The 30^th edition offers 11 days of tantalization. Spread across venues throughout Whistler, the festival features more than 100 events, ranging from tastings and drink seminars to winemaker dinners, culinary demonstrations and parties. It beckons visitors and locals alike to savour and relish what promises to be another unforgettable feast for the senses.

For Starters: How Whistler Cornucopia Began

“Cornucopia was created as a way to showcase Whistler’s food and beverage scene,” relays event co-director Jasmine Robinson. “What began as a relatively small food-and-wine festival has evolved considerably over nearly three decades into one of Whistler’s signature events.”

Robinson reflects fondly on how Cornucopia has expanded from its roots to embrace beer, spirits, cocktails, Indigenous and regional cuisine, comedy, entertainment and more. The mouthwatering festival has become much more than just eating and drinking, growing into a broader celebration of food, wine, hospitality and, most importantly, the people behind it.

The people behind the extravaganza include, but are not limited to, the chefs, sommeliers, servers, brewers and distillers, fermenters, foragers, industry experts and curious connoisseurs. 

Who Goes to Whistler Cornucopia?

Cornucopia attracts a mix of Whistler locals and visitors, including food lovers travelling from the Lower Mainland and Washington specifically for the festival. With everything from educational drink seminars and intimate dinners to large-scale tastings and parties, you can build an itinerary around how social, educational or indulgent you want your experience to be.

The age range is mixed, and a tell-tale sign of success is that the festival welcomes returning event-goers year after year; repeat customers ready to sink their teeth into the abundant offerings.

Enter the Entrée: What’s Happening at Cornucopia 2026

Cornucopia kicks off the winter season in savoury and sweet style! This year’s 30^th anniversary celebrations take things a few steps further, impressive for a festival that successfully evolves and extends its programming each year (there are more than 100 events this November).

What’s New for Cornucopia’s 30th Anniversary?

There are two events celebrating Cornucopia’s 30th anniversary, set to honour all the aspects of what Cornucopia has come to be: a festivity of feasting with descriptors that range from vibrant to adventurous, social to creative, educational to energetic, and indulgent.

There’s the 30th Dinner with Reception on Friday, November 6, which starts with a wine tasting reception followed by an unforgettable multi-course dinner featuring exceptional culinary talent, thoughtfully selected pairings and stories from the festival’s past and present. Raise a glass to the chefs, producers and food lovers who have shaped three decades of Cornucopia, and to what comes next.

And on Saturday, November 14, celebrate 30 years of Cornucopia at a glamorous, high-energy Gala inspired by the Horn of Plenty, with abundant food, exceptional drinks, live entertainment, music and dancing. Embrace the Greek-inspired theme and raise a glass to three decades of chefs, producers and guests who have helped make Cornucopia what it is today. There’s also an early-entry option that includes a mini-feast!

Must-Try Cornucopia Events

With more than 100 events on the 2026 program, there’s no single way to experience Cornucopia. These are some of the signature experiences and event formats to look for:

• CRUSH Grand Tasting — the flagship large-scale tasting and one of the festival’s longest-running favourites
• Culinary Stage Series — chef-led demonstrations and tastings: similar to a live cooking show where guests get to try the food!
• Drink Seminars — educational tastings covering wine, spirits, beer and cocktails
• Winemaker Dinners — intimate multi-course dinners paired with wines and featuring winemakers and producers
• BC House Party — a lively opening celebration showcasing BC food and drink
• Night Market — a more casual, social format combining food and beverages with a themed experience
• And the various restaurant and bar events that allow guests to experience Whistler’s dining scene during the festival

Event directors note that they intentionally balance crowd favourites with added annual diversified programming to honour the events people love while continuing to introduce new experiences.

How to Arrange the Courses: Planning Your Cornucopia Experience

There’s no single way to experience Cornucopia. Tickets are sold by event, so you can build a festival itinerary around your interests, budget and length of stay. And there are many to choose from; view the Festival Program here.

“Guests can create their own itinerary based on their interests,” Robinson explains. “You might start with a morning culinary demonstration, head to a drink seminar in the afternoon, have a winemaker dinner that evening and finish the night at one of the festival’s larger social events.”

There are also different scales of experience. The large signature events take place in venues such as the Whistler Conference Centre, while restaurants, hotels, bars and other venues throughout the Village host smaller, more intimate events.

Cornucopia is essentially a ‘choose your own adventure.’ You can dip into Cornucopia for one night or build an entire Whistler getaway around the 11-day festival – variety is a huge part of the appeal.

And for Dessert: Cornucopia’s Impact on Whistler

Whistler transforms during Cornucopia. There is a buzz in the Village as restaurants, hotels and venues come alive. A feeling of excitement fills the air, floating on the wonderful aromas wafting across town. But perhaps the best flavour and lingering taste of note is that Cornucopia’s positive impact on the local economy and community extends beyond the 11 days.

Local charities benefit from the festival each year, one of the best takeaways from the food and drink festival of plenty. Cornucopia is steeped in a tradition of sharing, and this year it’s supporting the Whistler Community Services Society.

With something for everyone, come break bread with others, share in the communality and community of food and drink appreciation with friends new, old and yet-to-be-made: celebrating an autumn of abundance at Whistler Cornucopia.

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In Whistler, winter is about more than skiing. This is a place where your soul is free to chase adventure. Every run, shared laugh, and mountain moment adds up to something bigger, a magnetic connection between a community who are after the same thing.

The target opening day for Whistler Blackcomb is set, so mark your calendar for Friday, November 20, 2026 (subject to change). The countdown to winter fun has begun, and Whistler’s ready to embrace it all.

If you’re planning a trip, here’s what to expect in Whistler this winter, including what’s new for the 2026/27 season, what to book ahead, how to get around and a few insider tips to help you make the most of your time in the mountains.

Whistler Winter 2026/27: At a Glance

What to Book Ahead for a Whistler Winter Trip

Secure your days on the hill EARLY. If you know you’re coming to Whistler this season, consider a Whistler Blackcomb Day Pass, Season Pass or EDGE Card. Typically, these passes are available until early December, but our advice is to lock them in as soon as you can, as prices increase the closer you get to the season.

Read Secrets to Whistler Blackcomb Lift Ticket Savings for more details. Locally based, Whistler.com travel consultants can help answer any questions you have about Whistler and help you book ski packages and activities, guaranteeing you the best price available.

We would also advise you to book accommodation, restaurants and activities ahead of time to avoid possible disappointment.

If you’re travelling over a peak period, check the restricted dates attached to your specific Whistler Blackcomb pass product before finalizing your plans.

Getting to and Around Whistler in Winter

Whistler is a two-hour drive from Vancouver International Airport along the stunning Sea to Sky Highway. However, do you like putting on snow chains? We advise leaving the driving to someone else and forgoing the chain pain and parking fees.

Arrive by shuttle, and when you’re here, use local transit or grab a taxi when you need it. Most things happen in, or go from, Whistler Village, which is pedestrian-friendly.

If you have an EV, Whistler has you covered with chargers around the resort and at many of the hotels; check PlugShare for exact locations.

When is the Best Time to Visit Whistler in Winter?

I know you want a concrete answer, but it depends on what you want to get from your time in the mountains. We dive into the average snowfall for each month, possible activities, and events and festivals in our dedicated blog, When to Visit Whistler in Winter.

However, below are some things you might want to consider about timing.

Visit Before Christmas

Consider booking early in the season. Pre-Christmas is a great time to visit Whistler as it has all the festive feels without the festive price tag. Read Early Festive Feels and Deals for more reasons.

If you’ve got a 5- or 10-Day EDGE Card, remember that you could have unlimited early-season skiing or one early bonus ski day to use. This depends on when you bought your pass, so check the details of your specific product with Whistler Blackcomb.

Ski Midweek

Come midweek, and you might just get a run to yourself on Whistler Blackcomb’s 8,171 acres of terrain outside peak times. Restaurants and activities have more openings, too, which means you can pick more of what you want, when you want it.

Consider Spring Skiing

Spring skiing in Whistler is a hidden gem as Whistler Blackcomb has one of the longest ski seasons in North America, typically stretching into May. Longer, sunnier days, fewer people and the occasional pow dump – what more could you want?

Extend Your Weekend

Plan to arrive on Thursday night and leave on Monday morning to avoid some of the weekend traffic. The longer you stay, the more value you can get, along with a free dining voucher if you book an eligible package with Whistler.com.

If you are up for the day, consider staying for dinner or doing an activity after your day on the slopes so you’re not caught in the rush home on the highway.

What’s New at Whistler Blackcomb?

Before we start with what’s new, let’s recap what hasn’t changed. Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort, and with 200+ runs over 8,100 acres of terrain, it’s a proving ground for both powder hounds and cruisey carvers.

Whistler enjoys reliable snowfall (an average of 10.2 metres (33.4 feet) of snow a year) and moderate temperatures, thanks to its West Coast locale and has been voted Best Ski Resort in North America multiple times. It’s a quality AND quantity kind of place.

What happens here is big mountain skiing, the kind of skiing and snowboarding you see in the movies. You know, powder in the face, graceful, arcing turns on long, vertical descents, and cliff drops with pillowy landings. Not quite there yet?

Around three-quarters of Whistler Mountain and 70% of Blackcomb Mountain’s terrain is designated beginner or intermediate, so you can work your way up to those powder turns, or cruise the corduroy at your own pace and take in the incredible views of the Coast Mountains.

Now, let’s dive into what’s new for winter 2026/27.

Whistler Blackcomb Has a New Quad Chairlift

The new quad Showcase Chair replaces the Showcase T-Bar, upgrading access to the Horstman and Blackcomb glaciers – 215 acres of exceptional alpine terrain. Scheduled to open this winter season, the upgrade marks another investment in Whistler Blackcomb’s high-alpine experience while supporting the resort’s long-standing commitment to glacier protection.

Maximizing Winter Daylight With New Mountain Times

British Columbia’s move to permanent Daylight Saving Time (PDT) brings changes to Whistler Blackcomb’s operating schedule. From opening day through January 15, most valley and alpine lifts will open and close 30 minutes later than historically scheduled, with the resort planning to operate from 9 AM to 3:30 PM.

Most Snow School lessons will also start and end 30 minutes later than usual until Whistler Blackcomb transitions back to 8:30 AM around mid-February, with spring operating hours unchanged. 

Reimagined Food & Beverage Experience on Whistler Blackcomb

Diners can expect the ski-day classics, including chilli, burgers, and mac and cheese, all with higher-quality ingredients, alongside signature dishes inspired by Whistler’s West Coast locale.

This season, you can grab breakfast at Dusty’s at the base of Creekside, enjoy a renovated Pika’s at the Roundhouse with a new coffee bar and refreshed comfort fare, and relax on the enhanced outdoor patio experiences at Steeps Grill & Wine Bar on Whistler Mountain and Christine’s on Blackcomb.

Dining on Whistler Blackcomb at a Glance

• Horstman Hut: European-inspired favourites including sausages, sauerkraut, pretzels, and mustards
• Glacier Creek Lodge: Taco, Italian, and fish and chips stations, alongside its famous ramen
• Chic Pea Hut: The return of guest favourites including cinnamon buns and Montreal smoked meat sandwiches
• Pepsi Lookout at Ollie’s: Home of the resort’s iconic grilled cheese sandwiches
• Crystal Hut: Serving its famous fully loaded buttermilk waffles
• Steeps Grill & Wine Bar: Elevated alpine dining and host venue for the popular Winemaker Lunch Series
• Corona Mountaintop Lodge: Casual mountaintop dining with panoramic Whistler views
• Christine’s: World-class fine dining paired with spectacular views from Blackcomb Mountain’s Rendezvous Lodge
• Merlin’s and Raven’s: Regionally inspired Indigenous dishes created in partnership with the culinary team at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre return this winter 

Good to Know About Whistler Blackcomb

Cashless Transactions – From ordering food to buying that cool toque (Canadian for hat) you saw at the on-mountain retail store, all transactions happening at Whistler Blackcomb will be cashless again this season.

Whistler Blackcomb Winter Parking Program – WB has a carpooling program to help with parking congestion. Details on how this will work for the upcoming season are due out later this fall.

Whistler Blackcomb Snow School Daily Lessons & Camps

Whistler Blackcomb’s Ski & Ride School has various group programs at all three of the resort’s base locations (Whistler, Blackcomb and Creekside). If you’re looking to get the kiddos into lessons, those are open to book now, with the newish 5-Day Ski Adventure Camp as an option.

If you’re looking for adult lessons, note that if you book two consecutive Day Group lessons, the third lesson is free! There’s also The Camp WB’s premier, multi-day adult ski development program, offering personalized coaching, small group sizes, and a supportive environment designed to help guests elevate their skills and confidence on the mountain. Beyond skill progression, it also provides a strong social element, bringing together like-minded skiers who share a passion for learning and adventure.

Women’s Only Ski and Snowboard Clinics

Whistler Blackcomb has been growing its offering of ski and ride camps for women. Whether you picked up the sport this year or enjoy a double black diamond with your morning coffee, these clinics help hone your skills under top female coaches. You can ski or snowboard, and both clinics are two days of slope-filled fun.

Read more about what a Women’s Ski Camp is like in our blog, Confidence Boost: Women’s Weekend Ski Camps.

Things to Do in Whistler in Winter Besides Skiing

One of the most unique things about Whistler is how much you can do off the ski hill.

Creating a bucket list is a highly personal thing, but there are some winter activities that are more popular than others. Snow school, dogsledding, ziplining, and specialty snowmobile tours like the Mountain Top Fondue will sell out at peak times over the season, so again, the advice is to book those must-do activities ahead of time.

Don’t miss Vallea Lumina, a multimedia experience in the forest or relaxing in the hot pools at the outdoor Scandinave Spa. As an Olympic destination, you can experience the thrill of sliding down the same track as the Olympians with Passenger Bobsleigh and Skeleton, or try your hand at biathlon at Whistler Olympic Park.

Whistler Blackcomb Sightseeing

Don’t ski, but love the mountains? Sightseeing on Whistler Blackcomb runs from opening day to mid-April (always check the hours of operation page before you make your plan). At 436 metres (1,427 feet) above the valley floor, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is the world’s highest lift of its kind. This marvel of engineering links the Blackcomb Gondola to the Whistler Village Gondola in one continuous lift system, giving you 360-degree views of the Coast Mountains.

We suggest a stop off at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain for access to Steeps and the Umbrella Bar, or opt for a fine dining experience on Blackcomb at Christine’s Restaurant.

For more ideas of what you might want to do off the slopes, read Outdoor Activities Off the Slopes.

What’s New Around Whistler?

New Whistler Restaurants

• Do you like Italian food? Trattoria di Como opened in the spring of this year, and it’s fast become a favourite with locals looking for a touch of Lake Como. Cozy yet refined, this is the place to go for traditional Italian food with an expertly curated wine list.
• The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s new Wildflower Grill opens this December. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, guests can expect local ingredients, seasonal influences and thoughtful rituals that bring the character of the region to the table.
• Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa has recently refreshed its iconic Cinnamon Bear. The longtime Whistler favourite now features an inviting, refined design while retaining its signature cozy atmosphere, complemented by handcrafted cocktails, BC craft beer and a shareable menu.
• Thinking of good food and drink, there are two new additions tucked just off the main Village Stroll. Kebab on Fire serves halal Mediterranean cuisine using fresh, bold flavours and time-honoured recipes. It’s right next to Pizza Garden Whistler, another great grab-and-go option located in the Skier’s Approach area close to Earls.
• Also in Skier’s Approach, evo Rentals has opened a new coffee shop, Rhythm & Beans, so you can sip on locally-roasted java while you peruse the latest ski gear.

New Whistler Winter Adventures

• Extremely Canadian is introducing new backcountry programming, including an overnight Avalanche Skills Training 2 course and private overnight adventures to the Kees and Claire Hut.
• Beyond Whistler is offering two exclusive helicopter ice cave adventures on the Pemberton Icefield – an incredible bucket-list-style experience.
• Whistler Olympic Park is offering new small-group Nordic Day Camps, including dedicated Biathlon and Women’s Day Camps plus a new Spring Festival in March.

Whistler Winter Events 2026/27

The winter events lineup looks fun with the Whistler Film Festival, Whistler Pride Festival and World Ski and Snowboard Festival.

If you like a bit of competition, the Kokanee Valley Race Series is a fun, recreational race series open to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, and then there’s the Peak to Valley Race – one of the longest giant slalom races in the world. Don’t miss Whistler Blackcomb’s Fire & Ice Shows, local comedy nights, live music, art exhibitions and races of all kinds on and off the slopes, to name a few events that happen weekly during the winter.

Keep an eye on our events calendar as it starts to fill up for the coming season.

What is Whistler Weather Like in Winter?

Winter weather in Whistler can vary significantly between Whistler Village and the alpine, so come prepared for changing mountain conditions. Temperatures are generally milder in the Village than they are higher up Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, and conditions can change quickly throughout the day. Because Whistler is close to the coast, temperatures are moderate through the winter season, rarely dipping below -10°C (12°F) in the valley during the coldest part of the year.

What Should You Pack for a Trip to Whistler in Winter?

Layers are your friend. Pack a waterproof outer layer, warm mid-layers, gloves or mittens, a toque and winter footwear with good grip for getting around the Village. If you’re heading into the mountains, check the weather before you go.

We have a few blog posts that might help with your packing decisions:

• How to Plan & Pack for a Ski Trip to Whistler
• What to Wear for a Day at Whistler Blackcomb
• The Best Boards, Boots, Skis & Gear for Whistler Winters

Responsible Travel

The Whistler community cares deeply for the environment and strives to preserve the area’s natural beauty by taking meaningful steps toward the resort’s vision of sustainability. Take a read of Whistler’s environmental initiatives and how you can play your part while you’re here on our Responsible Travel in Whistler page.

If you can, pack a reusable water bottle (you can drink Whistler water right out of the tap) and a tote for shopping days!

Thanks in advance for being a responsible traveller.

Support Local

If you need some new winter gear or want to give what you have some TLC, buying locally  from shops and utilizing local services enhances the Whistler community, connects us all socially, creates jobs and boosts the economy.

This winter, let your soul chase more: More perspective. Freedom. Wonder. Whistler is where thrill reaches new depths, and the chase feels worth it.

The post Know Before You Go: What to Expect in Whistler This Winter 2026/27 appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

Did you know that Whistler has an art museum that contains one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations masks and a large collection of works by Emily Carr? That there are over 130 Sea to Sky artists and artisans who are regularly featured in revolving exhibits at Arts Whistler? That you can connect with a Cultural Ambassador at the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and L̓il̓wat7úl Cultural Centre and revel in the stories of the land you’re visiting? That you can see Olympic memorabilia at the Whistler Museum and join an artist-run workshop in a historic building on the shores of Alta Lake?

Below is a sample of what’s happening in Whistler’s arts and culture this fall and winter. You can also take a look at our events calendar and search by arts, culture and entertainment.

Audain Art Museum

Right in the heart of Whistler Village, the Audain Art Museum melds seamlessly with its environs thanks to internationally renowned Patkau Architects. Look for the six-metre-tall bronze sculpture, The Three Watchmen, by revered Indigenous artists James Hart (7idansuu), Xwalacktun and Levi Nelson (Svpyan), that connects the building with the Village Stroll.

The Audain’s Permanent Collection

A visit offers a diverse journey through the history of art from coastal British Columbia, featuring 300+ works in its Permanent Collection. Spanning the 18th century to the present day, the Collection contains one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations masks, a large collection of works by Emily Carr, hereditary Haida Chief James Hart’s The Dance Screen (The Scream Too), as well as pieces by post-war modernists and key works from Vancouver’s photo-conceptualism movement.

Current Exhibitions at the Audain

Takao Tanabe

The Audain brings unique and evolving exhibitions from Canada and around the world to Whistler. On display until September 21, 2026 is the stunning Vistas: From Takao Tanabe’s Travels. Tanabe’s fascination with landscapes comes vividly to life through his travels across British Columbia, North America, the Arctic and Europe. Tanabe captured their geographical features and unique atmosphere, translating his photos into paintings that balance careful observation with poetic reflection. His works invite quiet contemplation, as if he listens intently to the land itself and invites you to do the same.

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Tanabe has a second exhibition at the Audain celebrating his 100th birthday and his extraordinary contributions to Canadian art. Takao Tanabe 100: Inside Passage features over fifty paintings spanning more than six decades, offering a comprehensive look at his evolving visual language and the remarkable breadth of Tanabe’s artistic practice. This exhibit is on until October 19, 2026.

Solstice: Through Storm and Stillness: October 2, 2026 to April 12, 2027

Solstice: Through Storm and Stillness brings together works from the Audain’s Permanent Collection that reflect on endurance, resilience and the quiet momentum of moving through difficult seasons. 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. 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.

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Eleven Painters Start a War: November 21, 2026 to May 3, 2027

Eleven Painters Start a War tells the story of Painters Eleven, a group of trailblazing abstract artists whose ethos was defined by creative freedom, diversity of approach, and a refusal to accept aesthetic complacency. Through their perseverance, they reshaped the Canadian art landscape, pushing abstract painting into galleries, critical discourse, and public awareness, even as they faced significant opposition from the established art world.

Audain Art Museum Events

The Audain hosts innovative and exciting events throughout the year, so make sure you check their events page. Here’s a selection of what’s happening at the Audain this fall.

Sunday Scribbles, Family Art-Making Sessions

Bring the kiddos to the Audain on Sundays from 1 to 3 PM for hands-on art activities for the whole family. Explore different materials and techniques while learning about some of the artworks on display at the Museum in a relaxed and welcoming session that encourages creativity, curiosity and connection. This drop-in experience is included with the cost of admission and is free with AAM Membership; no registration is required, and all art supplies are included.

The Art of the Cocktail

These fun and popular mixology events include gallery admission, cocktail instruction and a tasting; however, they all have a different art-connected theme. In September, the event celebrates the winner of the Audain’s Prize for Lifetime Achievement in the Visual Arts; in November, it’s combined with Whistler Cornucopia, and the December event will celebrate Emily Carr’s birthday.

Must be 19+ to attend. Limited tickets available.

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Yoga at the Audain Art Museum

Revel in the stunning architecture of the Audain as you work through a calming, one-hour practice on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Classes emphasize breathing, alignment and ease as you stretch and strengthen your body and mind. Registration includes access to the Museum galleries on the day of the yoga session.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

The resort town of Whistler is located on the shared, unceded territory of the Lil’wat Nation, known in their language as L̓il̓wat7úl, and the Squamish Nation, known in their language as Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is a place where both distinct cultures meet, grow and are shared.

Museum admission includes a “What We Treasure” guided tour. Every tour is unique as each Cultural Ambassador draws on their personal stories and experiences to bring the artifacts to life, and includes a welcome song and an inspiring short film. Some regalia clothing and canoes on display are still in use, and the spacious, light-filled building allows visitors to feel the connection between the living cultures of the Squamish and Lil’wat nations and their home territory.

Current Exhibit – Wisdom of the Animal People

Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh & Líl̓wat7ul Ways of Knowing

Animals play important roles in Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Líl̓wat7úl cultures. They wear their hides as clothing, feature them in artwork, stories, songs and dances, and use them as an important educational tool to share history, morals and values with their children. Learn about the animal-based legends from both distinct Nations; how humans are known as the younger siblings and about the belief that animals, birds, people and land are one and the same.

The SLCC is hosting a Wisdom of the Animal People: Cultural Sharing event on Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, complementing the exhibit and featuring Chinook Song Catchers, Alex Wells Native Thunder, Proud Little Warriors, Yex̱wela7 Cht, Spo7ez Cultural Sharing, with storytelling from Holly Bikadi, Sík Sík Josh Anderson and more. Find more information on slcc.ca/events.

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Fall Events at the SLCC

National Truth and Reconciliation Day: Sept 30

Heading to the SLCC on Wednesday, September 30, gives you a powerful opportunity for reflection, education and connection through storytelling, cultural sharing, immersive experiences, and thought-provoking guest speakers. These include author and filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat, author Carolyn Roberts, and a special feature presentation from the Whistler Film Festival, including the short film “distance” by Lil’wat filmmaker Sydney Pascal and “I am Gitxsan”.

The programming is supported by proud partners, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Tourism Whistler, enabling free admission for all guests on September 30, 2026. For more details, visit the SLCC’s website.

Arts Whistler

Capitalizing on the season between sports, Arts Whistler has an action-packed calendar of live music and local art offerings. We’ve picked out just a few events below.

The Gallery Exhibits

Teeny Tiny Show: July 31 to October 2

The Gallery, located upstairs in the Maury Young Arts Centre, is hosting the Teeny Tiny Show from July 31 to October 2. This local favourite is back for its 8th year, proving that great things indeed come in small packages. Over 85 Sea to Sky artists have poured their creativity into 200 original works, each measuring 3″ x 3″ or smaller. This is your chance to discover and purchase affordable, original and irresistibly tiny works of art.

Join the Arts Whistler and mingle with local artists for the show’s free Art Party on September 10, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM (free appies!).

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We Heart Local Art: October 21 to December 19

This upcoming Gallery exhibit will feature artwork from all your favourite local artists. It’s the perfect place to find original local artwork for yourself or to give as a gift this holiday season.

The People’s Film

Since Whistler lost its cinema, Arts Whistler has been filling the film gap by asking its members and the general public what they want to see on the big screen with their The People’s Film series.  The September 23 theme is “Books on Film”, celebrating the Whistler Public Library’s 40^th Anniversary, with a screening of The Martian. For Halloween, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, it’s the classic slasher film Scream. And on October 29, step into the madness of the ultimate cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The theme isn’t set for their November film just yet, but we know you’ll need to don your ugliest Christmas sweater for a holiday classic on December 16.

Arts Whistler Live! presents: MAGIC!: September 19, 2026

Three performers. Three approaches to magic. For one night only, the Maury Young Theatre transforms into an evening of astonishing sleight of hand, impossible illusions, and laugh-out-loud comedy as three of Canada’s acclaimed magicians take the stage for MAGIC! From Travis’s award-winning sleight of hand and mind-bending magic, to Nayana’s genre-bending blend of clown, physical theatre and illusion, to Ben’s highly technical card work, this event is for anyone who likes to ask – how did they do that?!

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF): October 8 and 16

The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival World Tour is back for another evening of thought-provoking outdoor adventure and mountain culture films. From the thrill of skiing and snowboarding to the challenges of climbing and biking, these films represent the pinnacle of independent storytelling in the world of extreme sports. The All Ages screening is on October 8, and the 19+ on October 16.

Arts Whistler Live! presents: The Boo Revue!: October 20, 2026

The Boo Revue! is a blacklight musical puppet show set in a ghostly graveyard. Get ready to shiver and shake along to spine-tingling musical numbers and supernatural sights! Presented by the Spine-Tingling Puppet Society, whose work has been seen on numerous film and television projects, including Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (currently streaming on Apple TV+), this event is recommended for ages 4+, but is fun for the whole family. Approximate run time is 50 minutes, plus a 15-minute meet ‘n’ greet with the puppets afterwards!

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Arts Whistler Holiday Market: November 28 and 29

The Arts Whistler Holiday Market is two days of handmade goodness at the Whistler Conference Centre. With 100+ curated vendors from the Sea to Sky region and across BC, along with the young entrepreneurs of Bratz Biz, Whistler’s largest artisan market draws visitors from far and wide. Get your Christmas shopping sorted on Saturday, November 28 (11 AM to 7 PM) and Sunday, November 30 (10 AM – 6 PM).

Holiday Events

A cherished annual tradition, Holiday Singapalooza spreads holiday cheer with a lively set of festive pop songs – perfect for a sing-along on December 9! Barbed Choir will guide you through your favourite holiday tunes and even teach the audience harmonies for a classic holiday hit. All proceeds go to Whistler Community Services Society.

Looking to do some Christmas shopping but missed the market? On December 17, visit Art Whistler’s store, Arthentic, home to the largest collection of local artisan-made goods in Whistler, for exclusive discounts storewide.

These are just a few of the Arts Whistler events happening in the fall and winter. For more, take a look at their events calendar.

Whistler Wine Walk: Fridays in October

Whistler Wine Walk is happening every Friday in the month of October, combining an art gallery visit with a glass of wine. Six of Whistler’s art galleries are taking part, with the tours culminating at the Audain Art Museum for more wine, canapés and music. Read more in our blog on the Wine Walk.

Whistler Outdoor Festival: October 9 – 11, 2026

Whistler’s newest fall event, the Whistler Outdoor Festival, is a three-day celebration of outdoor adventure. From film premieres to paddleboard sessions, ski boot fittings to cold plunges, speaking panels to guided runs, yoga sessions to adventure writing workshops, the festival is designed for adventure seekers, sports enthusiasts, industry leaders and anyone who wants to explore more of the outdoors (that’s you).

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Read more about the fesitval’s inception in our dedicated blog, and for the full schedule, check the event page.

Whistler Institute: Global Perspectives Speaker Series

The Whistler Institute is a registered Canadian charity committed to bringing thought leadership and education to Whistler through its Global Perspectives Speaker Series and educational programs, which are open to all.

This year’s lineup dives into leadership, healthy aging and brain health. These global discussions have real implications for Whistler’s mountain community, helping us reflect, adapt and thrive together, but these events also welcome visitors to join in on the learning. Check out the full lineup on their website.

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Whistler Writers Festival: November 5 to 8, 2026

This year’s Whistler Writers Festival is a very special 25th-anniversary edition. This festival welcomes readers and writers in a gathering of storytellers, authors, musicians, books and ideas. The festival showcases award-winning authors from across Canada and local rising stars in performance readings, masterclass writing workshops and industry events. Find your new favourite author this fall.

For 2026, their feature guests include: Tara Gereaux (Wild People Quiet), Michelle Good (Five Little Indians), Stella Leventoyannis Harvey (Finding Callidora), Olympian Clara Hughes (Learning to Breathe), Zak Jones (Fancy Gap), Eve Joseph (Dismantling), Robyn Harding (Strangers in the Villa), Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (The Lost Haida Manga), Loghan Paylor (The Cure for Drowning), Anakana Schofield (Library of Brothel), Kim Spencer (Werid Rules to Follow), A.D. Sui (Our Infinte and Inevitable Ends), Wiley Wei-Chiun Ho (The Astronaut Children of Dunbar Street) and more. Follow them on social media to see who else is coming.
 
Tickets go on sale September 16.

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Whistler Comedy: Laugh Out LIVE!

Laugh Out LIVE! is Whistler’s go-to comedy institution and training centre, blending the best of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy into live shows, corporate workshops and event programming dedicated to bringing laughter and learning through comedy. This season, they’ll have shows running from November through April, with seasonal improv workshops launching in September for both kids and adults.

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Whistler’s Exclusive Dinner Theatre Experience – Every Saturday ALL Winter!

This winter, Laugh Out LIVE! is bringing dinner theatre to Whistler every Saturday from December through March in partnership with the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa.

Settle in for an elegant three-course dinner, Whistler-themed and full of comedy chaos, as performers bring the room to life around you, weaving characters, audience interaction and plenty of surprises into the experience. This season’s production, A Whistler Wedding, puts guests in the middle of a wonderfully dysfunctional Whistler-themed wedding that spirals hilariously out of control.

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The Stand-Up Standoff: Launching in Late November

The night kicks off with a stand-up comedy showdown like no other, as six finalists hit the stage, each delivering their tightest five-minute sets in pursuit of cash and prizes. Once the dust settles and the standoff is done, a touring headlining act steps up to close out the night with a knockout set. It’s a bare-knuckle comedy brawl where the only thing hitting harder than the competition is the punchlines!

Welcome to Whistler’s ultimate stand-up comedy competition and show! The night kicks off with “The Standoff”, as six finalists hit the stage, each delivering their tightest five-minute sets in pursuit of cash, prizes and your vote. Once the dust settles on the competition, a touring headlining act steps up to close out the night with a knockout feature set. It’s a bare-knuckle comedy brawl where the only thing hitting harder than the competition is the punchlines!

Visit Laugh Out LIVE! for the full schedule.

Whistler Cornucopia: November 5 to 15, 2026

Whistler’s festival of food and drink, Cornucopia, is celebrating 30 years! Happening from November 5 to 15, 2026, with over 100 events including drink seminars, culinary stages, tasting parties and multi-course dinners. Cornucopia is a symbol of plenty, and the festival certainly lives up to its name. Take a read of our dedicated post about this festival that celebrates the epicurious: How to Plan for Cornucopia.

Whistler Film Festival: December 2 to 6, 2026

The Whistler Film Festival (WFF) is where creativity meets community. You’ll find ski bums and storytellers, dealmakers and dealbreakers, burgeoning filmmakers and award-winning directors/producers all rubbing elbows at industry galas and on the chairlift.

Prepare for an action-packed lineup of events, including exclusive film premieres, insightful industry sessions, engaging talent programs, intimate meet-and-greets, glitzy parties, and much-anticipated appearances by critically acclaimed actors and directors. Where else in the world can you ski straight off the mountain and onto a red carpet event?

Sign up for their e-news (newsletter sign-up is in the footer of their website – bottom right) or follow their socials for details on films, industry passes and ticket packages.

Winter Carnival at The Point Artist-Run Centre: February

The Winter Carnival is celebrated in mid-February on the shores of Alta Lake at The Point Artist-Run Centre. It is a grassroots, feel-good, community celebration featuring a host of free afternoon activities that celebrate winter through the lens of the arts. Activities include snow and ice dancing, a snow sculpting competition, curling and shinny, hot drinks and food, live painting, music and more!

An evening concert in the heritage lodge features top musical and comedic talent from Whistler and across BC. Find out more on The Point’s website a bit closer to the time.

Go Whistler Tours: Self-Guided Tours

Consider downloading the free Go Whistler Tours app to explore Whistler’s hidden nooks and crannies. The app showcases several self-guided routes you can take to delve into Whistler’s natural and resort history as well as the art and storytelling of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. It also includes an in-museum tour for the Audain Art Museum.

This is just a sampling of the arts and culture events happening in Whistler this fall and winter. With more events being announced all the time, be sure to take a look at Whistler.com’s event calendar for the most up-to-date listings and information. Let the energy of this wildly creative community spark your imagination.

The post What’s On This Fall & Winter: Whistler’s Arts & Culture Scene 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.

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!

The post Whistler Village Beer Festival: 5 Reasons to Grab a Brew 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.

Whether you’re chasing an alpine sunset, getting in some cooler bike park laps or kicking back on a patio, here’s how to make the most of Whistler’s summer evening bliss.

1. Harbour Air Float Plane Tours: Golden Hour Flight

For a literal high-altitude twist on evening adventure, an early evening float plane flight with Harbour Air offers an unforgettable transition into golden hour. The 5 PM Spectacular Glacier Tour takes you from the glacier-fed waters of Green Lake into the skies soaring above the Garibaldi Ranges. 

As the evening sun hits the alpine, it creates a stunning saturation of colours across Cheakamus, Garibaldi and Green Lake. From above, terrain continues to unfold into an ever-changing palette. Grey and blue hues of ancient glaciers, deep green from vast old-growth forests, vibrant patches of lush alpine meadows and jagged peaks that stretch into the horizon.

And finally, T’ákt’akmúten tl’a Ín7inyáx̱a7en / Q̓elqámtensa ti Skenknápa / Black Tusk. Standing on its own, it pays homage to a fiery past. Find out more about this peak at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Once you step back on the dock and peer up at the peaks you just traversed, it delivers a humbling sense of the valley’s true magnitude and how lucky we are to experience it.

Alex from the Harbour Air team sums it up best. “It’s the ultimate way to see your adventure from a completely different angle after a hard day of hiking, biking and exploring.”

2. Sunset Thermal Therapy at Scandinave Spa Whistler

As the day winds down, Scandinave Spa offers the ultimate “pause” for an adventure-packed Whistler itinerary. Unique to the summer, Scandinave offers Sunset Sessions, which go from 7 to 10 PM. 

Wind your way through an outdoor thermal journey with wood-burning saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, hot tubs, cold plunges and outdoor relaxation zones like their Hammock Haven. Just minutes from the Village bustle, it provides an intimate and unhurried sanctuary to unwind and reset. 

Marketing manager Bridey Payne notes, “Rest today, go big again tomorrow”.

With glowing pathways and flickering fires, the slower evening pace invites you to ditch the clock. Tucked into the old-growth forest, it’s the most peaceful spot to watch the day come to an end.

3. Free Music Concerts & Movies at Whistler Olympic Plaza

Nothing brings the town together on a summer’s evening better than a free outdoor show at Whistler Olympic Plaza. 

Summer Concert Series – On select Thursday and Friday evenings in July and August, live music fills Whistler Olympic Plaza. Artists from around the world perform their hits against the backdrop of the Coastal Mountains, defining warm summer nights in the Village.

Free Movies at Olympic Plaza – Bring your camping chairs, blankets and snacks for a unique cinema experience. Wednesday and Saturday nights unfold under the stars with timeless classics and recent releases.

4. Sunsets on Whistler Blackcomb

Mountain Top Summer Feast

Imagine being at 1,800 metres (6,000 feet) up the mountains as the sun disappears over the peaks, with a mouthwatering buffet laid out and live music playing. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Mountain Top Summer Feasts keep the alpine open longer, with the last seating at 6:30 PM.

You can stay up there after a day of hiking, or head up the gondolas at 4 PM with your Feast ticket. If you’re looking for a table with a view, this is it. 360-degree views of the Coast Mountain range are guaranteed. Pack an extra layer, as it does get cooler when the sun drops.

Crystal Hut Salmon Bake

Journey up Blackcomb Mountain via ATV or Jeep in the summer months to dine at the Crystal Hut. You wind up trails that cut across the ski runs, past mountain wildflowers and trickling streams. The rustic hut sits at 6,000 feet overlooking the Whistler Valley below, and once the sun disappears, it’s over to the stars.

In true Canadiana-style, the menu includes maple-glazed wild BC Salmon, local vegetables, fresh salads and dessert. As you take in the glowing views below and above, live music starts. It’s no wonder that this tour often sees a few proposals each summer! Read more in our dedicated blog.

5. Mountain Bike Social Nights

Join the local mountain bike scene with WORCA’s Toonie Rides and the legendary Monday Night Rides. Thursday night Toonies offer a chance to explore a dedicated course, grab a meal and rub shoulders with local hotshots. 

Monday Night Rides welcome all ability levels with five guided groups ranging from beginner to advanced. For a toonie, you’ll get a Clif bar, a beer and a direct connection to the local riding community.   

Twilight in the Whistler Bike Park is another local tradition. Cooler temperatures, smaller crowds and the occasional bear sighting make evenings iconic. With the setting sun illuminating some of A-Line’s most iconic jumps, there’s nothing better than party laps with the crew. Check out Men’s Nights, Women’s Nights and Phat Wednesdays for additional evening fun. 

6. Summer Sunsets at Whistler’s Lakes

Whistler’s lake scene embodies a certain peace in the evenings. Gone are the lively beaches and docks of the day that feel more energetic than relaxing. Grab some take-out and head down to the docks at Alta or Lost Lake to catch the sun dip behind Sproat Mountain. Don’t forget your bathing suit! 

Alternatively, pack a paddleboard or hire a canoe for a regenerative evening paddle on glassy water. Dusk is an active time for water-loving animals, so you might spot some on an evening cruise.

7. Whistler’s Summer Patio Scene

As the shadows lengthen across the Village, Whistler’s vibrant evening patio scene turns on. From high-energy bars to serene lakeside dining, whatever vibe you’re after, you’ll find it. Here are a few of my favourites:

Dubh Linn Gate – Whistler’s legendary Irish pub features a patio chock-full of heaters, fire pits and soft lighting for cool evening nights. Catch live music by local acts like Taylor James, Ruckus Deluxe and more.    

Table Nineteen – escape to the glacier-fed shores of Green Lake for an upscale dining experience. It’s Whistler’s most scenic patio located on the world-class Nicklaus North Golf Course. Lakeside Lounge at Nita Lake Lodge in Creekside is another lakeside favourite.

Earls Kitchen + Bar – comfortably familiar and upscale casual is this chain restaurant. Enjoy one of Whistler’s best Happy Hours from a perfectly positioned patio.

Other mentions: Make it Araxi’s patio if you’re looking for high-end. For a hidden patio, try Bearfoot Bistro and Quattro. For people-watching, go for Balam and Beacon Pub. Full-party mode: The Longhorn Saloon and Amsterdam Pub.

8. A Sunset With the Bears: Guided Tours

Humans aren’t the only species that thrive in the evening. Whistler’s resident black bears emerge from the rainforest like clockwork as temperatures cool. Motivated by an evening appetite, they are frequently spotted foraging, strolling and playing through the valley.  

The best way to catch a glimpse of these beloved mountain cows is to hop on a guided bear tour and drive up mountain roads in the safety of off-road vehicles. Statistically, sunset tours offer the best chance at spotting bears. 

9. Twilight Tee Times

As the afternoon heat fades, Whistler’s four world-class golf courses offer some of the most scenic fairways in the country. Teeing off in the late afternoon means cooler mountain breezes, unhurried holes and softer light. Driving ranges and practice zones are calmer, giving you a slower pace to warm up before a round.  

Whether you’re driving a full 18 holes or playing a relaxed back-nine, twilight golf in Whistler blends a precise game with alpine tranquillity.

10. Golden Hour Rallies: Racket Sports in the Park

It’s no secret Whistler loves its racket sports. Fun fact: a lot of the resort’s neighbourhood parks have tennis and pickleball courts. These courts are free and are first-come, first-served. Packing a racket is simple, low-cost, and easy for groups and families. More structured clinics, organized socials, and bookable courts are also available through the Whistler Racket Club.

Where Will the Evening Take You?

Whistler’s summer evenings illustrate that the adventure doesn’t stop when the sun dips behind the peaks.

Whether you’re soaring over ancient glaciers, soaking in thermal waters or relaxing on a glowing patio, Whistler evenings invite you to slow down and savour every last drop of summer. For in the mountains, summer is as swift as a shadow and short as any dream. May you enjoy yours.    

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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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