Did you know that Whistler has an art museum that contains one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations masks and a large collection of works by Emily Carr? That there are over 130 Sea to Sky artists and artisans who are regularly featured in revolving exhibits at Arts Whistler? That you can connect with a Cultural Ambassador at the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and L̓il̓wat7úl Cultural Centre and revel in the stories of the land you’re visiting? That you can see Olympic memorabilia at the Whistler Museum and join an artist-run workshop in a historic building on the shores of Alta Lake?

Below is a sample of what’s happening in Whistler’s arts and culture this fall and winter. You can also take a look at our events calendar and search by arts, culture and entertainment.

Audain Art Museum

Right in the heart of Whistler Village, the Audain Art Museum melds seamlessly with its environs thanks to internationally renowned Patkau Architects. Look for the six-metre-tall bronze sculpture, The Three Watchmen, by revered Indigenous artists James Hart (7idansuu), Xwalacktun and Levi Nelson (Svpyan), that connects the building with the Village Stroll.

The Audain’s Permanent Collection

A visit offers a diverse journey through the history of art from coastal British Columbia, featuring 300+ works in its Permanent Collection. Spanning the 18th century to the present day, the Collection contains one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations masks, a large collection of works by Emily Carr, hereditary Haida Chief James Hart’s The Dance Screen (The Scream Too), as well as pieces by post-war modernists and key works from Vancouver’s photo-conceptualism movement.

Current Exhibitions at the Audain

Takao Tanabe

The Audain brings unique and evolving exhibitions from Canada and around the world to Whistler. On display until September 21, 2026 is the stunning Vistas: From Takao Tanabe’s Travels. Tanabe’s fascination with landscapes comes vividly to life through his travels across British Columbia, North America, the Arctic and Europe. Tanabe captured their geographical features and unique atmosphere, translating his photos into paintings that balance careful observation with poetic reflection. His works invite quiet contemplation, as if he listens intently to the land itself and invites you to do the same.

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Tanabe has a second exhibition at the Audain celebrating his 100th birthday and his extraordinary contributions to Canadian art. Takao Tanabe 100: Inside Passage features over fifty paintings spanning more than six decades, offering a comprehensive look at his evolving visual language and the remarkable breadth of Tanabe’s artistic practice. This exhibit is on until October 19, 2026.

Solstice: Through Storm and Stillness: October 2, 2026 to April 12, 2027

Solstice: Through Storm and Stillness brings together works from the Audain’s Permanent Collection that reflect on endurance, resilience and the quiet momentum of moving through difficult seasons. Through painting, sculpture, and photography, the exhibition invites viewers to consider winter not only as a time of hardship, but as a necessary season of pause, persistence, and eventual transformation. The featured artists, Andrew Dadson, Gathie Falk, Gordon Smith, Karin Bubaš, Kim Dorland and Landon Mackenzie explore weather as both a literal and metaphorical force.

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Eleven Painters Start a War: November 21, 2026 to May 3, 2027

Eleven Painters Start a War tells the story of Painters Eleven, a group of trailblazing abstract artists whose ethos was defined by creative freedom, diversity of approach, and a refusal to accept aesthetic complacency. Through their perseverance, they reshaped the Canadian art landscape, pushing abstract painting into galleries, critical discourse, and public awareness, even as they faced significant opposition from the established art world.

Audain Art Museum Events

The Audain hosts innovative and exciting events throughout the year, so make sure you check their events page. Here’s a selection of what’s happening at the Audain this fall.

Sunday Scribbles, Family Art-Making Sessions

Bring the kiddos to the Audain on Sundays from 1 to 3 PM for hands-on art activities for the whole family. Explore different materials and techniques while learning about some of the artworks on display at the Museum in a relaxed and welcoming session that encourages creativity, curiosity and connection. This drop-in experience is included with the cost of admission and is free with AAM Membership; no registration is required, and all art supplies are included.

The Art of the Cocktail

These fun and popular mixology events include gallery admission, cocktail instruction and a tasting; however, they all have a different art-connected theme. In September, the event celebrates the winner of the Audain’s Prize for Lifetime Achievement in the Visual Arts; in November, it’s combined with Whistler Cornucopia, and the December event will celebrate Emily Carr’s birthday.

Must be 19+ to attend. Limited tickets available.

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Yoga at the Audain Art Museum

Revel in the stunning architecture of the Audain as you work through a calming, one-hour practice on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Classes emphasize breathing, alignment and ease as you stretch and strengthen your body and mind. Registration includes access to the Museum galleries on the day of the yoga session.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

The resort town of Whistler is located on the shared, unceded territory of the Lil’wat Nation, known in their language as L̓il̓wat7úl, and the Squamish Nation, known in their language as Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is a place where both distinct cultures meet, grow and are shared.

Museum admission includes a “What We Treasure” guided tour. Every tour is unique as each Cultural Ambassador draws on their personal stories and experiences to bring the artifacts to life, and includes a welcome song and an inspiring short film. Some regalia clothing and canoes on display are still in use, and the spacious, light-filled building allows visitors to feel the connection between the living cultures of the Squamish and Lil’wat nations and their home territory.

Current Exhibit – Wisdom of the Animal People

Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh & Líl̓wat7ul Ways of Knowing

Animals play important roles in Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Líl̓wat7úl cultures. They wear their hides as clothing, feature them in artwork, stories, songs and dances, and use them as an important educational tool to share history, morals and values with their children. Learn about the animal-based legends from both distinct Nations; how humans are known as the younger siblings and about the belief that animals, birds, people and land are one and the same.

The SLCC is hosting a Wisdom of the Animal People: Cultural Sharing event on Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, complementing the exhibit and featuring Chinook Song Catchers, Alex Wells Native Thunder, Proud Little Warriors, Yex̱wela7 Cht, Spo7ez Cultural Sharing, with storytelling from Holly Bikadi, Sík Sík Josh Anderson and more. Find more information on slcc.ca/events.

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Fall Events at the SLCC

National Truth and Reconciliation Day: Sept 30

Heading to the SLCC on Wednesday, September 30, gives you a powerful opportunity for reflection, education and connection through storytelling, cultural sharing, immersive experiences, and thought-provoking guest speakers. These include author and filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat, author Carolyn Roberts, and a special feature presentation from the Whistler Film Festival, including the short film “distance” by Lil’wat filmmaker Sydney Pascal and “I am Gitxsan”.

The programming is supported by proud partners, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Tourism Whistler, enabling free admission for all guests on September 30, 2026. For more details, visit the SLCC’s website.

Arts Whistler

Capitalizing on the season between sports, Arts Whistler has an action-packed calendar of live music and local art offerings. We’ve picked out just a few events below.

The Gallery Exhibits

Teeny Tiny Show: July 31 to October 2

The Gallery, located upstairs in the Maury Young Arts Centre, is hosting the Teeny Tiny Show from July 31 to October 2. This local favourite is back for its 8th year, proving that great things indeed come in small packages. Over 85 Sea to Sky artists have poured their creativity into 200 original works, each measuring 3″ x 3″ or smaller. This is your chance to discover and purchase affordable, original and irresistibly tiny works of art.

Join the Arts Whistler and mingle with local artists for the show’s free Art Party on September 10, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM (free appies!).

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We Heart Local Art: October 21 to December 19

This upcoming Gallery exhibit will feature artwork from all your favourite local artists. It’s the perfect place to find original local artwork for yourself or to give as a gift this holiday season.

The People’s Film

Since Whistler lost its cinema, Arts Whistler has been filling the film gap by asking its members and the general public what they want to see on the big screen with their The People’s Film series.  The September 23 theme is “Books on Film”, celebrating the Whistler Public Library’s 40^th Anniversary, with a screening of The Martian. For Halloween, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, it’s the classic slasher film Scream. And on October 29, step into the madness of the ultimate cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The theme isn’t set for their November film just yet, but we know you’ll need to don your ugliest Christmas sweater for a holiday classic on December 16.

Arts Whistler Live! presents: MAGIC!: September 19, 2026

Three performers. Three approaches to magic. For one night only, the Maury Young Theatre transforms into an evening of astonishing sleight of hand, impossible illusions, and laugh-out-loud comedy as three of Canada’s acclaimed magicians take the stage for MAGIC! From Travis’s award-winning sleight of hand and mind-bending magic, to Nayana’s genre-bending blend of clown, physical theatre and illusion, to Ben’s highly technical card work, this event is for anyone who likes to ask – how did they do that?!

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF): October 8 and 16

The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival World Tour is back for another evening of thought-provoking outdoor adventure and mountain culture films. From the thrill of skiing and snowboarding to the challenges of climbing and biking, these films represent the pinnacle of independent storytelling in the world of extreme sports. The All Ages screening is on October 8, and the 19+ on October 16.

Arts Whistler Live! presents: The Boo Revue!: October 20, 2026

The Boo Revue! is a blacklight musical puppet show set in a ghostly graveyard. Get ready to shiver and shake along to spine-tingling musical numbers and supernatural sights! Presented by the Spine-Tingling Puppet Society, whose work has been seen on numerous film and television projects, including Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (currently streaming on Apple TV+), this event is recommended for ages 4+, but is fun for the whole family. Approximate run time is 50 minutes, plus a 15-minute meet ‘n’ greet with the puppets afterwards!

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Arts Whistler Holiday Market: November 28 and 29

The Arts Whistler Holiday Market is two days of handmade goodness at the Whistler Conference Centre. With 100+ curated vendors from the Sea to Sky region and across BC, along with the young entrepreneurs of Bratz Biz, Whistler’s largest artisan market draws visitors from far and wide. Get your Christmas shopping sorted on Saturday, November 28 (11 AM to 7 PM) and Sunday, November 30 (10 AM – 6 PM).

Holiday Events

A cherished annual tradition, Holiday Singapalooza spreads holiday cheer with a lively set of festive pop songs – perfect for a sing-along on December 9! Barbed Choir will guide you through your favourite holiday tunes and even teach the audience harmonies for a classic holiday hit. All proceeds go to Whistler Community Services Society.

Looking to do some Christmas shopping but missed the market? On December 17, visit Art Whistler’s store, Arthentic, home to the largest collection of local artisan-made goods in Whistler, for exclusive discounts storewide.

These are just a few of the Arts Whistler events happening in the fall and winter. For more, take a look at their events calendar.

Whistler Wine Walk: Fridays in October

Whistler Wine Walk is happening every Friday in the month of October, combining an art gallery visit with a glass of wine. Six of Whistler’s art galleries are taking part, with the tours culminating at the Audain Art Museum for more wine, canapés and music. Read more in our blog on the Wine Walk.

Whistler Outdoor Festival: October 9 – 11, 2026

Whistler’s newest fall event, the Whistler Outdoor Festival, is a three-day celebration of outdoor adventure. From film premieres to paddleboard sessions, ski boot fittings to cold plunges, speaking panels to guided runs, yoga sessions to adventure writing workshops, the festival is designed for adventure seekers, sports enthusiasts, industry leaders and anyone who wants to explore more of the outdoors (that’s you).

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Read more about the fesitval’s inception in our dedicated blog, and for the full schedule, check the event page.

Whistler Institute: Global Perspectives Speaker Series

The Whistler Institute is a registered Canadian charity committed to bringing thought leadership and education to Whistler through its Global Perspectives Speaker Series and educational programs, which are open to all.

This year’s lineup dives into leadership, healthy aging and brain health. These global discussions have real implications for Whistler’s mountain community, helping us reflect, adapt and thrive together, but these events also welcome visitors to join in on the learning. Check out the full lineup on their website.

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Whistler Writers Festival: November 5 to 8, 2026

This year’s Whistler Writers Festival is a very special 25th-anniversary edition. This festival welcomes readers and writers in a gathering of storytellers, authors, musicians, books and ideas. The festival showcases award-winning authors from across Canada and local rising stars in performance readings, masterclass writing workshops and industry events. Find your new favourite author this fall.

For 2026, their feature guests include: Tara Gereaux (Wild People Quiet), Michelle Good (Five Little Indians), Stella Leventoyannis Harvey (Finding Callidora), Olympian Clara Hughes (Learning to Breathe), Zak Jones (Fancy Gap), Eve Joseph (Dismantling), Robyn Harding (Strangers in the Villa), Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (The Lost Haida Manga), Loghan Paylor (The Cure for Drowning), Anakana Schofield (Library of Brothel), Kim Spencer (Werid Rules to Follow), A.D. Sui (Our Infinte and Inevitable Ends), Wiley Wei-Chiun Ho (The Astronaut Children of Dunbar Street) and more. Follow them on social media to see who else is coming.
 
Tickets go on sale September 16.

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Whistler Comedy: Laugh Out LIVE!

Laugh Out LIVE! is Whistler’s go-to comedy institution and training centre, blending the best of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy into live shows, corporate workshops and event programming dedicated to bringing laughter and learning through comedy. This season, they’ll have shows running from November through April, with seasonal improv workshops launching in September for both kids and adults.

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Whistler’s Exclusive Dinner Theatre Experience – Every Saturday ALL Winter!

This winter, Laugh Out LIVE! is bringing dinner theatre to Whistler every Saturday from December through March in partnership with the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa.

Settle in for an elegant three-course dinner, Whistler-themed and full of comedy chaos, as performers bring the room to life around you, weaving characters, audience interaction and plenty of surprises into the experience. This season’s production, A Whistler Wedding, puts guests in the middle of a wonderfully dysfunctional Whistler-themed wedding that spirals hilariously out of control.

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The Stand-Up Standoff: Launching in Late November

The night kicks off with a stand-up comedy showdown like no other, as six finalists hit the stage, each delivering their tightest five-minute sets in pursuit of cash and prizes. Once the dust settles and the standoff is done, a touring headlining act steps up to close out the night with a knockout set. It’s a bare-knuckle comedy brawl where the only thing hitting harder than the competition is the punchlines!

Welcome to Whistler’s ultimate stand-up comedy competition and show! The night kicks off with “The Standoff”, as six finalists hit the stage, each delivering their tightest five-minute sets in pursuit of cash, prizes and your vote. Once the dust settles on the competition, a touring headlining act steps up to close out the night with a knockout feature set. It’s a bare-knuckle comedy brawl where the only thing hitting harder than the competition is the punchlines!

Visit Laugh Out LIVE! for the full schedule.

Whistler Cornucopia: November 5 to 15, 2026

Whistler’s festival of food and drink, Cornucopia, is celebrating 30 years! Happening from November 5 to 15, 2026, with over 100 events including drink seminars, culinary stages, tasting parties and multi-course dinners. Cornucopia is a symbol of plenty, and the festival certainly lives up to its name. Take a read of our dedicated post about this festival that celebrates the epicurious: How to Plan for Cornucopia.

Whistler Film Festival: December 2 to 6, 2026

The Whistler Film Festival (WFF) is where creativity meets community. You’ll find ski bums and storytellers, dealmakers and dealbreakers, burgeoning filmmakers and award-winning directors/producers all rubbing elbows at industry galas and on the chairlift.

Prepare for an action-packed lineup of events, including exclusive film premieres, insightful industry sessions, engaging talent programs, intimate meet-and-greets, glitzy parties, and much-anticipated appearances by critically acclaimed actors and directors. Where else in the world can you ski straight off the mountain and onto a red carpet event?

Sign up for their e-news (newsletter sign-up is in the footer of their website – bottom right) or follow their socials for details on films, industry passes and ticket packages.

Winter Carnival at The Point Artist-Run Centre: February

The Winter Carnival is celebrated in mid-February on the shores of Alta Lake at The Point Artist-Run Centre. It is a grassroots, feel-good, community celebration featuring a host of free afternoon activities that celebrate winter through the lens of the arts. Activities include snow and ice dancing, a snow sculpting competition, curling and shinny, hot drinks and food, live painting, music and more!

An evening concert in the heritage lodge features top musical and comedic talent from Whistler and across BC. Find out more on The Point’s website a bit closer to the time.

Go Whistler Tours: Self-Guided Tours

Consider downloading the free Go Whistler Tours app to explore Whistler’s hidden nooks and crannies. The app showcases several self-guided routes you can take to delve into Whistler’s natural and resort history as well as the art and storytelling of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. It also includes an in-museum tour for the Audain Art Museum.

This is just a sampling of the arts and culture events happening in Whistler this fall and winter. With more events being announced all the time, be sure to take a look at Whistler.com’s event calendar for the most up-to-date listings and information. Let the energy of this wildly creative community spark your imagination.

The post What’s On This Fall & Winter: Whistler’s Arts & Culture Scene appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

This year’s Art on the Lake will feature…

• Fourteen live musical performances
• Thirteen visual artists
• A local artisan market
• An open-air gallery, showcasing a curated selection of Sea to Sky artwork
• Interactive art experiences

…and a host of creative, community engagement opportunities.

The work of local Sea to Sky visual artists will be on display, amounting to a true showcase of local talent for both visitors and locals to partake in and enjoy, with the option to paddle, swim or stay put on trail and shore to sample the eclectic offerings.

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Art on the Lake’s Floating History

With its first incarnation back in August of 2020, Art on the Lake…Literally, as it was known for the first three years, was born out of both a need and a want. Whistler was in the throes of the pandemic. Social distancing regulations and indoor gathering limits had been imposed, and the effects of isolation on the notably social, mountain town were beginning to take hold.

Art on the Lake was devised as a way to celebrate Whistler’s arts community, an antidote to the loneliness settling in – a creatively ingenious way to gather together, outdoors, while abiding by the six-foot-apart ordinance (being in a canoe or kayak, naturally facilitated this adherence).

Mo Douglas, executive director of Arts Whistler, recalls how “the community lost their minds,” so grateful were they for the opportunity to gather again in a safe environment. Douglas speaks of the “joy of the lake” and that many “people were in tears.” The first Alta Lake-based event, staged entirely on the water, so as to prevent any shoreline huddles, was such a success that it inspired both a demand and a desire for further iterations.

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Alta Lake housed the event for the first five years, where art was hung from trees in Lakeside and Wayside parks, easels were partially submerged within the water, beckoning people to swim out to view the art on display, and musical groups roved around in canoes.

Everything from dancing flash mobs to floating music performances have been part of the extravaganza. This year, further innovations and invitations for creative immersion (pun intended!) await attendees.

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Why the Change to Lost Lake?

Last year’s move to Lost Lake Park was guided by thoughtful consideration by the Arts Whistler team, who want to preserve the spirit of the festival while making it sustainable for years to come.

When Art on the Lake began six years ago, Arts Whistler had a team of 18 full-time staff to support the ambitious, on-the-water production. Today, that number has dropped to 11, a reflection of ongoing challenges in the arts and non-profit sector post-COVID.

Producing a floating event on Alta Lake required extensive staff hours, specialized equipment, and careful safety measures. As the event grew in popularity, so too did the complexity and risk, particularly with the increase in boat traffic and crowds.

Alongside this, sponsorship and volunteer numbers also dropped. So, with fewer hands on deck, continuing the event on a large lake became unsustainable.

Despite the shift in setting last year, the heart of Art on the Lake remains: a joyful celebration of art, community, and creativity in one of Whistler’s most beautiful natural spaces. Lost Lake offers the perfect canvas, with trails, food vendors, free shuttle service, and built-in infrastructure to support performers, artists, and attendees alike.

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How to Get to Lost Lake for Art on the Lake

Lost Lake is within walking distance of Whistler Village. Depending on where you are in the village, it’s approximately a two to three kilometre walk, which would take you around 45 minutes.

However, if you’re lugging a paddleboard, that’s not ideal. That’s where the free shuttle service comes in. For those coming with boats or inflatables of their own, it will be easy to drop off your floating mode of transportation in the secure staff-monitored drop-off zone at the lakeside parking lot, then go park your vehicle and make the quick return trip on foot or by shuttle.

Art on the Lake takes place over two days, July 9 and 10, intentionally on a Thursday and Friday, to avoid weekend traffic bottlenecks. The fun in Lost Lake Park runs from 12 PM to 6 PM, while programming on the docks of Lost Lake runs from 2 PM to 7 PM, allowing people to enjoy Art on the Lake after work.

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The Park Eats program is running throughout the event, with Lucia Gelato, The Warming Hut and The Gypsy Mule food trucks located in the park, so that you can stay caffeinated with a coffee, fueled with a fresh summer salad or cooled down with an ice cream.

It’s also worth noting that the Summer Concert Series will be in full swing at this time, meaning lake revellers can continue to Whistler Olympic Plaza to enjoy the reggae beats of Dirtwire with special guest Mark Woodyard on Thursday and Canadian artist Washboard Union on Friday.

Art Alive and Awash

For all the fun that is soon to be had and all the wonderment that has taken place over the past handful of years, there is no denying that producing and executing Art on the Lake is not without its own set of very unique challenges.

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With its mid-July dates, the event will precede the annual Western Toad Migration that will begin to take over the park towards the end of the month. Being both site-specific and site-sensitive, producers must navigate a slew of environmental factors. Considerations range from sand to preventing the loss of equipment by sinking, from weather exposure to the range of water-travelling sound.

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Arts Whistler staff have been seen ferrying piles of gear stacked atop kayaks, whilst navigating the lap of wind-shaped waves. Displays have blown over and floated off, only to be salvaged by an adept, suddenly swimming employee; another was treed by a bear in their attempt to set up an exhibit.

Musicians have been soaked as the barge they were being motored about on, funnelled the splash back on them (unbeknownst to the rear-navigating captains) – but none of this has dampened spirits. If anything, it has spurred on the enthusiasm and the offerings, upping the ante every year.

Come with your swimsuit or shorts, sandals or flippers, with a dinghy or your dog. Whether you choose to get wet or not, you will be buoyed up by the local, creative vibrancy on display. Art on the Lake is free, and everybody is welcome. See you there!

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The full artist and performer line-up will be available soon on the Arts Whistler website. Check back for updates.

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This local guided tour company elevates the sightseeing experience to one of sight-experiencing. Guests are taken into the story of this town: literally shuttled through Whistler’s chapters, navigating the storied timeline of this picturesque place.

Each stop marks a moment on the local, mountainous map, with Whistler Valley Tours connecting the dots between ski-town culture, contemporary community and a vibrant history, all framed by views that simply astound.

Historically Speaking

Established in 2017, owner/operator Ryan Powell recognized the lack of local tour-operating services accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities. He wanted to help visitors see beyond first impressions, sharing the soul, magic, and mystery that animate Whistler through story and history.

The intimate, fully guided hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours allow guests the opportunity to travel through the world of Whistler, while sitting still, or almost, as Whistler Valley Tours will have you on the edge of your seat! It is worth noting that the tours combine scenic drives with short, optional walks at select stops, offering a flexible way to experience Whistler.

Guided Touring and Sightseeing in Whistler

The company’s flagship trip is the three-hour Full Whistler Sightseeing Tour. The bus travels first past the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). The storytelling starts here, by acknowledging that the place now most commonly called Whistler forms part of the Traditional Territory of two vibrant Indigenous Nations, who have called this place home since time immemorial: the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl. 

The shuttle then loops past Lost Lake (summer only) before departing the Village area.

Guests are driven up to Green Lake, stopping at stunning mountain viewpoints. The tour then circles over to Alta Lake, where clients visit Whistler’s original tourist destination, the remaining buildings of the 1915-opened Rainbow Lodge. From here, you can see across the lake to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, a stunning mountain vista.

Function Junction, with its breweries and bakeries, is next, followed by Creekside, the location of Whistler’s first gondola. Then you weave up to the Whistler Sliding Centre, where athletes train and compete in bobsleigh, skeleton and luge.

The tour is a scenic, fun and informative adventure that takes guests through a tapestry of place, woven and threaded together with wild wonders (and in the warmer months, black bear and other wildlife are often spotted).

Cheers! Whistler Distillery and Brewery Tours

Whistler Valley Tours offers “designated driver options”, too – a euphemism for their Distillery and Brewery Tours. Guests are invited to dip into the gin or jump on the brew bus to enjoy a very specialized style of après.

The Whistler Distillery Tour takes you to Function Junction and the Montis Distillery. Guests are given a guided tour of the facility and tastings of all available products paired with charcuterie from local favourites Picnic Whistler. The tour operates on Fridays and Saturdays only and lasts approximately two hours (you must be 19 years old or older).

The Brewery Tour offers guests a safe way to visit the local beer houses. With three breweries in Whistler, three in Squamish and two in Pemberton, Whistler Valley Tours offers the option to partake in just one town’s offerings or to mix-and-match.

The Great Whistler Walking Tour

The Great Whistler Walking Tour (available spring to fall) is designed as the perfect mix of scenery, arts, culture, fresh air and exercise! The 1.5-hour journey takes you off the Whistler Village Stroll, into the nooks and crannies of Whistler, guided by a local who will give guests the lay of the land, telling the area’s story and covering where to eat and what to do, helping you get the absolute most from your Whistler visit.

The tour begins and ends in Whistler Village and winds past glacial streams, hidden street art and stunning forested areas. The tour is a unique opportunity to gain insight as you follow the footsteps of Whistler’s history.

The People

When asked what inspires him, what the rewards are of operating the company, Powell unequivocally declares, “The People!” With animation and effervescent respect, he adds, “I love meeting people every single day” and goes on to list all manner of positive and inspiring anecdotes from years of interactions.

This is what fuels him. Speaking with Powell, what is so clear is the depth of care he has for both his customers and this town. It is immense. “The world is smaller than you think…there are a lot of good people out there.”

The company made the top 10 list across North America for the 2025 North American Arival Tour Review Spotlight Awards. In 2023, they ranked fifth in all of Canada on Tripadvisor/Viator’s Best of the Best Overall Experiences.

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Whistler Valley Tour: Logistics & What You Need to Know

Whistler Valley Tours operate daily, year-round, in sun, rain, snow or sleet, and in summer and winter. If it’s bright and visibility is limitless, then the background gets the opportunity to speak more for itself. However, nothing is lost when the focal range is pulled in closer, due to fog or a shroud of cloud. Powell explains, “The dialogue just gets a little stronger, a little richer”.

Guided tours begin and end at the Gondola Exchange Bus Loop. Guests are reminded to bring their cameras, dress for the weather, and bring their questions, curiosity and sense of adventure! Public and private group arrangements can be made, along with specifically-tailored charters. There are children’s and adult pricing options. Of note, the buses are not wheelchair accessible; however, collapsible walkers and movement-assistance devices may be accommodated.

Whistler Valley Tours fosters the making of meaningful connections, providing in-depth, unforgettable experiences. Book your spot for when you’re in Whistler!

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Drawn together by a love of music, the Whistler Singers have been spreading melody through the Garibaldi Range for decades, reminding visitors and locals alike that human connection is the beating heart of this town.

The Sound of Whistler

Step into the local community school on a Tuesday evening, and you might just hear it. Friendly chatter, a few notes on the piano and then, harmony. Long before the snow falls and winter enthusiasts flock back to our famous slopes, the Whistler Singers embrace the festive spirit a little early. From early September to the end of April, a group of over 50 strong fills the halls of Myrtle Phillip with songs of the season.

Their performances at holiday celebrations, Remembrance ceremonies and local gatherings have become part of the town’s vibrant arts scene. Founded over 30 years ago by a handful of locals drawn together by a love of singing, the group has grown into a powerful ensemble of all ages and skill levels.

While some members hail from heavy musical backgrounds, others learn by ear. Some read sheet music while others memorize and practice at home. What unites them isn’t perfection, it’s passion.

“The Whistler Singers started small”, says longtime member turned conductor Alison Hunter. “But it’s always been about more than just music. It’s about connection – the kind you can feel”

Whistler Singers – A Brief History

Back before Whistler had secured itself as a world-class ski destination, the Whistler Singers were quietly carving out a cultural space within the quaint ski town back in the early 80s.

Developed to fulfill a need for singing around the holidays, the group’s initial roots were planted in Whistler’s iconic Skier’s Chapel in 1982, led by the likes of Ray Weens and Molly Boyd. It was Canada’s only ski-in-ski-out interdenominational chapel that lived slopeside in Creekside.

In the early days, village carolling had its own unique Whistler flair. Members would roll a borrowed liquor cart through Whistler Village, complete with a piano on top, spreading cheer long before portable speakers were a thing. Over the years, they’ve grown in both size and spirit.

Today, the Whistler Singers are called upon to perform at community events and seasonal celebrations. Their presence at the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s Remembrance Day Ceremony is solemn and a meaningful contribution to one of Whistler’s most important ceremonies. Carolling and holiday performances have become a beloved local tradition, spreading holiday cheer throughout Whistler.

Why Singing Matters – The Community Impact

Whistler’s community runs deep in the valley, but it’s sometimes hard to spot in the transient nature of our town. For the Whistler Singers, though, it’s openly on display.

Ask anyone in the choir why they sing, and you’ll get answers far beyond music. Although studies show singing in a choir benefits brain health by boosting mood, improving cognitive function and enhancing structural brain connectivity, for many, it’s about a sense of belonging, friendship and creativity.

“Choir is like a sports team with nobody on the bench,” says Hunter. “They can be a chatty bunch. Sometimes it’s like herding cats, but we foster friendships, and we love our social time. You see friendships strung throughout the group.”

In a town known for adventure, the choir exists as an alternate experience to Whistler’s action-packed scene. It’s a place for musical folks to find a sense of belonging off the slopes.

Festive Traditions and Village Magic

Every year, the Whistler Singers are called upon to mark the holidays as visitors from across the globe flock to town. Whether it be at tree lighting ceremonies, hotel foyers, ballroom concerts or carolling through town, their voices echo across the Whistler Valley.

Carolling is an especially special tradition as the glow of festive lights and the harmony of familiar songs fill the snow-dusted cobblestone streets of the Village Stroll.  It’s a scene that feels straight out of a snow globe.

What Lies Ahead

As Whistler’s worldly presence evolves, the town continues to rely on the Whistler Singers to bring music to the valley. Looking ahead, the group dreams of greater community involvement, more singing opportunities and perhaps an adventure or two beyond the valley.

With Alison at the helm, the Whistler Singers will continue to show up where it matters most: at community events, local celebrations, and to share songs with visitors who attend their performances or catch them spreading holiday cheer around the village.

Whistler will always be recognized for its mountains and outdoor adventure, but the Whistler Singers remind us all that in a world of modern stress and disconnection, a song can bring us all back together.

Upcoming Whistler Singers Events

What’s the best way to support the Whistler Singers? Attend one of their many performances scattered throughout the year. Admission is always by donation. Here are some upcoming dates…

Nov 30, 2025 – Arts Whistler Holiday Market

Dec 6, 2025 – Pemberton Holiday Bazaar, 1 PM

Dec 14, 2025 – Winter Concert, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, 7 PM

Dec 21, 2025 – Winter Concert at Crystal Lodge 7 PM

Dec 24, 2025 – Christmas Eve Carol Service, Westin Resort & Spa, 7 PM

Join the Choir – How to Get Involved

New members are welcome to join the Whistler Singers within the first month of each choir season. The fall season runs from September to late December, and the winter one from January to April. Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays, from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Myrtle Philip Community School.

Remember, you don’t need to be a professional singer to join (no audition required). The group is more focused on community, friendship and celebrating a love of music.

As a registered non-profit organization, the group relies on member fees, donations and volunteers to keep the choir operational. This includes rehearsal space, help moving equipment, venue rental and new music.

For more information, you can reach their Whistler Singers via their website or Facebook page.

The post Whistler Singers Bring Music to the Mountains appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

Here, we’ve highlighted a few of the freethinkers and dreamers whose vision, determination and creativity helped define the community. Their contributions, from building trails and businesses to championing culture and the environment, continue to be felt throughout Whistler today.

The Whistler Village: Where Vision Took Shape

After Whistler became a municipality, one of the first tasks faced by the council was to create a town centre (the first project undertaken was the construction of a sewer system and sewage treatment plant). Early council members had a vision of what they wanted the town centre to be: a pedestrian-centred village at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. One council member who had a particularly clear vision of what the town centre should be was Al Raine.

Al Raine

Al Raine first visited the Whistler Valley in the summer of 1964, before lifts began running up the hill. He later returned as a ski coach and, in the early 1970s, took on the position of Provincial Ski Area Coordinator for British Columbia, crafting the province’s first Commercial Alpine Policy. Al also advocated for Whistler’s incorporation as a municipality and, in 1975, became the first (and only) provincial appointee to Whistler’s council.

According to long-time friend and colleague Hugh Smythe, Al’s enthusiasm for the town centre project led him to carry around a series of glossy photographs in his pocket of places and structures that he had seen in Europe that he thought would work well for Whistler. Hugh recalled that Al would “take these out and show anybody that was interested,” sharing his vision for the village.

Read more about Al Raine on the Whistler Museum’s blog.

Eldon Beck

The council’s ideas for the town centre were envisioned and refined by Californian landscape architect Eldon Beck. Having just finished some design work for the village of Vail, CO, the council hired Eldon to help them with the plans for Whistler Village.

He arrived in Whistler for the first time in 1978 and, after climbing a few trees to check out the Village’s potential views, came up with the design for the Whistler Village that we know today. Over the years, as the Village grew, Eldon was brought back to Whistler to design Village North in the late 1980s and even to consult on Olympic Plaza following the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games.

Read our dedicated post on Eldon Beck.

The Squatters: Whistler’s Wild Roots

Before Whistler became a municipality, there was already a community of full- and part-time residents in the valley. Not all of these residents had official addresses, with some living in small squatter cabins in the woods. These squatters and ski bums were integral members of the Whistler community.

Charlie Doyle

Charlie Doyle came to Whistler in 1972 for one day of skiing; by the end of the day, he had bought a second-hand season pass and found himself living in Whistler permanently before the end of the year. In 1977, Charlie, Robin Blechman and Tim Smith created the local alternative newspaper, the Whistler Answer, a satirical response to the Whistler Question newspaper founded by Paul Burrows in 1976. Early editions of the Answer were handwritten, hand-drawn, and hand-pasted and published from Charlie’s squat.

Beyond the Answer, Charlie also crafted some of the wooden shop signs you still see in the Village today and published one of the first mountain bike trail guides for Whistler, fitting for a founding member of the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA).

Read more about Charlie Doyle on the Whistler Museum’s blog.

Nancy Wilhelm-Morden

Nancy Wilhelm-Morden arrived in the Whistler area in the summer of 1973, planning to stay for two weeks. Instead, she and boyfriend Ted Morden both stayed for the ski season and soon returned permanently. Unable to find stable housing, Nancy and Ted built their own cabin along Crabapple Creek, joining Whistler’s squatter population. As well as working various jobs (including blasting work on road construction crews), Nancy completed university and attended law school.

In 1984, while still in law school, Nancy was elected to Whistler’s municipal council for the first time. During her time on the council, she worked on the successful preservation of the Emerald Forest as a recreation area where many bike trails are built today. From 1978 to 2018, Nancy served a total of seventeen years on council (making her one of the longest serving elected officials in the valley), the last seven as Whistler’s first (and so far only) female mayor.

Read more about the parks and Nancy Wilhelm-Morden on the Whistler Museum’s blog.

Parks & Recreation: Nature at the Core

Parks and trails are an integral part of Whistler today, but Whistler’s first municipal park could have been lost before Whistler even became a municipality if not for the foresight of Don MacLaurin.

Don MacLaurin

Don MacLaurin first came to the Whistler Valley in the 1950s while working for the BC Forest Service. Don, his wife Isobel, and their children built a cabin overlooking Alpha Lake in 1961 and became frequent visitors and then permanent residents of the valley.

In the 1960s, two timber licences around Lost Lake were set to expire, and there were developers waiting in the wings, preparing to apply for the waterfront property. Don saw what was happening and contacted his friend in the Provincial Parks Branch, who had the area assessed and set aside by the province as a potential Use, Recreation and Enjoyment of the Public site. Lost Lake Park was the first park to be opened by the new municipality, officially opening on September 11, 1982.

Read more about Don MacLaurin on the Whistler Museum’s blog.

Trevor Roote

The early development of parks and other outdoor recreation infrastructure was led by the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission (ARPC), which held public consultation meetings, passed funding referendums, and negotiated rights of way throughout the valley for Whistler’s Valley Trail.

As the ARPC’s volunteer chair, Trevor Roote dedicated countless hours to finding out what Whistler’s recreation needs were and then working to fulfill them. He was named Whistler’s Citizen of the Year in 1981 and in 1984 was awarded Whistler’s highest honour, the Freedom of the Municipality. Trevor is remembered today as the driving force behind Whistler’s Valley Trail, the popular multi-use trail system that runs throughout the valley and traces its origins back to 1976 when the municipality’s first Rec Report was put together.

Read more about Trevor Roote and the Valley Trail on the Whistler Museum’s blog.

Organizational Founders: Building Community from Within

Glenda Bartosh

Unlike many people who come to ski or enjoy the outdoors, Glenda Bartosh moved to Whistler in 1981 to work. She was fresh out of journalism school and got a job as a reporter for the Whistler Question. One year later, she purchased the paper from founder Paul Burrows and became one of the youngest publishers in Canada. A firm supporter of the arts, Glenda helped found the Whistler Community Arts Council (now Arts Whistler) in 1982.

Read more about Whistler’s artistic origins on the Whistler Museum’s blog.

Joan Richoz

Joan Richoz began volunteering for both the Arts Council and the Myrtle Philip School library in 1983 and, when the Whistler Public Library Association was formed in 1985, got involved as a board member. Having completed the program to become a community librarian, Joan was the Whistler Public Library’s first (and only) employee when it opened in the basement of Municipal Hall in 1986. Joan continued to serve as library director until she retired in 2006, overseeing the library as it grew and moved.

Read more about Whistler’s libraries and Joan Richoz on the Whistler Museum blog.

Florence Petersen

Florence Petersen first came to the Whistler area in the summer of 1955. She and four fellow teachers purchased Witsend, a cabin on Alta Lake, in 1956 and became regular visitors and summer residents. Florence and her husband Andy moved to Whistler full-time after retiring from teaching in 1983.

As Whistler developed into a winter resort, Florence promised long-time Alta Lake residents Myrtle Philip and Dick Fairhurst that she would ensure the stories of Alta Lake would be preserved. Florence helped found the Whistler Museum & Archives Society in 1987 and opened the first Museum (a small room with a couple of shelves in the back of the Library). Both Florence and Joan were awarded the Freedom of the Municipality in 2012.

Read more about Florence Petersen on the Whistler Museum blog.

Documenting Whistler: Framing the Story

One way that the people, places, and events of Whistler’s past 50 years have been documented is through photography, and the Whistler Museum is incredibly fortunate to have received more than 300,000 photographs from various photographers over the past four decades.

Many fantastic (and prolific) photographers have called Whistler home, and the Museum is honoured to have recently received a large collection of photographs taken by award-winning photojournalist Bonny Makarewicz.

Bonny Makarewicz

Bonny moved to Whistler in 1991 and soon became the photographer for The Whistler Question. From World Cup races to school fundraisers to natural disasters, if something was happening in Whistler, Bonny was there, capturing every aspect of community and resort life.

According to fellow photographers, she had an impressive ability to capture ski racing, and Bonny was picked as the only female on the 200-person European Pressphoto Association crew during the 2010 Games.

Read more about Bonny Makarewicz on the Whistler Museum blog.

Visit the Whistler Museum

Whistler would not be the resort that it is today without the contributions of these and many more people who have helped shape not just the resort but also the community that supports it.

 

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If you’re interested in learning more about how and why Whistler became a resort municipality in 1975, be sure to visit the Whistler Museum’s current exhibit, The RMOW Act: A Blueprint for Resort Communities, on display at the Whistler Museum through November 23, 2025.

For more on Whistler’s history, check out our posts 10 Trailblazing Innovations that Shaped Whistler (and the World), Thunderbird Legend and the Story of Spo7ez Territory and The Art of Whistler.

The post 10 of Whistler’s Key Dreamers and Freethinkers appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

“Fashion is not simply aesthetic. It is where tradition meets innovation. Where presence becomes power. It is sovereignty and belonging. Fashion carries the memories of our ancestors. And the visions of generations yet to come.” – Rebecca Baker-Grenier.

The words are a reminder of the visual power of fashion and how what and who we see shape our understanding of the world. They’re also a reminder that the culture of Indigenous Peoples in Canada is not a relic of the past, where many have tried to place it, but a living, evolving force carried forward by the people who continue to infuse it with life.

 

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Indigenous Designer and Curator, Rebecca Baker-Grenier

One of these people is Guest Curator Rebecca Baker-Grenier, an award-winning Indigenous Designer of Kwakiutł and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ancestry.

After graduating from the University of British Columbia with a major in Indigenous Studies, Baker-Grenier apprenticed with established Indigenous designer and artist Himikalas Pam Baker. She later completed the Indigenous Couture Residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in 2022.

Baker-Grenier’s first full collection debuted at New York Fashion Week in September 2022, followed by Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. Since then, her work has been featured at the SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market Fashion Show, Vancouver Fashion Week and Indigenous Fashion Arts in Toronto.

Her pieces have been shown at Vancouver International Airport, the Bill Reid Gallery and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and have appeared on red carpets and in Vogue and Elle Canada.

Now, her designs, along with works she’s curated, are on display at the SLCC in Whistler through spring 2026.

 

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Woven Pathways: Fashion and Cultural Continuity

The name of the exhibit, Woven Pathways, speaks to the way the designers featured represent their identities, which are rooted in lineage, land and culture, with the future of fashion. Their challenge: to bring ancestral stories to modern times and designs, in order to create a new, representative pathway for fashion.

“Fashion is not simply aesthetic; it is a powerful assertion of presence, sovereignty and belonging,” Baker-Grenier shares. “The artworks are rooted in traditional teachings, materials and techniques, yet the artists are innovating and transforming these foundations to create a pathway that defines the future of Indigenous fashion.”

I stare in awe at the glass boxes containing the shell jewellery of Lil’wat artist Katrina Wallace, who draws inspiration from her late grandmother’s cedar root baskets. Another showcases a stunning silver tiara by Squamish artist Kolten Khasalus Grant, who has woven the beauty and sacredness of the hummingbird into his artwork. The shining metal is juxtaposed with the yellow, oranges and purples of Lil’wat artist Moody Dan’s beaded pieces, which are inspired by local flowers and plants.

” I love the process of turning something fragile, like tiny glass beads, into forms that feel strong, playful and alive.” – Lil’wat Artist Moody Dan.

Moving into the main exhibit room, I don’t know where to look first. The space is filled with pieces that are striking, thought-provoking and beautifully crafted. To my right, a contemporary blue and red suit by Baker-Grenier commands attention.

“…this suit has been worn both on the runway and in the courtroom. In this dual role, the suit embodies the intersection of art and law as spaces where Indigenous brilliance, resilience and sovereignty are asserted.”

Sustainability, Sovereignty and Storytelling

To the left, a sculptural work titled A Waterfall of Fast Fashion comments on the extractive nature of the fashion industry. Much of the exhibition features remade or upcycled garments, including Desmon ‘Day Day’ Pack’s upcycled suit with removable “hands of thanks.”

“Indigenous fashion is not based on temporary trends, it carries cultural values and teachings, using materials harvested sustainably, and is created with care and passed down through generations.” – Baker-Grenier.

At the far end of the gallery stands the powerful MMIW Red Dress by Himikalas Pam Baker. MMIW refers to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and the red dress has become a symbol honouring those who have been taken and the families who continue to grieve.

I don’t want to give more away; this is an exhibit you need to experience for yourself. Woven Pathways is included with SLCC admission, which also includes the hourly What We Treasure guided tour.

By visiting the SLCC, you’re connecting with the stewards of the land you’re exploring and supporting an authentic Indigenous-owned, non-profit organization that contributes to cultural revitalization and offers meaningful employment to Nation Members and training through the SLCC Indigenous Youth Ambassador program.

Read more about what a visit to the SLCC entails in our dedicated blog.

Above the Clouds Indigenous Fashion Show: November 23, 2025

The Above the Clouds Fashion Show, presented in partnership with the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and supported by the Resort Municipality of Whistler, is the grand finale of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. 

 

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The show begins at 3 PM on Sunday, November 23, in the SLCC’s Great Hall. It features collections by five celebrated Indigenous designers:

• Tishna Marlowe
• Yolonda Skelton
• Rebecca Baker-Grenier
• Vina Brown
• Cheryl Fennell
• Plus Lil’wat Youth Designers

The event also includes performances by Hakuum and music by DJ Tribal Touch.

 

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Tickets are $35, which includes full access to the SLCC. There’s also an Indigenous Artisan Market in Istken Hall from 11 AM to 6 PM, offering fashion, art, and gifts from Indigenous creators across Turtle Island (North America). Admission to the market is free. 

On the same day at 10 AM, you can also take part in an exclusive workshop with Copper Canoe Woman (Vina Brown) and Rebecca Baker-Grenier on cultural appreciation in design. The workshop is free, but registration is required.

I can’t wait to see some of the pieces from the exhibition in the show. To see the memories and visions for the future that Baker-Grenier poetically spoke of come to life in a place built to celebrate Indigenous culture.

The post Indigenous Fashion Exhibit at the SLCC appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

“The aim of Art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
— Aristotle, 350 BC

“Yeah, well…you know…that’s just, like, your opinion, man.”
— Jeff Lebowski, 1998

The awesome thing is, they’re both correct. Tied so intrinsically to the creativity of the human spirit, art is tough to define, and each of us seems to draw our own lines about what art appeals to us. That’s part of the magic.

But there’s no denying that something here in the crisp air and mountain vistas of the Whistler area that pulls artistic souls to this place.  Perhaps it’s the colours, the multitude of greens in the emerald forest, the sparkling blues of Alta Lake. Or it might be the allure of the cold, hostile environment…the promise of nearby peace and solitude.

Whatever the reason, Whistler has long been a haven for free thinkers and visionaries. And art, in whatever form, is an important part of the story of this place.

First Nations, First Artists

Certainly, that story starts with the Squamish and Lil’wat Indigenous peoples, who have always shared the territory now known as Whistler as a hunting, foraging, fishing and trading ground. The coastal nations of British Columbia are known around the globe for the detail and beauty of their art, from basketmaking and weaving to carving and painting.

“It’s because of the salmon and the sea,” my artist buddy Chili Thom used to tell me. “In other regions, like the Prairies, those nations had to constantly chase herds for food—buffalo, caribou, and such. Out here, the food comes to them. Salmon return to spawn each fall, the herring spawn in February, and there’s more consistent food, so people aren’t as nomadic. Which means they have more time and space to work on their art.”

Chili was primarily a landscape painter, but he also apprenticed with Xwalactun, a Squamish Nation carver sometimes known as Rick Harry. Xwalactun’s work is featured throughout Whistler and around the world, and he’s been teaching Sea to Sky children the traditional forms and line-work of Coast Salish design as far back as the 1980s.

“I create native art with a connection to the past, present and future like our ancestors did,” Xwalactun says.

He has art throughout Whistler, including a house post he carved with apprentice Brandon Hall standing at the Lorimer Road entrance to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, and the grand steel totem he designed for the front entrance of the Audain Art Museum.

Outside the Audain Museum, on the corner adjacent to the parking lot, a six-metre-tall cast bronze statue stands as a collaboration between three nations. Haida hereditary chief Jim Hart (7idansuu) crafted the three watchman figures that sit atop the 8,000-pound piece of public art, while Xwalactun and Lil’wat artist Levi Nelson collaborated on the aluminum band base, inspired by Lil’wat and Squamish pictographs.

Nelson, who recently got his master’s degree at Columbia University in New York City, is one of the most celebrated contemporary Indigenous artists in Canada. He recalls being in third grade, learning to draw a northwest-style bear from Xwalactun and calls the watchmen project a full circle moment. He also has a canvas of his own—Nations in an Urban Landscape—hanging within the Audain museum, and in 2025, he collaborated on the medal designs for the Invictus Games, hosted in Vancouver and Whistler.

Nelson also has artwork gracing one of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola cabins, travelling the span between Whistler and Blackcomb. Chepximiya Siyam’ Chief Janice George, and husband, Skwetsimeltxw Willard ‘Buddy’ Joseph of the Squamish Nation are featured on another gondola cabin. The pair transformed one of George’s traditional weaving patterns into a bold, colourful geometric graphic. Best looking gondy on the line in my opinion!

With generations of art and artists from this area, the best place to learn about and see Squamish and Lil’wat artworks is at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, where ambassadors can guide the process, answer questions, and provide the correct context.

Isobel MacLaurin

The first European settlers to arrive in the Whistler area were mostly trappers, prospectors and trail builders. Rough, nomadic souls not remembered for their artistic leanings. But when Myrtle and Alex Philip trekked into town in 1912 and started building what would become the largest fishing lodge west of Banff, Alberta… well, they needed something other than fishing rods to hang on the walls.

Whistler’s first homegrown, professional artist was the always delightful Isobel MacLaurin, painter, skier, friend and artist about town since the early 1960s.

“She wanted to be an artist,” Isobel’s daughter Jill told Pique Newsmagazine shortly after her mother’s death at age 92 in 2024. “She was always going to be the one who did her own thing.”

Her landscapes are ubiquitous across Whistler (look for the interpretive signs on Whistler and Blackcomb or the Valley Trail), but Isobel’s paintings and murals also grace walls in Greater Vancouver, at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and even overseas at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. And as much as she loved creating art, she also loved sharing her passion and knowledge with younger artists. Her life and impact on the Whistler community is immeasurable.

The Answer, The Peak Bros & The Counterculture

Once the ski hill opened in 1965, Whistler saw an influx of ski bums, renegades and what some would call “dirty hippies” flocking to town to live in squats and shantytowns whilst living those pow-day dreams. It was an era of free-thinking and communal bliss—life itself is art when you’re living rent-free, skiing or swimming daily, and smoking with your friends.

As society encroached with the Resort Municipality of Whistler forming in 1975, the free-thinkers organized their voices into an alternative newspaper, The Whistler Answer, which originally ran from 1979 to 1982 as a counterculture response to Whistler’s original newspaper, The Whistler Question.

Founded by Charlie Doyle, Robin Blechman, and Tim Smith and completely hand drawn and lettered, The Answer provided a tongue-in-cheek approach to local politics and mountain culture alongside legitimate ads for hot tubs “for relaxing and socializing,” live music at the Christiana Inn, and the “showers, pinball, laundromat” at Food Plus, Whistler Creekside’s legendary convenience store.

The Answer was also home to the early editions of Whistler’s best-known comic strip, The Peak Bros.. Created by Gord “Rox” Harder and based on the real-life adventures of him and his friends, Peak Bros., who liked to ski the heck out of Whistler mountains. The strip ran across a few publications from 1979 to 1992, and many of the characters who pop up in the strips are based on real Whistler locals from that era.

The Whistler Community Arts Council

Just a single year out of journalism school, Glenda Bartosh bought The Whistler Question in 1982, becoming one of the youngest publishers in Canada. That same year, she banded together with a few artistic-minded Whistler residents (including textile artist Inge Nielsen, library advocate Joan Richoz, Tamsin Miller, Margaret Long, and Gail Rybar) to form the Whistler Community Arts Council (which still exists today as Arts Whistler).

Using the power of the (her) press to promote the new arts entity and art in general. Glenda and the Arts Council’s first big project was a 17-artist exhibit with donated rooms and meals for artists who came up from Vancouver, followed by the creation of the Whistler Children’s Festival, a Performance series, and the first local arts market, the Bizarre Bazaar.

“At the Arts Council, we brought in dancers, musicians, held art shows and generally supported each other,” Bartosh says. “It was a total community effort that seemed to capture people’s imaginations, and it just grew and grew and grew.”

Many of those original initiatives continue to run today (though some of the names have changed), and Arts Whistler is an integral part of Whistler’s artistic fabric. 

In 2010, the Whistler Arts Council took over management of what’s now known as the Maury Young Arts Centre. Completed in 2000 and originally used as a community facility with a theatre, youth centre and multi-faith facility, the Centre has grown to become the beating heart of contemporary art in Whistler, with monthly gallery shows, live theatre, films, comedy and more.

“I like to think some of the creative types that stayed in this community did so because they found support and an outlet through the Arts Council/Arts Whistler,” Bartosh says.

It’s more than likely she’s correct.

Whistler’s Art Galleries

As Whistler Village and the Blackcomb benchlands sprang to life throughout the 1980s, dedicated art galleries began popping up to bring art—local and imported—to the growing number of travellers coming to town. Over the years, local artists have set up their own galleries, for as long as they can sustain them. Rising real estate and rent costs in one of the most popular (and expensive) communities in the country make things difficult for young artists to break through with their own galleries.

In larger cities, the artists simply end up in the more industrial, less desirable parts of town. Built in a narrow mountain valley, Whistler is short on dilapidated warehouse districts, but there is always good art going on in Function Junction if you know where to look. (Otherwise, here’s a blog outlining all of Whistler’s current art galleries).

The Toads

If The Whistler Answer taught us anything, it’s that some artists thrive outside the box created by “the establishment.” And in the 1990s, the newly created Whistler Skatebowl gave some of those artists a place to express themselves. Constantly evolving, the spray-painted graffiti in the bowl (and later the expanded park) is always a nice way to check in on the local scene you won’t find in any galleries. (And it’s always a treat when Kris Kups puts up a new one.)

And down in Function Junction, since 1989, the Toads have been doing the same. Toad Hall Studios is Whistler’s original art and print studio. If you or someone you know started a business in Whistler over the past quarter-century, chances are Toad Hall created your T-shirts, logo, posters, or all of the above.

With an evolving roster of artists that included Stu MacKay-Smith, Pete “Goldfinger” Malaschitz, Dave “Pepe” Petko, Sheree Blanch, Semele Anstis, and others,  the Toads pumped out the “lowbrow” images of ski and snowboard babes, trippy suns and moons, nature fairies, and rock’n’roll demon bunnies that graced the stickers, posters, and t-shirts of a generation. And Toad Hall is still at it, carrying the counterculture torch while still supporting Whistler businesses’ needs for local creatives.

WSSF: The State of the Art

Established in the mid-1990s as a season-ending festival to celebrate sport and art, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival may hold the crown as the most significant event ever for local artists of any discipline.

Since 2001, local filmmakers have had the opportunity to create and screen short movies (and potentially win cash!) at the 72-Hour Filmmaker Showdown. The Photographer Showdown format has evolved over the years, but over the last 25 years, it’s featured all the best and best up-and-coming action sport photographers on the planet. There have been writing events (the collective novel), theatre events (Chairlift Review), multimedia showcases (Mountain Life Multiplicity) and of course, the best night of the year for local ski and snowboard film crews (Intersection).

But the WSSF’s biggest contribution might actually be to Whistler’s local visual artists. The State of the Art exhibit kicked off in the year 2000 and featured dozens of Whistler-area artists exhibiting multiple pieces in the free-to-enter main foyer of the Whistler Conference Centre for the entire duration of the festival. Which means almost every local artist has had their work seen and sold, usually multiple years in a row. The event is now called Art & Soul, but the tradition continues. Art for art (and artists’) sake.

Chili Thom

Regularly featured at the State of the Art and influenced by the Toads (and the Group of Seven), Chili Thom’s landscape paintings struck a chord with Whistler locals like no artist before. His command of colour and ability to capture time—an entire sunset over a snowy ridge, a snow flurry blasting through winter trees—speaks perfectly to the sorts of people who love mountains, nature, and the adventures to be had within.

Voted “Whistler’s Favourite Artist” by Pique Newsmagazine readers pretty much every single year until he succumbed to cancer in 2016, Chili’s style continues to inspire young artists locally and abroad.

A volunteer on the Whistler Arts Council, a creative director for the 2010 Paralympic parade and celebrations in Whistler Village, a DJ, a film-festival creator, and a friend and mentor to anyone thinking about a life in the arts, Chili’s work hangs in thousands of Whistler homes and around the globe. On a memorial bench in Squamish, Chili’s art looks out over the Pacific Ocean beside a few wise words:

“Go outside, fall in love, make art.”

Andrea Meuller

A disciple of the Chili Thom school of “get out there and do it unabashedly” art, Andrea Mueller, like most successful artists, has been working almost non-stop for over a decade to make her art dreams happen.

And it’s working. With stunning animal and nature paintings marked by bold colours and brush strokes, Andrea has taken the crown as Whistler’s favourite artist (for eight years running). She runs Paint Nights all over Whistler and hosts workshops for adults and kids in her studio space in Function Junction.

“Artists need more support,” she told the Whistler Insider earlier this year. “We need to have space to create, to encourage more artists to live in Whistler and make sure younger people can contribute to the art scene, including seasonal visitors.”

And therein lies the rub: artists need space to create. Propping a six-foot-wide canvas up in your rental bedroom and working away at it for months is doable when you have your own bedroom, but if you share a bedroom with one, maybe three others, it becomes increasingly difficult. Conversely, when you’re working two to three jobs and trying to shred every day, there’s not always the energy or time to carve your next masterpiece.

Young artists in Whistler face the same challenges they always have—a lack of space and time—but if there’s one thing we can count on, art always finds a way. Art might be subject to personal taste, but I think we can all agree that the more of it the better.

The artists listed in this story are, obviously, only a tiny percentage of the artists—past and present—creating and living in the Whistler and Sea to Sky area. The most robust list we can find is over at Arts Whistler’s “Local Artists” page, which we highly recommend diving into. We also suggest visiting Arts Whistler at the Maury Young Arts Centre, which has the 60 Seasons Deep exhibit in its gallery. The show celebrates 60 years of mountain culture, community and adventure inspired by the unmatched terrain of Whistler Blackcomb (on until December 20).

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A Shared Legacy of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations

K̓alhwá7alap, my name is t’ec, also known as Georgina Dan, and I am a proud member of the Lil’wat Nation. I have been part of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre team since 2016, where I work as the Cultural Administration Coordinator. I also lead the Spo7ez Performance Team, supporting a range of cultural programs that share the stories, traditions, and living cultures of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation with visitors from near and far.

Being from the Lil’wat Nation gives me a personal connection to the histories, teachings, and languages that guide our work. It is an honour to share this culture, create opportunities for learning and understanding, and be part of a space where Indigenous voices are celebrated and respected.

While working at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, I’ve learned the Thunderbird legend from both past and present Ambassadors. I’ve found that our words and teachings often shape each other, influencing the way we share stories and culture.

The Story of Spo7ez

Located where Rubble Creek and the Cheakamus River meet, Spo7ez was a thriving village where the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation lived together in peace. The people traded, gathered, and gave thanks for the abundance gifted by the Creator. For many years, the village stood as a model of shared space and mutual respect.

But at a point in time, tensions grew. People stopped sharing, began mistreating each other, and as I remember the story being told:

“We very much lost our way as people and started fighting over everything.”

This simple truth captures the depth of what was lost — not just peace, but a way of being with one another.

From high above Spo7ez, on the peak known as T’ak̲t’ak̲míyi7en tl’a Íń7inyáx̲a7en (the home of the Thunderbird, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh), Nq’el’qámtensa ti Skenknápa (the roost of the Thunderbird, Lil̓wat7úl) or Black Tusk, the powerful Thunderbird, a sacred being of transformation and strength, heard the arguments among the people. It rose from its resting place, spread its massive wings, and with a few thunderous flaps, sent a rockslide crashing down the mountain, devastating the village.

Hundreds of lives were lost as the rocks and water swept toward the sea. But among the survivors, something changed. The Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation came together again to support one another, to rebuild, and to survive. The Thunderbird’s message is clear: when we forget to live in balance and respect, we all suffer. But when we come together, we can thrive.

Rebuilding Relationships on Shared Land

In the decades leading up to the RMOW’s 50th anniversary, a new chapter of relationship-building began. In 1997, the RMOW reached out to the Lil’wat Nation to explore how the Nation could have a stronger presence within the community.

As discussions evolved, the Lil’wat Nation invited the Squamish Nation into the conversation, recognizing that both Nations had deep and overlapping ties to the land now known as Whistler. What followed was an act of leadership rooted in traditional values. The two Nations came together in 1999 to talk about stewardship, land use, and shared responsibility.

By 2001, they formalized their commitment with the signing of the Protocol Agreement, a unique and historic document that laid the foundation for a renewed partnership between the Squamish Nation, Lil’wat Nation, and RMOW. This agreement was not simply a bureaucratic step; it was a spiritual and cultural realignment. It marked a return to the teachings of Spo7ez: cooperation, mutual respect, and putting community ahead of individual gain.

The 2001 Protocol Agreement between the Squamish Nation, Lil’wat Nation and RMOW was one of the earliest of its kind in Canada, a living example of how ancestral wisdom can guide future planning, collaboration, and healing. This commitment has grown through key milestones over the years: the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding, the 2018 Protocol Agreement, and the 2020 Framework Agreement.

Each of these agreements represents important steps in strengthening partnerships and supporting Indigenous leadership, helping to guide collaborative work in the region

A Living Testament: The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

In July 2008, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) opened its doors on the shared territory of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation in Whistler. Created through a partnership between the RMOW and the provincial and federal governments, the Centre stands as a powerful example of reconciliation through action.

More than a museum, the SLCC is a living cultural space where learning happens through real connection. Here, visitors are invited to listen to the stories, songs, and teachings of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl Peoples, gaining insight into the vibrant languages, art forms, and knowledge systems that continue to thrive today.

The spirit of the Thunderbird legend lives on within these walls. It reminds us that when relationships are nurtured and voices are honoured, transformation becomes possible. The SLCC offers more than history; it offers a space to heal, reflect, and grow together.

 

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At the heart of this space is the Indigenous Youth Ambassador (IYA) Program, which found its permanent home with the opening of the Cultural Centre. The IYA Program provides Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation youth with hands-on training in cultural tourism, empowering them to become confident stewards of their heritage. Through guided tours, cultural demonstrations, and personal storytelling, these young ambassadors share their connections to culture while building bridges with people from all over the world.

For many, this program is more than just a job. It is a space for intergenerational learning, a chance to reconnect with language and protocol, and an opportunity to share what it means to be Indigenous in a modern world. The SLCC is not just preserving culture; it is growing culture, led by youth who embody resilience, pride, and purpose.

Looking Ahead, Together

The continued efforts between the SLCC, Tourism Whistler, and the RMOW reflect a shared commitment to Indigenous visibility, voice, and leadership in the region. Together, we are helping reshape the visitor experience into one that honours the past while building meaningful connections in the present.

As the RMOW celebrates 50 years, it is worth remembering that true progress is not measured only in infrastructure or visitor numbers. It is also found in the strength of relationships, the respect for original caretakers of the land, and the shared stories that guide our way forward.

The story of Spo7ez teaches us that we must choose cooperation over conflict, respect over division, and unity over isolation. The Thunderbird still watches, and its teachings still echo. May we continue to honour those teachings, together.

Watch the video below for an animated representation of the Thunderbird Legend by artist Levi Nelson of the Lil’wat Nation, with t’émt’em slúlum Snowbird Song sung by the SLCC Ambassadors, from the wife of Chief Billy, Squamish Nation.

 

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The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre (SLCC) is a celebration of culture, history, traditions and art, as well as a place to learn, contemplate and connect. Located in Whistler’s Upper Village, the centre sits on the shared territory of two First Nation communities, and is a must-do when you visit.

What is the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre?

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) showcases two First Nations communities, the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh (Squamish) and Li̓l̓wat7ul (Lil’wat), who have coexisted respectfully as neighbours in this area since time immemorial.

The SLCC opened in July 2008, after the signing of a historic protocol agreement between the two nations (the first of its kind in Canada), to share their cultural knowledge and inspire understanding and respect amongst all people. The building is designed to evoke the longhouses of the Squamish people and the Istken (traditional earthen pit house) of the Li̓l̓wat7ul people, combined with a modern architectural interpretation.

Both the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and Li̓l̓wat7ul are caretakers of the land. Their history is tied to the rivers, lakes and mountains, and their culture is a reflection of that. 

Squamish Nation

The Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxwumixw, the Squamish People, are the descendants of the Coast Salish First Nations People that lived in present-day Greater Vancouver, Gibson’s Landing, Squamish Valley and Sea to Sky, BC. There are about 4,000 members of the Squamish Nation.

They speak Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Snichem, but the number of fluent speakers is extremely low. However, they are aggressive in bringing their language back to their youth. Their territory is 6,732 square kilometres, and the majority of it is by the ocean. Their clothing, food, housing and transportation have adapted to the temperate rainforest, and you’ll see examples of all of these at the Centre.

Lil’wat Nation

The Li̓l̓wat7ul are Ucwalmícw, which translates to “the people of the land”; they are one of 11 communities that form the St̓at̓yemc Nation. Their territory extends from Rubble Creek, north to Gates Lake, East to Upper Stein Valley and west to the coastal inlets of the Pacific Ocean, an area covering 7,911.31 square kilometres.

There are about 2,500 members of the Lil’wat Nation.  They speak Ucwalmícwts, which translates to “the language of the land.”  They are a mountain community; their territory is similar to what you see in Whistler. Their clothing, food, housing and transportation have adapted to the temperature change found in the mountain ranges.

What Should I Expect at the SLCC

The SLCC is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM, but always check their hours of operation as they sometimes close for special events.

We would suggest joining a Cultural Ambassador for one of the hourly guided tours, which include:

• A hand drum welcome song
• Inspiring fifteen-minute film
• Guided exhibit tour by Cultural Ambassadors from Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation

The Centre has four main parts. There’s the Great Hall, the largest room, which includes the canoes, house posts, weavings and large informational panels. On that level, there’s also a small theatre and the What We Treasure gallery.

Upstairs is where you’ll find the rotating exhibits and access to the outside, which has an Istken (traditional, earthen pit house) and Longhouse. Downstairs in the building is where you’ll find the gift shop, cafe and also the Istken Hall, which is often used for events.

The guided tours include areas within the Great Hall, their permanent exhibit, called What We Treasure, in gallery one, and their rotating current exhibit(s). At different times of the year, they also offer tours of some of their rotating exhibits, and in the summer, look out for their Interpretive Forest Tour (outside along the Salish Stroll), which typically happens at 3 PM.

What are the Current Rotating Exhibits at the SLCC?

The new exhibit is called, Wisdom of the Animal People. It shares how animals play important roles in Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl cultures, honouring them in many ways. They wear their hides, feature them in artwork, and set them as the central characters in their stories, songs and dances.

Animals are used as important educational tools, sharing history, morals and values with Indigenous children. Visit the exhibit in Gallery 3 of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and learn how the animals got their names, the legend of the transformers and how animals, birds, people and land are all connected.

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Are There Events and Workshops at the SLCC?

Seasonally, the Centre hosts craft workshops (at an additional cost) where a Cultural Ambassador will guide you through crafting an item significant to one of the Nations, like a cedar paddle rattle, a buckskin medicine bag, a braided leather cuff, a drum or a dreamcatcher.

They also participate in Whistler-wide events like Nourish, Whistler Children’s Festival and the Fire & Ice Shows during the winter.

Check the SLCC’s events page for what’s happening when you visit.

National Indigenous History Month: June

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, and the perfect place to learn and celebrate Indigenous culture in Whistler is the SLCC. Find out what’s happening on their dedicated webpage.

National Indigenous Peoples Day: June 21

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, and the SLCC hosts vibrant events that celebrate Indigenous culture. From performance art to comedy, live music and artist demos, take a look at the full schedule of incredible events on the SLCC’s event page.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30

September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which recognizes the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools. The SLCC is a place to listen, learn and reflect on the intergenerational harm that residential schools caused Indigenous families and communities, and to honour those who have been affected by this injustice. Find out what’s happening on the SLCC’s page.

What’s New at the SLCC?

The panels and exhibits at the SLCC are always evolving. Recently, over 250 community members came together to read through and advise on updates to the existing content. The result is the addition of more traditional names, stories and histories, which are being displayed on new storyboards throughout the Centre.

A number of newly repatriated items are also now on display at the SLCC, emphasizing the Centre’s commitment to cultural revitalization and education, as a path toward reconciliation.

Does the SLCC have a Cafe?

Yes, there certainly is! The Thunderbird Cafe serves up Indigenous-inspired food with local, fresh ingredients and a modern twist. Bannock Tacos, Venison Chilli and Salmon Chowder are some of the favourites on the menu, as well as their sweet Bannock Donuts.

They make espresso-based coffees using Fair Trade Spirit Bear Coffee and have a range of teas. It’s a calm, comfortable place to relax and enjoy. It’s typically open from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Does the SLCC have a Gift Shop?

The SLCC’s gift shop is my favourite place to shop for a unique, keepsake or gift. It offers a varied collection of authentic Indigenous handcrafted artwork, jewellery and pottery along with home decor, books, blankets, clothing, accessories and keepsakes.

It’s fun to speak with the Cultural Ambassadors who can tell you about specific pieces and help advise you on that special piece!

 

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How Much Does it Cost to Visit the SLCC?

Adult tickets are $25, children (ages 6 to 18) are $12, and little ones under five are free. If you go more than twice in one year, it’s worth buying a membership, which also gets you discounts at the cafe and gift shop, as well as 50% off tickets for your guests.

If you visit both the SLCC and Audain Art Museum, purchasing the Cultural Pass saves you some dollars!

It’s worth noting that the SLCC is a non-profit registered charity, an Indigenous-owned organization, and employs over 90% Indigenous Ambassadors. All proceeds are invested into meaningful employment, training (including Indigenous Youth Ambassador Program) and cultural revitalization programs for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Li̓l̓wat7ul (Lil’wat Nation), through the SLCC.

How Long Do You Spend at the SLCC?

Although timing will differ from person to person depending on how deep you like to explore, we would say two to three hours. However, if you don’t have quite that long, I’d still recommend going for a short visit as it’s an inspiring place.

Is the SLCC a Place for Families?

Yes! Learning about the Indigenous peoples of the land is for everyone. Kids love the sounds of the drums during the welcome song, as well as the bright and engaging exhibit items and artwork. Exploring the outside Istken is also a fun part of the experience, plus those bannock donuts go down a treat!

It also gives parents and caregivers the chance to have a conversation (that’s appropriate to their child’s age) about a darker part of Canada’s history that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Is the SLCC Wheelchair Accessible?

The SLCC is wheelchair accessible (there is an elevator to move between floors), and they have wheelchairs available on-site for guests to use. Please contact the SLCC prior to your visit or ask for a chair at the admissions desk upon arrival.

 

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Where is the SLCC?

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is located in Whistler, British Columbia, at 4584 Blackcomb Way in Whistler’s Upper Village. If you’re staying in Whistler Village, it’s walkable, or if you’re coming from further afield, it’s easiest to park in Day Lot 5 and follow the Valley Trail to the Centre. There’s disabled parking in the small lot at the entrance to the Centre.

A visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre should be on every visitor’s to-do list. Understanding the history of the land we enjoy gives us a deeper connection to it and shows respect and regard to the Indigenous people, the original stewards of this land.

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How It All Began

Ace first came to Whistler “when the village was a garbage dump” (for more on this, read part one of our four-part history series or visit the Whistler Museum when you’re here). Born and raised in Kamloops, British Columbia, she travelled here with her family as a teenager to ski. She moved to Whistler permanently at 21, working first as a server and then as a go-go dancer for close to 20 years at the famed Tommy Africa’s (where Après Après now is).

Scotty came when he was 22, by way of Vancouver via Ottawa via New Brunswick. A “hardcore kid,” he started hearing about Whistler while working at a skate shop in the country’s capital. The manager of a skateboarding team and a bit of a punk, he “showed up in Whistler with a record collection.”

Scotty recounts being in the Savage Beagle (another, since-closed, Whistler institution) on a Saturday night when the house DJ was publicly fired on the spot. Scotty was told to get in the booth, “This was when clubs had their own records,” and he stayed. But, with him, and his new gig, came his own records; a stark contrast to the “Meatloaf and Moondance” soundtrack that the town was tuned into and attuned to. Whistler wasn’t ready, but Ace was…

Spinning the Scene

Soon enough, Scotty was working at Tommy Africa’s, too.

“Scotty would throw stuff in that people weren’t expecting.”

The two would work in tandem – the dancer and the DJ – with Scotty reflecting on how, “If Ace liked it – then she could sell it,” with Ace fondly appreciating how Scotty would always “change up the rhythm.” There was nothing predictable here. Working at a time when “no toques” were allowed in the club, the two were instrumental in changing the culture of music in Whistler. “We were doing mash-up things before mash-up was a thing.”

 

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And though there was some kickback and resistance, as there often is when something new hits the scene, the tables began to turn (pun intended) and what began to unfold musically in this town began to set it apart. Being a DJ from Whistler suddenly held clout in the late 90s/early 2000s. Scotty recounts how the first Redbull 3Style International DJ Competition was inspired by the cutting-edge Whistler scene.

And scene it was. There was the music. But there were also the sports. And then the artists who married the two.

 

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Ace and Scotty were both, concurrently, active here too. Ace specialized in filming wide-angled, fish-eyed footage gathered from skiing alongside athletes on the hill. She worked with Greg Stump Productions for ten years. Scotty, the snowboarder, worked with Adventure Scope, designing the films’ sound scores. These were pivotal players in the mountain sports films, the next wave, after Warren Miller’s breakthrough films. This was the arena these two were playing in.

The DJ and the Dancer

Ace and Scotty became a couple in 2003, their status transitioning while hanging out at a local residence fondly nicknamed “Chez Serious”, a once-upon-a-time hub for some of Whistler’s more colourful characters and parties. And characters, in the best sense of the word, they both are.

And so, the fairytale of the DJ and the dancer took a new turn – the ultimate mash-up – part renegade, part badass, with a huge quotient of soul. But what this dynamic couple does radiate is the deepest love and respect for each other. It’s impossible to ignore or miss. Even after being together for over twenty years, the way these two interact is nothing short of incredible and inspiring.

 

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Though she always had her own records, it was Scotty who really encouraged Ace to start spinning vinyl way, way back when. Along with being a go-go dancer and a ski filmmaker, she was also an event organizer: “Me and a couple friends threw the first rave at the Conference Centre ever.”

With Scotty’s encouragement, it was a natural segue that she began playing publicly. Ace started with après gigs at the GLC in the mid-2000s. She reminisces how she would joke that her DJ name “should have been ‘The Owner’s Daughter’ – because I was so crap!” But Ace was anything but crap, she had indeed become, The Foxy Moron.

 

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Pioneering Cred

The notable couple have a long list of accomplishments, endorsements and a lot of firsts. Thus, the pioneering, status. And, though, humbly dismissed, the term Legend would not be a misnomer for either of them – however, both are quick to point out that it’s “the ones who make the music, who are the legends.” But making music and producing albums makes its way in here too. Ace just may have written (yes, she did!) some lyrics for a Billy Idol song.

Scotty has been in multiple punk and funk bands (as a singer/word spewer) and signed a record deal in 2000 as one half of the duo Wicked Lester, in which he laid down the beats. The group recorded three full-length albums and released 30 singles. Ace plays their music all the time and she proudly notes how one of their 45s is a collector’s item valued at $3,000. The two continuously uphold the other.

Ace played at the first Bass Coast Festival. She still does. So too, have they both been regulars on the Shambhala Festival line-up. Scotty, or Vinyl Ritchie, played the Vans Park Series for years. This took him through the States and across Europe. He also had a steady gig at Mandalay Bay in Vegas.

 

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The two of them were Burning Man regulars, bringing snowmaking to the desert, with their annual Après Ski Party: “all vinyl in the dust.” The DJ and the Dancer were two of the main entertainers for athletes in Canada House during the 2006 Torino Olympics; they were also quintessential spinners during the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. But amongst all the highlights, both reflect that “playing music on the mountain is the greatest gift we’ve ever had.”

Mountain Music Magic

Playing on the mountain no longer takes the form of going up on the chairlift, carting turntables, records and a mixer, then strapping in and riding down to the terrain park, loaded down with all the gear, to set up and spin vinyl in exchange for a ski pass. The duo’s mountain music-sharing adventures have developed over the years, finding them playing in the Monster Booth events at Glacier Creek, on a variety of patios and DJing for a host of happenings, including the World Ski and Snowboard Festival.

 

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The two play independently and together. And it is always an absolute treat to experience one of their sets. And “experience” is the most apt word, for both the Foxy Moron and Vinyl Ritchie are synonymous with creating immersive environments, moods, “a vibe” forever fresh, original, alive and as simultaneously unpredictable and cohesive as the next curve ball that they seamlessly blend together. They are experts at reading the crowd. Their musical knowledge is mind-blowing. They are masters of their craft: spinning artistry into their delivery, which distinguishes them from the masses.

Disc-Jockeying

Vinyl Ritchie and Foxy Moron spin records. Actual discs. They are Disc Jockeys. The real deal. They are not “USBjs.” They still break records and drop new tracks. Without flinching, they claim they “wouldn’t be interested in DJing without a turntable.”

They don’t use controllers. They don’t use sync buttons. They stand out amongst the ubiquity of the formulaic, quantization of the club-music scene and plugged-in Spotify playlists, suddenly flooded with “everyone’s a DJ – but they’re not…”

Two-of-a-Special-Kind

The eclectic and electrifying sets of Vinyl Ritchie and Foxy Moron serve as a wonderful metaphor for this town which they have called home for over thirty years; a place they still describe as “magical.”

The Foxy Moron and Vinyl Ritchie, simply put, are in a league of their own. When in Whistler, prioritizing catching one or more of their sessions should be at the top of your list.

Regular Gigs Include:

Mondays: Après at Dusty’s in Creekside

Tuesdays: (first one of each month) The Improv Battle with Laugh Out LIVE!

Fridays: Après at the GLC at the base of Whistler Mountain

Saturdays: Après at HY’s Steakhouse

World Ski and Snowboard Festival

Foxy Moron and Vinyl Ritchie are providing the soundtrack for the newest event at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival (April 7 to 13, 2025), called The Grind. Whistler’s playing host to the grand finale of this cross-Canada series featuring some of the most talented riders and skiers from around the world throwing down street-style tricks in Skier’s Plaza Thursday, April 10 to Saturday, April 12.

Follow them on Instagram for their most up-to-date schedules: @djfoxymoron and @45vinylritchie.

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