October is when the arts, culture and culinary scene comes alive in Whistler. Explore Whistler’s art galleries on a Whistler Wine Walk, eat out during Whistler’s fall dining deals and get great finds on gear during the Turkey Sale. It’s also Halloween at the end of the month (it falls on a Saturday this year), so get the tickle trunk out and check out the Halloween events happening around Whistler.
Whistler Blackcomb and the PEAK 2 PEAK are now closed until the winter season begins on November 20, 2026. If you’re riding the Whistler Bike Park, uploading is only available from Fitzsimmons Express and Whistler Village Gondola until closing day on October 12. Always check the hours of operation page before starting your adventure.
Here’s what’s going on this month in Whistler.
Outdoor Adventure
You’ll find us:
- Gathering at the start line of the Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra on October 3, where participants assemble a team of four or eight people for the 80-kilometre (50-mile) relay, or go solo for the 50-kilometre (30-mile) ultra.
- Enjoying the beauty of the Lost Lake trail at the annual Whistler Turkey Trot on October 11. There is a family-friendly Drumstick Dash 5 KM route, or the Gravy Burner 10 KM. This event always sells out, so be sure to secure your spot in advance.
- Ripping in the fall mountain biking conditions, which bring cooler temperatures and grippier dirt to send off the bike season. Ride the Whistler Mountain Bike Park until the lifts stop spinning on October 12, then pedal Whistler’s extensive network of cross-country mountain bike trails until the snowline hits the valley. For inspiration on where to go cross-country biking, read our blog, Top 10 Whistler Cross-Country Mountain Bike Trails.
- Getting muddy on an ATV Adventure, like the Call of the Wild tour or the Wild Wild West tour with Canadian Wilderness Adventures. Whether you are a beginner looking for a family-friendly activity or a thrill-seeker looking to get the adrenaline pumping on the mountain, there are tours for all levels.
- Making the most of the final few weeks of hiking season. Fall is a great time to hike, as the vibrant autumnal colours set the scene for stunning views along the way. Check out our Insider’s Guide: Finding Fall Colours on Whistler’s Trails for some route planning inspiration. See rain in the forecast? Check out our Hiking in the Rain: Tips for When it Drips blog for tips on how to get out there regardless of the weather forecast.
Adventure Lite
You’ll find us:
- Recharging with a morning yoga practice, guided SUP session or an invigorating cold plunge, all part of the inaugural Whistler Outdoor Festival. From October 9 to 11, experience mountain adventure and outdoor culture with guided daily activities.
- Getting in the final swings of the golf season. Fall offers some of the best playing conditions, with cooler temperatures and increased moisture making the greens lush and vibrant, while the colours of autumn provide a stunning backdrop. Book your tee time at one of the incredible courses around Whistler before the close (typically mid-October). Note that Whistler Golf Club is closed until summer 2027 for renovations.
- Safely spotting Whistler’s furriest residents on a Bear Viewing Tour. Fall is a great time to join a bear viewing tour (typically running until mid-October), as they’re preparing for their winter hibernation and chowing down! If you are hoping to spot bears while in Whistler, the best and safest way is through a bear viewing tour.
- Experiencing Whistler through the eyes of a local with Whistler Valley Tours. Tours run rain or shine and cover the entire Whistler Valley, including the Village, lakes, parks, artisan zones and Olympic venues, all tied together with a flowing and informative commentary on the history behind it all.
- Resetting at the Four Seasons Spa, with a Salish Salt Stone Massage, Mountain Path Pedicure and the Elemental Gold Repair Facial. Spa guests can complement their treatment experience with access to their heated outdoor pool, hot spring-style whirlpools and cedar barrel sauna overlooking Whistler’s autumnal landscape.
- Checking out the fall colours as the leaves of Whistler’s deciduous trees start to turn bright yellow, orange and red before they drop. Discover some top spots to admire the fall foliage in our blog, The Best Fall Views in Whistler. Cover even more ground on two wheels and check out the Fall Biking route on the free Go Whistler Tours app.
More ways to get outside.
Family Fun
You’ll find us:
- Stopping by the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre for Wisdom of the Animal People: Cultural Sharing on October 2 and 3 to experience the song, dance, storytelling, and cuisine. Kids get to attend this event for free, so bring the whole fam (adults 18+ do require a ticket for entry, which can be pre-purchased).
- Bringing little film fans to the annual Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) World Tour, with a family-friendly screening on October 8! This year’s hand-picked lineup includes stories that highlight the community and connection inspired by life in the outdoors. There is also an all-ages screening of Teton Gravity Research presents Actually, It Is Rocket Science on October 10, both at the Maury Young Arts Centre.
- Watching a musical set with blacklight puppets set in a ghostly old graveyard at The Boo Revue! on October 20. Arts Whistler Live! presents this frightfully fun show with spine-tingling songs, colourful characters and supernatural sights in this family-friendly Halloween favourite, recommended for ages 4+.
- Getting our kiddos and teens to exercise their creative muscles at the Audain Art Museum Youth Programs. Sunday Scribbles – Family Art Making Sessions are held every Sunday throughout the month. This drop-in-style workshop invites participants of all ages to dive into the beauty of the natural world through hands-on art activities inspired by Whistler’s flora.
- Wandering through the illuminated forest of Vallea Lumina. As the sun starts setting earlier, the showtimes become a little more family-friendly. This magical multimedia night walk leads you through a forest of hidden wonders with captivating lights, sounds and special effects.
- Creating spooky skeleton and skill beaded bag charms at the Halloween Craft Drop-in at the Whistler Public Library on October 29 from 3 to 5 PM. Kids ages 3 to 12 are welcome to participate for free, no registration required – just drop in!
More family-friendly activities.
Arts & Culture
You’ll find us:
- Feeding a soul and filling a bowl at the Empty Bowls Fundraiser on October 1, an international grassroots initiative that brings together artists, restaurants, and community members to support those facing food insecurity. You select a beautiful ceramic bowl made by a local artist, then fill it with delicious gourmet soups (you keep the bowl). Every dollar raised directly benefits the Whistler Community Services Society.
- Visiting the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre for Wisdom of the Animal People: Cultural Sharing – song, dance, storytelling, and cuisine on October 2 and 3. Featuring Chinook Song Catchers, Alex Wells Native Thunder, Proud Little Warriors, Yex̱wela7 Cht, Spo7ez Cultural Sharing, Welhtima Kexwusem, storytelling from Holly Bikadi, Welwál̓tnaat Myia Antone, Tsitsáyxemaat Rebecca Duncan, Sík Sík Josh Anderson, Tsámam Rilla Sampson, and more! Kids get to attend this event for free, so bring the whole fam!
- Getting into the creative process of contemporary artist, Havoc Hendricks, who has a new exhibition and artist reception on Oct 3, from 4 to 6 PM at Whistler Contemporary Gallery (inside the Hilton). Enjoy drinks and light refreshments while connecting with Havoc – the event is free to attend for those 19+, but you do need to register.
- Experiencing the film and speaker events at the brand-new Whistler Outdoor Festival from October 9 to 11. Enjoy three days of mountain adventure and outdoor culture events, including Whistler Blackcomb’s HOME Global Film Premiere, the Banff Center Mountain Film Festival World Tour, plus workshops, speaker panels and guided activities. Check out the full line-up and purchase tickets before they sell out!
- Strolling around Whistler Village, visiting five different art galleries, and enjoying interactive art experiences with a glass of wine in hand at a Whistler Wine Walk, happening on October 3, 10, 17 and 24. The evening wraps up at the Audain Art Museum, where you’ll enjoy delicious canapés, live music and a guided tour of the museum’s special exhibition. Tickets are $25, and the event was a sell-out last year, so make sure to scoop them up while you can. We’ve rounded up What’s On This Fall & Winter in Whistler Arts & Culture Scene; check it out to get the full breakdown.
- Browsing the newest exhibit, Solstice: Through Storm & Stillness, at the Audain Art Museum. The exhibition opens on October 3 and brings together works from the Museum’s Permanent Collection that reflect on endurance, resilience and the quiet momentum of moving through difficult seasons. While you’re there, don’t miss the final few weeks of Takao Tanabe: Inside Passage, closing on October 19.
- Tucking into a seat at the Maury Young Arts Centre for the annual Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) World Tour on October 8 and 16. These two unforgettable evenings bring outdoor adventure and mountain culture films to the big screen. While the screening on October 8 is open to all ages, the October 16 screening is 19+. This event sells out every year, so grab your tickets early! There is also a screening of Teton Gravity Research presents ‘Actually, It Is Rocket Science’ on October 10 and Matchstick Productions “The Way Out” Ski Film Premiere on October 23. So many films to enjoy this month!
- Kicking off the snow season at International Freeski Film Festival (iF3) Whistler 2026 from October 21 to 24. This four-day film festival features premieres of the year’s best ski and snowboard movies. Don’t miss the All Girls Whistler event on October 22, featuring women-driven ski and snowboard film projects, with a special show interviewing producers and athletes from the 2026 iF3 Official Selection films. Kick it all off at the launch party on October 21.
- Listening to the Eagle Peak Trio, consisting of three celebrated classical musicians: pianist Ian Parker, violinist Calvin Dyck and Oliver de Clercq playing the French horn, performing the beautiful music of Mozart, Brahms and more, on Sunday, October 25 at 5 PM at the Maury Young Arts Centre. Tickets start at $20.
- Getting in the spooky spirit with some Halloween classics on the big screen. Arts Whistler will be playing Scream on October 28, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 29. You can even pre-order a festive cocktail to sip on while you enjoy the show. Be sure to purchase your ticket in advance; these spooky screenings are bound to sell out!
Eating, Drinking & Shopping
You’ll find us:
- Raising a pint at the Upper Village Oktoberfest from October 2 to 4. Hop between Handlebar, RMU and the Fitsimmons Pub for curated local pours, tap takeovers and tasty food pairings.
- Feasting at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, for a traditional turkey dinner or harvest brunch on Sunday, October 11. If you don’t feel like leaving your accommodation, you can opt for the Thanksgiving Turkey To-Go from Portobello, which includes a complete turkey dinner with all the trimmings for the whole fam.
- Strolling along the Upper Village at the final few Whistler Farmer’s Markets of the season. The Market is on every Sunday until October 11. Browse local jewelry, art, and craft prepared foods while shopping for local produce and grabbing those final ingredients that you need for Thanksgiving dinner.
- Celebrating Circular Economy Month by bringing a bag of our pre-loved clothing to the Clothing Swap hosted by AWARE Whistler on October 13. The legendary Creekside Garage Sale is happening on October 18. Not to mention, you can get your torn or broken gear repaired at the Repair Cafés on October 3 and 29. Check out the full Circular Economy Month Schedule to learn more!
- Shopping up a storm and getting equipped for the upcoming winter season with Whistler’s legendary Turkey Sales held throughout the month. Retail stores all over Whistler will be bringing out their winter stock from last season and offering sales of up to 60% off. Items on sale include ski and snowboard equipment (brand-new and ex-rentals) plus clothing and accessories.
- Eating our way through Whistler’s incredible dining scene and taking advantage of all of the great fall specials that the restaurants offer. Read about 20 of these deals in our Fall Dining Deals blog.
- Dressing in costume and having a boogie at one of the many Halloween events at Whistler’s clubs and bars. There are a bunch of fun events happening throughout the week of Halloween in Whistler at popular clubs, including Garfinkel’s, Moe Joe’s, Après Après and Buffalo Bills. Check out the full lineup on our Halloween page.
More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.
Save the Date
Cornucopia Whistler | November 5 – 15
Whistler Writers Festival | November 5 – 8
Whistler Blackcomb Winter Opening Day | November 20
Whistler Film Festival | December 2 – 6
Whistler Pride Festival | January 24 – 30, 2027
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.
- If you’re using the hiking and biking trails around Whistler regularly, consider donating to or joining WORCA, a local organization that maintains Whistler’s trail system.
- 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!
- Always check DriveBC for current road conditions before getting on the road. Follow @DriveBC on Twitter and listen to MountainFM for the latest updates.
- Paid parking is in effect in all the Day Lots, although there is complimentary parking from 5 PM to 8 AM. Overnight parking is allowed in the Day Lots (until November 1), but no overnight camping or sleeping in vehicles. Please check the RMOW website for more information on parking.
