For Lower Mainland residents, one of the easiest summer getaways is Whistler. Located 123 kilometres north of Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway, the resort is more affordable in summer because hotel-room rates are lower. But here’s a warning: many people may not realize that Whistler has been hosting more visitors during the summer than during the winter for many years, which means the village is often just as crowded in July as it is in December. Breton Murphy, manager of corporate and member communications for Tourism Whistler, noted that there are still more overnight visitors during winter. However, the number of day-trippers is significantly higher during the hot season, with more than a million people showing up each summer.

Every year there seems to be more to do in the Whistler area. Here’s a list of the top 10 reasons to make the trek in the next few months.

Whistler Mountaineer There’s a special offer for B.C. residents—$125 per person for a round trip—to travel from Vancouver to Whistler by train. This includes a continental breakfast on the morning Coast Classic ride to Whistler and a light meal on the afternoon trip back to North Vancouver. (Book soon, though, because the offer ends on May 31; for more information, call 1-888-687-7245). It’s an opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Sea to Sky corridor without having to deal with traffic and road construction. Mind you, the work on the Sea to Sky Highway isn’t a major impediment. On a recent weekend I made the trip in less than two hours by car, and there were no serious delays along the way.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park In recent years, Whistler has seriously challenged the North Shore for the title of mountain-biking capital of Canada, thanks in part to the community’s mountain-biking park, with its variety of trails for novices and experts accessible by three different lifts. This year, the park opened on May 17. For more information, see www.whistlerbike.com/. And don’t forget the Kokanee Crankworx event from August 9 to 17 at the bike park. It features the world’s most talented riders in one of the world’s most spectacular settings.

Bear viewing and ecology tours Anyone who has been to Whistler Village has probably spotted those bear-proof trash receptacles. They’re there for a good reason. Lots of black bears live in the area. The Whistler Black Bear Project is conducting a 20-year study, to be completed in 2013, monitoring the population of black bears in the municipality. Visitors to the area can tour old-growth forest in a 4X4 vehicle and visit active bear dens and feeding sites. For more information, see www.whistlerblackcomb.com/.

The 17th annual Whistler Valley Trail Run On Sunday (May 25), local residents will don their sneakers for one of the community’s favourite family activities. There are five-kilometre and 10-kilometre runs, as well as the Teddy Bear Trot for kids. Proceeds from the races go to benefit charities in Whistler. For more information, see www.whistlervalleytrailrun.org/.

Whistler Wellness Week From May 31 to June 7, the resort will be home to North America’s largest alpine wellness festival. There are more than 100 seminars, workshops, and other events planned. Work on improving your intuition. Learn more about Thai massage. Enhance your meditative experiences. There’s even a 24-hour yoga marathon. For more information, go to www.whistlerwellness.com/.

Whistler art workshops on the lake The Whistler Arts Council and the Resort Municipality of Whistler launched artists’ weekends in 2006. This year, there are weekend retreats for anyone who wants to explore drawing, acrylic painting, watercolours, oil painting, and the effective use of light in composition and design. The workshops, which begin June 9, are led by instructors who specialize in these areas. For more information, see www.whistlerartscouncil.com/.

Whistler Children’s art Festival The 25th annual event takes place on July 12 and 13, and features professional artists and daily workshops, including bear-paw–print T-shirts, paddle carving, fairy houses, musical theatre, and Lego building competitions. The complete lineup will be posted next month at www.whistlerartscouncil.com/.

Summer glacier skiing and riding Get up to the Blackcomb Glacier for your fix of skiing and riding, and work on your tan at the same time. Just because the sun is shining doesn’t mean you have to put away your snowboard. For more information, see www.whistlerblackcomb.com/.

Pemberton Festival From July 25 to 27, the region will host the biggest live-music extravaganza in B.C. history. Coldplay, Jay-Z, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Death Cab for Cutie, Nine Inch Nails, the Tragically Hip, and more than 50 other bands will converge on the town of Pemberton, which is 20 minutes north of Whistler. There will be two stages at the festival, as well as a pub, RV park, DJ tent, and lots of food. Three-day passes are available at www.pembertonfestival.com/ or by calling 1-800-594-8499.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is slated to open later this summer. Located in Whistler’s main village, the 30,400 square-foot facility will feature an 80-seat theatrical centre. It’s designed like a Squamish longhouse and a Lil’wat itsken (earth dwelling with a fire pit), and will include a cultural and interpretive centre as well as a café and catering facility featuring First Nations cuisine. In addition, there will be a cultural-tour booking facility and training programs for First Nations artists. This centre will offer B.C. residents an opportunity to learn more about the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations. For more information, see www.slcc.ca/.