Planning Your Perfect Summer Getaway at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort: Insider Tips from the Owners

Summer at Mt. Washington is a completely different vibe than the winter crowds, and we think it might actually be our favorite time of year here. With the snow gone, the mountain opens up for hiking, mountain biking, zip tours, and those incredible long views across Vancouver Island and the Strait of Georgia. Our condo is available for rental from June 15 through September 30, and we’ve put together this guide to help you plan the kind of relaxing yet active vacation most families are looking for.

What to Expect This Summer at Mt. Washington

The resort typically kicks into full summer mode in late June. You’ll have access to the chairlift for scenic rides up the mountain, the bike park with over 30 kilometers of trails for all levels, the Eagle’s Flight ZipTour, and a growing network of hiking trails that start right from the village. The air is crisp at this elevation, even on hot days, so you’ll want layers. Evenings cool down nicely, making it perfect for sitting on the deck with a glass of wine.

Why Paradise Glades is the Perfect Choice.

Staying in our roomy condo gives you space to spread out after a full day outside, or relax in the hot tub, pool, and sauna. Our well stocked kitchen with a BBQ on the deck means you can make breakfast before heading out or grill dinner when you return. We have bike racks and a wash station as well as ski storage that works great for hiking gear. We’ve added sliding screen doors so you can enjoy the fresh mountain air without the bugs, smart locks for easy keyless check-in, and some new furniture touches to make your stay even more comfortable. Most importantly, you get a central “home base” close to both Strathcona Park and the main Lodge.

Must-Do Activities While You’re Here

•  Take the chairlift up for panoramic views and easy ridge walks

- Play the Disc Golf Course

•  Try the Eagle’s Flight ZipTour – a highlight for many

•  Explore the bike park, whether you’re a beginner or advanced rider

•  Hike the Paradise Meadows boardwalk for stunning wildflower views in July and August

•  Drive down to the Comox Valley for a beach day or farm visit when you want a change of pace

Practical Tips from Us

Book your activities a few days ahead, especially on weekends. Bring good walking shoes, bug spray for the lower trails, and a daypack for water and snacks.

Be Bear Aware - Don’t leave food in your parked car. Bears can be surprisingly resourceful and have been known to open car doors.

Our condo has a well equipment kitchen, so you’ll want to pick up groceries in Courtenay or Comox on your way up.

We love hosting families here and watching kids light up on the zip line or come back muddy from a bike ride. If you’re looking for that mix of mountain adventure and real downtime, we’d love to host you this summer.

Ron and Luella

This post was created with AI assistance and edited by the owners