Ask any Whistler local about their favourite season, and you’re bound to get many different answers.
Winter, of course, is the season Whistler is most famous for. Summer is arguably just as popular, with hot days by the lake and endless time to spend hiking, biking, and golfing. Spring is a cherished season, too: it’s that rare time of year where you can ski and mountain bike in the same day. And then, of course, we have fall.
Autumn just might be Whistler’s most underrated season. Locals cherish this special time of year for many reasons, and here are just a few of them:
The slightly cooler weather of fall means that you can partake in most of your favourite warm-weather activities without the overbearing heat. Downhill mountain biking, cross country biking, running, and hiking are just a few of the fun activities that you can enjoy on a slightly cool, but perfectly sunny fall day. And of course, there’s always activities like ATVing, bungee jumping, and zip lining, all of which are totally fall-friendly.
The hustle and bustle of the summertime crowds can make for fun people watching, but it’s refreshing to have a little breathing room as you wander around Whistler. No need to battle it out for a parking spot or wait eons for a table: the thinner crowds of fall are definitely a plus.
Shoulder season in Whistler means crazy deals at some of the best local dining spots. Many restaurants in town offer unbelievable multi-course specials that are almost too good to be true. It’s the best time of year to sample from all the different restaurants.
There’s almost always something going on in Whistler, and fall is no exception. A few events to look out for: the Whistler Village Beer Festival (September 13), the infamous Turkey Sale (October 11 and 12), the Whistler Readers and Writers Festival (October 17 to 19), the Heavy Hitting HorrorFest (October 30), and the Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival (November 6 to November 16). There is truly never a dull moment!
It’s unbelievably exciting to see those few first snowflakes fall from the sky—nothing gets you more pumped up for the upcoming winter season. Another way we like to build anticipation for the ski season is by celebrating the freshest crop of ski movie releases. Premieres take place at theatres, in bars, and in living rooms across town, as snow sporters make their skiing and snowboarding bucket lists for the upcoming season.
With so much to do, it’s easy to live a go-go-go lifestyle in Whistler. Fall offers a little much-needed time to rest and recover from a hectic summer and to prep for a highly anticipated winter season. Here's a little confession: locals welcome the occasional grey, rainy day—it offers the perfect excuse to check into a spa, have a nice sleep in, or to cozy up in front of a wood-burning fireplace with a mug of tea and a deliciously fat book.
Ready to give Whistler in fall a try? Get in touch with us, and we'll help you plan the most perfect autumn Whistler holiday!
No results found.
No results found.
Our offices are located overlooking the Olympic Downhill slopes of Whistler Creekside.