5 Ways to Experience Autumn in Whistler

Autumn in Whistler is a magical time of year. The trees are changing colours, the snowline starts creeping down the mountain and everyone starts the countdown to Winter.  It may not be ski season yet, but there are plenty of things to see and do while visiting Whistler this fall. Here are a few ways to celebrate the change of seasons:

Foraging in the Forest

Most people often forget that Whistler is not just ‘all about’ the mountains. We have a lot of beautiful forests surrounding lakes, trails, and valleys just waiting to be discovered. Due to the heavy rain, many of Whistler’s surrounding waterfalls will be in prime viewing time. However, if you’re looking to get a little more in touch with nature while educating yourself – why not try your hand at foraging! There are plenty of books on the subject (a quick stop at Armchair Whistler will help) or reach out to the local companies, like Forest and Flow for a guided tour.

Another big one that we enjoy is the Fungus Among Us Festival (Oct 18-19^th) hosted by the Whistler Naturalists. It’s a great way to get out there while learning which mushrooms are easy to find, and safe to eat.

Spooky Nature Walks

Seeing as Halloween is within grasp, it’s a great time of the year to go outside our comfort zones and indulge in some haunted activities. For those of you who would prefer to take yourself on a guided tour, why not discover Whistler’s Parkhurst Ghost Town. Located on the other side of Green Lake, see what treasures and haunted dwellings you can find.

If you prefer something a little tamer, while still being out in the dark, try the Vallea Lumina walk! It’s a great way to get out in the forest while having your eyes play tricks on you.

Get in Touch with First Nations Culture

If you’ve never been to the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre, now is the time! The building itself is a beautiful piece of architecture and the café is filled with delicious native-inspired treats (the bannock is a crowd pleaser!). A tour of the centre can last as long as you’d like and is very informative to the past, present, and future of Whistler. New this year, they are holding an Ambassadors Exhibition celebrating the family of the Cultural Centre while highlighting their strong connection to land, cultures and each other. This runs until March 2020. If you have a group of 10 or more, we suggest looking into the tea tasting for a fun spin on the visit.

Sip on Seasonal Brews

During Autumn in Whistler, there’s nothing quite like watching the rain come down from a cozy, comfortable spot inside. If it’s a hot brew you’re after, see what kind of pumpkin spice goodies you can find – many of the local coffee shops will have a seasonal take on the infamous PSL (that’s Pumpkin Spiced Latte). If it’s a variety of cold brews, stop in and visit one of the local breweries. Swap up the pumpkin for chestnut and enjoy a chestnut ale from Whistler Brewing!

Indulge in Shoulder Season Deals

As part of the ‘transition’ period from Summer to Winter, many local restaurants offer dining deals to get people in the doors. Look into specific restaurants or dig around online, but many offer better deals if you dine from Sunday – Thursday, as opposed to during the weekend. This is a great way to enjoy some of your favourites – or find some new ones!