Fall in Whistler is for the chill seeker

As the leaves turn into a vibrant patchwork of reds, oranges, and yellows, and the crisp air whispers of cosy firesides, fall in Whistler reveals its hidden charms. The cold nip in the air invites you to wrap up in cosy layers, while the trails promise breathtaking views minus the usual crowds. From pumpkin patches to delicious fall delights, there’s no shortage of things to do in Whistler in the fall. 

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or a snug retreat, you’ll find your perfect fall getaway here. And with Whistler vacation rentals as your home base, you’ll be ideally positioned to soak up every bit of this autumn magic. From scenic hikes to rainy-day delights, our guide to the top things to do in Whistler in the fall will have you falling head over heels for this enchanting season, year after year.

Sunny & Crisp – Fall Weather in Whistler

Fall weather in Whistler offers a delightful mix of crisp, cool mornings and mild afternoons, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. Visitors can expect temperatures ranging from around 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), with September generally being warmer and November bringing a chill as winter approaches. The days are often sunny with the chance of light rain, especially in October, so it’s a good idea to pack layers for changing conditions. With fall foliage in full display, it’s the ideal season to explore the trails, lakes, and scenic beauty of Whistler. 

Beautiful Fall Foliage on Whistler’s Trails 

Striking fall foliage blazes across Whistler from September through October, and often in November. The palette of orange, yellow and red can be breathtaking, even if you’ve lived here your whole life, so you’ll often find the locals out enjoying the vibrancy of autumn as much as they can before the town turns white for the winter.

Brandywine Falls – One of Whistler’s most iconic and most photographed waterfalls, Brandywine Falls is breathtaking in every season. During fall, the foliage growing from the rock wall begins to change from deep greens to rich reds and yellows, framing the impressive 70-metre waterfall. A popular stop just off Highway 99 to Whistler, Brandywine Falls is not to be missed!

Rainbow Park – A crowd favourite during the summer, Rainbow Park at Alta Lake offers a fresh view of Whistler as the colours change and the weather shifts. From the shore, under the shelter of crimson and burnt orange maple leaves, watch as the snowline of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains gradually creeps closer to the valley with every fresh dusting of snow.

Fitzsimmons Nature Trail – Although barely on the outskirts of Whistler Village, the Fitzsimmons Nature Trail lives up to its name. There is plenty of nature to see on this short walk – giant trees, the rushing glacial waters of Fitzsimmons Creek and the tree trunks that have been used by bears as scratching posts. You’ll know when your hike is over when you end up back in Whistler’s Olympic Plaza and the clanking of pint glasses welcomes you home.

Trainwreck Hike – This cultural and historical site is one of Whistler’s most unique spots. A short hiking trail will lead you across the Cheakamus River by suspension bridge and towards colourfully painted boxcars, which have sat in the forest since 1956. The trail is as much a free art gallery as it is a forest adventure, and it’s the perfect place to add a pop of colour to your day when the weather is gloomy.

Fall Events in Whistler 

Whistler plays host to world-class festivals and destinations. Festivals and foodie events complement mainstay museums and art galleries. Guests from all over the world come to see, taste, hear, and truly feel what it means to experience Canada’s West Coast.

Whistler Village Beer Festival (September 9-15, 2024): The Whistler Beer Festival is a popular event that features over 80 craft beverages, including beer, cider, and seltzers, alongside food trucks, live music, and games at Whistler Olympic Plaza. The Main Event on September 14 is a must-attend for craft beer enthusiasts.

Ultra Trail Whistler (September 28-29, 2024): A brand-new event in the UTMB World Series, this ultra-marathon offers breathtaking alpine views with race distances of 100km, 50km, and 25km. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a spectator, this is an exciting event that showcases Whistler’s stunning natural beauty.

Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra (October 5, 2024): Perfect for both competitive runners and those looking for a fun, team-based challenge, the Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra covers 50 miles in a relay format, creating a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.

Whistler Writers Festival (October 17-20, 2024): For the literary-minded and avid bookworms, the Whistler Writers Festival includes workshops, panel discussions, and reading sessions. It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage with authors and other book lovers in an intimate setting. What says cosy fall more than learning about a new, good book?

Cornucopia (November 7-17, 2024): Cornucopia, Whistler’s premier wine and food-tasting extravaganza, offers something for both the experienced connoisseur and those seeking a unique culinary experience. Held over extended weekends in November, experiment with your palate and expand your knowledge through food and wine tasting. With over 40 food and drink seminars, culinary demonstrations, chef’s dinners, tastings, and special dining events, Cornucopia offers a delicious way to dive into the fall season. 

Let your taste buds experience the diverse flavours of British Columbia and let Whistler Platinum find you the perfect place to stay while celebrating this delicious fall festival

Fall Activities in Whistler

Whistler is a whole lot more than skiing and snowboarding and fall in Whistler is all about sharing the last hoorahs of summer before snow blankets the horizons once more.

Pumpkin Picking at North Arm Farm – Is there a more wholesome fall pastime than pumpkin picking? We highly doubt it. For a pick-your-own pumpkin experience, head to North Arm Farm in Pemberton, just 40 minutes north of Whistler. Every October, families flock to this picturesque farm to pick their perfect pumpkin, whether they stroll through the fields or choose from the barn’s impressive selection. 

The farm also offers wagon rides every weekend, making it a fun-filled outing for all ages. Alongside a wild variety of gourds, pumpkins, and winter squash, you can also indulge in fresh farm produce and baked goodies. Just remember, pumpkins are sold by weight—so choose wisely if you’re eyeing those giant ones.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre – The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) showcases and celebrates the history of the two First Nations communities that lived in the Whistler area. During your visit to the SLCC, knowledgeable Cultural Ambassadors will share their cultural teachings with you during an hourly guided tour, a video presentation and a drumming performance. No visit to the SLCC is complete without first experiencing the delicious First Nations-inspired cuisine at the Thunderbird Cafe.

Vallea Lumina –This fall, experience the magic of Whistler’s Vallea Lumina, an enchanting multimedia night walk that takes place in the mystical forests just outside the village. As you journey along the illuminated trail, you’ll be immersed in a world of lights, sounds, and storytelling, bringing the vibrant fall landscape to life in a truly unique way. 

Plus, shorter fall days provide a better opportunity to experience more vivid lights as you enter this re-imagined natural world! Perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to add a touch of wonder to their fall evening, Vallea Lumina is a must-see event in Whistler this 2024 fall season.

RZR tours – For something a little more fast-paced, join a 2 or 4-seater RZR tour and set your sights on Whistler’s plentiful wildlife and breathtaking views as you tear through rugged backcountry. As you hurtle through the mud and puddles you’ll quickly understand why we think this is the perfect rainy day activity.

Fishing – One of the best-kept secrets is fall fishing in Whistler. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned angler, Whistler’s abundance of local creeks, rivers, and lakes makes for world-class fishing. Popular fall catches include Rainbow Trout and cutthroat Trout, as well as various salmon species including Chum, Pink, and Coho. 

Don’t forget – you will need a fishing license! Contact our team to help you purchase the required fishing license or assist you with choosing one of the popular fishing guide services.

Embrace the Change of Pace – A Wellness-Filled Fall

After constantly being on the go during summer, fall is a great time to focus on self-care and personal wellness. Embrace the strong desire to snuggle up under a blanket – there’s no shame in slowing down!

Scandinave Spa – Enjoy a moment of peace at Whistler’s most unique spa. The Scandinave Spa is designed around the age-old Finnish tradition of hydrotherapy cycling and offers warm baths, cold plunges and relaxation stations. You can also book a massage to complete your day of rejuvenation. Did we mention it’s a silent spa? There’s truly no better way to disconnect in Whistler.

The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge – The Spa at Nika Lake in Whistler offers a serene, lakeside retreat perfect for relaxation. Known for its holistic approach, the spa features a variety of treatments, including hot stone massages, organic facials, and signature therapies using natural, sustainable products. With stunning views of Nita Lake and a cosy, intimate ambiance, it’s the ideal spot to unwind and rejuvenate during your fall getaway.

NOTE: If you fancy a day of pampering but don’t feel like heading out, the Whistler Platinum team can organize a private spa treatment in the comfort of your rental home. Let us know what you have in mind and we can put together some treatment options for you. 

Curl up at home – Sit down with a cup of coffee on a pine-surrounded patio, read a book by the fireplace or curl up to a movie, however, you want to spend your fall vacation, we have a property to make staying at home the ultimate experience. Craving that spa experience at home? Choose from one of our vacation rentals with private hot tubs for that luxurious feel. 

If you’re planning on coming to Whistler this fall to enjoy a quieter pace, let our team at Whistler Platinum assist you in making your stay as perfect as possible. With over 120 accommodation options and deep connections to Whistler’s entire hospitality base, we’re at your service – and only a phone call, or email away.

Fall in Whistler Awaits

With so much to see, do, and experience, fall in Whistler truly offers a magical escape. From the vibrant foliage and crisp mountain air to the cosy relaxation of luxurious spas and exciting seasonal events, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the trails, indulging in local food festivals, or simply enjoying the calm beauty of the season, Whistler vacation rentals make the perfect base for your fall getaway. 

So pack your layers and discover all the unforgettable things to do in Whistler this season! We look forward to hearing from you and helping you personalise your next Whistler Fall getaway!

FAQs about Fall in Whistler

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