How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Pemberton, BC: 3-Day Itinerary (Summer)
One Mile Lake
This blog was written by Sonia Lence as a hosted guest with Tourism Pemberton.
Dreaming of a mountain escape along the Sea to Sky Corridor? Just 25 minutes north of Whistler, Pemberton, BC, is the kind of place where small-town charm meets big adventure. From horseback riding and farm visits to hiking, biking, and fishing, you’ll find plenty of ways to slow down, take in the views, and enjoy the best of Pemberton.
Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a solo adventure, this 3-day summer and fall itinerary will guide you through local eats, cosy stays, stunning trails, and cultural highlights that make this town an underrated gem worth exploring.
Table of Contents
Planning Your Pemberton Getaway
How Long To Stay in Pemberton
Best Time to Visit
Where to Stay in Pemberton
Where to Eat & Drink
Getting Around Pemberton
Familiarise Yourself with Leave No Trace
The Best 3-Day Pemberton Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Pemberton, Nairn Falls, Horseback Riding & Dining
Day 2 – Hiking, Flowers, and Slower Town Pace
Day 3 – Lakes, Heritage, and Scenic Drives
Planning Your Pemberton Getaway
Lumpy’s Epic Hike Viewpoint
How Long To Stay in Pemberton
This itinerary is designed for 3 days, but the options here are so varied that you could happily stay anywhere from a quick weekend to a whole week.
Contrary to what some people think, Pemberton isn’t just a pass-through town on the way to Joffre Lakes. It’s a destination in itself, offering a wealth of outdoor adventures for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline with activities like biking and hiking, or simply looking to slow down, wander, and relax, Pemberton offers the perfect escape.
Best Time to Visit
Pemberton is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own magic. Winter brings a season of big backcountry adventures (think heli-skiing, snow biking, ski touring, and much more), frozen lakes, snow-covered peaks, and cosy movie-set vibes (in fact, scenes from Twilight: Breaking Dawn were filmed here!). In the spring, the valley awakens, bringing warmer days than those in nearby Whistler, with locals often enjoying ‘dual-sport’ days of skiing in the mountains and mountain biking in the Valley.
By summer and fall, long daylight hours open the door to spending the days in the mountains hiking, biking, or paragliding, or enjoying a connection to nature with farm visits, while the landscapes shift from lush greens to golden reds.
No matter the season, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Pemberton—from high-energy adventures to slow-paced escapes.
The Beer Farmers Spring Tulip Field
Where to Stay in Pemberton
Pemberton has a range of places to stay, from cosy cabins and welcoming farm stays to budget-friendly motels.
If you want a quiet property just a short walk from the village — with unbeatable views of Mount Currie — Pemberton Valley Lodge is a fantastic choice. We stayed at one of its fully equipped one-bedroom apartments, which gave us the comfort of home with the bonus of a mountain backdrop.
Imagine starting your morning with coffee on the balcony while the sun rises over Mount Currie. It’s the kind of view that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Where to Eat & Drink
When it comes to food, Pemberton delivers more than you’d expect for a small mountain town. You’ll find everything from grab-and-go cafés and bakeries to cozy local restaurants where the views are just as good as the meals. Thanks to it’s rich agricultural community, dining in Pemberton means your meal is often grown right in town.
Mornings often start best at Blackbird Bakery or Mount Currie Coffee Co., where you can grab fresh pastries, a smoothie, or one of the town’s best breakfast burritos. If you’d rather slow down, North Arm Farm is a beautiful spot to savour coffee and enjoy a meal while taking in the surrounding fields and mountains. At midday, head to Beer Farmers for a casual meal paired with a local pint, or settle into The Pony, a rustic favourite that’s been serving locals and visitors for years.
When dinner rolls around, make sure to plan; restaurants here close earlier than you might expect, often by 8 or 9 p.m. The highlight of any trip, though, is One Mile Eating House. Famous for generous portions and locally inspired comfort food, it’s the perfect place to wind down after an adventure. Their terrace overlooks Mount Currie, allowing you to enjoy a glass of wine with a view, and dishes like the smoked pork ribs keep people coming back. For something different, you’ll also find sushi at Fish & Rice or fragrant curries at Saneh Thai, just a short drive away in Mount Currie.
Getting Around Pemberton
Most of Pemberton’s farms and activities aren’t within walking distance, and public transit options are limited. Having a vehicle is the easiest way to explore the area and enjoy all the adventures on offer.
If you prefer something more active, a bike or e-bike is a fun way to discover the surroundings at a slower pace and really take in the views.
For detailed information on how to get to Pemberton, check out this guide:
How To Get To Pemberton | Plan Your Visit Today — Tourism Pemberton
Familiarise Yourself with Leave No Trace
Just a friendly reminder that it’s crucial to take care of and protect our land. When visiting Pemberton—or anywhere else—make sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles so future generations can enjoy this beautiful place.
These include:
Pack It In, Pack It Out: take all your trash with you.
Observe Wildlife from a Distance: do not disturb or feed animals.
Stay on Designated Trails: minimize your impact on vegetation and wildlife.
Be Considerate of Others: respect fellow visitors and the local community.
Learn more about the 7 Leave No Trace principles here for ethical outdoor tourism.
The Best 3-Day Pemberton Itinerary (Summer)
Here’s a suggested 3-day itinerary for Pemberton, with plenty of options to create your own mix of adventures and downtime.
Day 1: Arrival in Pemberton, Nairn Falls, Horseback Riding & Dining
Start with a hike to Nairn Falls
Kick off your trip with a short but rewarding hike in Nairn Falls Provincial Park, only 5 minutes from Pemberton. The trail is 2.7 km round trip with 105 m elevation gain. Plan for about an hour to complete it. Along the way, you’ll walk beside a rushing river, with a few viewpoints where you can stop and take in the scenery. The trail ends at two powerful waterfalls that make the effort worthwhile. Parking fills quickly, so arrive early if you can.
Stop by the Visitor Centre
Next, head to the Pemberton Visitor Information Centre Kiosk (open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.). The staff are friendly and full of great suggestions to help you make the most of your visit.
Don’t forget to grab a free “Pemberton” sticker designed by Holly Mitchell Studio — a fun keepsake to take home. Right next door, you’ll find Blackbird Bakery, a local favourite for pastries and sweet treats before your next adventure.
Go horse riding with Copper Cayuse Outfitters
Just 10 minutes outside of town, you’ll discover the wide-open farmland of the Pemberton Meadows with Copper Cayuse Outfitters. This family-run ranch offers rides for all levels — from first-time riders to experienced horse lovers. A two-hour ride is perfect if you want more than a quick introduction but don’t have time for a full-day trip.
You’ll start by meeting the horses and learning how to connect with them. From there, the trail takes you across Miller Creek, a glacier-fed river, and through scenic hayfields framed by the Coast Mountains. Riding through this landscape feels like stepping straight into a western dream.
Tours run from April through October, and spring and fall bring cooler days. Bring water, dress in layers, and pack a hat if you’re riding in the summer heat.
Up for more adventure? Join Copper Cayuse in the Birkenhead mountains to experience half, full and multi-day alpine riding with steep trails, old gold mines and the sturdy, sure-footedness of locally bred horses.
Relax at The Beer Farmers
After your ride, stop at The Beer Farmers, a family-owned farm brewery with unbeatable views of Mount Currie. Sip a craft beer, enjoy a bite from the food truck, and say hi to the farm’s Highland cows. Depending on the season, you might also see tulips, sunflowers, or pumpkins growing in the fields. Check their social media for live music and other special events.
Check in and unwind
Settle into your accommodation at Pemberton Valley Lodge. Take a dip in the pool, relax on your balcony, or go for a cruisey stroll along the Friendship Trail or to One Mile Lake.
Dinner at One Mile Eating House
End your first day with a hearty dinner at One Mile Eating House, known for casual, rustic vibes and regionally inspired food. The portions are generous — you might not even finish your plate — it’s perfect after a big day of big adventures.
Day 2: Hiking, Flowers, and Slower Town Pace
Kick off the morning with a cup from Mount Currie Coffee Company—a local favourite for its rich, locally roasted beans. Once fueled up, it’s time to hit the trails—incredible hikes surround Pemberton, so pack a lunch and make the most of your day outdoors.
Go for a Hike Around Pemberton
Lumpy’s Epic: A 7.9 km loop with 293 m elevation gain. Plan for 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on your pace. The trail is well-marked and rewards you with sweeping views of Mount Currie and the Green River. The name Epic is well deserved.
Pemberton Creek Falls: A hidden gem and a short option. This out-and-back local trail takes about an hour and a half total, ending at a powerful waterfall.
Gord’s Garden Multi-Trail: A peaceful 7 km point-to-point trail along the Green River. Part of the Sea to Sky Trail, it offers quiet views between Pemberton and Whistler.
For advanced hikers: Try Mount Currie or Semaphore Lakes Trail. Both are backcountry routes that require preparation, proper gear, and experience, including camping essentials if you plan to spend the night.
No matter which trail you choose—whether a short stroll or an all-day hike—be sure to do some research and have the map downloaded on your phone before heading out.
Picnic with a view
After your hike, grab sushi from Fish & Rice to go or put together a charcuterie board and enjoy a picnic at Pioneer Park. The mountain views here make even a simple meal feel special.
Pick your own bouquet at The Flower Wrangler
For a charming late afternoon activity, head to The Flower Wrangler. Wander dreamy flower fields, create your own bouquet, and take it home in a vase. The golden light at sunset makes the whole experience feel like something out of a fairy tale. Here you will find the perfect activity to share with friends or family.
Other options for the day
Looking for more adventure? You can also go golfing at Sunstone Golf Club, take a jet boat ride with Whistler Jetboating, try fishing with Pemberton Fish Finder, or go skydiving with Whistler Skydiving.
Day 3: Lakes, Heritage, and Scenic Drives
Morning at One Mile Lake
Grab a coffee and start your day with a peaceful walk or paddle at One Mile Lake. Arrive early to avoid crowds and catch the lake at its calmest. On still mornings, the reflections of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking.
Learn local history at Pemberton Museum
Next, visit the Pemberton Museum — a must-see stop to understand the valley’s heritage better. The museum highlights Indigenous history, the gold rush era, and the farming roots that shaped the community. With over 2,500 artifacts and several historic buildings, it offers a deep look into the past.
Scenic drive to Lillooet Lake
Finish your trip with a visit to Lillooet Lake, just 30 minutes from Pemberton. The drive along the well-maintained FSR (forest service road) offers mountain views at every turn. Once there, you can swim, paddleboard, or simply relax by the turquoise water. It’s a picture-perfect way to end your Pemberton getaway.
Ready for your trip to Pemberton? Regardless of how you choose to spend your time here, you are in for an incredible experience.
I hope this 3-day itinerary inspires your adventure and helps with your planning. One thing is for sure: a Pemberton getaway is one you won’t regret.