May is a time when you’re spoilt for choice in Whistler. While skiers and snowboarders wrap up another great season with spring skiing on Blackcomb Mountain until May 19, mountain bikers get padded up and hit the trails in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park on May 15. This means, if you time it just right, you could get both in on the same day, along with a round of golf or a paddle on the lake on those warmer spring days.
The creativity-filled Whistler Children’s Festival is back for its 43rd season from May 15 to 17. Wow, the kiddos (and tire their little brains out) with roving circus performers, magic shows, science workshops, interactive experiences and internationally acclaimed children’s performers during this action-packed weekend! PSA: It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10. Scroll down for a fancy brunch idea!
Outdoor Adventure
You’ll find us:
- Tuning up our downhill bikes and hitting the Whistler Mountain Bike Park on opening day, May 15. If you’re new to riding the bike park, check out our blog, Whistler Mountain Bike Park 101 and give it a go! May is a great time to start, as it’s cooler, and the trails are tacky and tend to be quieter than later on in the season.
- Getting our final, sun-filled laps of the season on Blackcomb Mountain before putting a good coat of storage wax on our skis and snowboards until November. Whistler Mountain is now closed for winter operations, with spring skiing happening exclusively on Blackcomb Mountain from 10 AM to 4 PM daily until May 18. Check the Mountain Hours of Operation page for lift hours and status before you make your plans.
- Feeling the burn at the Run Comfy Numb race on May 30. This iconic race covers 25 KM or 50 KM of incredible trails with exhilarating climbs, thrilling descents and countless sweeping vistas on singletrack trails. Are you up for the challenge? Registration is still open!
- Shredding with like-minded women at the evoTrip Women’s MTB Clinic on May 23 and 24. This two-day women’s mountain bike clinic focuses on building confidence, refining skills and riding with a supportive group. Sign up in advance to snag your spot!
Adventure Lite
You’ll find us:
- Relaxing our bodies and minds during a spring yoga session at the Audain Art Museum, happening every Thursday in May at 9:30 AM. It’s an hour of gentle Hatha yoga and suitable for all levels. The sessions also give you access to the galleries, including the brand new exhibition Vistas: From Takao Tanabe’s Travels, which opens on May 16.
- Biking along the Valley Trail following the Natural Wonders tour route on the free Go Whistler Tours app. It’s an 11-kilometre route that takes you from Lost Lake Park out to Green Lake and back around the Whistler Golf Course. You can use the audio function to listen to information on animals, flora and fauna as you ride.
- Floating on the water with Backroads Whistler, opening on weekends starting May 9 (weather dependent, otherwise May 16, then they’ll be open seven days a week starting mid-June). With rentals or guided tours available on Alta Lake and the legendary River of Golden Dreams, it’s the perfect way to get on the water.
- Hitting an early-season round of golf at Big Sky Golf Club, now open for the season. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club and Nicklaus North Golf Course are set to open on May 8.
More ways to get outside.
Family Fun
You’ll find us:
- Celebrating at the 43rd annual Whistler Children’s Festival from May 15 to 17. Bring the kiddos and enjoy a weekend jam-packed with events and activities, catered just for them. Some highlights of the 2026 lineup include circus performers, science presentations, magic shows and new this year, a youth artisan market presented by Bratz Biz. We recommend booking your accommodation and tickets in advance, as this iconic event has proven to be very popular, year after year! Read more in our dedicated blog.
- Taking the kiddos for ice cream at Whistler’s newest scoop shop, Chocolats Favoris. Choose from a ton of yummy flavours to dip your swirly cone into for a decadent treat!
- In pursuit of spotting a bear (or two) from a safe distance on a bear viewing tour. After a long winter slumber, our favourite, furry locals wake up and rejoin us in the spring, and the best (and safest) way to see a bear is through a tour. Learn more about what to expect on a tour in this blog post – Whistler Bear Viewing Safari Experience.
- Supporting local youth talent at the Whistler Secondary School Presents Mean Girls the Musical from May 6 to 9 at Maury Young Arts Centre. An unforgettable night of music, dance, and drama, packed with keen wit, an undeniably catchy pop-rock score, and vibrant dance numbers. Make sure to get your tickets in advance, as these are sure to sell out.
More family-friendly activities.
Arts & Culture
You’ll find us:
- Connecting with musicians from all over North America at the Whistler Cantando Music Festival from May 1 to 3. This three-day, non competitive music festival is open to concert bands, wind ensembles, orchestras, jazz groups, and choirs. Expect inspiring performances, expert feedback, and a high energy atmosphere that brings musicians together to learn, collaborate and celebrate their craft.
- Working on our artistic skills at Portrait Drawing with Andrea Muellers at the Audain Art Museum on May 2. This workshop focuses on historical and contemporary portraiture by building a strong foundation, learning how to measure and establish a solid construct. Each phase of the drawing process will be examined in sequence, emphasizing how every layer supports the next. All levels of artists are welcome!
- Having a laugh at the final Laugh Out LIVE! Presents: A Whistler Wedding on May 2 at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. It’s an interactive dinner theatre experience in the style of a Whistler-themed wedding reception! You’ll eat, drink, mingle and get swept into the drama.
- Kicking back to watch the evo Whistler Presents NST Bike Premiere on May 5. Evo is bringing NST from New Zealand to the big screen with a full-send, film-style premiere showcasing some of the most progressive mountain bikers on the planet. This is a sliding-scale, donation-based event where 100% of ticket donations support WORCA. Entry includes a complimentary drink and a raffle ticket, plus attendance earns you 50 bonus entries into the New Zealand MTB trip giveaway with evoTrip and Mons Royale.
- Hearing from Halikium Wade Baker and Mary Tasi, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, at The Hidden Journals Author Reading on May 6 at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). The authors will reveal stories and narratives about the respectful and high-level social, trading and cultural relationships between the British officers and the local Kings, Queens and Siýáms (Chiefs) that are compelling, moving and insightful.
- Treating mom to a nervous system reset at the Mother’s Day Breathwork and Sound Bath on May 10 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Whether attending with your mother, honouring her memory, or simply seeking connection, this offering creates a supportive space for regulation, release and reflection.
- Catching the final few days of From Sea to Sky: The Art of British Columbia at the Audain Art Museum, on until May 18. Plus, don’t miss the upcoming special exhibition, Vistas: From Takao Tanabe’s Travels, opening on May 16. This exhibit showcases how Takao Tanabe transformed memories of landscapes across British Columbia, the Arctic and beyond into contemplative paintings that balance precise observation with poetic reflection.
- Swaying to the sweet sounds of award-winning soul singer-songwriter Krystle Dos Santos and her five-piece band at Arts Whistler Live! presents: A History of Motown on May 14. This performance is set to be an electrifying live show celebrating the golden era of Motown and classic soul.
- Exploring The Living Spaces Art Exhibit at The Point Artist-Run Centre. This exhibition of artists working across various mediums, explores living spaces in all their forms. The Point is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 4 PM until June 20.
- Visiting the Whistler Museum to see their new exhibit, Through His Lens: The Bruce Rowles Photography Collection, on until June 14. Bruce Rowles was a celebrated Whistler photographer whose work captured the spirit of the community. The Whistler Museum was donated over 70,000 of Bruce’s photographic slides, and this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to share a portion of this remarkable collection with the public.
- At the Multicultural Kitchen on May 28, hosted by the Whistler Multicultural Society. This monthly celebration brings together culture and community through food, featuring recipes, shared stories, and opportunities to learn how to cook dishes from around the world alongside fellow Whistler locals and visitors alike. On May 28, they’ll be sharing the rich, African flavours of Cameroon.
Eating, Drinking & Shopping
You’ll find us:
- Embracing the spring season and trying some fresh, new flavours with great spring dining specials at some of Whistler’s acclaimed restaurants. Spring is a great time to dine in Whistler, with many restaurants, bars and eateries offering food and beverage specials. Read our blog on Spring Dining Deals & Specials – A Local’s Favourite for all the info.
- Having a blast at the Rock for Whistler Secondary School (WSS) Fun’raiser on May 1 at Merlin’s Bar and Grill. Rock out with live performances from a stellar lineup of Whistler’s most talented musicians and bands, with all funds supporting WSS.
- Turning up the energy at the May Après at the GLC on May 5. Celebrate the launch of the partnership with Don Julio Tequila and the GLC in unforgettable style. Sip expertly crafted cocktails from some of Canada’s top bartenders and soak in the vibe with live sets from DJ Stache and DJ Foxy Moron.
- Finding a deal at the Spring Community Garage Sale on May 10, hosted by AWARE Whistler. From household goods to sporting equipment and kids’ toys, there is a treasure for everyone to find. The event is free to attend; just drop in from 10 AM to 2 PM and see what bargains you can find. If you want to become a seller, there is still space to book a table, but make sure you register in advance here.
- Celebrating Mother’s Day (May 10) with a decadent brunch in the Wildflower Restaurant or the Braidwood Tavern, and then treating mom to an afternoon at the Scandinave Spa.
- Crafting refined drinks at the Art of Cocktail: Inspired by Vistas from Takao Tanabe’s Travels workshop at the Audain Art Museum on May 15. A special edition of Art of the Cocktail, this exhibition celebrates the luminous restraint and meditative landscapes of Takao Tanabe. The feature cocktail is created by the expert bartenders from The Raven Room, with refined flavours, restrained colour palettes and thoughtful presentation that mirrors the artist’s contemplative approach to landscape.
- Shopping local at the 30th annual Whistler Farmers’ Market, located on the Upper Village Stroll on Sundays beginning May 17. Hosting an average of 60 vendors per market, varying from local produce to hot food and art, the market is a must-do while you’re in Whistler this May.
- Swinging back into the roaring 20’s at Sin & Gin: Swing Dance Annual Fundraiser at The Point Artist-Run Centre. Step into an unforgettable evening featuring the spectacular Brass Tax swing band, along with swing dance lessons by the Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret. Enjoy a four-course dinner prepared by Red Seal Chef Frédéric Royer, plus an evening filled with a silent auction, 50/50 draw, dance prizes, and more.
More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.
Save the Date
Nourish Whistler Wellness Series | June 2026
Whistler Half Marathon | June 6
Whistler Multicultural Festival | June 12
Back Forty Marathon Cross-Country Mountain Bike Race | June 13
Whistler Summer Concert Series | Select dates throughout July and August
Crankworx Whistler | July 24 to August 2
Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB | August 21 to 23
RBC GranFondo Whistler | September 12
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.
- At this time of year, our hiking and biking trails are just coming out of the snow. Before you head out, check Trailforks to see which trails are open so you don’t damage them before they’ve had a chance to bounce back after the winter. If you’re using the trails regularly, consider donating to or joining WORCA, a local organization that maintains Whistler’s trail system.
- BC Parks Day Passes are required for access to Garibaldi Provincial Park (starting June 12) and Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park in the summer months. Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park will be temporarily closed from June 20 to 27, 2026, and from September 8 to 30, 2026, to support First Nations cultural practices and conservation goals.
- There are usually Pipi7íyekw Reconnection Celebration periods happening in the spring and summer when Joffre Lakes Park is closed to recreational access and the general public, and no day-use passes or camping reservations will be available. This information should come in soon on the BC Parks website.
- 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!
- 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 – plan to arrive on Thursday night and leave on 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 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 now allowed in the Day Lots, but no overnight camping or sleeping in vehicles. Please check the RMOW website for more information on parking.
