The month of May is a ‘down-season’ time, or for many Whistlerites, ‘bikini-ready-season’. The perfect opportunity to pound the valley trail, slay the mountain-bike trails or ramp up the body beautiful techniques in preparation for baring it all at one or many, of the lake-side sand-spots between July and August (and parts of June and September if we’re lucky!), arguably the world’s shortest, yet most celebrated and utilised Summer periods. Here’s your guide to making the most of our ‘beaches’ in Summer, whatever your pleasure, fetish or past-time. Here’s Part 2 of Miss Whis’s “Beaches In Whistler” feature. Read Part 1 here.

For Adrenaline Junkies and Party People:
There’s only one place where you’ll be sure to stumble into a party where everyone’s invited, and that’s at Rainbow Park. As one of the more inaccessible beaches, being off the beaten path of Highway 99, on the far side of Alta Lake, only the committed will attend, and this ensures a universal acceptance of the good times to be had. Rainbow Park is the spot for sports lovers and beverage consumption, and the park has a huge grassed area, perfect for slip’n’slide, and two beach volleyball courts.

You can bring your mutt along to the dog-friendly dock at Rainbow, and there’s a refreshment stand with obligatory popsicles, ice-cream bars and delicious snacks for all ages. Rainbow attracts kayakers, canoers, swimmers and party-barges from all over Alta Lake, on which it’s situated, and will more likely than not have a bunch of 20-somethings with a boombox and slushie drinks occupying the volleyball courts and having a jolly old time.

David Buzzard Photo

For Nudies:
The only place this is even remotely acceptable in our now overly-governed town is the nudie-dock at Lost Lake, just a short 10 minute stroll from the Upper Village. A classic addition to any beach-ridden area, the Nudie-Dock is a staple representation of Whistler’s free and liberated culture and still attracts a vast array of characters, and body types. The dock is a 5-minute jaunt around Lost Lake and is in full view of the main Lost Lake beach, so don’t think you’ll be basking in all your glory on your lonesome. Be warned, your privates are public knowledge at this location.

Michael Overbeck Photo

For Hikers, Strollers and Nappers:
The previously mentioned Lost Lake Park, being a little out of the way, is a great beach to end up at after a saunter around the Lost Lake trails. Boasting BBQ’s, grassed areas and a sandy shoreline, Lost Lake Park is perfect for getting lost in. The trails around the lake are used by hikers and bikers, so stay alert, make your way around to the park again and settle in for a much deserved nap under the huge trees, to the dulcet tones of patrolling RCMP on alcohol watch, and the excitable nudists across the pond.

Whistler always has a new surprise up its sleeve. Whether it’s powder in May, or a new rope-swing just erected, you can be sure that there’s always more to discover. Get on your bike, or lace up your running shoes, pack a bag with a towel and sunscreen, and get out and discover your piece of paradise. Hit the Valley Trail and you’ll be sure to stumble upon a beach you never knew existed, or even better, the nudie-dock. Want to read about more of Whistler’s Beaches? Read Part 1 here.