The RBC GranFondo Whistler is a stunning point-to-point cycling journey along the famous Sea to Sky Corridor between Vancouver and Whistler. There are distance options from 55 km to 152 km and all offer beautiful landscapes and a clear, traffic-free passage along the Sea to Sky Highway. The event is family friendly and open to all abilities.
2026 GranFondo Events & Schedule
The largest Gran Fondo in North America returns to Whistler for its 17th year. RBC GranFondo Whistler is inclusive, open to everyone, and now offers the classic 122 km Gran Fondo, 152 km Forte and 55 km Medio categories. Choose your distance and register at rbcgranfondo.com.
Please check back as we may update our information closer to the event.
2026 Race Schedule
Friday, September 11
| Time |
Event |
Location |
| 10:30 AM - 8 PM |
Package Pickup at VeloSpoke Bike Expo |
Vancouver Convention Centre East |
Saturday, September 12
| Time |
Event |
Location |
| 5:30 AM |
Start Corrals Open |
Stanley Park, Vancouver |
| 6 AM |
St. Regis Cup Start |
Stanley Park, Vancouver |
| 6:05 AM |
Forte 152km Start |
Stanley Park, Vancouver |
| 6:10 AM |
Alta Classe Start |
Stanley Park, Vancouver |
| 6:20 AM |
Gran Fondo 122km Start |
Stanley Park, Vancouver |
| 7 AM |
Medio 55km Package Pick-Up Open |
Solutions Tent, Day Lot 4, Whistler |
| 9 AM |
Medio 55km Start |
Day Lot 4, Whistler |
| 9:45 AM |
First Riders Expected |
Day Lot 4, Whistler |
| 10 AM |
Celebration Plaza Open |
Whistler Olympic Plaza |
| 10 AM |
Scandinave Spa Stretch Area at Celebration Plaza |
Whistler |
| 10 AM - 5 PM |
Finish Line Festivities, beer garden and live DJ |
Whistler Olympic Plaza |
| 10 AM - 5 PM |
Resort Municipality of Whistler 50th Anniversary Button Making |
Whistler Olympic Plaza |
| 1 PM |
Awards Ceremony at Celebration Plaza |
Whistler |
| 1 PM |
Truck departs for Saturday Bike return (pre-booking required) |
Day Lot 4, Whistler |
| 4 PM |
Return Passenger Transportation to Vancouver |
Day Lot 4, Whistler |
| 4 PM |
Bike Check Closes (all bikes to be picked up by 4:30 PM) |
Day Lot 4, Whistler |
| 4 PM |
Finish Line Closes |
Whistler |
| 5 PM |
Celebration Plaza Closes |
Whistler |
| 6 PM |
Saturday Bike Pick-Up (pre-booking required) |
Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver |
Sunday, September 13
| Time |
Event |
Location |
| TBC |
Sunday Slow Down, and Bike Pick-Up |
Audain Art Museum |
| 10 AM - 5 PM |
Sunday Bike Pick-Up |
88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver |
*Schedule subject to change. Events may require registration.
2026 Post-Race Celebrations on Saturday
Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Description: Celebrate the ride with friends and family in the Plaza. Featuring refreshments, kids playground, live entertainment and a beer garden.
Awards Ceremony
Time: 1 PM
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Description: Watch top riders receive their medals and prize money onstage.
Sunday Slow Down
After the excitement of the RBC GranFondo Whistler, treat your body and soul at the Sunday Slow Down. Set in the tranquil Audain Art Museum surroundings, choose between a calming sound bath meditation, a restorative yoga session, or a guided tour of the AAM’s Permanent Collection or Special Exhibition. Check back for more details soon.
Training
The only way to train for the RBC GranFondo is to pedal, pedal, pedal. A pre-ride is a great way to become familiar with the course, know the challenges and plan pacing for yourself on the day (and stop for pictures along the way). Why not plan a pre-ride and meet the family in Whistler for a night or two in the mountains, or stay and tackle some of the other road rides in the area to enhance your mountain legs?
Transportation
- Bike and passenger transport is available for your return trip to Vancouver on Saturday and Sunday so you can relax and enjoy some well-deserved recovery time in Whistler
Please see the RBC GranFondo website to see and book options.
Recovery
No need to rush off after the ride – there are plenty of places to stay and enjoy a relaxing recovery in Whistler.
- Find the perfect accommodation for a deep sleep after the event
- Soak your muscles in your own hot tub or book a post-race massage at one of Whistler's spas
- Join up with other participants in one of Whistler's bars, pubs or restaurants to raise a glass in victory
- Turn it into an outdoor adventure weekend. Try bungee jumping, mountain biking or other summer activities
- If you prefer to rest after the race, ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, take a gentle hike or chill out by one of Whistlers five beautiful lakes
Traffic Impacts
On September 12, 2026, more than 5,000 cyclists will participate in the RBC GranFondo Whistler ride from Vancouver to Whistler. On this day there will be traffic impacts along the Sea to Sky Highway and in Whistler. Motorists should plan for delays from 5:30 AM – 4:30 PM south of Whistler Village, along the Sea to Sky Highway, and in metro Vancouver. Day Lot 4 will be closed to vehicles on Thursday, September 4, Friday, September 5, and Saturday, September 6.
While the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) will remain open in both directions, significant delays are expected between 5:30 AM and 4:30 PM. To minimize disruption, some categories will start 30 minutes earlier this year.
Whistler guests should be aware of the following critical road impacts and closures:
- Callaghan Valley Road will be fully closed in both directions. New for 2026, riders in the Forte category will be climbing the Callaghan Valley instead of Cypress Mountain.
- Village Gate Blvd. and Blackcomb Way West will be closed to traffic turning off or onto Highway 99. Use Lorimer Road or Whistler Way as alternate village entry points.
- Expect major delays entering and exiting the east side of Highway 99 from Function Junction to Village Gate Boulevard due to flashing signals and intermittent traffic stops. Traffic control persons will be on site from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Expect flashing signals and delays on Highway 99 from Southbound Village Gate Blvd. to Callaghan Valley Rd. for the neutralized cyclist lead-out from 9:15 – 10 AM.
- Alta Lake Road will be open and available as the primary alternate route to bypass Highway 99.
During the event, speed limits will be reduced to 60 kilometres per hour on sections of Highway 99 between Vancouver and Whistler. Motorists are advised to plan their travel well in advance and drive with caution. Motorists should also follow signs, obey all traffic control personnel and be prepared to stop during this large-scale cycling event. Traffic changes and detours will be in effect.
View 2026 Traffic Advisories information from RBC GranFondo.
Best Ways to Get Around Whistler
To avoid delays, guests are strongly encouraged to:
- Walk or bike to and from the Village on the Whistler Valley Trail
- Take advantage of free Whistler Transit until 6 PM, but expect delays between 5:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Plan for extra time to get to the Village if you are travelling from areas south of the Village
- Use a shuttle service if you are headed to Vancouver or the airport
Stay 3+ Nights and Receive a Free Dining Credit*
Secure your lodging for the RBC GranFondo and receive a free Dining Credit when you extend your stay. Visit for longer than a weekend and experience all that Whistler has to offer!
- Stay 3+ nights and receive a $100 CAD Dining Credit
Enter promo code FALLDINING at check-out or call 1.800.944.7853 and mention the offer to one of our Travel Consultants when booking.
Offer Details:
- Dining Credits are valid for arrivals from September 8 - November 30, 2026
- Enter promo code: FALLDINING
- Minimum 3 night stay applies
- Unused Dining Credits expire on November 30, 2026
- Credits are only available while quantities last
- Valid at participating restaurants
- Offer may not be combined with any other credit promotions.
Hurry - this offer is available only at Whistler.com while quantities last!
*Dining Credits can be used at participating restaurants only and are issued for bookings made directly through Whistler.com.
Unused credits expire on November 30, 2026. Credits are only available while quantities last.
GranFondo Accommodation Partners
What to Know Before
You Ride GranFondo
Considering riding in one of the most scenic road bike events in the world? RBC GranFondo is an iconic event, find out more in our guide.
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