Fall in Whistler
There’s already been a dusting of snow on Whistler’s mountains as a sprinkling of crimson and gold begins to spread throughout the valley. Glorious days of late summer sunshine, breathtaking beauty and crisp mountain air combined with the absolute best hotel and restaurant deals make this a perfect time for a mountain getaway.
Plenty of activities are still in full swing, so you can hang from a cable high above the air on a zipline tour, bungee jump, ride a gondola, or get your heart pumping with a few last laps through the Whistler Mountain Bike Park before it closes for the season on October 8.
But if relaxing is top of your “to do” list, there are more than enough options for slower-paced fun. Treat the family to spectacular views on a PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola ride between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, then hike along mountain trails or lunch at the mountaintop café. Be sure to venture up before the mountains close on October 8 to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
If rain puts a damper on the day, a visit to one of Whistler’s museums and art galleries is interesting fun for all ages. Learn about Whistler’s history in sport at the interactive Whistler Museum. Learn local indigenous history through creative workshops and displays at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. More than a dozen galleries scattered throughout the village feature local and international artists. The Adele Campbell Gallery has a selection of oils, acrylics and sculpture in the Westin Resort and Spa. Pick up a unique animal sculpture carved from marble or jade at the Fathom Stone Art Gallery. And the Audain Museum features a collection of 19th and 20th century indigenous masks, Emily Carr works and a collection of Edward J.Hughes. Explore this bustling gallery scene while sampling hors d’oeuvres and wines from BC wineries on a free Whistler Wine Walk every Friday in October from 5 to 7 p.m.
Walk or ride a bike through Whistler’s neighbourhoods on the paved forty-kilometre Valley Trail and stop for a picnic at a park along the way. There’s a topnotch labyrinth of cross-country trails that intertwine throughout old-growth forests at Lost Lake Park for a bigger workout. Spend an enchanted evening at the Vallea Lumina night walk through the forests of Cougar Mountain. It’s a two-hour stroll through a fairyland of mystical lights and mountain folklore, but you’ll need to hurry before they turn off the lights for the season on October 15.
Wander along the Village Stroll for shopping for name brands or bear pyjamas or socks, sample worldclass fine dining or pizza stands, chocolate shops and candy stores, or simply enjoy people-watching and the last vestiges of summer on a sunny patio. Peaks and perks abound in Whistler this fall with impressive lodging, dining, shopping, and activities deals ready to be indulged in. With rates from $125 per night, it’s the perfect time to stay and play in Whistler.