The leaves are starting to fall and the green mountainsides are slowly being populated with hues of red, yellow and orange. It’s no secret that fall is upon us. With the change in seasons comes a seemingly new set of sights to see. The colors lending to a different perspective, unique to this time of year and one inviting you to discover.
There’s so much to see and do during Whistler’s secret season, so we’ve planned the perfect fall day to spend taking in the many sights, all glowing with autumn’s touch. Grab your jacket, proper footwear and get ready to enjoy fall sightseeing in the mountains.
Morning:
Fuel up with Breakfast
Prior to your activities, start your morning off on the right foot with breakfast at Portobello in the Upper Village. Be sure to sit on the patio and watch Whistler wake-up while enjoying your morning meal and a delicious specialty coffee.
Take a Sightseeing Tour
You will not skip a beat with a Whistler Sightseeing Tour. These tours cover all the nooks and crannies of the valley worth exploring. In a comfortable tour bus along with commentary, visit the 2010 Olympic venues, historical sites, lakes, and of course, the infamous Instagrammable spots! Led by locals, you’ll get to see and hear about the real Whistler, including where to shop and eat; an ideal way to get to know Whistler when you first arrive so you can then decide where you want to spend your time.
Stop for Lunch
All the fresh fall air will have you hungry for something cozy. Head back to the Village and let your nose guide you as you stroll along the cobblestone. Beacon Pub & Eatery and Black’s Pub both have warm patios with menu options that will warm you up from the inside out.
Afternoon:
Hike to a Waterfall
Autumn has some of the best conditions for hiking. The weather is cooler and Mother Nature is putting on a spectacular light show in terms of colour. Take this opportunity to visit one of the numerous waterfalls surrounding Whistler such as Rainbow Falls or Brandywine Falls. Many of these hikes feature short loops with incredible sights such as the 70 metres / 230 feet waterfall found in Brandywine Falls Provincial Park.
OUTSIDER CODE: Stay on the designated path in Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. You may come across an unsanctioned (and potentially unsafe) trail to the base of the falls, following it is a fineable offense as it damages the sensitive ecosystem and riparian habitat. Don’t make nature pay for a photo op!
Go Ziplining
Once you’ve covered all the sights accessible by ground, it’s time to take to the treetops with a Ziptrek Eagle Tour. Connected by suspension bridges set in an old-growth forest, enjoy the thrill of five separate ziplines, all providing extraordinary panoramic views of the Fitzsimmons Creek valley, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Early Evening:
Watch Sunset from Blackcomb Mountain
The gondolas may have limited hours and close for seasonal maintenance after October 14, but they’re not the only way to get up Blackcomb Mountain. Ride in style and comfort on a Blackcomb Sunset 4×4 Tour with Canadian Wilderness Adventures. Watch the sun set behind the Coast Mountains from an alpine vantage point of 1829 metres / 6000 feet in elevation. The autumn colors filling the encompassing scenery are sure to light up as golden hour gives way to twilight.
Dine out on the Town
Chances are, you’re going to be hungry after letting your feet guide you to all of Whistler’s autumn time sights. Luckily, there are fall dining deals to fill you up. During the fall, some of Whistler’s restaurants put on multi-course menus at a great value, providing a chance to try world-class cuisine. The perfect curtain to close exploring the colours of the season while in the mountains.
This is only a fraction of the adventure Whistler has to offer in fall, from UTV and ATV tours to bear or eagle viewing and helicopter excursions, you can do it all. And as a bonus? Many of these activities are on special for the season.
Come and see for yourself, explore more mountain filled sightseeing activities on Whistler.com. Feeling lucky? Enter our Fall for Whistler Contest for a chance to win an autumn escape for two.