Keeping Cool this Summer: A Guide to the Best Whistler Lakes & Pools

Ah, summertime. How can you not fall in love with the season? Waking up to sunlight glistening through the trees or streaming in the window. It instantly energizes you for the day ahead while the endless blue skies soothe the soul.

Whistler is a mecca for outdoor adventure. While Whistler is home to the largest, consistently top-ranked ski resort in North America, its summer offerings both on and off the mountains are just as impressive. From ziplining to downhill biking to alpine hiking and golf. Of course, you’ll find countless options for getting your heart pumping and temperature rising, but working up a sweat is only half the fun! Diving into a sparkling pool or paddling across one of the lakes in Whistler is the most rewarding way to close out the day. 

So, grab your bathing suit and towel and slather on the suncream. Here is a guide to our favourite places to make a splash in Whistler this summer.

Whistler Lakes

Alpha Lake 

Our favourite Whistler lake for: Entertaining the whole family

Smaller in size than a few of the other lakes in Whistler, Alpha Lake has a local feel to it. You’ll find Alpha Lake 5kms south of Whistler Village in the Creekside neighbourhood. While paid public parking is available, we recommend renting bikes and cruising 20 minutes along the valley trail to the park.  Alpha Lake Park has basketball and tennis courts, a playground and a large grassy area with lake access.

Alpha Lake will soon become your four-legged family member’s favourite lake in Whistler. There’s a completely fenced dog park and dog swim area on the lake, perfect for water-loving canines.

Planning to travel with your furry companion? Let us find you a pet-friendly rental so the whole family can share unforgettable moments in Whistler.

Alpha Lake. Credit: Tourism Whistler_Mike Crane

Alta Lake 

Our favourite Whistler lake for: Water sports and activities

Beat the heat and get exercise at the same time at Alta Lake. One of the largest lakes in Whistler, Alta has many parks and endless room for water sports. The most popular parks are Lakeside  Park, Rainbow Park and Wayside Park.

Locals will tell you that the views on Alta Lake are some of the best in town. So why not rent a paddleboard or canoe and see what the fuss is all about? Paddle out to the centre of Alta Lake and soak in the surrounding beauty, nothing but 360-degree mountain views as far as the eyes can see. 

Rainbow Park at Alta Lake. Credit: Mike Crane

Green Lake

Our favourite Whistler lake for: Awakening the senses 

A sure-fire way to instantly cool off this summer is by taking a dip in the icy waters of Green Lake. Fed by glacial streams running straight from the high alpine, Green Lake is the coldest body of water in Whistler. So why brave the cold, you ask? There are never crowds and you can usually get a spot at a picnic table at the small, nondescript Green Lake Park. 

But remember to keep your eyes peeled as you’ll be sharing the lake with motorized boats. Likewise, floatplanes will be taking off and landing on Green Lake. The glacial water spray will paint a rainbow in the sky as the plane soars above you. 

Seeing Whistler from the sky is something everyone should experience at least once. Soar over snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows and glittering glaciers from the comfort of a floatplane. Our team knows what it takes to make your getaway special and can assist with booking this bucket-list activity. 

Green Lake

Lost Lake 

Our favourite Whistler lake for: Spending the whole day 

Despite its name, Lost Lake is located right in Whistler and is one of Whistler’s most popular attractions. Getting to Lost Lake couldn’t be easier. Enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk from Whistler’s Upper Village or take the free Lost Lake shuttle that runs daily in summer.

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to spending your time at Lost Lake but luckily we have a few ideas. Firstly, we suggest working up a sweat by exploring the abundance of trails around Lost Lake. Lost Lake is home to 34kms of multi-use trails, a popular option for avid mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers. These well-maintained trails are suitable for beginner bikers and hikers, through to intermediate and advanced gnarly riders. Our team can help with bike hire and even bike delivery. Afterwards, head to the beach and take a tip in Lost Lake to cool off. Unlike the aforementioned Green Lake, Lost Lake is pleasantly warm for a swim or for jumping off the floating dock! Dogs aren’t allowed at Lost Lake Park beach but there’s a designated off-leash area just 400m to the north of the main beach. 

Lost Lake Park is one of the best places in Whistler to chill out and enjoy your surroundings. Layout a picnic rug on the lush lawn, toss a frisbee around or cook up a BBQ at a picnic table. The tables even have BBQ stands, so you just need to bring your own propane barbecue. 

If you can see yourself spending a lot of time at Lost Lake this summer we recommend basing yourself in the neighbouring Blackcomb Benchlands neighbourhood for convenience.

Lost Lake. Credit: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane

Nita Lake 

Our favourite Whistler lake for: A quiet paddle

This small, quaint lake is located in Creekside, about 5km south of Whistler Village. Unlike the other lakes on our list, you won’t find expansive grassy lawns or sandy swimming beaches at Nita Lake. Instead, Nita Lake has a dock from which you can launch your paddleboard, canoe or kayak and enjoy a relaxing paddle. There’s a small pebble beach tucked away in a shady corner of the lake, perfect for wading and swimming on a hot day, or as a base for fishing. After all, Nita Lake is stocked full of Rainbow Trout! 

The Valley Trail meanders along the shore of Nita Lake, so it’s definitely worth making Nita Lake a stop on your summer bike ride or walk. Grab a smoothie or pastry from the nearby Fix Cafe to fuel the rest of your day’s adventures!

NIta Lake. Credit: Simon Havenhand

Homes with access to a pool in Whistler

Out of all of the amenities a home can have, a pool is undeniably the most fun. It’s a gathering spot that kids, adults, and grandparents can enjoy, an escape from crowded beaches, and adds an activity to the vacation roster. To help you plan for your summer vacation and beyond, we’ve gathered a list of vacation rental homes in Whistler with pool access. Whistler Platinum has homes that come with their own private pool, as well as properties with communal pools.

Kadenwood Eagle’s Nest 

Arguably Whistler’s most luxurious vacation rental, Kadenwood Eagles Nest offers a plunge with a view that elevates laps to a whole new level. Picture yourself floating in the infinity pool, gazing out over Whistler Valley with mountains framing the skyline. From swimming to photo-taking to relaxing in the alfresco area while watching the sunset, you won’t find a more spectacular view anywhere.

Kadenwood Eagle’s Nest

Kadenwood Winterfell 

With a 30ft lap pool and a six-person hot tub, there’s plenty of space at Kadenwood Winterfell for your large family or group of up to 14 people to relax. And between soaks, hop out and share stories from the day around the warmth of the outdoor gas fire pit. After all, memories created around the pool are some you’ll treasure for years to come.

Kadenwood Winterfell

Kadenwood 2951

Perched high above the valley on Whistler Mountain, you won’t be able to resist taking a dip in this sparkling gem. And the best bit about private pools? You can enjoy the pool at Kadenwood 2951 whenever you like, even at night. The pool looks spectacular at dusk with the afterglow of the sunset illuminating the glimmering water.

Kadenwood 2951

Woodrun Lodge 

Visitors love the Woodrun Lodge for its mountain lodge vibe, spacious accommodations, slopeside location, and proximity to shopping, restaurant and ski lifts. One of the biggest draws to the Woodrun Lodge is the year-round heated pool and super-sized hot tub! When we say slopeside location, we mean it. Sit back in the pool or on a sun lounger and watch as Whistler’s resident black bears graze on the mountain in summer. 

Woodrun Lodge, Whistler

Taluswood 

When you need a home to spread out in, and a space to feel connected to nature, Taluswood Whistler is for you. Built in classic rustic mountain style, these homes are great for large families and groups looking for an authentic Whistler mountain experience. After long days of adventure in Whistler, retire to the communal year-round hot tub and summer-only pool.

Taluswood Whistler

The Aspens

Regardless of the season, when it comes to your Whistler vacation, Aspens 466 offers everything you need for an unforgettable trip. The Aspens is nestled on the slope of Blackcomb Mountain and is within walking distance of great shops, restaurants and culture hotspots. When you finish indulging in retail therapy, soak in the magnificent mountain views from the outdoor heated pool and hot tubs.

The Aspens, Whistler

Greystone Lodge

Guests love staying at Greystone 223 because of the family-friendly vibe and amenities that make any stay feel like a home away from home. Beyond the individually warm and unique vacation rentals, Greystone Lodge also boasts communal amenities that make this space feel like a small community. Of course, the biggest perk aside from the ski-in ski-out access is the year-round heated outdoor saltwater pool and two hot tubs!

Greystone Lodge, Whistler

Le Chamois

Le Chamois welcomes you for a dip every day of every season. After a day of thrills in the wonderland of Whistler, the heated outdoor pool and hot tub is there to help you rest and recharge for another day of adventure. The view of Whistler Mountain from the pool deck is breathtaking!

Le Chamois, Whistler

Glacier Lodge 

While Glacier Lodge 318 is typically a skier’s dream stay, it has plenty to offer in the summer months. Ride your bike to Lost Lake Park or the Village before returning to enjoy the fine selection of restaurants and shops steps away from your door. When it’s time to relax, the year-round heated outdoor pool and two hot tubs will do a great job of making you feel recharged for the next day.

Glacier Lodge, Whistler

Now that you’re tempted by a summer vacation in Whistler, it’s time to pick dates and book your alpine home in the mountains. Plan ahead for sunny stays as our summer rentals book up fast. With all the amenities you could want plus additional curated services booked by us on your behalf, Whistler Platinum is at your service.

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