The Local’s List: What’s On in November

Get ready for the sounds of clinking glasses, crunchy snow underfoot, the satisfying swoosh of ski edges digging into fresh corduroy and, potentially, a ho, ho, ho! November sees us celebrating food and drink at the iconic Whistler Cornucopia from November 6 to 16, the opening of Whistler Blackcomb on November 21, and the start of the festive season with holiday markets, events and Whistler Winterlight on November 27 to 29.

Keen skiers and boarders are getting their squats in (check out 5 Ski Exercises to Get You Ready for the Slopes for inspo), checking their gear and keeping their eyes on Whistler’s webcams, raring to go for Whistler Blackcomb’s opening day on November 21 (conditions dependent). Remember to lock in those ski days now to get the best deals on lift passes. Check out our blog, Secrets to Whistler Blackcomb Lift Ticket Savings, for the insider scoop on how to get the best deals on passes and lift tickets ahead of the winter season.

November also marks Remembrance Day on November 11. To honour those who have served, join the annual ceremony, which convenes at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Ceremony details will be posted on the RMOW website.

Here’s what’s going on this month in Whistler.

Outdoor Adventure

You’ll find us:

  • Making sure we’re ready for Whistler Blackcomb’s opening day on Friday, November 21. Read our Insider’s Guide on What to Expect in Whistler this Winter, which highlights all you need to know before you head up the hill. This year, we’re taking advantage of the new reservations-based parking program. From 6 AM to 11 AM on weekends, public holidays, and December 27 to 31, Lots 6, 7 and 8, and Creekside Parkade will be reserved for those with (free) general and carpool parking reservations. Check out all the details here.
  • Getting outside during the darker evenings of late fall on a Winter Après Zipline tour with Ziptrek. Beginning November 22, adventure seekers delight in a zip through the old growth forest as soft twinkle lights appear at dusk.
  • Getting in our first Nordic laps at Whistler Olympic Park, with a planned opening date of November 28. Prep for the season by visiting their brand-new Nordic Equipment Shop at the Rossignol Demo Day on November 15 from 11 AM to 2 PM. Try the latest Rossignol cross-country skis and poles, chat with the experts and find your perfect setup for the season.
  • Sliding like an Olympian at the Whistler Sliding Centre. Passenger Bobsleigh, Public Skeleton and Discover Bobsleigh open for the season on November 28, but booking is open now, so secure your spot!

 

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Adventure Lite

You’ll find us:

  • Trying something new at one of Cornucopia’s drink seminars. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, drink-wise, and find some new favourites. Whether you focus on a specific wine varietal, hone in on one region or country, or opt for spirits like whiskey and tequila, there are 40 seminars to choose from. If you like to cook, check out some of the talent leading the Culinary Stages this year.
  • Cheering on the athletes at the North America Cup (NAC) in Bobsleigh & Skeleton, November 20 to 24, at the Whistler Sliding Centre. Athletes from around the world will converge here to test speed and precision on the world’s fastest track. Spectating is free, but bring your enthusiasm and cheers!
  • Welcoming Winter (and the festive season) with the whole fam at Whistler Winterlight from November 27 to 29. Check out all-ages entertainment at Whistler Olympic Plaza, with ice skating, festive displays and immersive activities. Don’t miss taking a ride on the Ferris wheel!
  • Checking the weather before we head out on one of our favourite Whistler Valley hikes, like Lost LakeCheakamus Lake and Train Wreck. Check out our Tips for When it Drips. If snow is on the ground, opt for shoes with good grip, or add traction with Yaktrax or snowshoes.

 

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More ways to get outside.

Family Fun

You’ll find us:

  • Getting the kiddos to explore their creativity at the Writing Fantastical Creatures workshop on November 2, as part of the Whistler Writers Festival (it’s free). In this creative writing class with Rebecca Wood Barrett, kids will look at some of the most memorable imagined creatures and brainstorm ideas on how to create their own. While there’s no recommended minimum age, participants should be able to write independently. The event is free, but an RSVP is required.
  • Bringing the big kids (12 to 18 years old) to the Teen Art Collective at the Audain Art Museum on November 3, 10, 17 and 24. Whether coping with anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, or simply seeking a creative outlet, this class empowers teens to use art as a tool for self-discovery. Younger ones can enjoy After School Art (select dates throughout November), offering primary school-aged children discourse and activities, which will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the history and methods of art-making in British Columbia.
  • Signing the little ones up for Discover Luge at the Whistler Sliding Centre on November 9 and 29. In this two-hour session, young participants will receive an introduction to the sport of luge and its equipment, before heading out. Parents are welcome to spectate throughout the activity or slide too if space permits!
  • Bringing the whole fam to support the young entrepreneurs of the Bratz Biz Holiday Market on November 29 and 30. The event is not just a great opportunity for holiday shopping; it’s also an exciting opportunity for young artisans who have worked hard on their products.

 

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More family-friendly activities.

Arts & Culture

You’ll find us:

  • Catching the last few days of the Whistler Writers Festival, from October 30 to November 2. Check out an incredible line-up of workshops and events, including Spilling the Tea: Dragons, Thieves and Romantasy on November 1, led by bestselling author Karina Halle (there will also be red velvet cupcakes). Later that evening, check out The Bewitching, A night of Spellcraft and Suspense: In Conversation with Silvia Moreno-Garcia – New York Times bestseller. End the festival with fellow bookworms at the Sunday Book Talk and Breakfast on November 2. View the full lineup and get your tickets!
  • Having a laugh at the Underground Comedy Presents: Luke Null & Friends on November 7 at the Maury Young Arts Centre. Luke Null is a comedian, actor and musician known for his sharp wit and musical comedy. Null will be joined by comedians from the Underground Comedy Club roster for a night of big laughs and bold talent.
  • Sipping on a delicious cocktail as we laugh the night away at Comedy Kitchen, one of the many Signature Events of Cornucopia. Headliner Ivan Decker leads the lineup of nationally acclaimed comedians serving their best material in a classic comedy-club setting, with drinks in hand and laughter on tap.
  • Browsing the extended presentation of the Whistler Museum’s permanent collection, From Sea to Sky: The Art of British Columbia. From November 13, 2025, to May 18, 2026, it features nearly 300 works of British Columbia art, highlighting carving, painting and photography by artists such as Emily Carr, Robert Davidson, Jeff Wall, Jin-Me Yoon and Rebecca Belmore.
  • Learning how to draw a classical portrait as practiced by the Old Masters at Portrait Drawing with Angela Mueller on November 15. Rather than beginning with isolated features, you will learn to build the portrait by constructing the largest forms first and then moving on to the medium and small forms. All levels welcome, registration is required.
  • Revelling in laughter at the Laugh Out LIVE! Workshop Series Presents: FearLess, happening every Wednesday from November 5 to December 10. The workshops are designed to help ease that inner tension, manage self-doubt, and build your confidence around others through improv. For the ladies, check out the Laugh Out LIVE! Women-Only Improv, a confidence-boosting experience designed for women who want to reconnect with their playful side.
  • Celebrating 60 years of Whistler Blackcomb at 60 Seasons Deep: Whistler Blackcomb Anniversary Film Party on November 15. Catch back-to-back screenings of three iconic films with retro vibes. FYI, there are drinks and snacks, and prizes for the best throwback ski looks! Proceeds from the event will be shared between Arts Whistler and the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. Plus, don’t miss the special Whistler Blackcomb: 60 Years Deep anniversary exhibit (on until December 20).
  • Getting cozy at the Candlelight Concerts on November 22. First, experience Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More, then stick around for the Tribute to Coldplay. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience, right here at the Maury Young Arts Centre in Whistler.
  • Basking in the sounds of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra Chamber Players on November 23. Harpsichordist Alex Weimann and violinists Chloe and Christi Meyers perform lively Trio Sonatas, the “pop” music of the 17th and 18th centuries, featuring works by Corelli, Vivaldi, Handel, Bach, and more.
  • Discovering the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC)’s newest exhibit, Woven Pathways: Indigenous Fashion and Cultural Continuity. This exhibit features Squamish and Lil’wat fashion and accessory designers with guest artists from the Northwest Coast, in collaboration with guest curator Rebecca Baker-Grenier, an Indigenous Designer of Kwakiutł and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ancestry. Guests can experience a journey bridging ancestral stories in modern times and think about how culture is woven into art, creating new pathways for fashion.

 

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Eating, Drinking & Shopping

You’ll find us:

  • Kicking off the first few days of Cornucopia at West Coast House Party on November 6,  an evening blending live music, tantalizing local cuisine and delicious drinks. On November 7, check out Cellar Door and don’t miss the CRUSH Grand Tasting event on November 8. Night Market: Taste of Canada on November 14 has an incredible lineup of culinary talent, and Straight Up: Shaken, Not Stirred on November 15 adds a bit of Bond-style glamour. Read our dedicated blog to view the full schedule and take advantage of the great deals on tickets when you package them with accommodation through Whistler.com.
  • Indulging in the fall dining deals before they wrap up! Check out our Insider’s Guide to Whistler’s Fall Dining Deals for all the details.
  • Experiencing the cozy charm of the Alps in the heart of Whistler with Fondue Night at The Braidwood Tavern, in collaboration with French’eese Whistler on November 27. Gather with friends over bubbling cheese fondue, savour melt-in-your-mouth raclette and enjoy a leisurely evening of rich flavours, fine ingredients and mountain ambiance.
  • Christmas shopping at the Arts Whistler Holiday Market at the Westin Resort and Spa on November 29 and 30. It’s packed with talented local artisans and producers, plus the young entrepreneurs of Bratz Biz. This is where you can get that stocking filled!

 

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More on Village shoppingdining and arts and culture.

Save The Date

Whistler Blackcomb Winter Opening Day | November 21
Whistler Film Festival | December 3 to 7
Whistler Pride | January 25 to February 1, 2026

Be a Responsible Traveller: Don’t Love It to Death

  • Whistler is bear country. Take a read of our Bear Aware blog post so you can act responsibly on behalf of these beautiful, wild creatures. Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear.
  • Help keep Whistler green by choosing tap water over bottled water, avoiding single-use plastics, leaving the car at home, choosing active transportation and sorting garbage properly to reduce your waste.
  • Be AdventureSmart and always practice Leave No Trace principles.
  • Consider our Responsible Travel pillars, Respect Nature, Think Environment, Don’t Love It to Death and Support Local.
  • Whistler Alert is the official emergency notification system used by the RMOW to communicate with residents and visitors during emergencies via text message, phone and email. We encourage you to sign up for it while you’re here (just in case). When you register, you will be asked to provide your contact number and the date you plan to leave Whistler so that you don’t receive alerts when you’re back home.

If You’re Driving . . .

  • Take a read of Go Car Free: 8 Reasons to Ditch the Car on Your Whistler Trip in case we can convince you that you don’t need your car!
  • Whistler Blackcomb is continuing with its carpooling program, which we mentioned above. For more information, visit the Whistler Blackcomb site.
  • Winter tires or chains are required on the Sea to Sky Highway from now until March 31. Make sure you have these, especially if you’re using a rental car. Read more on our Road Conditions page.
  • Help reduce congestion on the highway by travelling during non-peak times. Peak travel times on the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler include Friday afternoons and evenings, weekends and holidays. To avoid this busy time, plan to visit Whistler midweek when the highway and the resort are typically quieter. Extend your weekend – arrive Thursday night and leave Monday morning to avoid the weekend traffic. If you’re visiting Whistler only for the day, plan on staying for dinner to avoid the rush of day traffic leaving the resort after the mountain closes.
  • Always check DriveBC for current road conditions before getting on the road. Follow @DriveBC on X and listen to MountainFM for the latest updates.
  • Paid parking is in effect in all the Day Lots from 8 AM to 5 PM. There is complimentary parking after 5 PM, but overnight parking is not permitted in the day lots from 3 AM to 6 AM, November 1 to March 31. Maximum stay is 24 hours.

Extend your stay to have more time for all the activities you want to do during your summer vacation to Whistler. Book 3+ nights between April 15 and October 31, 2026, and receive a free $100 Activity Voucher ($200 if you stay 5+ nights) with Whistler.com (enter promo code SUMMER2026 upon check-out). Feeling lucky? Enter the Find Your Whistler Feeling summer contest for a chance to win a trip to Whistler.

Become a Rewards by Whistler.com member to access additional savings and exclusive perks.

Already thinking about winter 2026/27? Book 5+ nights between November 20, 2026, and April 30, 2027, to receive a free $75 Whistler Dining Voucher (enter the promo code WINTERDINING).

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