Updated September, 2023.

Fall is a very special time in the mountains as it signals a change; not only in the seasons, the temperature and the colours but also in a change of pace and focus.

We perhaps slow down a touch, as we start to prepare for winter days ahead. Whether that means waxing skis, increasing the morning squats, and switching from salads to soups; but one thing doesn’t change, and that’s the sense of adventure and exploration that inhabits the mountains whatever the season.

We’ve compiled a list of 15 things to do in Whistler in the fall, but it’s by no means exhaustive; these are just leaping off points for you to carve out your own path while you’re here.

1. Follow the Fall Colours

As the seasons change Whistler’s lush, green valley begins to be peppered with yellows, golds, oranges and reds. It’s not only the foliage that brings a change of colour, it’s also the snow line that creeps down the mountainside bit by bit until it’s settled a thick, sparkling white blanket over everything.

Whistler Village in the fall - the view along the Village Stroll.
Fall in Whistler Village. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

This is the perfect time to go for a stroll in Whistler, but make sure you pack both your warm layers and your sunglasses, as you never quite know what Mother Nature will throw your way in the mountains.

Take a read of our Insider’s Guide: Finding Fall Colours on Whistler’s Trails for some walking suggestions, and if you’re sticking close to Whistler Village, Lost Lake Park and the Fitzsimmons Trail are two places to explore. The free Go Whistler Tours app highlights some self-guided tour options in these areas including nature, heritage, and arts and culture-themed routes.

A woman zips across the Whistler Valley on a zipline, the fall forest underneath her.
See the colours change from the air. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Another way to see Whistler’s fall colours is from a birds-eye-view. Ziplining over the valley as it begins its transition is stunning, but if that’s a bit too much wind in your hair, then another option for high alpine views is a 4X4 guided tour up Blackcomb Mountain.

Be aware that Whistler Blackcomb closes for annual maintenance in the fall, but this is one way you can still access that incredible terrain. From the water is another option, although we don’t recommend any mid-paddle dips as our lakes are glacially-fed!

2. Ride Hero Dirt

Hero dirt is what mountain bikers love about fall riding. The wetter weather gets rid of the dust and we say hello to tacky trails that honour us with a well-earned coating of mud. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is typically open until the start of October for lift-accessed biking fun, but Whistler also has hundreds of cross-country biking trails that weave their way throughout the Whistler Valley so you can ride until the snow begins to fall.

We have the Insider’s Guide to Cross-Country Biking in Whistler to demystify the different areas and give you some trail pointers, and it’s worth downloading the Trailforks app to help you navigate. Whistler’s Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA) are the ones behind most of the building and maintenance of these trails, so if you do use them consider buying a membership to help them keep doing what they’re doing because whether you’re a biker, hiker, trail runner, or dog walker, these trails are simply an awesome way to get into the forest and find adventure.

The fall is also a time for a lot of biking events and races, which you can read all about in 10 Heart Pumping Bike and Running Race Events in Whistler.

3. Devour the Fall Dining Deals

It’s foodie heaven in Whistler come the fall, with many of the restaurants coming out with some epic dining deals. This could be your chance to try some of the fine dining options like Araxi, Bearfoot Bistro, Wild Blue, The Rimrock Cafe, or Red Door Bistro; a hidden gem like Brickworks, The Raven Room, or Alta Bistro; or a different type of cuisine at The Mexican Corner, Teppan Village or Tandoori Grill.

A couple eat dinner at the Raven Room in Whistler.
Craft cocktails and share plates at Raven Room. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Take a look at the Whistler Dining and Restaurant Guide and use the filters at the top to find what you’re looking for. We also suggest keeping your eye on the Pique Newsmagazine, which comes out every Thursday or taking a look at the social channels of some of your Whistler favourites to see what deals you’re going to go for. Happy noshing!

4. Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Whistler is located on the shared territories of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxumixw (Squamish) Nation and L̓il̓wat7úl (Lil’wat) Nation, and you can find out more about their living culture, stories and history at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), located in Whistler.

Their history is interwoven with the natural world, and at the SLCC you have the opportunity to connect with ambassadors from both Indigenous Nations during a tour of the galleries and buildings, video presentation and drumming performance.

Ambassadors at the SLCC walk through the forest.
Connect with ambassadors from the SLCC. PHOTO SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL CENTRE

It’s worth timing your visit over lunch, as their Thunderbird Cafe has some tasty Indigenous-inspired options with a modern twist, like their bannock tacos and venison chilli. And if you’re looking for a keepsake or gift, their shop has some beautifully crafted carvings, jewelry and kitchen items.

They often have a rotating exhibit in the upper gallery and for a broader way to connect while you’re here take a read of How to Experience Indigenous Culture In and Around Whistler.

5. Hike in the Rain(forest)

Unless you’re a wicked witch of some kind you don’t melt in the rain. Grab some waterproofs and brave the elements; the fall views and the fresh air will make it worth your while.

Let the forest be part of their education and exploration this fall. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

We collated some of our favourite fall viewpoints last year in The Best Fall Views in Whistler and of course, some of them require a hike to get to them. We also have some tips for when it drips in Hiking in the Rain.

6. Escape a Pirate Ship

It’s a little-known fact that there’s actually a pirate ship underneath Skiers Plaza in Whistler Village; currently, there’s also an underwater lair, gold mine and a buried cabin there too. We are of course referring to Escape! Whistler, a great indoor activity for rainy days, date nights, or a family bonding session.

Did you know there’s a pirate ship in Whistler? PHOTO ESCAPE! WHISTLER

If you enjoy a good puzzle and get amped when there’s a time crunch, this is for you. Great for groups of two to six people, you’ve got 45 minutes to answer the clues and get out of any of the adventures on offer.

7. E-bike the Whistler Valley Trail

One of Whistler’s biggest gems, in my humble opinion, is the 45-kilometre Valley Trail, which weaves in and out of Whistler’s neighbourhoods, taking you through lakes, parks, beaches and stunning viewpoints. With the rise of the e-bike, more and more people are opting to explore via pedal power with an extra boost. It means you can travel further and for longer, so it’s a great way to do a deeper dive into what Whistler has to offer.

Bikers explore the Whistler Valley Trail in the fall.
Biking the boardwalks along the Valley Trail. PHOTO DESTINATION BC / HUBERT KANG

We’d suggest taking the Valley Trail to Creekside Village, read what’s on offer there in Insider’s Guide to Creekside. If you fancy going a bit further, then Function Junction has breweries and bakeries for you to refuel in. Heading out around the back of Alta Lake will take you to Rainbow Park, where some of Whistler’s first tourism initiatives began. Take a look at the self-guided biking tours on the free, Go Whistler Tours app.

For more route suggestions take a read of Whistler Via E-Bike: 3 Routes to Explore.

8. Ogle Inside the Audain Art Museum

The Audain Art Museum is a work of art itself, created by the award-winning Patkau Architects. Its permanent collection showcases BC art, from the 18th century to the present day. Take in the work of Canadian greats like Emily Carr, E.J. Hughes and Dana Claxton, as well as an incredible collection of Northwest Coast First Nations masks.

A woman looks at the art on the walls of the Audain Art Museum in Whistler.
The Audain houses a permanent collection of Emily Carr art. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

They also have special exhibitions throughout the year bringing in art from all over the world. It’s quite incredible to be hiking, biking or skiing in the mountains in the morning, and then taking in world-class historical and contemporary art come the afternoon.

9. Throw Axes Like a Canadian

If you’d like to experience a little Canadiana while you’re here, we suggest visiting Forged Axe Throwing in Function Junction. With a little instruction, you’ll be hitting the bull’s eye and attempting some trick shots in no time. If you’re competitive by nature, this is a must. It’s quickly addictive, and the team there set you up with a few games to stoke the competitive fires.

Man throws an axe at a target at this budget friendly activity.
Live out your lumberjack / jill dreams. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

It’s also good to note that Coast Mountain Brewing is right next door, in case you want to bet a pint on your next throw. Read what it’s like to hurl an axe in Fear of Flinging: How I Conquered the Axe Throwing Challenge.

10. Get Inspired at the Whistler Writers Festival

The fall brings on images of sipping hot cocoa by the fire with a nice, thick novel in hand and if you’re looking for some material check out the reading list for this year’s Whistler Writers Festival. This grassroots event has been going on for 20 years, growing from a small group of literary lovers in a living room to packed ballrooms in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

A man and a woman sit on a dock on Alta Lake in Whistler reading and discussing books.
Book discussions with a view. PHOTO MIRAE CAMPBELL

The schedule includes reading events with authors and writing workshops covering a range of mediums, so even if you’re not a writer yourself but you love a good book, this festival is for you.

11. Cruise to Creekside

Creekside Village is a six-minute drive, 15-minute bike or 60-minute walk south of Whistler Village. It’s actually the location of the original village (you can see some great archival photos that explain this at the Whistler Museum) and it’s where the athletes competed in the downhill ski events during the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A view of Whistler Creekside from the water to the mountains.
Explore a new part of Whistler – Creekside. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

It’s definitely worth a trip here to check out the locally-owned shops like Get the Goods, 122 West and Bach & Co., grab a loaf and coffee at the award-winning, vegan bakery BReD. If you head to the Creekside Gondola area (not running in the fall and under construction for the 2022 season), you can look up at the Olympic Rings and if you’re feeling fit, you can hike up to them for a great photo.

Across the highway, there’s access to Alpha Lake Park and Nita Lake Lodge, whose restaurant and bar overlook Nita Lake.

12. Bid the Bears Sweet Dreams

The early fall is a great time to spot bears as they are busy fuelling up for their winter slumber. The best and safest way to view bears in Whistler is on a bear-viewing tour. Not only do the guides know where the bears like to go, but they are passionate experts on this iconic, Canadian creature and can answer all your bear-related questions.

What you lookin’ at? PHOTO MICHAEL ALLEN

Bear viewing tours typically run until October, book yours before they head off for a nap! If you’re intrigued to what a tour’s like take a read of Whistler Bear Viewing Safari Experience, and to find out what it’s like to build your life around Whistler’s furry friends read, A Life With Whistler’s Bears.

13. Quaff Craft Beer and Wine

The Whistler Village Beer Festival is a week-long event in September, with the Main Event taking over Whistler Olympic Plaza for one epic day of brew-based tastings, food trucks and lawn games. You can also do a self-guided tour of Whistler’s craft beer scene using the free Go Whistler Tours app at any time of the year.

Will you find a new fall favourite? PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

November sees Whistler celebrating all things food and drink during Cornucopia. Details for this year’s event are TBD, so check back as tickets to the signature festivities go quickly!

14. Splash in Muddy Puddles

It’s not only Peppa Pig and small children who enjoy a muddy puddle, up the ante by gunning it through one in a side x side (mountain buggy / RZR / UTA) or off-road ATV. This activity is awesome in the fall, as you’re dressed head to toe in waterproof gear (provided) so that you can enjoy the elements in all their wonderfully wet glory.

Two RZRs power through a muddy puddle in Whistler.
You’ve got something on your face. PHOTO THE ADVENTURE GROUP

Read more about these experiences in Side-by-Each: A Whistler Off-Road Adventure.

15. Gear Grab

Most stores undergo seasonal change, but in Whistler, it seems more dramatic as we switch sports as well. The bikes and sneakers get packed away and out come the skis and snowboards, and all the winter paraphernalia that comes with them. This is where you could get a great deal on summer stock, as well as last year’s winter gear.

Two women shop in Whistler.
Stock up for winter in Whistler. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Look out for sidewalk sales and deep discounts, especially over Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend. Take a look at the stores on Whister.com’s guide.

So for those who think of the fall as a sleepy time in the mountains, think again. Whistler is full of adventure all year round, dive deeper this autumn and find a new aspect of the mountains to explore.

This spring, for every third night you book between March 1 - April 30, 2024, receive a free $75 CAD Whistler Après Voucher. Book your summer stay by April 30, 2024, and save up to 30% on lodging and 20% on activities. Plus, you’ll receive a free $150 Activity Voucher on stays of 3 or more nights. Secure your mountain getaway with Whistler.com for personalized service and the local knowledge of our Whistler-based team

Author

You can often find Dee exploring all Whistler has to offer with her three-kid tribe in tow. Originally from the UK, Dee enjoys balancing out high-thrills adventures with down-time basking in the beauty of the wonderful place she now calls home.