Whistler is a popular Canadian destination, especially during winter. It’s great for outdoor adventurers, romantic couples, and bachelorette crews.
While it’s a picturesque location with many beautiful corners for the locals and visitors, it also offers a rich Whistler events calendar for all seasons. Whether you’re looking for additional bachelorette ideas or just want to enhance your weekend getaway, here are the events to consider:
Whistler Writers Festival
Location: Multiple spots across Whistler, British Columbia
Time: October
This is a literary event with workshops, readings, and book launches. Book lovers and reading enthusiasts can discover quality books, meet young writers, and even promote their writing pieces. It’s a great way to discover new book launches and even get a signed copy for you!
GO Fest – Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival
Location: Various Whistler outdoor adventure spots
Time: May (around Victoria Day)
The GO Fest – Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival is a great choice for adventurers who love mountain biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, etc. If you’re not into outdoor adventures, then visit the Village Square Main Stage for various music performances, film screenings, and art exhibits.
Whistler Film Festival
Location: In-person and Online Events across Whistler
Time: November/December
The Whistler Film Festival is one of the most anticipated entries in the Whistler events calendar. It’s great for auditioning new talents, promoting filmmakers, and streaming interesting movies. Many actors also appear during the panels and discussions. Since its first edition in 2001, it’s been known as Canada’s coolest film festival. It’s a combination of film and fun—a nice chance to combine the experience with some fine dining or winter activities.
World Ski & Snowboard Festival
Location: Various sports spots around Whistler
Time: April
World Ski & Snowboard Festival, also known as WSSF, dates back to 1996. While the initial edition was for the locals only, each next one attracted a larger audience and more media coverage. It’s one of the most popular Whistler events, and every April visitor should consider attending. Today, it’s not just a sports event but also a live music festival that transforms the snowy Whistler into a party scene. It’s a great announcement for the upcoming spring season, so both locals and visitors enjoy it.
The butlers are waiting to serve you!
Tough Mudder
Location: Callaghan Valley, Whistler
Time: Usually in June
Tough Mudder is a North American event, but the Whistler edition is one of a kind. The participants need to get out of their comfort zone and pass through mountain challenges and obstacles. It features mud, ice, water, and several condition changes. It’s not for the weak ones, because only the strong can take advantage of this Whistler event.
Whistler Village Beer Festival
Location: Olympic Plaza, Whistler Village
Time: Mid-September
The Whistler Beer Festival has happened 11 years already, with many beverages offered in the mountains. From craft beers to delicious ciders, everyone can enjoy a unique experience. But it doesn’t end here. You have a chance to enjoy one of the best live music Whistler events, too, with many food trucks available. The Beer Festival is a weekend experience to add to your itinerary, no matter the purpose of your trip.
Whistler Cornucopia
Location: May vary from one event to another (Whistler Conference Centre, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, etc.)
Time: October/November
A celebration of food and drink featuring wine tastings, chef demonstrations, and gala dinners. Expect a mix of events like grand tastings, intimate dinners, educational workshops, and social gatherings focused on food and drink. Many restaurants, chefs, wineries, and distilleries promote their top services, while people in Whistler enjoy the taste.
Crankworx Whistler
Location: Whistler Valley
Time: Usually in August
Crankworx is one of the most popular mountain bike festivals in the world. It features competitions, demos, and live music. The bikers compete in various disciplines, but there are also plenty of activities for amateurs too. The festival is so popular that both the audience and bikers enjoy it each year. A great and exciting adventure to add to your Whistler getaway plan, especially if you enjoy high-adrenaline activities.
Why Are Whistler Events So Popular?
As you can see, many Whistler events in the calendar include natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whistler offers beautiful nature and world-class recreation like biking and hiking. The events often leverage these activities, making them unique and appealing.
Also, the events cater to various interests, from poetry to adventures, so there’s always something great for everyone. The organization is always on point, ensuring a strong event reputation across Canada.
Surely, the community and tourists enjoy all these events, so they have maintained their popularity for decades. Whistler is easily accessible from various Canadian cities, especially Vancouver, so people can easily get there, whether they travel for a family getaway or a bachelorette party.
The butlers are waiting to serve you!
What to Expect From My Whistler Visit?
Visiting Whistler means you will experience a nice mix of adventure, nature, relaxation, and parties. While enjoying the panoramic views, you can relax in cozy cafes or eat great food in high-end restaurants.
Take a look at the seasonal events we mentioned so you can enrich your experience and have the best time in Whistler.
Final Thoughts on Whistler Events Calendar and Activities
While there are a few traditional events, each year brings unique ones, too. Sometimes, it’s good to stay informed on what’s happening around your visit time and plan the Whistler activities around the calendar. Ensure you won’t miss on the most popular ones, but leave enough time just to explore Whistler, its shops, and surely the great restaurants around.
FAQs About Whistler Events
Are there family-friendly activities in Whistler?
Yes, Whistler is a very family-friendly place. Activities for families include the Whistler Children’s Festival, Family Adventure Zone, Whistler Blackcomb’s Adventure Camp, and numerous parks and playgrounds.
What outdoor activities can I do in Whistler during the winter?
You have so many available activities, like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and exploring the Whistler Sliding Centre.
What are the top summer activities in Whistler?
In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golfing, zip-lining, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and scenic gondola rides. Whistler also hosts various summer festivals and events.
What are the best times to visit Whistler?
Whistler is a year-round destination. Still, visit in winter for winter sports or in spring for spring skiing and nature awakening. In summer, you can hike and bike, while in fall, you can enjoy nature with fewer crowds around you.
What cultural experiences are available in Whistler?
Whistler offers cultural experiences such as visiting the Audain Art Museum and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, attending the Whistler Film Festival, and enjoying live music and performances throughout the year.
