Fall in Love with Whistler in British Columbia, Canada in Autumn

Story by Rachael Hopwood, photos courtesy of Tourism Whistler

The Canadian resort of Whistler has a lofty reputation as a world-famous winter travel destination and thanks to warm days and an abundance of outdoor activities, summer proves pretty popular too. But what about fall? 

Largely forgotten by many considering a trip north, the months of September through to mid-November are something of a hidden gem. Sitting perfectly between the crowds of summer hikers and hoards of winter skiers, pleasant temperatures and stunning scenery are just two reasons to consider an autumnal visit. Whistler is a resort community in the province of British Columbia, Canada, about 78 miles north of Vancouver and right above Washington, in the United States.

In many ways, fall is the golden jewel in the Whistler crown. This mountainous part of British Columbia comes alive with red and orange colors, as mother nature has one last hurrah before the icy grip of winter takes hold. Here’s our guide to visiting Whistler during this underrated and rather fabulous season.

Try axe throwing: Walking around the old-growth forests of Whistler, it’s not hard to imagine the lumberjacks of old chopping timber ready for the long winter. While those logging stints were certainly grueling, it wasn’t all work work work. In fact, woodsmen found their entertainment through axe throwing, a traditional pastime that has now grown into an actual sport. As one of the original axe throwing venues, Forged Axe Throwing is regularly named as one of the best activities in town and provides a fun way to test your aim and get competitive with friends. Essentially, you’ll hurl axes at a target with the hope of hitting a bullseye – easier said than done. The Forged team will be on hand to show you the ropes and even teach you a trick shot or two. 

Take a hike: While hiking in Whistler may seem like a summer activity, many people are surprised to learn that fall is actually the best time to lace up your walking shoes. With the majority of snow melting away from higher elevations by early August, fall is one of the most accessible times of year to enjoy the Whistler backcountry. Explore the numerous backcountry routes, many of which prove too busy or dangerous during peak season, and take in the vibrant greens, golds, and purples adorning the winding trails of Whistler village and Rainbow Park near Alta Lake. A guided hike is the best and safest way to enjoy the wilderness.

Spend an afternoon fishing: There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the morning mist than to enjoy lake fishing. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, head out on a Whistler fishing trip to benefit from insider knowledge of the many local rivers, lakes and other hidden fishing holes. No matter what type of fishing you’re after, Whistler has it all. 

Fly like a bird: While fall in Whistler has an altogether more laid back vibe, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy adrenaline-fueled activities. Head to Superfly Ziplines and check out the spectacular views of the transforming landscape from this 600ft high line traveling at speeds of up to 100km/hour. Combining the thrill of soaring through the air while seeing the sights makes this a really unique and fun autumn activity. There’s even a side-by-side option with the dual-riding system, so you’ll be able to experience ziplining with a friend!

Go mountain biking: No visit to Whistler would be complete without carving down a mountain, so the great news is that the mountain biking in Whistler is still an option at this time of year. The Whistler Bike Park is a world-famous bike park attracting novices and downhill bike pros alike. During early fall (until around mid-October) you’ll be able to enjoy regular-season availability albeit without the huge crowds! Perfect for the ultimate, gravity-fed, downhill biking fix.

Must-Attend Whistler Events

Whistler Beer Festival (September 9-15): The Whistler Beer Festival offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the fresh mountain air, live music and of course, beer. This seven-day festival traditionally marks the start of fall and you don’t need to be a beer drinker to enjoy the festivities. Tasting events, beer battles, cask nights and plenty of great food should be expected in a celebration of over 140 beers and ciders from 70 distinct breweries. 

On the Friday of the festival, Master Crafters puts taste buds to the test with a blind taste test competition. Attendees are invited to head to the Longhorn Saloon and try a sample of each unidentified hazy beer throughout the evening before casting their vote for their favorite. The very best brew is crowned at the end of the evening. Oh, and there’s beer yoga too.

Whistler Writer’s Festival (October 17-20): Now in its 18th year, the Whistler Writer’s Festival continues to grow in size and strength and is a must-attend for avid readers, aspiring writers and published authors alike. While books are of course at the heart of the event, the festival incorporates evenings with food, music, and stories, as well as a busy workshop timetable.

Known for its intimate setting, attendees can meet and interact with more than 70 authors, publishers, and guest presenters, and the festival is a particularly inspiring event for those looking to write themselves. There’s something about listening to your favorite author tell a story at one of the reading events as fall leaves blow outside on a chilly wind. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to take a walk to Lost Lake with your favorite authors, a tradition at the event, or pitch face-to-face to be in with a chance of getting your work published.

Horrorfest (October 30): Looking for a Halloween destination? Head to the home of the annual Heavy Hitting Horrorfest. Western Canada’s largest and most enduring independent horror film festival showcases horror films, ranging from hilarious to scary cinematic creations soaked in fake blood. Filmmakers compete for the Silver Skull Trophy, while costumed horror fans enjoy films, music, and fun, including a red carpet pre-party.

Cornucopia (November 7-17): As one of the last fall events, the Cornucopia Festival marks the end of a successful season with the ultimate ode to local food and drink. For 11 days, Cornucopia offers an unforgettable culinary experience with tastings, winery dinners and meet the chef events. The eleven-day event brings together the very best chefs, winemakers and producers to celebrate the best of British Columbia’s food offerings. Locals describe the event as where the wild meets the refined, and in many ways that’s true. Local produce is gloriously transformed into colorful, flavor-filled creations served at intimate dinners, buzzing tasting events chef table luncheons. Recent years have seen the addition of a health and wellness focus too, catering to those looking to eat and live well. Electric after parties provide the perfect place to dance the night away after you’ve sipped and sampled the day away.

Last but not least, we’ve crafted some helpful travel and weather tips to make your time in Whistler as enjoyable as possible! The months of fall offer a respite from the extremes of winter and summer, and with pleasant temperatures generally ranging from high 30s (8 degrees Celsius) to about the mid-50s (20 degrees Celsius), there’ll be no heat stroke or frostbite in sight. When packing for a fall Whistler trip, layers are a great idea, allowing you to stay comfortable as you enjoy the many outdoor activities. Getting to Whistler is easy at any time of year with flights to Vancouver International Airport departing regularly from most major airport hubs. From the terminal building, Whistler is a two-hour drive and frequent shuttles depart daily.