Ask Whistlerites, and they’ll tell you that the fleeting window between late April and May brings a decidedly different vibe to the iconic ski town. After winter crowds thin and before the rapidly growing summer set arrives, you’ll find easygoing locals taking full advantage of longer, warmer days by hitting the slopes, happy-hour hopping from one outdoor patio to the next, or testing the limits of just how many outdoor activities they can fit into a single day. (And did we mention the host of seasonal deals to to help you celebrate Whistler’s springtime scene?)

There’s enough to fill any itinerary from dusk till dawn—just give yourself plenty of time to play!

Choose Your Own Adventure

With late sunsets and no shortage of clear weather, multisport days become a way of life in May. The classic “Whistler Trifecta” involves skiing—locals are partial to the north-facing slopes on Blackcomb Mountain come spring—golfing, and biking (or swap in a hike or stand-up paddleboarding on Alta Lake). If you’re feeling ambitious, squeeze in an afternoon slackline or fly-fishing session before sunset.  

Après-Anything

In Whistler, locals don’t just après-ski—they’ll raise a glass to just about any activity. Craft beer aficionados can cool down after a hike or bike ride with Whistler Brewing Company’s lightly hoppy Mountain Lager. The patio at Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) is prime for watching the last runs of the day, and Dusty’s Bar and BBQ at the base of the Creekside Gondola is another go-to for powder hounds (don’t skip on the legendary Caesar).

Eat Like a Local

Whether you’re looking for a fast bite or fine dining, Whistler’s evolving food scene has you covered. Fuel up for a day of activities with a lemon blueberry basil scone or bacon and egg brioche at Purebread bakery. For lunch, soak up some sun at one of the many restaurants with an outdoor patio in the heart of the village, and on Sundays, grab picnic supplies from the Whistler Farmers’ Market (starting May 21) at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. In spring, many of the the higher-profile dinner spots run seasonal specials, from the five-course prixe fix menu at modern-leaning Araxi to a three-course dinner with wine pairings at Aura overlooking Nita Lake.

Treat Yourself

Retail options abound in Whistler Village, from big-name brands to local artisans. Or take the afternoon off and indulge at a local spa—test the waters with a traditional Finnish soak in one of the open-air baths at Scandinave Spa (we recommend adding on a deep-tissue massage for good measure).

Save the Date

Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival, popularly known as GO Fest, falls on Victoria Day Long Weekend (May 18—21). For the uninitiated, the festival is a celebration of all things outdoors with a stacked lineup of events and activities (think everything from scavenger hunts to sailing clinics), live concerts, film screenings, and even dog-training classes. Check out the full schedule (including itinerary planning ideas) here.

 Also that weekend (May 18—20) is the Bici Gusti Gourmet Ride, where casual and seasoned cyclists alike wind their way through the Whistler and Callaghan Valleys and partake in 48 hours of food-centric activities like cooking masterclasses and wine tastings—see here for full details.

Sweet Deals

For starters, Americans get more bang for their buck in Canada (basically, you get about 25 percent extra on anything you spend). Keep an eye out for springtime deals on outdoor activities from rafting to ziplining to golf packages, plus dining specials aplenty at Whistler’s top food and drink spots through May 18. Can’t remember the last time you took a real vacation? Use the midweek room rate (starting at $77 per night) as an excuse to extend a weekend into a longer stay.

 For more on springtime activities in Whistler and trip-planning tips, start here. Follow @GoWhistler on Instagram to see how other travelers are adventuring—use the #OnlyInWhistler tag to be featured.