10 things to do in Whistler this Fall

Fall is a very special time in Whistler as it signals a change; not only in the seasons, the temperature and the colours but also in a change of pace and focus. Here’s a list of 10 things to do in Whistler in the fall, but it’s by no means exhaustive; these are just leaping off points for you to carve out your own path while you’re here.

1. Follow the Fall Colours

As the seasons change Whistler’s lush, green valley begins to be peppered with yellows, golds, oranges and reds. It’s not only the foliage that brings a change of colour, it’s also the snow line that creeps down the mountainside bit by bit until it’s settled a thick, sparkling white blanket over everything.

Fall is the perfect time to go for a stroll, hike, or bike in Whistler, and the free Go Whistler Tours app highlights some self-guided tour options which including nature, heritage, and arts and culture-themed routes.

Another way to see Whistler’s fall colours is from a birds-eye-view. Ziplining over the valley as it begins its transition is stunning, but if that’s a bit too much wind in your hair, then another option for high alpine views is a 4X4 guided tour up Blackcomb Mountain.

2. Ride Hero Dirt

Hero dirt is what mountain bikers love about fall riding. The wetter weather gets rid of the dust and we say hello to tacky trails that honour us with a well-earned coating of mud. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is typically open until the start of October for lift-accessed biking fun, but Whistler also has hundreds of cross-country biking trails that weave their way throughout the Whistler Valley so you can ride until the snow begins to fall.

3. Devour the Fall Dining Deals

It’s foodie heaven in Whistler come the fall, with many of the restaurants coming out with some epic dining deals. Splash out on a fine dining experience and try one of Whistler’s award-winning restaurants this fall.

4. Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Whistler is located on the shared territories of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxumixw (Squamish) Nation and L̓il̓wat7úl (Lil’wat) Nation, and you can find out more about their living culture, stories and history at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), located in Whistler.

Their history is interwoven with the natural world, and at the SLCC you have the opportunity to connect with ambassadors from both Indigenous Nations during a tour of the galleries and buildings, video presentation and drumming performance.

5. Hike in the Rain(forest)

Unless you’re a wicked witch of some kind you don’t melt in the rain. Grab some waterproofs and brave the elements; the fall views and the fresh air will make it worth your while.

6. Find a Fall Festival

You could be forgiven for thinking that fall is a sleepy time up at elevation, but in Whistler, it’s filled with dedicated runners going the distance and cyclists pushing through to the finish line. Not to mention the celebratory glass-raising all these events bring. 

North America’s biggest GranFondo happens in September, as does the Whistler Village Beer Festival which features 120+ beers over the Main Event weekend. In mid-October, it’s the Whistler 50 Ultra & Relay, where runners can choose between running amongst the fall foliage for 10, 20, 50, or 80 kilometres.   

7. E-bike the Whistler Valley Trail

One of Whistler’s biggest gems is the 45-kilometre Valley Trail, which weaves in and out of Whistler’s neighbourhoods, taking you through lakes, parks, beaches and stunning viewpoints. With the rise of the e-bike, more and more people are opting to explore via pedal power with an extra boost. It means you can travel further and for longer, so it’s a great way to do a deeper dive into what Whistler has to offer.

8. Ogle Inside the Audain Art Museum

The Audain Art Museum is a work of art itself, created by the award-winning Patkau Architects. Its permanent collection showcases BC art, from the 18th century to the present day. Take in the work of Canadian greats like Emily Carr, E.J. Hughes and Dana Claxton, as well as an incredible collection of Northwest Coast First Nations masks.

9. Bid the Bears Sweet Dreams

The early fall is a great time to spot bears as they are busy fuelling up for their winter slumber. The best and safest way to view bears in Whistler is on a bear viewing tour. Not only do the guides know where the bears like to go, but they are passionate experts on this iconic, Canadian creature and can answer all your bear-related questions. Bear viewing tours typically run until October, book yours before they head off for a nap!

10. Splash in Muddy Puddles

It’s not only Peppa Pig and small children who enjoy a muddy puddle, up the ante by gunning it through one in a side x side (mountain buggy / RZR / UTA) or off-road ATV. This activity is awesome in the fall, as you’re dressed head to toe in waterproof gear (provided) so that you can enjoy the elements in all their wonderfully wet glory.

So, for those that think of the fall as a sleepy time in the mountains, think again. Whistler is full of adventure all year round, dive deeper this autumn and find a new aspect of the mountains to explore.