As an LGBT+ travel journalist and content creator, I’ve been to dozens of pride events all over the world, and Whistler Pride Festival is undoubtedly one of my favourites. While most pride events happen in the summer months, Whistler does things differently by hosting its celebrations in the depths of winter (this year, those dates are January 25 to February 1, 2026).
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In fact, they’re one of the only pride events in the whole world to happen in January, and they really go above and beyond to set the celebratory tone for the rest of the year.
Finding Community in Winter Sports
For me, what makes Whistler Pride so special is its focus on bringing together the community through their shared love of winter sports. Although there’s still an abundance of nightlife, parties, and après ski events, it’s the daytime activities that really make this pride stand out.
Every day, 2SLGBTQIA+ guides lead groups of queer skiers and snowboarders out on the slopes, offering a different way for us to connect. Absolutely everybody is welcome, and groups are geared towards ability level to make sure everyone gets the most out of the experience.
So often, 2SLGBTQIA+ spaces revolve around drinking, so if you’re sober like me, or just looking for something a little different, it’s an amazing way to meet people outside of the usual gay-bar setting. It seems a lot of other people share this sentiment, too.
During my time at Whistler Pride, I chat with dozens of people who come back to visit time and time again. They meet people on the slopes and build friendships that last for years. And the same is true for me too – I met some incredible people during my visit, and I’m still friends with them now. I can’t wait for the opportunity to hit the slopes with them again.
Activities Off the Slopes
And for those who don’t ski or snowboard, there are tons of other activities. You can take a helicopter ride with Blackcomb Helicopters, go ziplining with Ziptrek, or snowshoe on one of Whistler’s many scenic winter trails. If you’re looking for something active to do during Pride, a snowshoe to Rainbow Falls is an absolute must.
There’s also karaoke, bingo and quiz nights, and drag shows from some of Canada’s most eccentric talent. Also, make sure you don’t miss the Fire & Ice Show, which takes place every Sunday night and sees professional skiers and snowboarders performing tricks while jumping through a giant flaming hoop.
It’s Okay to Be a Beginner Skier
Whistler Pride is also an amazing opportunity for those looking to try winter sports for the first time. I’d never been on a ski slope in my life, but after just a single day with one of Whistler Blackcomb’s incredible instructors, they had me skiing the slopes with confidence.
The Whistler Pride Parade
If you’re up for the challenge, I highly recommend taking your lessons a few days in advance of the Pride Parade, which descends the side of the mountain. Seeing hundreds of skiers and snowboarders decked out in rainbows is such a wonderfully surreal experience. Drag performers entertain the crowd at the beginning of the route before joining the community in carrying an enormous flag down the slope.
What’s really special about the parade is that while there are crowds of spectators at both the beginning and end of the route, during the trip down the mountain, you’ll find yourself alone with your community, with nothing surrounding you but nature. While every other pride parade I’ve been to feels like putting on a performance, this one feels special in that it’s something just for us.
Summer in Whistler
Whistler isn’t just a 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly destination during Pride, either. I loved my trip so much that I decided to come back during the summer months. Swapping out my ice-skates for a speedo, my skis for a mountain bike, and my snow-shoes for hiking boots, I experienced a completely different side of this beautiful mountain town.
I especially loved taking long hikes through the forest, sun-bathing on the floating deck at Lost Lake, and swimming in the stunning turquoise waters. I brought a date along with me, too, and we felt completely welcomed and accepted by everybody we met.
If you’re looking at treating your partner to something especially romantic, I highly recommend a stay at Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Having just been awarded the title of Canada’s best resort by Condé Nast, staying here during both the winter and the summer months was an absolute dream that I can’t recommend enough.
All in all, Whistler is one of my favourite destinations in the whole world. It’s 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive at its core, but I’d recommend it as a vacation spot to anyone. And if you’re planning on joining the pride festivities, keep an eye out for me on the slopes. I’ll be the one in the rainbow ski suit.
Whistler Pride Festival Reimagined: January 25 to February 1, 2026
The new festival builds on more than 30 years of Winter Pride in Whistler. Join us for a week of skiing, parties, events, community and inclusivity as we celebrate a refreshed vision of Pride in the mountains, presented by Tourism Whistler and TFD Presents.
Just some of the events to look out for this year include:
- SHIVER – late night party with euphoric disco, house, and feel-good dance anthems all night long at Moe Joes
- A Very BABE-Ly Pride – high-energy burlesque drag and comedy show presented by Arts Whistler
- SATURDAY APRES SKI – the final après of the festival with music by DJ DomTop and performances by Canada’s Drag Race finalists Kendall Gender & Eboni La’Belle at Merlin’s Bar & Grill
More events are being added, including outdoor ice skating, a charity ski race, Saturday brunch, and a Pride Eats menu of special treats around town. Please keep checking the website and social channels for updates on when these events!
Your Whistler Pride Getaway Comes with a $150 Winter Dining Treat
Winter in Whistler is made for memorable moments. Book a 5+ night stay during Whistler Pride Festival and enjoy a free $150 CAD Winter Dining Voucher to elevate your time here. Think cozy après plates, lively dinners with friends, or a quiet culinary escape between festival events.
Don’t forget your rainbow suit!
