In Winter you have downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling (are you seeing a trend here?) and on-mountain sightseeing. There’s no doubt that there are plenty of reasons why most people who think of Whistler think of it as a winter destination.
Summer in Whistler is also a lot of fun, with the world-class mountain bike park that is ever-expanding, lakes to jump into, and plenty of hiking trails for every ability level.
Fall is also a great time of year to take a break and head to Whistler. With the mountain bike park and gondolas closed for the season in early October, the rest of fall in Whistler is a lot less crowded.
Take a look at this post to find things to do in Whistler during the fall season.
Have a Wellness Weekend in Whistler
It may surprise you that some people head to Whistler to mostly spend time in their accommodations! There are often discounted hotel stays and airbnbs to be rented during fall to make for a relaxing getaway.
Spa and salon services within hotels and also at the Scandinave Spa offer ways to relax, unwind, and enjoy both time alone and time spent with others. It’s a popular destination for girlfriends weekends and special occasions.
With five lakes around Whistler, it’s no wonder that renting stand-up paddle-boards, canoes, and kayaks are popular activities in Whistler during fall. Most lakes have rental facilities and washrooms.
Insider Info
I think the three Lodging Ovations properties in Creekside Village work well for getaway weekends with friends and family. They all have large kitchen and common areas with large bedrooms and bathrooms. The always-more-quiet-than-Whistler-Village area in Creekside is even more quiet during fall. The swimming pools and saunas in all three properties add to the wellness experience.
Take to the Trails
Fall is my favourite time of year to go hiking. I enjoy the crisp air, crunchy leaves beneath my feet, and the more quiet trails.
Whistler has a vast network of trails that are linked together and easily accessible whether you’re driving, taking transit, or riding your bicycle.
The 40km long Whistler Valley Trail connects all five lakes in the Whistler area. You can also access many recreational and cultural facilities from the Valley Trail, too. The trail is multi-use for bicycling, walking, skating, and running. There are plenty of other trails in Whistler as well.
Venture off the Beaten Path
The Whistler Train Wreck Trail can be accessed starting on Cheakamus Lake Road on the opposite side of the highway from Function Junction. The trail starts just off Jane Lakes Road. There is a marked parking lot which is quite small. Many cars park on the road leading up to the trail head.
The Train Wreck Trail is a popular attraction that you may not have visited before. The pathway is well-marked, generally easy enough for children and elders, and is nice and short. It will take you between 30 minutes and 45 minutes to get to the train wreck site, which is just on the other side of a suspension bridge.
There are no facilities or picnic tables along this trail, but there is a nice bench overlooking Cheakamus River across from the train wreck.
Wander around Function Junction
If you’ve already seen and done the Whistler Village thing, why not venture out to Function Junction? There are some local shops for clothing, decorative items, and the usual necessities like pet and building supplies. There are also a few cozy cafés to stop and grab a drink in.
Have Leisurely Meals in Whistler During Fall
One of my favourite places to enjoy a leisurely meal is at Nita Lake Lodge. They have vegan and vegetarian options and you can dine while looking out at Nita Lake and the mountains beyond. Of course, Whistler Village also have plenty of dining options for every budget and food preference.
With all these things to see and do will you be heading to Whistler during fall?
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