy a complimentary ride to Lost Lake on the Beach Bus to drop by for a sunny picnic lunch or plan a whole afternoon. Most people stay for the day soaking up the sun and swimming in the lake. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit so you’re ready to jump in to cool off. There are full washroom facilities on-site for your convenience.
Rebagliati Park
Halfway along the path between the Upper Village and Skiers Plaza is a secret gem hidden in plain sight. Many people walk past Rebagliati Park and the covered bridge over Fitzimmons, but not many stop and enjoy this sunny little mountain oaisis.
If you are planning on walking to the Village Stroll you can bring a picnic lunch from Portobello with you to enjoy at a picnic table or on the banks of the glacial-fed Fitzsimmons Creek.
Mountain Top Hike
Our true slopeside location means that you will be staying mere steps from gondola access to Whistler’s alpine trails on both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. A picnic lunch from Portobello fits perfectly in your hiking bag so you can enjoy a picnic and refuel at a beautiful alpine location. Here are a few of our favourite spots.
Family Friendly – Harmony Lake
Located on an easier loop from the Roundhouse Lodge, this spot serves up unbelievable views while still being family friendly. The walk in takes about 20-minutes. Once there you can set up your picnic on one of the many rocky outcroppings around the still waters of the lake.
Best Views – High Note Trail
Wrapping around Whistler Peak, this trail offers up some of the best views including all of the Whistler Valley, across to Black Tusk and down to Cheakamus Lake. To get to the trailhead take Whistler Village Gondola (or Blackcomb Gondola and PEAK 2 PEAK) and Peak Chair to the very top of Whistler Mountain.
The entire loop from the Peak trailhead to the Roundhouse Lodge takes about 4-hours with plenty of jaw-droppingly beautiful places to stop for lunch along the way.
Make sure to pack a warmer layer to put on as it can be a few degrees colder on the mountain tops, some good shoes with ankle support, and plenty of food and drinks to keep you fueled.
LOCAL TIP
For more ideas on where to go or to explore with an experienced guide, our Whistler Experience Guides and Concierge are always on hand to help you plan with local knowledge.
Olympic Plaza
Get a taste of the Olympic spirit with lunch in the plaza where the 2010 medals ceremonies were held. Spread out a blanket on the lush expansive lush lawn or get comfortable on one of the Muskoka chairs or picnic tables in the plaza.
If you have little ones in tow, they will love exploring the tangled tree playground after lunch.
LOCAL TIP
The walk from the Fairmont Chateau Whistler takes about the same amount of time as drinking a coffee. Pick one up before leaving the hotel to enjoy on the scenic walk over.
Your options for where to picnic in Whistler is limited only by your imagination and time. It can be hard to truly see the sights over a weekend. If you have the time we highly recommend extending your stay to a long weekend, or ideally to plan a mid-week stay. Take advantage of our Best Summer Offers to stay longer, slow down, and savour your summer– you’ve earned it!
