Most visitors go to Whistler for the sports and outdoor activities, but there are additional sightseeing highlights beyond snow and woods. The picturesque Village itself is a major draw for many, combining opportune photo backdrops with leisurely shopping spots. Summer brings out the more casual side of Whistler: A variety of buskers and colorful street entertainers strut their stuff in the town square, creating all the more reason to relax and enjoy the alpine ambience.
Those interested in the area's pioneering past—a history scarcely revealed among the town's sparkling resort developments—should consider a visit to the Whistler Museum and Archives. And for those who do make the trip for Whistler's outdoor attractions, we recommend the stunning gondola ride in the summer. Perhaps the most anticipated addition to the resort is the Peak to Peak Gondola, which will transport passengers a mind-blowing 1.9 unsupported mi/3 km from the top of Whistler to Blackcomb's peak in 11 minutes, when it opens in the 2008-2009 season.