Fall Whistler Day Trips

BC Mountain Resort Offers Pre-Winter Adventure Travel Deals

Sep 24, 2008 Chloë Ernst

Autumn is perhaps the loveliest season in Whistler, BC. Mostly dry weather pairs with smaller crowds and cheap travel deals to show off the resort at its best.

The wait is on for the ski and snowboard runs to open on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. In the meantime, here are some fall day trip activities selected from the Whistler Blackcomb website that highlight the premier ski resort in a completely different and less expensive season.

Explore Whistler Hiking Trails on a Fall Day Trip

The paved Valley Trail will remain snow-free for a while to come and makes a great inexpensive activity. Walk or bike the 30km of trails that wend from Whistler Village to the surrounding lakes, parks, and activities (like Whistler Golf Club). Or, venture to Lost Lake Park where the trails are available for mountain biking and hiking until the cross-country skiing season begins.

Take a Pemberton Horseback Riding Trip

Throw on a scarf and take a trail ride near Pemberton, just 32km north of Whistler. Rides run in most weather conditions, which makes this activity a great complement to British Columbia’s changeable climate. Just bring a raincoat and waterproof shoes for the particularly damp days on the "Wet" Coast.

BC Bear Watching as a Whistler Adventure

Before the black bears tuck away for winter hibernation, take a wildlife watching trip through the mountain wilderness and search out the varied local fauna. While the elusive cougar prefers to stay well-hidden from visitors, marmots (Whistler is named after their whistling sound), eagles, and deer are plentiful—if one knows where to look. For safety and optimal viewing it is advisable to hire a guide.

A Fall Day Trip to Ride a Whistler Zip Line

Zip lining tours whiz through the forest treetops year-round. The wildlife, stupendous views, and high-speed fun will help fend off the autumn chill. For the more timid and those with small children, tree canopy adventures are a nice alternative.

Paddle a Canoe or Kayak

Launch this traditional craft and paddle out on the multitude of lakes that encircle Whistler. Guided and self-guided canoe tours are available as well as other watercraft options such as kayaks or paddleboats.

In fact, Whistler was formerly named for one of these lakes. Alta Lake, which lies to the west of the village, was the site of the popular summer resort Rainbow Lodge that opened in 1914.

Discover the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center is the newly opened cultural sharing space run by the local First Nation communities. The center celebrates the history, language, stories, and craft-making skills of the Lil'wat and Squamish people. With a forest walk outside the center and a shop, Great Hall, and craft activities inside, this spot is an ideal place to spend a rainy afternoon.

Taste a Whistler Dining Adventure

Restaurant-hopping sure can be an exploration—especially at the tables of some of Canada’s finest chefs. From award-winning fine dining to cheap eats at the local cafés, Whistler knows how to serve up good grub and great atmosphere. Fall is also a superb season to sample the pick of the crop from the Pemberton Valley, the lush agricultural region north of Whistler.

So, as the snowline creeps lower on the twin mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb, enjoy the sunny days and sudden crisp of the evenings. That winter chill will reach the village soon enough.

Find more information about day trips and activities in this area in Winter Family Vacation to Vancouver or get outdoors on Vancouver Island with the recommendations of Best Vancouver Island Parks.

The copyright of the article Fall Whistler Day Trips in W Canada Travel is owned by Chloë Ernst. Permission to republish Fall Whistler Day Trips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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