Fall in Whistler offers an abundance of activities, wide-open spaces and a unique, laid-back pace. It is important to plan ahead and the Doors Open Directory (whistler.com/doors-open) shows you what’s open in Whistler and how businesses are upholding the highest of standards in health and safety for all. Here are the top 5 ways to take in the fall season with your family.
1. Arts and Culture
Fall is the perfect time for exploring new things like arts and culture. Whistler’s Cultural Connector (cdn.whistler.com) is a scenic pathway and bikeway that links six significant cultural institutions in Whistler and identifies noteworthy points and anecdotes. It is a chance to learn about the community’s cultural evolution over time. Not only can you discover BC art at the Audain Art Museum and learn more about Whistler’s indigenous heritage at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre but you can also discover art in some unexpected places such as Whistler’s Train Wreck Hike. Train Wreck features graffiti train cars and spectacular views of Cheakamus River.
2. Whistler’s Valley Trail
Enjoy Whistler’s fall colours by exploring Whistler’s Valley Trail (whistler.com/activities/valley-trail), a car-free, paved trail and boardwalk network connecting Whistler’s neighbourhoods, lakes, viewpoints and picnic spots. Discover the spectacular scenery and beautiful natural surroundings by biking, walking running, cycling, skating or rollerblading with over 40 km of trail to choose from and best of all the family dog can come along, too.
3. Explore the Wilderness
Explore Whistler’s Wilderness with an off-road buggy experience (canadianwilderness.com) with Canadian Wilderness Adventures. Climb rugged mountain roads and forested single-track trails up to scenic mountain viewpoints on this epic journey. Power through creeks and over boulders, watching for wildlife along the way. Alternatively, take in a bear tour with Whistler Photo Safaris (whistlerphotosafaris.com. These one of a kind educational expeditions take place on 2010 Olympic ski trails in a 4×4 while accessing the most spectacular features of the Whistler Olympic Park.
4. Family Mealtime
Eat, drink and embrace autumn with special offers available (whistler.com/dining) at some of Whistler’s top restaurants from September until late November. Mealtime is a great opportunity to share your favourite parts of the day and plan your next adventure. Whistler has many family-friending restaurants; a few trusty ones for kid-approved food at a good price are Old Spaghetti Factory, Hunter Gather and Caramba. There are also plenty of grab-and-go options if you need something a bit quicker and if you’re staying in a vacation rental you can even take advantage of the Whistler Cooks Fridge Full service and eat well without the hard work.
5. Sightseeing on Mountain in Whistler
Visiting mid-week? You can still get up the mountain on a Canadian Wilderness Blackcomb Glacier Safari Jeep tour (canadianwilderness.com/whistler/4×4-tours). No two tours are the same as the changing mountain colours and wildlife create new paths for exploration. Ascend from Whistler Valley past glacier fed rivers. View bears and other mountain wildlife on the way to the snow-capped Horstman Glacier.
