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We know that this kind of work is an ongoing journey as we all learn how we can contribute to a more sustainable future. Join our Changemaker host, Mike Douglas, a member-at-large of Protect Our Winters Canada, pro skier, enviro nerd and Whistler local, as he shines a light on what’s happening in Whistler to move the dial.

In video #8, we touch base with Kirsty Smyth, Zero Waste Program Manager at AWARE Whistler. She chats with Mike about composting, local recycling and shifting our buying thought process.

What is AWARE and the Zero Waste Heroes Program?

AWARE is Whistler’s environmental charity.  Since 1989, we have led climate action, conservation and circular economy initiatives for the local community. Zero Waste Heroes is AWARE’s social enterprise, helping events to achieve their zero waste goals. Last year, over 23,000 people engaged with AWARE’s Zero Waste Heroes program in Whistler, at events, in the parks, and at the Farmers’ Market.

Events bring people together, but they can also generate significant amounts of waste and put pressure on our natural environment. Through the Zero Waste Heroes service, AWARE helps visitors and residents enjoy the events that make Whistler special, while encouraging everyone to leave as little behind as possible. We work with event organizers to provide waste reduction and diversion support, including event planning, on-site waste sorting, and post-event reporting and analysis. 

Zero Waste Heroes is a social enterprise, so when events use us, the money generated goes back into environmental initiatives in Whistler, like our youth engagement programs and our local advocacy work. We have leading waste diversion rates, and our team is highly trained to provide guidance and education to businesses and guests.

Do events have a big waste footprint?

Yes, but we can work with them before, during and after their event to reduce it. Last year, we helped GranFondo and Arc’teryx Academy become Zero Waste Events, which means that over 90% of their waste was diverted from landfill.

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We work on waste prevention first by influencing what can and cannot come into the event area. Reusables are our go-to, but if that’s not possible, we can help source compostable options. That way, we have more control over the waste diversion outcomes. 

We also gather lots of data from each event so that we can report back to organizers on what is going well and where there is room for improvement. This means that many of the events that we work with reduce their waste footprint year over year.

How do you get people to trash-talk with you?

It’s mostly easy! People want to do the right thing, but recycling can be confusing. We guide people to the right place when we’re at an event, but we’re also talking to them about better choices for the future.

A lot of people ask us, “Doesn’t it all end up in the same place?” and the answer is, not here! British Columbia has amazing recycling systems; we just need to use them. For example, 99% of the plastics sent to Recycle BC in 2025 went to manufacturers that give recycled materials another life. 

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Why is composting so important?

One of our top goals is to keep compostables and food waste out of the landfill, because it gets trapped and causes methane, which is significantly more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide. But if food waste is placed in the organics stream, it can be repurposed locally as soil, adding to a circular economy.

Whistler’s landfill waste is transported to Cache Creek (about 450 kilometres, routed via Vancouver), and so if organic waste is separated and composted within our community, emissions associated with hauling are also reduced. Last year, 39% of Whistler’s landfill waste could have been composted; so we’ve got some work to do!

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What can people do?

If Whistler is going to hit its Zero Waste target by 2030, we need an informed and engaged public. We want people to think about the end of its life at the start. If you pick up something and know it will end up in a landfill, ideally, you reconsider your decision and pick something that can be reused or composted. 

If you are not sure whether an item can be recycled, or which stream it belongs in, Recycle BC’s Waste Wizard is an excellent resource to help you understand what goes where. You can also come and say hello to one of our Zero Waste Heroes when you see us out and about in the community – we are always happy to help!

How does the Zero Waste Heroes program contribute to the Big Moves Strategy?

Whistler’s Big Move 6 focuses on closing the loop and shifting towards low-carbon consumption. Through the Zero Waste Heroes program, AWARE helps residents, visitors, event organizers and vendors make better choices about waste and resource use. We help identify simple opportunities to reduce waste, improve diversion and minimize the environmental footprint of events in our community.

This AWARE Whistler video is the eighth in the Whistler Changemaker series. To view more, visit our sustainability page.

The post Whistler Changemaker Series: AWARE – Zero Waste Heroes appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

When: October 9 to 11, 2026

Where: Whistler Village / Whistler Conference Centre

What: Films, speaker events, sports workshops, gear expo

Who’s it for? Everyone

Event Schedule & Tickets: whistleroutdoorfestival.com

We touched base with Sam Waddington, founder and owner of Mt. Waddington Outdoors and the Whistler Outdoor Festival, to find out more about the festival and what makes him so passionate about starting this new event in Whistler.

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What Should People Expect at the Whistler Outdoor Festival?

A welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

The schedule is packed from top to bottom; there’s more to do than you’ll have time to do, and it’s going to be hard to choose between these events. You’re going to dive in on Friday night and not pop out until late Sunday. This will be the best of the outdoor industry and what Whistler has to offer.

We want this to be a festival that is for everyone, from mountain professionals to the uninitiated. The speaking panels are with high-profile athletes and academics, working at the highest level. They’re covering interesting and compelling topics that will engage hardcore users and industry professionals as much as they will fans who watch these sports.

We want to take the “airs” away and get rid of what’s intimidating about outdoor sports and activities – we want everyone to feel like a local when they leave.

Where did the idea for the Whistler Outdoor Festival come from?

We’ve always been interested in community events. We run the Mountain Town Series and Dawn Patrol, and those gatherings show the stoke we bring to the community.

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We noticed a gap in the calendar in the fall for a celebration of the outdoors, which is why most of us are up here in the mountains. We wanted to produce something that was general and inclusive, while showcasing everything Whistler has to offer.

Why is this festival important to you?

I am privileged to be deep in the outdoor industry; I get to chat to these people- athletes, academics, product designers- but most people don’t get that opportunity. They are super interesting, and we want to make that more accessible. 

My team and I put ourselves in our customers’ shoes and think: What do they want to go to? What would we want to check out? We want to make the best elements of the mountain community more accessible to the general public, bring those cool conversations and discussions to the main stage.  

What are you the most excited about?

The speakers and panels. I think these will be the gem of the festival. All day Saturday and Sunday, we’re working with Protect Our Winters Canada (POW) to curate a spectacular lineup with environmental activists, leaders, athletes, etc. There will be people with adversarial conversations, and we’re going to get into it. Things like: What’s the future of access to recreation in BC? People are going to go toe-to-toe; those are the takeaways you’re going to remember.

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Another thing I’m excited about is seeing the latest and greatest gear. The Whistler Outdoor Festival will be the first place in the North American marketplace where we see some of the new releases, from skis to transceivers, climbing gear and equipment to the latest running clothing.

The Whistler Outdoor Festival Schedule at a Glance

The Whistler Outdoor Festival packs plenty into three days, with a mix of films, outdoor activities, workshops and events happening throughout the Village, making it easy to move between activities on foot. Check individual event listings for specific venues and meeting locations.

Friday kicks things off with Whistler Blackcomb’s HOME film premiere and after-party, before the festival gets into full swing on Saturday with morning activities, the Basecamp Expo, workshops and the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour.

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Sunday starts with the Whistler Turkey Trot, followed by another day of activities, the Basecamp Expo and hands-on workshops. Check the festival schedule for the latest additions and updates.

Whistler Outdoor Festival Tickets

You can buy tickets to individual events and workshops or purchase the three-day Ultra Pass, which gets you access to everything, or the Core Pass, which is everything happening on Saturday, October 10.

Sam Waddington: From the Aleutian Islands to Chilliwack to Whistler

Sam Waddington grew up in Chilliwack, about 100 kilometres (62 miles) east of Vancouver. Known for its agricultural lands, the city is sandwiched between two rivers and surrounded by tall mountain peaks. Sam believes Chilliwack is an underrated and emerging outdoor haven and not the “smelly farming town” people sometimes perceive it to be.

His father was a vet, and his mother was a teacher and marine biologist, and they were into adventure travel, so Sam learned to sail, climb, hike and raft from an early age. They sailed in North America, the Pacific and the South Pacific Islands, and it’s no wonder that Sam developed a keen sense of adventure. After five seasons of tree planting in Northern BC and Alberta, Sam felt a call to the wilder side of life.

“I’m always seeking the edge of the map,” laughs Sam. “I’d watched the movie, Into the Wild, which is set in Alaska and decided to visit my uncle who lived there at the time.”

Sam would take bush planes to remote locations in central Alaska via a hunting outfitter. During one winter, he travelled to the Aleutian Islands and challenged himself to spend a month alone in the wilderness (where he learnt a lot about frostbite). He then travelled to places with very little tourism infrastructure, including the Sahara Desert, Sierra Leone, the Middle East and Egypt. Each place taught him something new, but one thing was for sure: you had to pack right.

But each time he prepared for his travels, and also when he was exploring closer to home, Sam often couldn’t find the gear or advice he needed. So, at the age of 22, in 2012, he opened his own store in Chilliwack called Mt. Waddington Outdoors with the goal of providing the gear and expertise needed to explore the surrounding backcountry.

Adventurer to Store Owner

“Stores can be a gateway to adventure,” explains Sam. “They can be a cultural hub, where people can get advice on what gear they need for their particular adventure. I see them as an essential service.”

Sam started with a small, lean team, looking at established stores like Robinson’s Outdoor Store in Victoria and Escape Route in Whistler for what he wanted to create.  In 2020, with his established background in wilderness guiding and wanting to share his adventure experiences, Sam launched Ascent Fraser Valley Guides and Mountain School.

At the age of 24, Sam ran for Chilliwack’s City Council and served a four-year term, both at the City and the Fraser Valley Regional District. He was also elected to the Board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, where he represented BC for two terms. During this time, he met and befriended Jack Crompton (Whistler’s current mayor), and Whistler trips became more frequent.

When the opportunity came up to buy Escape Route in Whistler, Sam jumped at the chance. He understood that Escape Route was not only an established business but a valued community member.

“You might cater to a lot of tourists, but if you don’t have the loyalty of the locals, you’re going to fail,” Sam explains. “You earn that by creating value, by being the place that carries the gear tape, that hosts clinics and film nights, and becomes a go-to for adventure-based advice.”

Escape Route was going through tough financial times, and Sam was hoping to come in to help keep the business alive as it stood. He worked with the team for two years to make that happen; however, they couldn’t make the finances work, which meant the end of one locally grown outdoor store, but room for the expansion of another.

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In December 2024, the doors to the second Mt. Waddington Outdoors store opened, with some familiar Escape Route faces on the team.

“Whistler needs a gear store,” says Sam. “It already has amazing guiding outfits, but you need to marry that expertise with equipment, and that’s where we come in. We started our Dawn Patrol ski touring program to bring people together – one morning we had 60 skiers skinning up Blackcomb as the sun began to rise.”

Mt. Waddington also puts on backcountry rescue clinics and speaker nights throughout the year. They’ve sponsored and hosted the Banff Film Festival in Whistler and Squamish, with proceeds going to the local schools’ leadership programs for students looking to explore the backcountry, as well as to the Spearhead Huts Society.

The Whistler Outdoor Festival has been something on Sam’s mind for a while, and it’s incredible to see the lineup of events landing this fall. See you there!

The post Whistler Outdoor Festival: Schedule, Events & What to Expect appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

“We wanted Cornucopia’s 30th edition to have a festival lineup that feels worthy of the milestone,” says Jasmine Robinson, Event Director of Cornucopia. “We’ve woven special touches throughout the program, including new experiences created specifically for the 30th and fresh takes on signature events and festival favourites. We’re excited to make this milestone edition one to remember.”

The Four Categories of Whistler Cornucopia

The events are split into four categories: Cornucopia’s Signature Events, Food + Drink Seminars, Culinary Stage Series and Restaurant + Bar events, with tickets starting at $32 (early bird). Although there is always something delicious and fun happening throughout the festival, the larger events are on Thursdays and over the weekend (go on, extend that weekend), with mid-week a great option for the more intimate events, and good value on accommodation.

Most of the events happen at the Whistler Conference Centre in the heart of Whistler Village, a central location with lots of accommodation options nearby.

Tickets sell out fast for the key events, so let’s dive into each of these Cornucopia categories and see what’s on the menu at Whistler’s festival of food + drink.

What’s New at Whistler Cornucopia for 2026

On Tuesday, November 10, renowned plant-forward Chef Wolfgang Sterr will lead a new environmentally conscious dinner highlighting the best of vegetarian cuisine paired with organic wines.

Also joining the program is Brunch League on Sunday, November 15, a lively, new karaoke brunch inspired by Belfast Brunch, a viral social brunch concept that has made its way to Canada from the UK and Ireland.

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The festival is expanding its programming throughout the week, with additional midweek dinners and drink seminars, creating more ways to experience Cornucopia beyond its signature weekend events (read on for more details on those).

Cornucopia Signature Events

Thursday, November 5

The festival kicks off with the BC House Party, a mix of live music, local cuisine and wine, spirits, beers and alcohol-free options from British Columbia. Indulge in a dinner buffet inspired by the West Coast, offering up coastal flavours and comforting favourites alongside fresh, innovative creations. Meet the makers and taste the ingenuity that has helped establish the West Coast as one of Canada’s most exciting food and beverage destinations. This perennial sellout event is the perfect way to start your weekend early.

Friday, November 6

SPECIAL FOR 2026: The 30th Dinner with Reception honours three decades of remarkable chefs and the people who helped transform a grassroots Whistler celebration into one of Canada’s most anticipated food and drink festivals. The evening begins with a premium wine tasting reception, with a curated selection of wines from British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest and renowned wine regions around the world.

Then it’s an inspired multi-course menu, with curated wines and beverages, celebrating Cornucopia’s past, present and future. Each course tells part of the festival’s story, revisiting the ingredients, ideas and personalities that have shaped its history while introducing fresh perspectives on what comes next. Expect exceptional food, meaningful storytelling, genuine hospitality and a few memorable surprises along the way.

Saturday, November 7

The flagship event of Cornucopia, CRUSH Grand Tasting, invites you to sip, sample and savour your way through a variety of BC, Canadian and International wines. These exceptional wines are complemented by delicious culinary bites from talented chefs and food producers, adding another layer of flavour to the evening. Live entertainment and the energy of fellow food and wine enthusiasts create a lively, celebratory atmosphere worthy of Cornucopia’s 30th anniversary.

Sunday, November 8

We’re all donning headphones and choosing our own DJ adventure at With a Twist: Silent Disco. Flick between three different DJs (dance anthems, throwback favourites and party classics) and dance the night away while sampling cocktails and spirits from featured bartenders and beverage partners (alcohol-free options available).

Do you like a good whodunnit? Savour a sumptuous dinner with paired wines served with a side of suspense at the Murder Mystery Dinner. Hosted at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler this year, it’s usually themed, so get your tickle trunk out for a night of entertaining drama.

Thursday, November 12

At the Comedy Kitchen, award-winning comedian Damonde Tschritter is leading a lineup of nationally acclaimed comedians serving their best material in a classic comedy-club setting. The first Canadian to win the Seattle International Comedy Competition, Damonde has appeared at Just For Laughs, the Chicago Comedy Festival and New York Comedy Festival, as well as on CBC, CTV and HBO. 

Expect sharp observations, great storytelling and the kind of candid comedy best enjoyed with friends and a drink in hand. Your ticket includes one drink, but there are more on offer to purchase.

Friday, November 13

Nightmarket: legends & Next Gen brings established culinary icons together with a new wave of emerging chefs educated at BC’s own LaSalle College. Move through a bustling market-inspired setting filled with tasting stations, live culinary energy and an exciting mix of flavours. Celebrated chefs and producers will share dishes and drinks that reflect their experience, traditions and signature styles, while rising talents bring fresh perspectives, techniques and ideas inspired by the evolving landscape of Canadian cuisine.

Saturday, November 14

For this milestone year, the festival pays homage to its namesake: the cornucopia, or Horn of Plenty. Rooted in Greek mythology and long associated with abundance, harvest and feasting, the Cornucopia Gala: 30th Edition is a celebration worthy of the gods. Don your finest toga and get ready to mix and mingle at this non-seated, party-forward gala. Sip from an impressive selection of wines, sparkling pours, cocktails, spirits and creative alcohol-free options, and dine on delicious bites, and celebrate three decades of Cornucopia in spectacular Greek-inspired style.

Sunday, November 15

NEW for 2026 is the Brunch League on Sunday, November 15. This is where weekend brunch meets your favourite singalong, with an irresistible combination of brunch bites, music, singing and dancing.

Cornucopia Food + Drink Seminars

There are 40 seminars on offer featuring wine, spirits, beers and more, done in an intimate setting with world-class experts. These seminars are all about deepening your knowledge and refining your palate with experts to guide you. You could be intrigued by a certain country, region or varietal, a particular libation or want some drink suggestions for the upcoming festive table.

You can take a deep dive into wines from different places like Italy, France, Spain, South America and Canada, of course. You can focus on a varietal like Chianti, White Burgundy, and Syrah or go for a session that showcases a few, like Classic vs Contemporary, Legends + Next Generation and Around the World in 90 Minutes.

It’s also not all wine, with sessions delving into Great Scotch Whisky, Caviar and Spirits with Copperpenny Distilling Co., and Japanese alcohol. There’s also a seminar, Free Spirit Whistler!, that’s dedicated to non-alcoholic options.

We also like the food-paired seminars like Wine + Dumplings Around the World, French Wine + Charcuterie with Oyama Sausage Co. and Sake, Shochu + Snack Attack!. We also noted the British Columbia events highlighting areas like Naramata in the Okanagan and Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island.

The seminars are your chance to learn something new while sipping on something fun, so make sure you take a look at the drink seminar event page and pick some that stand out to you.

Culinary Stage Series – The Hidden Gem at the Festival

If you’ve ever watched a cooking show and wished you were one of the judges testing the delectable outcomes, the Culinary Stage events are for you (minus the stress of actual judging). Set in the airy and light foyer of the Whistler Conference Centre, you get to absorb tips and tricks from national chefs, producers and beverage professionals as you sample what they make.

What you can expect is a delicious, multi-course meal with drink pairings, as you watch the demonstrations for $55. Each Culinary Stage has a different spin, as it depends heavily on the expert on the stage, who often brings you something they’re passionate about, whether that be the latest in sustainable eating, bold takes on traditional dishes or something completely unexpected.

Chopped Canada winner Chef Alana Mass is back on the stage, as is Chef Quang Dang, a champion of West Coast cuisine. The Gusto TV’s “The Latin Kitchen” Chef, Luis Valenzuela, and Chef Julian Bond of BC’s Restaurant Hall of Fame are also firm Culinary Stage favourites. These events are the festival’s hidden gems, combining food, drink and entertainment – a triple threat.

Restaurant + Bar Events

Whistler has a world-class, award-winning dining scene, and Cornucopia is a time for them to experiment, push boundaries and really wow diners. Some restaurants partner with wineries for winemaker dinners, whereas some lean into a theme or region – it’s exciting to see what they create.

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We spotted that Bearfoot Bistro is hosting Lightning Rock Winery in their incredible cellar; Mekong is being inspired by the variety of cultures that define their kitchen; Il Caminetto is offering a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with one of Italy’s most legendary estates: Tenuta dell’Ornellaia; and Wild Blue is offering a late-night experience, bringing the listening bars of Japan to the mountains.

For some of the popular establishments, tickets go quickly, but another strategy is to pick somewhere you’ve never been to before so you can uncover a new gem. Take a look through the Restaurant + Bar schedule.

Save With Signature Event Packages and Early Bird Tickets

Cornucopia Signature Event Packages combine discounted tickets to the signature events with accommodation, a great way to sort out two planning items in one go and snag a discount (packages start at $90 per person, per night). There’s a finite number of these packages, so book now before they go! Staying through midweek is another way to grab a deal with lower rates away from the weekends. If you stay three nights or more, you also receive a free $100 Dining Credit.

There are also Early Bird Tickets for some of the Signature Events, but there are a limited number of these tickets, so get yours before they go!

6 Whistler Cornucopia Tips

1.    Schedule Food Events

Between alcohol seminars and tastings, slot in one of the culinary demonstrations or take a stroll in Whistler Village to find a nearby eatery. For Signature Events like CRUSH, although there are delicious canapés being served, you’re going to want to have dinner beforehand. Take a look at Whistler.com’s dining guide and book an early dinner.

2.    Move Your Body

Fall in Whistler is a beautiful time to be in the mountains with its changing colours. Get outside for some fresh mountain air. Schedule windows of time for activities like a short hike (try Lost Lake), biking on the Valley Trail, or rejuvenating at a spa. You’ll go longer and harder and feel less guilty when you have to get up and do it all over again the next day.

3.    Stay in Town

Even Whistler locals take advantage of the Cornucopia accommodation pairings because, after three or more days of food and drink, a good night’s sleep in a king-size bed with high thread-count bedding and housekeeping service is very nice to come home to.

4.    Experiment

Adopt an open mindset. Cornucopia is the ultimate celebration of bold tastes, where you can experiment with your palate, expand your knowledge, and celebrate your foodie passions as you explore Whistler’s world-class food and drink scene. Don’t be afraid to try something new.

5. Dress for Success

Try sweaters and skinny jeans for craft beer and scotch tastings, and fancy and festive attire for socials and galas. As a rule of thumb, dress up rather than down, as you never know who you might meet. We also suggest bringing a waterproof jacket and winter shoes for when you’re not inside!

Cornucopia is an amazing place to learn about and sample new food, wine and spirits. It’s all about feeling good, making friends and enjoying the cornucopia!

Bundle your Signature Event tickets with lodging for unbeatable value with Whistler.com, and if you stay more than three nights, you also receive a free $100 Whistler Dining Credit. Cheers to that!

The post Whistler Cornucopia: A Festival of Food + Drink appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and mind alike.” John Muir.

Art is synonymous with the mountains, a place that provides an abundance of natural beauty for inspiration, but also a calmness and peace that help the mind wander.

Whistler is home to several art galleries, displaying work from local talent to the wider Canadian art pool and international artists whose work resonates with curators. One way to explore these galleries is to join the Whistler Wine Walk, which is happening on Friday, October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2026. Not only do you get to connect with gallery owners, curators and artists, but you also get to do so with a glass of wine in hand.

Whistler Wine Walk Details

Included in the ticket price is access to the galleries, three four-ounce glasses of wine, interactive art experiences and a curatorial tour of the Special Exhibitions at Audain Art Museum (more on that below), along with live music and canapés. There’s a choice of British Columbian white and red wine at each stop, with one wine pour per guest, per location.

The experience lasts around two hours (6 to 8:15 PM), with walking time considered. It’s the perfect evening activity after an early dinner, or perhaps before a late one, depending on how you like to dine. There are four tour options, each starting at a different gallery but all culminating at the Audain.

Date: Every Friday in October, 2026

Time: 6 to 8:15 PM

Where: Art galleries around Whistler Village – four walking routes to choose from

What: Visit to three art galleries with a glass of BC wine at each one

NEW: Chocolate pairings and non-alcoholic wine options

Six galleries are taking part this year, with four different tour options taking you to three stops, all culminating at the Audain Art Museum. The distances range from 900 metres to 2.2 kilometres, depending on your starting point.

Guests receive an email after purchasing tickets with detailed instructions, including their schedule, map and walking directions for each location (a Wine Walk Group Leader will be on-site to make sure the tour is flowing on time).

British Columbia Wines

Featured wineries are all BC-based and include Fort Berens Estate Winery, Kismet Estate Winery, 8th Generation Vineyard and Lightning Rock Winery, with Nk’Mip Cellars featured exclusively at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre on October 9.

The Galleries

• Adele Campbell Fine Art
• Audain Art Museum
• Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont
• The Plaza Galleries
• Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (October 9 only)
• Whistler Contemporary Gallery at the Hilton

Adele Campbell Fine Art

Adele Campbell Fine Art, located in the Westin Resort & Spa, proudly represents a broad spectrum of Canadian artists in an array of original paintings and sculptures. The pieces reflect the artists’ passion for their beautiful surroundings and contemporary influences, and you’ll be struck by the variety, power and boldness of the art when you visit.

For over a century, Canadian landscape art has been inspired by the Group of Seven, who bucked the trends of the time and painted with a bold palette and style they felt represented the mass scale of Canada. This has evolved and morphed into the contemporary art of today, which revels in the wildness and freedom of the country they’re depicting.

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Featuring over 50 established and emerging Canadian artists, you’ll find an ever-revolving comprehensive collection of uniquely Canadian art at Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery. During the Whistler Wine Walk, the gallery will have live painting with some of its featured artists, and a canvas for you to leave your own mark on.

Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont

The focus at Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is on post-war Canadian landscape art. Mountain vistas, lush forests and winding rivers pepper the walls. The gallery is also home to some incredible pieces of sculpture with serpentine stone bears, bronze eagles and intriguing wood and resin furniture.

It’s really a treasure trove of Canadian art that takes time to explore. During Wine Walk, the gallery will have some of its featured artists doing some live painting.

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The Plaza Galleries

The Plaza Galleries brings a bold, contemporary take on mountain art to Whistler Village. Its colourful collection features work by established and emerging artists, with everything from paintings and mixed-media pieces to sculpture, often inspired by wildlife, mountain landscapes, skiing and the energy of the outdoors.

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Expect vibrant, playful and sometimes unexpected interpretations of mountain culture, alongside work influenced by pop culture and urban life.

Whistler Contemporary Gallery at the Hilton

The white walls of the Whistler Contemporary Gallery are adorned with a diverse range of styles, including figurative, abstract and landscape. Featuring Canadian and international contemporary fine art, the gallery is home to some unique pieces, including paintings, multimedia, glass and sculpture. Some of the art is inspired by the mountain scenes and wildlife Whistler is known for, whereas others evoke a sense of pop culture and urbanity.

It’s also good to note that they have a second location at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler if you want to connect with more of their artists.

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Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (October 9 only)

New to the Wine Walk for 2026, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is a celebration of culture, history, traditions and art. Located in Whistler’s Upper Village, the centre sits on the shared territory of two First Nation communities, the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh (Squamish) and Li̓l̓wat7ul (Lil’wat), who have coexisted respectfully as neighbours in this area since time immemorial.

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Visiting them on the Wine Walk gives you the opportunity to understand and connect with the original stewards of the land. Indigenous wine producers, Nk’Mip, will be featured at this stop on the Wine Walk.

Audain Art Museum

For the final stop at the Audain Art Museum, guests will be treated to something special in addition to the delicious canapés and live music. They’ll head into the museum to explore one of their special exhibit, Solstice: Through Storm & Stillness.

This exhibit brings together works from the Audain Art Museum’s Permanent Collection that reflect on endurance, resilience, and the quiet momentum of moving through difficult seasons. The featured artists, Andrew Dadson, Gathie Falk, Gordon Smith, Karin Bubaš, Kim Dorland and Landon Mackenzie explore weather as both a literal and metaphorical force. Through painting, sculpture, and photography, the exhibition invites viewers to consider winter not only as a time of hardship, but as a necessary season of pause, persistence and eventual transformation.

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If you’ve not visited the Audain before, this will definitely make you want to come back and explore. Its permanent collection is a visual journey through the history of art from coastal British Columbia. It spans the late 18th century to the present day, and features one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations masks; a large collection of works by Emily Carr, and art by important post-war modernists such as E.J. Hughes, Gordon Smith and Jack Shadbolt.

In addition to these historical works, it showcases art by internationally renowned, contemporary British Columbia artists, including Jeff Wall, Dana Claxton, Marianne Nicolson, Rodney Graham and Stan Douglas, among others.

For more information on what a trip to this museum is like, read Culture Up: How to Get the Most From a Visit to the Audain Art Museum in Whistler.

Whistler Wine Walk Tickets

Wine Walk tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Ticket holders will receive an email preceding the walk with detailed instructions for their route, including a schedule, map and walking directions for each location (there’s also a Wine Walk Guide on-site to help guide guests between galleries).

The Whistler Wine Walk is a chance to engage with gallery curators and artists, learn more about Canadian art and perhaps find something for above the fireplace back home.

There are other events happening in October, including yoga at the Audain Art Museum, Fairmont Fridays, the Whistler Farmers’ Market and the Whistler Writers Festival, to name a few. Check out the events calendar for a full list of what’s happening in Whistler this October.

For more ideas about what to do in the mountains in the fall, take a look at 21 Things to Do in Whistler in the Fall.

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The West Coast of BC is a veritable hotbed of brewing – just look at the communities included in the BC Ale Trail if you need more proof. If you like a fancy tap handle, the Whistler Village Beer Festival, presented by Gibbons Whistler, should be an experience making the top of your beer-focused to-do list.

What: Whistler Village Beer Festival 2026

When: September 16 to 20, 2026

Main Event: Saturday, September 19, noon to 5 PM

Where: Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler Village

What to expect: 80+ craft beers and beverages, live music, food and festival events

Who’s it for? Craft beer lovers and visitors looking for a fall festival in Whistler

1. Sample 80+ Beers at the Whistler Village Beer Festival

The 13th edition of the Whistler Beer Festival invites you to sample 80+ varieties of beverages at the Main Event on Saturday, September 19, at Whistler Olympic Plaza from noon to 5 PM. Along with craft beer, there’s also cider, canned cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages for you to wow your taste buds with this fall.

2. An Outdoor Beer Festival in Whistler Village

It’s beer…with atmosphere!

Unlike other beer fests, this tasting event is held outdoors – no stuffy event hall or conference centre décor in sight. The grassy lawn of Whistler Olympic Plaza offers a delightful place to stroll and sip, and the mountains provide a magnificent backdrop.

Add in live music, yummy food trucks and lawn games, and you’ve got the recipe for a hopping beer fest.

Will rain wreck the party? Previous years’ experience has certainly proved not, thanks to the shelter under the plaza building and some smart clothing choices. Although smart clothing is a great idea, it’s good to note there are prizes for the best fancy dress, so dust off those lederhosen!

3. Beer Festival Events and Activities

The huge number of beers and other beverages on offer (see #1) means it’s likely you’ll come across a brew you haven’t tasted before. Adventure is the spirit of the Whistler Village Beer Festival, and the potential for pairing new beer with new activities is vast.

The festival has some well-thought-out pairings, including things like a Stretch & Sip or Paint & Sip session. Plenty is going on in the fall in Whistler, so you can mix and match to your heart’s delight, from hiking to biking, ziplining to ATVing.

4. Stay in Whistler Village and Leave the Car Behind

No Designated Drivers Needed

There’s no need to draw straws to see who will stay sober for the festival – driving is not required. The tasting events are in the heart of Whistler Village, meaning you can walk to the location from your accommodation plus find post-event eats within easy wandering distance afterward (reservations are always a good idea).

We recommend staying in town so you can get out and see a bit of Whistler the next day (a brisk walk around Lost Lake is the ultimate hangover cure). If you are staying further afield, there’s local transit to get you there and back, plus Whistler’s 24-hour taxi service kicks in if you decide to stay out and take in a little Whistler nightlife.

Take a read of our guide on how to get to Whistler, so you can pick the best option, save money on parking and feel good about one less vehicle on the road.

5. Celebrate Oktoberfest at the Longhorn Saloon

In line with the celebrations in Munich, Oktoberfest is happening at the famous Longhorn Saloon after the main event on Saturday, September 19, bringing a bit of Bavaria to the Pacific Northwest. 

 The bar will be transformed into a lively beer hall to bring this renowned German event to life in Whistler. Raise your stein high and toast to good times, great company, and Oktoberfest cheer. Prost!

Planning Your Whistler Village Beer Festival Trip

Do you need tickets?
Yes, the main event and some of the off-shoot events do require tickets. Take a look on the festival page to book.

Can you walk to the festival?
Yes. Olympic Plaza is in Whistler Village and is within walking distance of Village accommodation.

What should you wear?
It’s outdoors in September, so we’d suggest layers and weather-appropriate clothing.

Is there food at the festival?
Yes, there will be food trucks at the main event.

Where should you stay?
Staying in Whistler Village makes the event walkable, and if you stay for 3+ days, you get a $100 dining voucher with Whistler.com.

The Whistler Insider encourages guests to consume responsibly, so you can remember both the views and the brews. Cheers!

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The Valley of Dreams Walking Tour, presented by the Whistler Museum, brings these stories to life during an approximately one-hour walk through Whistler Village. Led by local guides, the tour explores the people, places, and ideas behind Whistler’s transformation from a remote summer destination into an internationally recognized mountain destination.

When: From June through September

Time: 11 AM – 60-minute tour

Cost: By donation

Meeting Place: Whistler Visitor Centre (no need to book, just turn up)

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Along the way, new, or familiar places take on deeper meaning.

• Why does the Village Stroll wind instead of following a straight line?
• What brought the first tourists to Alta Lake?
• Why was Whistler Mountain developed in the first place?
• Why is the town named Whistler?
• And just how long did Whistler pursue its Olympic dream before finally welcoming the world in 2010?

The answers can be found in the landscape, and in the stories of the people who helped shape it. We’re giving you a sneak preview of some of the stories covered on the tour; however, nothing beats a tour in-person.

A Valley with a Much Longer History

Whistler’s story did not begin with tourism or skiing.

The Valley of Dreams Walking Tour begins by acknowledging that Whistler is located within the shared, unceded territory of the Líl̓wat7úl Nation and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation, whose peoples have travelled through and used the region for thousands of years.

The valley served as a trade and transportation corridor and supported fishing, hunting, and other activities long before the development of the modern resort and the arrival of tourism. This history extends far beyond the scope of a walking tour focused primarily on the development of tourism in Whistler.

Visitors wishing to learn more about the histories, cultures, and contemporary communities of the Líl̓wat7úl Nation and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation are strongly encouraged to visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler’s Upper Village.

A Dream on the Shores of Alta Lake

Long before chairlifts carried skiers up Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, visitors were drawn to the valley for a very different kind of vacation.

In 1911, Myrtle and Alex Philip travelled from Vancouver to visit the area after hearing stories of its lakes, mountains, and fishing. The journey took three days, but what they found inspired them to return. In 1913, they purchased land on the shores of Alta Lake and began building Rainbow Lodge.

Their timing proved fortunate. The Pacific Great Eastern Railway reached Alta Lake in 1914, reducing the journey from Vancouver from several days to about nine hours. The railway and Rainbow Lodge soon offered a $6 “Fishermen’s Excursion,” including train travel and a weekend at the lodge.

The first excursion brought 24 fishermen and helped launch a new era of tourism in the valley. By the 1930s, Rainbow Lodge had expanded to include dozens of buildings and offered fishing, hiking, boating, horseback riding and other activities. Whistler, then known as Alta Lake, had become a popular summer destination.

Dreaming of a Mountain Resort

The next big dream would transform the valley from a quaint summer destination into a popular international winter ski destination. Following the 1960 Winter Olympic Games in California, a group of Vancouver businessmen began considering whether British Columbia could host the Games.

The Garibaldi Olympic Development Association was formed in 1962, led by Franz Wilhelmsen, and eventually selected London Mountain, today’s Whistler Mountain, as the location for a proposed ski area.

Their first bid – to host the 1968 Olympic Winter Games – was unsuccessful. At the time, the valley had no proper road access, power, running water or ski lifts. But the larger idea survived. Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. was formed to develop the mountain, and on January 15, 1966, Whistler Mountain officially opened with a gondola, chairlift and two T-bars.

The Olympic dream would have to wait, but the dream of creating a major mountain resort was underway.

Building a Village from the Ground Up

Whistler Mountain’s success brought rapid growth, and in 1975 the Resort Municipality of Whistler was established as Canada’s first resort municipality. One of the new municipality’s greatest challenges was creating a town centre for the growing community and resort.

The Whistler Village visitor experience today owes much to landscape architect Eldon Beck. With direction from the newly formed council to create a pedestrian-focused village, Beck envisioned a village that flowed through the landscape.

The Village Stroll was designed to meander, encouraging people to slow down, wander, and discover new spaces. Plazas created gathering places, while delivery areas, parking entrances, and much of the infrastructure needed to operate the resort were tucked behind the buildings.

The design also created a strong sense of place, with carefully considered viewpoints connecting the Village Stroll to the surrounding mountains. Construction began in 1978, with the first phase completed in 1980, the same year Blackcomb Mountain opened for skiing.

As you walk through the Village today, the tour reveals how many features that now seem natural were the result of deliberate, and sometimes unconventional, ideas for the time in North America.

The Olympic Dream Becomes Reality

Through the 1980s and 1990s, Whistler continued its transformation from a regional ski destination into an international one. During this period, Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain operated as competitors, and their rivalry helped push both mountains to greater heights as they added new lifts, terrain and better amenities.

By 1992, Whistler’s growing international reputation was recognized when Snow Country Magazine named Whistler Resort the Number One Ski Resort in North America, the first of many similar accolades. The two mountains’ operations eventually merged in 1997.

All the while, Whistler’s Olympic ambitions remained.

There were multiple attempts over the decades, but it was not until July 2, 2003, that Vancouver and Whistler were awarded the opportunity to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Seven years of preparation followed.

Then, in February and March 2010, Whistler welcomed athletes and visitors from around the world as an Olympic and Paralympic host community. The Games themselves were held on the territories of four Host First Nations: Líl̓wat7úl Nation, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Nation, Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Nation, and səlilwətaɬ Nation.

The Valley of Dreams Walking Tour concludes around Olympic Plaza, connecting one of Whistler’s earliest ambitions with the international mountain destination it had become.

Nearly 40 Years of Sharing Whistler’s Stories

The Valley of Dreams Walking Tour is presented by the Whistler Museum & Archives Society, which has spent nearly 40 years collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Whistler. Through photographs, artefacts, documents, oral histories, exhibitions, and community programs, the Museum preserves the stories of the people and events that have shaped the valley.

The walking tours take those stories beyond the Museum walls and into the places where much of that history happened.

Tours are led by local guides, each bringing their own knowledge and experiences to Whistler’s story. Whether you are visiting Whistler for the first time, working here for a season, or have been coming for years, the tour offers a chance to look at familiar places from a different perspective.

After all, Whistler as we know it today began with people looking at this valley and dreaming of what might be possible. The Valley of Dreams Walking Tour departs from the Whistler Visitor Centre at 11 AM daily from June through the end of September. Tours take approximately one hour and are offered by donation (private tours are available upon request).

The post Whistler Walking Tour: Discover the Stories Behind Whistler appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is September 30, a day for Canadians to recognize and reflect on the tragic, ongoing legacy of the residential schools and honour the lost children, the survivors and their communities. We recommend a visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and Li̓l̓wat7ul (Lil’wat) Nation, with programming happening throughout the month and on the day itself. Check out the lineup for all the details and note that admission is free for all residents and visitors, thanks to sponsorship from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and Tourism Whistler.

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This month, the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill Whistler is making its debut in Whistler from September 25 to 27, bringing the world’s fastest riders to a purpose-built downhill course in the heart of Whistler’s legendary mountain bike scene. It’s going to be one of the most exciting bike events in the world, right here in Whistler!

Here’s what’s going on in Whistler this September:

Outdoor Adventure

You’ll find us:

• Pedalling 122 kilometres alongside the ocean and ascending into the mountains at the RBC GranFondo Whistler on September 12, or choosing the 55-kilometre distance option and riding through the stunning Callaghan Valley. For a firsthand account of what it’s like to ride in the event, read our blog, RBC GranFondo Whistler Guide: What to Know Before You Ride. Make sure to stop by Whistler Olympic Plaza for a celebration of live music from 10 AM to 5 PM. Stay the night in Whistler to participate in the Sunday Slowdown (September 13) festivities, with activations like a calming sound bath meditation, restorative yoga and guided museum tours.
• Getting out of our comfort zone at one of the many races happening this month. Get your legs moving at the 5 Peaks Trail Running Series on September 5, The Rubble Creek Classic on September 13 or the Brandywine Boogie Trail Run on September 26. Women can put their enduro skills to the test at The Witsend, which is happening alongside the twin event (open to all), The Hillman Enduro, both happening on September 19, presented by WORCA. And lastly, Whistler’s off-road triathlon, Whistler X Tri, is happening on September 19 and 20. Whew, what a lineup!
• Watching the highly anticipated debut of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill Whistler from September 25 to 27. Expect raw speed, relentless terrain and a crowd that knows every line. This is world-class racing, fuelled by a community that helped shape the sport.
• Enjoying prime time in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. With cooler temperatures and fewer riders, September in the bike park is a true gem. Make sure to check the hours of operation page before starting your adventure, as September brings some changes to the Bike Park operating schedule.

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Adventure Lite

You’ll find us:

• Up the mountains to sightsee on the Cloudraker Skybridge before it closes on September 13. Don’t forget to get a cocktail at the Umbrella Bar before you come back down!
• Stretching it out at Stretch and Sip, as part of the Whistler Beer Festival on September 17. Stretch, sip and ease into the evening with this wellness-focused afternoon starting with an interactive stretch class on the Westin Plaza patio. From there, head to FireRock Lounge for live music, food and drinks.
• Riding an e-bike to a brewery with Peak Pedal Brews, offering guided e-bike tours along the Valley Trail, with stops at local breweries. No traffic, no map-reading — just the ride, the view and a brew. If you’re looking for a relaxed, guided ride that ends at a local taproom – this tour is for you!
• Gathering to honour the turning of the season at The Seasonal Pause: Autumn Equinox Retreat on September 20. Join Carolyn Anne Budgell for a thoughtfully curated half-day gathering that includes meditation, Pilates, guided journaling, breathwork and yin yoga at the stunning Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre.
• Exploring the wilderness atop a surefooted horse on a riding tour. Whistler horseback riding tours range in length from one hour to three days. Any level of rider can enjoy this unique and memorable way to experience the mountains. To learn more about this experience, read our horseback riding blog.

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More ways to get outside.

Family Fun

You’ll find us:

• Spotting Whistler’s famous black bears in their natural habitat. September is a great time to take a Bear Tour as they are actively preparing for hibernation. To learn more, check out our blog on Bear Viewing Tours on Whistler Blackcomb and the Whistler Safari Bear Viewing Experience.
• Discovering a valley of hidden wonders at Vallea Lumina, an evening multimedia walk nestled in the trees on Cougar Mountain. As the sun goes down a little earlier in the fall, show times become more family-friendly, making September a good time to bring the kiddos out to experience the magic.
• Spending our Sunday afternoons creating as a family at the Audain Art Museum’s Sunday Scribbles Family Art Making Sessions. 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 summer flora, happening every Sunday in September.
• Signing the kids up for the Whistler X Tri kids & youth race. Saturday, September 19 is dedicated entirely to the kids and youth. Every child who lines up gets a proper race experience with age-appropriate distances and a real finish line with a crowd cheering them home. It’s not just a “fun run”; it’s a real triathlon, scaled thoughtfully for young athletes.
• Bringing the fam to the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Wednesday, September 30). Admission is free for all residents and visitors, thanks to spornsorship from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and Tourism Whistler. There will be plenty of family-friendly activities like crafts, storytelling, guided walks and yummy eats at the Thunderbird Cafe. Check out the lineup for all the details.

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More family-friendly activities.

Arts & Culture

You’ll find us:

• Visiting the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre on Saturday, September 6 and Wednesday, September 30 (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) for the Spo7ez Market from 10 AM – 3 PM, which celebrates the incredible talents of artisans from the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. On September 10, you can join the Après Taste and Shop, where you can sample a variety of authentic Indigenous offerings from the Gallery & Gift Shop. While you are there, view their current exhibit, Wisdom of the Animal People.
• Meeting the artists of the Teeny Tiny Art Show at the Teeny Tiny Art Party on September 10. Enjoy complimentary appetizers while exploring the exhibition with other art lovers (plus, entry is free)!
• Kicking off the Whistler Village Beer Festival weekend at the Paint & Sip on September 18. The event will feature a hands-on painting session, plus live music and festival prizing, all on the Stonesedge patio!
• Being wowed at Arts Whistler Live! Presents: MAGIC!, an evening of astonishing sleight of hand, impossible illusions and laugh-out-loud comedy. Get your tickets in advance for this magical evening, happening September 19.
• Walking through the Audain Art Museum’s current exhibitions, Takao Tanabe: Inside Passage and Vistas: From Takao Tanabe’s Travels (open until September 21). Takao Tanabe’s lifelong engagement with landscape has been shaped by travels across British Columbia, the Arctic, North America and Europe. Working from photographs and memory, he transformed observed places into distilled, meditative paintings that balance precision with restraint. These two incredible exhibits celebrate his impact on Canadian art.
• Reflecting and learning about Canada’s history on National Truth and Reconciliation Day (September 30) at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. The lineup is packed with programming, including storytelling, cultural sharing, immersive experiences, and thought-provoking guest speakers, including Author and Filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat, Author Carolyn Roberts and Filmmaker Sydney Pascal, plus a special feature presentation with Whistler Film Festival.
• Learning about the latest snow safety technology at the International Snow Science Public Workshop (ISSW) on September 30 at the Whistler Conference Centre. Co-hosted by Avalanche Canada, the public day features expert presentations, Q&As, and exhibition booths. This event is ticketed, but open to all backcountry skill levels.

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Eating, Drinking & Shopping

You’ll find us:

• Dining lakeside at the Dîner à St-Tropez at Nita Lake Lodge on September 4. This chic evening brings the Riviera to Whistler, with cocktails, canapés, a family-style three-course dinner paired with Miraval Rosé, live DJ entertainment, and an after-party at Lakeside Lounge.
• Dressing in all white for the Audain Art Museum’s Long Table Dinner en Blanc on September 5. Guests will enjoy cocktails, canapés, exclusive exhibition access, curator-led tours, a three-course outdoor dinner, wine pairings, and live music.
• Soaking up the summer vibes at the Patio Series Presented by Forecast Coffee. On September 6, head on over to Forecast (Village location) for live music, cold drinks, delicious eats and laid-back patio vibes.
• Experiencing Dames Dine Around, a province-wide dining celebration featuring fabulous food at different restaurants, wineries and culinary venues. Wild Blue and Bearfoot Bistro are participating on September 15, and Il Caminetto and Araxi are on September 16. Get your tickets in advance, as these elevated dining experiences will sell out!
• Sending off another great summer with delicious craft beer at the Whistler Village Beer Festival, a week of beer-fuelled fun running from September 16 to 20. Throughout the week, enjoy programming like the Caesar Party and Bingo & Boogie. Then head to Whistler Olympic Plaza for The Main Event on Saturday, September 19, from 12 to 6 PM. Cap it all off at the Longhorn Saloon Oktoberfest Party, where you will step into a lively beer hall atmosphere, raise your stein, and toast to good times.
• Strolling through the Whistler Farmers’ Market every Sunday until October 13. Support local farms and small businesses as you shop for your produce, gifts and artisan wares. Make sure you arrive hungry; there is plenty of on-site hot food, treats and goodies to indulge in.

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More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.

Save the Date

Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra | October 3
LoveBack™: Indigenous Women’s Leadership, Healing & Emotional Intelligence | October 7 – 9
Whistler Wine Walk | Every Friday in October
Whistler Writers Festival | November 5 – 8
Cornucopia Whistler | November 5 – 15
Whistler Blackcomb Winter Opening Day | November 20
Whistler Film Festival | December 2 – 6

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.
• Wildfires are a very real risk to Whistler, even into the fall months. Whistler’s fire danger rating gets updated daily by the BC Wildfire Service, and when it reaches High or Extreme, open fires of any kind are banned. If you see a fire, call 9-1-1.
• 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.

Last Day Of…

• Meadow Park Sports Centre – the facility will be closed from August 29 – September 7, and the pool is closed from August 17 to September 27.
• Last day for the Lost Lake and Rainbow Park shuttles is September 7. 
• Last day for Park Eats and free Bike Valet is September 7. Smart Bike Parking stations are located at Whistler Olympic Plaza, Village Square by Blackcomb Lodge, and Meadow Park. The racks fit almost all types of bikes and offer free e-bike charging. Download the Bikeep App for more information.
• To celebrate shared stewardship values and recognize the importance of the Pipi7íyekw /Joffre Lakes Park area to the Líl̓wat Nation and N’Quatqua, the park will be closed to recreational visitors and the general public from September 8 to 30.

If You’re Driving . . .

• GranFondo will impact traffic conditions on the Sea to Sky Highway and in Whistler on September 12. Delays should be expected, and guests/residents should plan ahead.
• 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 allowed in the Day Lots, but no overnight camping or sleeping in vehicles. Please check the RMOW website for more information on parking.

The post The Local’s List: What’s On in September appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the itinerary items below.

Five Fall Days in Whistler

The clash of the seasons is pronounced in the Coast Mountains as leaves turn gold and red against a backdrop of evergreens, with a white snow line that makes its way steadily down over the season. There’s still so much to do and explore during the autumn, so we thought we’d show you what your days could look like on a fall trip to Whistler.

Day 1: Find Fall Colours, Coffee and Art

When you arrive, check in at your accommodation and then stretch your legs by taking a walk down the Whistler Village Stroll. This will allow you to get the lay of the land, take note of a few potential places to dine and pick up any gear you might need (or want) for the rest of your getaway.

We suggest stopping in at a local coffee shop for something cinnamon-sprinkled, be that a latte, bun, or both! Our top java picks include Moguls Coffee House, Mount Currie Coffee Co. and Artigiano Whistler. Have your treat while enjoying the golds and reds of the trees that line the Village Stroll.

Just off the Village Stroll, you’ll find a stunning piece of contemporary architecture that houses the impressive art collections of the Audain Art Museum. Spend a couple of hours exploring the permanent collection, which has one of Canada’s strongest Emily Carr collections, as well as art by notable post-war modernists such as E.J. Hughes, Gordon Smith and Jack Shadbolt.

Spending time around art specifically from British Columbia can give you a new perspective when out meandering, enjoying some of the same vistas and landscapes that influenced some of the artists featured.

You will likely have worked up an appetite by now and had some time to contemplate the places you saw on your earlier walk. For a casual dinner that’s close to the Audain, we suggest Hunter Gather on  Main Street, Caramba! along the Village Stroll (opposite The Gap), or Earls Kitchen + Bar.

If you’re not ready for the night to end just yet, you could see if there’s any live music on at the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub or FireRock Lounge, both located close to the base of Whistler Mountain.

Day 2: E-Biking the Whistler Valley Trail

Get ready to utilize one of Whistler’s gems – the 50-kilometre Whistler Valley Trail. This car-free trail weaves its way in and out of Whistler’s neighbourhoods, parks and lakes, and today we suggest you tackle it via e-bike.

The free Go Whistler Tours app includes a half-day self-guided fall bike route from Whistler Village to Creekside and around Alta Lake for a 12-kilometre loop. However, we suggest that as you have that additional pedal power, you can venture a bit further – to Whistler’s funky Function Junction.

You’ll find two breweries, coffee shops and bakeries, galleries and design-based shops, all well worth the extra kilometres (and ideal for a fall getaway when it’s not too hot to bike there!). You could opt to make a lunch stop in Creekside on the way or when you’re in Function Junction. If you’re into craft beer, visit Whistler Brewing Co. and Coast Mountain Brewing, both in Function.

When you get back, we suggest relaxing in the pool or hot tub at your accommodation or booking a spa appointment after your day in the saddle. If your accommodation didn’t come with a hot tub, then it’s good to know that if you book a spa appointment at Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler Day Spa (located inside the Pan Pacific Village Centre), or the Vida Spa at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, you get to use the facilities (conditions apply).

You might want to stay in your robe once you’ve got it on, so why not opt for room service or delivery from your favourite restaurant this evening? Take-out is another option, and Main Street is where to go as it has a plethora of grab-and-go options from Aussie pies to Thai noodles.

There’s nothing like dining in with a view of the mountains, the fireplace going and perhaps a glass of something locally produced.

Day 3: Mud, Mountains and a Spa Day

Whistler is located in a lush, temperate rainforest, which means that any fall getaway will typically be on the wetter side of things. But don’t let the H2O deter you; as long as you have the right clothing, you can certainly have fun in the rain.

That’s why they like to dress you in head-to-toe wet-weather gear when you head out on a guided ATV, Mountain Buggy / Side-by-Side, or Jeep 4X4 adventure. This experience is all about finding muddy puddles and splashing through them!

After your adventurous morning, we suggest slowing the pace by heading to an outdoor spa. Scandinave Spa Whistler is an outdoor hydrotherapy spa near Lost Lake, a few minutes north of Whistler Village.

The idea is to cycle through a process of heating and cooling the body, at least three times, using the cold plunge pools, hot baths, saunas and steam rooms, not to mention just relaxing in the solariums or on the deck next to a crackling fire.

After you feel refreshed from the spa, we think it’s time for one of Whistler’s fine dining experiences. During the fall, a lot of local restaurants have special deals, but make sure to reserve in advance if there’s a place that takes your fancy, as even in the fall, popular days and times can book out. Some of our favourites include Hy’s Steakhouse, Bearfoot Bistro, Balam, Araxi, Trattoria di Como and Il Caminetto, all found in Whistler Village, and the Rimrock Cafe and Red Door Bistro in Creekside.

Day 4: Ancient Cedars & Cultural Connections

Located just north of Whistler Village in the Soo Valley is the Ancient Cedars Trail. This hike is a mellow five-kilometre trip that is beautiful in the fall. You do need a vehicle to access it (4×4 recommended), so if you’re looking for another option that’s within walking distance of the Village, then opt for the trails around Lost Lake Park.

After a morning of hiking, head to the Thunderbird Cafe inside the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) for a warming bowl of salmon chowder or venison chilli served with bannock bread (a must-try). Once you’re refuelled, join one of the hourly tours, which includes a hand drum welcome song, a guided tour with a Cultural Ambassador and a 15-minute video. We’d also suggest leaving time to peruse the gift shop as it’s full of beautiful keepsakes.

You are close to the Upper Village when you’re at the SLCC, so if you fancy an afternoon tipple, we suggest heading to the Braidwood Tavern inside the Four Seasons, which has an impressive array of local craft beers, or The Mallard Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for a cocktail. If you’d rather head back into Whistler Village, then our choices for an afternoon libation are Brickworks, which has an array of gins and Bar Oso, which serves some of the most innovative cocktails in the mountains.

After you’ve had a shower and changed out of your hiking boots, we have a challenge for you before dinner. Did you know there’s a pirate ship in Whistler? A fun way to start the evening is to puzzle your way out of one of five imaginatively designed escape rooms. Then you could challenge your taste buds and opt for one of Whistler’s restaurants serving global cuisine like The Mexican Corner, Teppan Village, Ohyama Ramen, Mongolie Grill, or Sushi Village.

Whistler’s art scene tends to ramp up this season, so make sure you check our events calendar. You might find paint and comedy nights, wine walks, ski movie premieres, art exhibitions and speaker series are happening while you’re visiting. Whistler also has three key festivals which happen in the fall and early winter: the Whistler Writers Festival (October/November), Cornucopia (November) and Whistler Film Festival (December). All three are events you could base a trip around.

Day 5: Fall Fishing in Whistler

It’s been an active few days, so maybe it’s time for a lie-in. You could opt for breakfast in bed through in-room dining (check out the photo from the decadent in-room breakfast at Four Seasons Whistler), send a willing party out to scout down fresh cinnamon buns and coffee or head out for brunch.

If you’re located in Whistler Village, we suggest trying the cinnamon buns or flaky pastries from Hot Buns Bakery and purebread, whereas if you’re in Creekside, go to BReD or Fix Cafe, and in the Upper Village, Portobello. For a sit-down brunch experience, we’d go for Crepe Montagne (check for seasonal closures) and Hunter Gather, both on Main Street, or Stonesedge Kitchen, which is closer to the centre of Whistler Village.

Now that you’ve had breakfast, let’s talk about what you’re going to catch for dinner. Coho and Chum salmon are what anglers are after in October until the end of November, explains Matthew Prosdocimi, owner and fishing guide at Whistler Year-Round Fishing. Trout follow the salmon, so the fall is an active time in the waters around Whistler.

We’d suggest a half or full day of fishing with a guide, followed by dinner at a restaurant that really knows how to showcase BC fish. Wild Blue, Araxi, Il Caminetto and Alta Bistro all pride themselves on using locally-sourced ingredients and produce that are in season.

Whistler in Fall: What to Know Before You Go

Come prepared for changing weather.
Fall in Whistler can bring everything from crisp, sunny afternoons to rain and the first snow at higher elevations — sometimes all in the same trip.

Pack layers and waterproof gear.
A waterproof jacket, warm mid-layer and comfortable waterproof footwear will make it much easier to enjoy Whistler whatever the weather is doing. If you’re planning to bike, hike or head out on an ATV adventure, bring clothing you don’t mind getting a little muddy. A toque and gloves can also come in handy later in the season.

Check seasonal hours before you set out.
Fall is Whistler’s quieter season, which means some attractions, tours, restaurants and businesses may operate on reduced schedules or close temporarily between the summer and winter seasons. Check opening hours and activity availability before building your day around a particular experience.

You don’t need a car.
Whistler Village is pedestrian-friendly, and the Valley Trail connects many neighbourhoods, parks and lakes. Local buses, taxis and bike rentals can also help you get around. However, some experiences farther from the Village, including the Ancient Cedars Trail, require vehicle access unless you go on a guided tour that includes transportation (possibly cheaper than parking fees and gas).

Check out Whistler’s Fall Events.
The Whistler Writers Festival happens in late October and is for readers, writers and storytellers of all kinds. Hosted at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, it’s a welcoming space with a variety of different literary events. Whistler celebrates food and wine in November with its Cornucopia festival, offering drink seminars, parties, culinary demonstrations, tastings, winemaker dinners and galas.

Book key experiences ahead of time.
Fall might be quieter than peak winter and summer, but popular restaurants, spas, guided adventures and special events can still fill up, particularly on weekends like Thanksgiving, and during festivals such as Whistler Cornucopia and the Whistler Writers Festival. It’s worth booking the experiences you don’t want to miss in advance.

This five-day fall getaway itinerary only scratches the surface of what’s on offer in Whistler during the fall. The team at Whistler.com is all locally based, right in Whistler, so if you’d like help crafting your own fall getaway, then give them a call. We hope to see you in the mountains before the snow starts to fly!

The post Whistler Fall Itinerary: How to Spend 5 Days in Whistler appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

Evolving from a living room gathering with one invited author to an annual four-day event with school programs that attract an average of 1,800 guests and 60 presenting authors and publishers, the Whistler Writers Festival has developed to become both a literary destination and integral expression of one community’s many voices.

This year the festival takes place November 5 to 8, 2026. 

Once Upon a Time…

Stella Harvey moved to Whistler 26 years ago with her husband. He was the skier; she was the one seeking a writing community. Harvey tells how she asked Whistler’s beloved first librarian, Joan Richoz, if there was a local writing group. Richoz, unaware of any, turned to Harvey and said, “Why don’t you start one?”

Harvey took up the challenge and placed an advertisement in the local newspaper. In response, 20 people showed up at her house for the first gathering of what would be the inaugural meeting of a writers group that continues to this day.

“There were people who were in my living room that first meeting that are still here and have gone on to publish, and are still part of the group.”

Facilitating the group, Harvey became inspired to host developmental craft sessions for the group of Whistler writers. In 2002, Harvey invited poet and novelist Andreas Schroeder to lead a workshop. “The first festival was in my house,” relays Harvey. Twelve writers attended, 25 years ago. “And then from there, it grew.” 

The Next Chapters: Growing Gains

The first incarnation of the Whistler Writers Festival was divided between Harvey’s house and The Point Artist-Run Centre. “As the first few years started, we wanted to attract more than writers,” Harvey reflects. The offerings were expanded not just to include writing workshops but also readings by invited authors: enlarging the audience to writers and readers.

And the community was behind this growing initiative, from the beginning. Support from sponsors and venues, in addition to grant funding, was beginning to come in from local to national sources. The Whistler Writers Festival grew and so began to move around town. It has been held at Base II on Blackcomb, the Ski Patrol Cabin in Creekside, the Spruce Grove community buildings, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, the Aava Hotel, the Maury Young Art Centre and its most recent home: the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Hundreds of authors, 99% of whom have been Canadian, from international bestsellers and prestigious award winners to local voices, have been included in an eclectic and often experimental range of programming, including Richard Wagamese, Lawrence Hill, Julian Brave NoiseCat, Maude Barlow, Vincent Lam, Lorna Crozier, Robert Bringhurst, Russell Wangersky, Miriam Toews, Patrick DeWitt, Darrel J. McLeod and Omar El Akkad to name a few. 

The Page Turner

As much as the Whistler Writers Festival has grown, it has remained bespoke and intimate. Harvey headed up the annual event for 20 years, handing over the reins of Artistic and Executive Director to Rebecca Wood Barrett five years ago.

Wood Barrett happened to be one of the initial people who first showed up to Harvey’s newspaper appeal for a writers group. Wood Barrett has been a part of the festival from the beginning and is continuing the legacy that Harvey established, founded on Harvey’s repeated utterance, and evidenced in the programming: “inclusivity is really important to me.”

Wood Barrett, an award-winning author herself, maintains, “We always want every audience member, every guest author, every storyteller, volunteer, and staff member to feel like they’re in the right place.” With her genuine spirit of generosity, Harvey says of Wood Barrett’s festival vision: “I’m so appreciative that Becky is putting her own mark on it. Changing it as she sees fit.”

Wood Barrett displays such admiration for her mentor and the legacy she has inherited:

“And I think today we are still doing the same thing. The festival is a place where people can meet new friends and experience new ideas and perspectives. A friend last year brought her mother, and she said she’d never met a trans person before and she’d never heard an Indigenous storyteller before. And I thought that was wonderful.” Wood Barrett continues, “Some of those stories will also be very familiar for some people. They’ll say, ‘I feel like I have been seen or my struggles are not only my own.’”

The Whistler Writers Festival offers an opportunity to be touched by words, by ideas, by innovation and imagination. As Wood Barrett encapsulates, “vulnerability can happen because it’s a safe space.”

The Programme

This year the festival celebrates 25 Years of Stories!

The lineup includes the following new events and interactive workshops: Celebrating Sea to Sky Stories; Duelling Editors; The Body Writes: Exploring Rhythm in Storytelling; Closing Doors: How Using Generative AI Can Impact Your Book, and The Literary Salon: A Cure for Drowning.

Audience demographics are evenly split between the regional Sea to Sky area and literary-destination visitors. There are several book groups from Vancouver and Seattle who have established yearly rituals of attendance.

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The Whistler Writers Festival has long been aware of cultural and accessibility barriers to both attendance and comfort and has intentionally offered free events, used a diversity of venues and partnered with different groups to broaden accessibility.

“I think that is part of how we’ve been able to reach out to different audiences. And especially the last couple of years, our team has very much tried to sort of figure out who the different groups are, or what the different interests might be, and try to reach out to those groups.”

The Whistler Writers Festival is committed to fostering relationships with many communities and continues to support the reciprocal building of trust. 

Authors in the Schools

“We have quite a large school audience, which isn’t really in the public eye. So the program is not always well known. But we involve students in Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, and Mount Currie, grades 4 to 12,” comments Wood Barrett.

Each year, 420 books by three selected authors are delivered to 20 schools throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor. The delivery of books is followed up by the authors visiting the schools.

In 2013, the first Authors in School Program began, and the late Richard Wagamese was the renowned writer to inaugurate the initiative. Harvey, with tears in her eyes, reflects on a presentation by Wagamese, author of Indian Horse, to a group of Grade 12 students.

“I was abused in every possible way you could imagine,” the author began in the inaugural session. He proceeded to outline some of those ways, and I worried that perhaps this was too much for the students.

“At 16, a friend told me I didn’t have to take it anymore. I left foster care and headed for the big city, the streets of Toronto.” The students, who upon arrival at the SLCC had pushed, shoved and joked with each other, were now spellbound.

“You’re further ahead than I am,” the author said. “You’re in grade 12. You’ll graduate this year. You know where I got my education?” They shook their heads. “I was cold and hungry, and I saw a building that I might go into for a few hours to warm up. Do you know what that building was?” Again, silence.

“It was a library,” the author said. “A librarian noticed me and suggested books I might like. Every day, she brought me others to read. This is how I began to write and tell my stories. One librarian, one person, took an interest.“

And taking an interest and supporting the sharing of stories is what has earmarked the Whistler Writers Festival from the beginning.

Writer-in-Residence Program

The festival also started a Writer-in-Residence Program in 2007, where, for the process of several months, a small cohort of writers works with an esteemed writer who mentors them through the process of writing their own manuscripts.

This year, for the 25th anniversary of the Whistler Writers Festival, Stella Harvey is the celebrated author stepping into this role. Part of the Festival programming this year also involves a book launch of Harvey’s fourth novel, Disruption, published by Signature Editions.

It feels fitting that Harvey should be honoured so, in this celebratory year for the festival. Along with spearheading the festival as a volunteer for 20 years and facilitating the still-ongoing local writers group, she won the Whistler Champion of Arts and Culture award (2015) and the Whistler Citizen of the Year Award (2022) for her efforts to promote the literary arts in Whistler, and the Rotary Foundation’s Paul Harris Fellow award. She has also mentored students in The Writers Studio at Simon Fraser University for the past nine years.

Harvey planted the seeds, let them flower and continues to be part of the blooming of a local event of literary stature and significance. Harvey, however, remains one of the most humble people one could ever meet, and quickly points out: “I don’t think anyone succeeds alone.” Harvey embodies and epitomizes what community is and can be.

The Plot in Present Tense

“We’re holding steadfast to bringing people together, along with trying to stay relevant and bring authors, books, storytellers that are exciting and have diverse thoughts, diverse stories to tell,” says Wood Barrett.

The Artistic and Executive Director is joined by another part-time employee, the Program and Project Coordinator, and a short-term contracted Marketing Specialist to execute the annual event. An enthusiastic Board of Directors and 50 volunteers all come together to make it happen.

As much as the festival has grown over the years, so too has it seen its struggles: as artistic funding has been cut back significantly in this country. The festival has been faced with cutting certain aspects of its programming (including the beloved Literary Cabaret, a signature offering for over a decade) and changing up its offerings.

Not only has the festival necessarily needed to steadfastly apply itself to diversifying its revenue, but it has also had to stay at the forefront of changing trends and challenges to the literary world when it comes to AI and trying to understand its potential impacts.

The Whistler Writers Festival remains relevant because it has always been, and continues to be, part of valuable conversations. It’s a festival that values words and their impact, and the ability to bring people together through the sharing of stories.

Add your voice, your ears and your heart to the conversation this fall.

The post The Whistler Writers Festival Celebrates 25 Years appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

Rain in the forecast? Whistler has plenty of indoor fall activities, including museums and cultural attractions, escape rooms, axe throwing, yoga and spa experiences, but my advice would be to put a good rain jacket on and get outside regardless!

Best for sunny days: biking, hiking, golf
Best for rainy days: SLCC, Audain, escape rooms, axe throwing
Best fall events: Writers Festival, Beer Festival, Wine Walk, Cornucopia

Changing Seasons in Whistler

It’s 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 shift 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 21 things to do in Whistler in the fall, but it’s by no means exhaustive; these are leaping-off points for you to carve out your own autumn itinerary while you’re here.

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1. See Whistler’s 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, but it’s also the snow line that creeps down the mountainside bit by bit until it’s settled as a thick, sparkling white blanket.

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. We also have a post on how seasonal scents affect your emotions, a timely read for the fall.

The free Go Whistler Tours app highlights some self-guided tour options in these areas, including nature, heritage, and arts and culture-themed routes.

Another way to see Whistler’s fall colours is from a bird’s-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 Whistler lakes are cold at this time of year.

2. Go Fall Mountain Biking on 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.

3. Dig Into Whistler’s 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 or Alta Bistro; or a different type of cuisine at The Mexican Corner, Teppan Village, Balam, Tandoori Grill or Sushi Village.

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, a video presentation and a drumming performance.

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 A Visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

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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.

We collated some of our favourite fall viewpoints 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. Try an Escape Room on a Rainy Day

It’s a little-known fact that there’s actually a pirate ship underneath Skier’s 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.

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 50-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.

We’d suggest taking the Valley Trail to Creekside Village, and 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 in which to refuel. 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. Explore 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.

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.

For more information on what’s happening in Whistler’s arts and culture scene, read our dedicated blog.

9. Try Axe Throwing in Whistler

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 sets you up with a few games to stoke the competitive fires.

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 25 years, growing from a small group of literary lovers in a living room to packed ballrooms in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

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

11. Explore Whistler 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.

It’s definitely worth a trip here to check out the locally-owned shops like Get the Goods and 122 West. Make sure to grab a cinnamon bun and coffee at the award-winning, vegan bakery BReD or the funky Rockit Coffee Company. If you head to the Creekside Gondola area (not running in the fall), 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. Go Bear Viewing in Whistler

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.

Bear viewing tours typically run until October. Book yours before they head off for a nap! If you’re intrigued and want to know 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. Sample Whistler’s Craft Beer and Wine

The Whistler Village Beer Festival happens mid-September, with the Main Event taking over Whistler Olympic Plaza for one epic day of brew-based tastings, food trucks and lawn games. If you miss this event, 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.

In October, join a Whistler Wine Walk to explore some of Whistler’s art galleries with a glass of wine in hand. This ticketed event happens on select Fridays in October – find out more about this experience in our dedicated blog. For more information on Whistler’s art gallery scene, read our Insider Guide.

November sees Whistler celebrating all things food and drink during Cornucopia. This festival features signature events, drink seminars, the Culinary Stage Series, and lots of parties. Read more in our Insider Guide to Whistler Cornucopia.

14. Go ATVing and Off-Roading

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-by-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.

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

15. Shop Whistler’s Fall Gear Sales

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.

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

16. Take a Dance or Yoga Class

Looking to get some movement in after work once the evenings start to get dark? Whistler has a vibrant yoga, dance and pilates scene for both locals and tourists alike to enjoy. 

Try ALGN Whistler, an adult drop-in dance and movement studio located right in the heart of Whistler Village. ALGN offers a variety of beginner-friendly dance (everything from ballet to hip-hop to salsa), yoga and mat pilates classes. YogaCara is also located within Whistler Village, offering traditional and authentic yoga classes like Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin.

17. Go Fishing

Enjoy the scenic lakes and rivers around Whistler with a day spent fishing. The salmon run typically begins mid-September, so bull trout, cutthroat trout and rainbow trout are what local fishers are after.

All three species can be found in the lakes and rivers surrounding Whistler. Learn more in our blog, Get Hooked: Fall Fishing in Whistler. There are many great fishing tour offerings in Whistler, whether you are a beginner angler or a seasoned pro.

18. Buy Local at the Whistler Farmers’ Market

The open-air Whistler Farmers’ Market happens on Sundays during the summer in the Upper Village (May to October). In the fall, you’ll find apples, squash, root vegetables, leafy greens and, of course, pumpkins. Come hungry, as there’s always something delicious to buy and eat right there as you continue to peruse the artisan wares. It’s a great place to buy gifts or a keepsake to remind you of your travels.

19. Find Magic in the Mountains at Vallea Lumina

Vallea Lumina is a multi-media, light show set in the forests of Whistler. You walk along a one-kilometre trail while being told a story with music and light. It’s a magical experience, and as the sun sets earlier in the fall, the start times also become earlier, making it a great time to go.

20. Play Fall Golf in Whistler

Fall golf in Whistler means cooler days amidst a stunning backdrop of fall colours and mountain majesty. Whistler’s four world-class golf courses by top designers Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Bob Cupp, are typically open until mid-October.

Nicklaus North combines mountain and Green Lake views, while Fairmont has dramatic elevation and mountain scenery, and Big Sky adds the dramatic Mount Currie backdrop. Think crisp air, changing foliage, quieter fairways and snow-dusted peaks above still-green courses. That contrast is spectacular and unique to mountain courses.

21. Soak it all in at Scandinave Spa

Fall can also be a time to recoup after a busy summer, and a rest before the slopes open in the winter. One place Whistler locals go in the autumn is to the Scandinave Spa. Pair a massage with their trademark thermal journey, and you have one of the most relaxing experiences in Whistler.

Always check the events calendar to see the latest lineup of events – there are often some great events happening within the community during the fall.

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. Although we’re not knocking a sleepy fall, we like those too!

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The post 21 Things to Do in Whistler in Fall | Autumn Activities appeared first on The Whistler Insider.