Get ready for the sounds of clinking glasses, crunchy snow underfoot, the satisfying swoosh of ski edges digging into fresh corduroy. November sees us celebrating food and drink at the 30th edition of Whistler Cornucopia from November 5 to 15, the opening of Whistler Blackcomb on November 20 (conditions dependent), and the 25th anniversary of the Whistler Writers Festival from November 5 to 8.
Not to mention the start of the festive season with holiday markets, festive events and Whistler Winterlight from 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. 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).
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 20 (conditions dependent). 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.
- Getting in our first Nordic laps of the season! Whistler Olympic Park is planning to open on November 27 for winter operations. Prepare for the season with an early-season ski on November 14, 15, 21 and 22, with snow stored from last season. Gear up at the grand opening of the Nordic Ski Shop on November 14. Whether you’re new to Nordic skiing or looking to upgrade your gear, their knowledgeable team is here to help you find the right fit.
- Making the most of the darker evenings of late fall on a Winter Après Zipline tour with Ziptrek. Beginning November 1, adventure seekers delight in a zip through the old-growth forest as soft twinkle lights appear at dusk.
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 over 40 seminars to choose from.
- Connecting with our breath at the Wim Hof Community Session with Laura Douglas on November 14 and 15. This welcoming community session offers a supportive space to learn techniques to calm the mind and build resilience through guided breathwork, followed by an optional cold immersion shared with the group.
- Stretching it out within the stunning architecture of the Audain Art Museum’s Thursday yoga classes. Flow before work at the early bird class at 8 AM, or sleep in a bit and join the 9:30 AM class (every Thursday). Bring your own mat, or borrow one from the Museum, and enjoy a restorative experience focused on mind and body wellness. Registration includes same-day gallery access to explore the exhibits after your class.
- Checking the weather before we head out on one of our favourite Whistler Valley hikes, like Lost Lake, Cheakamus 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.
More ways to get outside.
Family Fun
You’ll find us:
- Signing the young journalists up for the Journalism 101: A Workshop for Middle Graders as part of the Whistler Writers Festival on Sunday, November 8. Kids join award-winning CBC Radio host, journalist and author Gregor Craigie for an hour-long journalism workshop for middle-grade participants who want to try their hand at reporting. It’s free for youth under 18, but you need to register.
- Experiencing the exceptional talent of Ballet BC Annex, the junior ensemble of Canada’s leading dance company, at the Maury Young Arts Centre on November 10. Ballet BC Annex brings exciting contemporary ballet and dance to stages across BC, presenting works by renowned and emerging choreographers, supporting the next generation of dancers and choreographers.
- Welcoming winter 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!
- Using our creativity at one of the Audain Art Museum’s youth art programs. Bring the whole family along for Sunday Scribbles, a drop-in workshop that invites participants of all ages to dive into hands-on art activities inspired by Whistler’s flora.
More family-friendly activities.
Arts & Culture
You’ll find us:
- Understanding the basic essentials of textile repair at the Textile Workshop 101 hosted by AWARE Whistler on November 3 at the Whistler Public Library. This fun, hands-on workshop is perfect for anyone looking to fix up their favourite clothes and reduce waste.
- Celebrating books, ideas and award-winning authors at the 25th Whistler Writers Festival from November 5 to 8. Enjoy performance readings, masterclass workshops and engaging industry events with authors from across Canada and talented local voices. This festival is for readers, writers and storytellers alike, so check out the full line-up and get your tickets!
- Discovering a uniquely Whistler experience at the Fathom Stone Art Sculpt and Sip event. Fathom Stone Art and Fort Berens Estate Winery host an intimate, hands-on carving experience featuring a live artist demonstration and a curated tasting of local wines on November 7.
- Joining independent wildlife researcher Michael Allen at Life in Bear Country: Grizzlies of the Squamish-Elaho Watersheds. This free workshop is hosted by AWARE Whistler on November 12 at the Maury Young Arts Centre. Although the event is free for all, registration is encouraged.
- Grooving to the sweet sounds of BC artist Surf Hat at Après Après on November 14. This psych-surf duo from the mountains of Squamish are known for their electrifying live shows, catchy hooks, and reverb-soaked guitars. Their self-titled debut album has racked up millions of streams, building a loyal fanbase across North America and beyond. Don’t miss your chance to see them live in Whistler!
- Learning from neurologist Dr. Silke Appel-Cresswell and Dr. Judy Illes for an engaging exploration of what science is teaching us about lifelong brain health at the Brain Health Seminar on November 18, presented by Whistler Institute, sponsored by the Whistler Health Care Foundation.
- Listening to award-winning pianist Sarah Hagen at Wonder Woman, a concert that brings to light the beautiful music written by forgotten female composers during the 18th and 19th centuries on November 22 at the Maury Young Arts Centre.
- Strolling through the newest exhibitions at the Audain Art Museum. Solstice: Through Storm & Stillness is on now until December 21. Through painting, sculpture and photography, this exhibit explores winter as a season of reflection, resilience and transformation. The upcoming exhibition (opening November 21), Eleven Painters Start A War, explores the story of Painters Eleven, a groundbreaking group of abstract artists who championed creative freedom and diverse artistic styles.
- Browsing the latest exhibit at the Maury Young Arts Centre, We Heart Local Art. Discover original artwork by Sea to Sky artists, with all artwork available to purchase and take home the same day. Get ahead of your holiday shopping and give something truly local this holiday season! The exhibit is on daily until December 24.
- Visiting the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) to experience the Wisdom of the Animal People exhibit, on until January 31, 2027. Note that the SLCC will be closed from November 2 to 5, as part of their current refurbishment project. Don’t miss the events happening at the SLCC as part of the Whistler Writers Festival, including cultural reading events, as well as a walk and talk event. Check out the details and book your tickets!
- Heading over to The Point Artist-Run Centre for the $100 and Under Art Show, a fundraising art show featuring original works all priced at $100 or less. The exhibit is open until December 12, so don’t miss your chance to explore affordable local art while supporting The Point.
Eating, Drinking & Shopping
You’ll find us:
- Kicking off the first few days of Cornucopia at BC House Party on November 5, with the flavours, creativity and laid-back spirit that define life on Canada’s West Coast. On November 6, it’s the 30th Dinner with Reception, where you can raise a glass to 30 years of Cornucopia, followed by a decadent multi-course dinner. Another special event for the 30th edition is the Cornucopia Gala, the festival’s ultimate birthday celebration: a glamorous, high-energy evening of food, drink, music and revelry, happening on November 14. Don’t miss the other signature events, including CRUSH Grand Tasting, Murder Mystery, Silent Disco and the Comedy Kitchen. 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.
- Shopping at Whistler’s newest retail shop, Mountain Equipment Company (MEC), with opening scheduled for November 20. On November 19, locals are invited to kick off the start of ski season and a new space for MEC. There will be prizes, food, a custom photo booth, live music, a silent auction, and the chance to try the limited-edition MEC beer in collaboration with Coast Mountain Brewery. Event proceeds are in support of Whistler Search and Rescue Society, so come support your local mountain community and reserve your free ticket now.
- Getting ahead of our Christmas shopping, while supporting local, at the Arts Whistler Holiday Market. Discover more than 100 artisan stalls showcasing the best handmade products from across BC on November 28 and 29 (open 11 AM to 7 PM Saturday and 10 AM to 6 PM Sunday) at the Westin Resort & Spa. Don’t miss heading upstairs to shop the works of the young entrepreneurs and artists of Bratz Biz Youth Artisan Market.
- Chowing down on bottomless wings & ribs at Portobello, every Monday throughout the month. For $43 per person, enjoy this all-you-can-eat-style meal with gochujang glaze and honey-lime chicken wings alongside slow-cooked, applewood-smoked baby back ribs and all the yummy sides.
- 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.
More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.
Save The Date
Whistler Blackcomb Winter Opening Day | November 20
Whistler Film Festival | December 2 to 6
Whistler Pride | January 24 to 30
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 practise 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 for the winter ski season. 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.
