5 Ways to Stay Busy in November in Whistler

What’s up next month in Whistler? In short, a lot.

November in Whistler has an un-earned reputation as being a slow, sleepy month – but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

It’s a month full of pure indulgence (see Cornucopia below) balanced by some serious fitness (hello, opening day!), peppered with a dash pre-Christmas celebration. It’s the month where baseball caps are officially replaced with beanies (or toques, as we prefer to call them) and the snowline creeps a little further down the mountain with each passing day. It’s the month where locals, seasonnaires, and visitors alike get excited about welcome yet another fantastic winter season.

So how are you going to make the most of November in Whistler? Here are our recommendations.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

November’s signature event is Cornucopia, a spirited festival celebrating food, wine, and other tasty liquids and edibles. Cornucopia will take over Whistler from November 5 to 15, offering everything from wine tastings to cooking demonstrations to celebratory galas. Whether you’re an aficionado of all things vino, an aspiring foodie, or just someone who likes to bust out a cocktail dress every now and then, you’ll definitely have a good time at Cornucopia.

Many restaurants continue to offer off-season specials throughout the month of November, making it an awesome way to sample some of Whistler’s best (and priciest) restaurants. Of course, you could also taste your way through several restaurants at once on a Whistler Tasting Tour. Needless to say, come hungry!

Honour Canada’s Heroes

On November 11, the entire community is invited to gather at the Whistler Cenotaph (outside the fire hall in Whistler Village) for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony. This beautiful event is the time to remember the many Canadian soldiers who have fought for our country. The ceremony begins at 10:30 and is always well attended.

Shape Up for Opening Day

Opening Day is a local holiday that, for many Whistlerites, is more important than Christmas day or any other holiday. Presently scheduled for November 26 (though the date is potentially a moving target), Opening Day means chairlifts, fast groomers, and the opportunity to get your ski legs back. Prepare yourself for the mountain to open by securing your lift tickets and arranging to borrow your gear!

It’s a good idea to hit the gym and start that dryland training now to prepare for Opening Day to make sure you’re strong enough to survive more than just a few runs. Squats, anyone?

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas…

As the municipality begins to mount sparkly lights to the trees around town and local businesses adorn their windows with copious amounts of red and green, it’s tough not to get excited for the festive season ahead.

The Bizarre Bazaar is one of Whistler’s favourite way to get ready for Christmas. This craft fair offers one-of-a-kind art, baked goods, accessories, toys, and a whole lot more. Support local artisans and get a head start on your Christmas shopping – it’s a win-win!

Go Play Outside

Of course, one of our favourite things to do in Whistler is to get outside and enjoy some fresh air – no matter what time of year it is!

Before the valley becomes truly blanketed in snow, you can squeeze in a few more trail runs, hikes, and even bike rides. It’s a great time to zip through the alpine on a zipline tour or to dive off a bridge on a bungee jump. Oh, and did we mention skiing and snowboarding?

Happy November!