The Local’s List: February

Whistler is in full swing with activities, races and events happening on and off the slopes. With more daylight, Whistler Blackcomb’s slopes are open a bit longer, with the last upload from the base of the mountains now at 3:30 PM. It’s also BC’s Family Day on Monday, February 19, so if you’re looking for fun things to do with the fam jam that long weekend, we’ve got you covered with a post filled with family-friendly ideas.

You’ll be hearing cowbells on Whistler Mountain’s slopes later this month as skiers tackle the legendary Peak to Valley Race, the longest race of its kind in the world! Our arts and culture scene is also in full force with comedy and paint nights, the Arc’teryx Academy Music Series, and a new photography exhibit to name but a few of the options.

Try something new, or try something with someone new; whether that’s heading to Whistler Olympic Park for the first time for some cross-country or snowshoe action, ordering a cocktail you’ve never had before at a new après spot or tackling a bucket list run on Whistler Blackcomb (PSA – Valentine’s Day is on February 14).

Here’s what’s happening in Whistler this February.

Outdoor Adventure

You’ll find us:

• Heading out in a 15-passenger snowcat to higher elevations with Callaghan Country. Their shuttle service gives you access to their Nordic trails and the wilds of the Callaghan Valley backcountry (for the latter, make sure you’ve got the knowledge and gear you need to stay safe).
• Having fun with our girl crew at Rossignol and Extremely Canadian’s Rossignol We Rise Women’s Ski/Ride Day on February 3. This is an ultimate shred day with top female guides and coaches who are there to help you push some boundaries. They also have a We Rise Women’s Backcountry Day on February 10. For more on what this local company offers take a read of Exploring Whistler’s Backcountry with Extremely Canadian.
• Getting our thighs ready for some racing! It’s the Kokanee Valley Race Series on February 15 followed by the Peak to Valley Race on February 23 and 24, but if cross-country is more your thing the Coast Outdoors Payak Cross-Country Ski Loppet happens on February 24. Whistler Nordic Toonie Races are happening on February 15 at Lost Lake Park (check the trail conditions before you go) and February 21 and 28 at Whistler Olympic Park. On Family Day, Day Tickets to Whistler Olympic Park are 25% off!
• Checking out the clinics, music series, film nights and events happening at the Arc’teryx Backcountry Academy, happening February 23 to 25.
• Skiing the powder and corduroy with our First Tracks tickets, which give you access to Whistler Blackcomb ahead of the crowd along with a food voucher for that all-important muffin and coffee mid-morning!

Adventure Lite

You’ll find us:

• Exploring the Lost Lake Nordic trails via snowshoe or cross-country skis. Set your own pace as you make your way through the peace of the forest, just minutes away from Whistler Village. Read more in our guide, Cross-country Skiing at Lost Lake.
• Dipping a rod into a frozen lake on an ice fishing adventure. February is definitely a good month for it, and you can read what it’s like to go fishing in the winter in, How to Ice Fish in Whistler.
• Exploring two of Whistler’s cultural experiences; the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) and Audain Art Museum. Both are a must-see while in Whistler, with stunning artwork to be explored at both, along with cultural sharing at the SLCC. Did you know you can save 20% by buying admission to both? Check out Whistler.com’s Cultural Pass for more info and pick one up online or at the Whistler Visitor Centre.
• Heading to the base of Whistler Mountain on Sunday evening for the Fire & Ice Show. This season, spectators will hear about the volcanoes and glaciers that shaped the Whistler Valley and about Spo7ez, a village shared by the Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation. Then it’s over to the skiers and snowboarders who fly through firey hoops to the beat of the music. The evening wraps with a performance by world champion hoop dancer, Alex Wells – epic.

More ways to get outside.

Family Fun

You’ll find us:

• Looking for things to do with the fam jam over the Family Day long weekend. After a day on the slopes maybe it’s time for a celebratory hot chocolate, ice skating under the stars or a zipline through the trees. We have lots of suggestions in our What to Do in Whistler with the Family post. Our tip would be to book activities and restaurants ahead of time as it will be busy over that weekend!
• Exploring Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Make-a-Wish Playhouse. Open from 3 to 7 PM daily on the back lawn, it’s a fun place for the kiddos to explore while mom and dad explore The Mallard Lounge’s cocktail list. Entry is by donation and all funds raised will be contributed to the Make-A-Wish Children’s Foundation, curating memorable experiences for children in critical care.
• Going for dinner and a movie, with a forest twist. Vallea Lumina is a multi-media light show in the forest just north of Whistler Village. The result is a magical experience for all ages.
• Treating the little ones to kid-friendly après at the Whistler Museum over family day weekend from February 17 to 19 from 2 to 5 PM. This event is free and includes activities and treats for children of all ages!

More family-friendly activities.

Arts & Culture

You’ll find us:

• Following one of Whistler’s most-loved après bands around the resort! The Hairfarmer’s are a Whistler must-see and you’ll find them at Merlin’s at the base of Blackcomb Mountain and Dusty’s at the Creekside Base on multiple dates throughout the month, check our events calendar for exact dates.
• Letting our creative side out at the Adult Paint Workshop at the Audain Art Museum on February 3.  This is a popular event, so be sure to book your tickets.
• Listening to an enigmatic, husband and wife duo play Dvorak, Strauss and more on February 4 at the Maury Young Arts Centre. From Barcelona, violin and piano duo, Kai Gleusteen and Catherine Ordrenneau like to talk about the music with the audience in between playing.
• Having a laugh at The Bad Apples Comedy Show at RMU on February 5. Partners in laughter, Nelson Mayer and Clayton T. Stewart, who you might have seen on HBO, Prime and Crave, will be entertaining the Whistler crowds for one night only, so grab your ticket before they go!
• Discovering our unique and personal approach to creativity using paint and words at Art Asylum at the Whistler Public Library on February 6. No experience is necessary and all supplies are provided for this evening of creative discovery.
• Celebrating the art of transformation at Art Whistler’s latest exhibit, Point of View: Altered Photographic Perspectives. Taking an original photograph, the artworks you’ll see will have altered them using a variety of mediums like paint overlay, collage and digital manipulation. Celebrate the opening of the exhibit at the Art Party! on February 2 from 6 PM to 8 PM.
• Enjoying the tunes during the Arc’teryx Academy Music Series on February 23 and 24, with acts like Gone Gone Beyond, Disco Lines and Justin Martin. There are also Film Nights as part of the Academy and we like the look of Slides on the Mountain on Friday night.
• Supporting local artist Angela Morgan’s Solo Exhibition at the Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery from February 10 to 16, with après with Angela kicking off the exhibition on Feb 10.
• Roaring with laughter at the Laugh out LIVE! Face Shots & Snow Jobs show at the Maury Young Arts Centre on Feb 16 and 17. Get your tickets before they’re gone!
• Visiting the SLCC’s newest exhibit: Fighting for Justice. This exhibit shares the history of fighting for justice on the coast through a travelling exhibit from Vancouver Island University, alongside stories from the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation – open until March 31.
• Joining local artists at the 9th Annual Winter Carnival at The Point on February 18 and 19 – a community celebration featuring live music, dinner and dancing, and a host of free afternoon activities celebrating winter through the lens of the arts.

Eating, Drinking & Shopping

You’ll find us:

• At the new Provisions Whistler, a beautiful cafe by the Toptable Group who are the masterminds behind Bar Oso, Araxi and Il Caminetto. I dare you to go in there and attempt to leave without one of their freshly baked goodies. There’s even a dessert counter with a decadent option from each of their restaurants on display – mouthwatering!
• Listening to Barclay Robinson, Winemaker for Road 13 at Wild Blue’s winemaker dinner event on February 1 showcasing their John Oliver selections. Chef Derek Bendig has expertly paired each course to highlight and reflect the terroir that Barclay has expertly farmed since 2020.
• Enjoying a taste of the Alps in Whistler with a fondue and/or raclette experience. We recently posted a blog about where you can get your cheese on in Whistler, whether you’re looking for an après or dinner experience.
• Diving into butter chicken and chana masala at The Royal Taste of India’s dinner buffet, available nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM.
• Putting a Thai twist on our après at Mekong in Creekside. Open for après fun from 3 to 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays during peak winter, you can enjoy a carefully crafted cocktail while you munch on their Tom Yum Chicken Wings and Popcorn Mushrooms.
• Sipping away at the Winemaker Lunch Series at Steep’s Grill, atop Whistler Mountain on February 28. Enjoy a multi-course luncheon complete with wine pairings and world-class views – a real treat for the senses. The event is selling out quickly, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance.

More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.

Save the Date

31st Annual Telus Winter Classic | March 1 – 2
World Ski & Snowboard Festival | April 8 – 14
O2E Whistler World Cup | April 11 – 14
Audain Gala & Auction | April 13

Be a Responsible Traveller: Don’t Love It to Death

• Help keep Whistler green by choosing tap water over bottled water, avoiding single-use plastics, leaving the car at home, choosing active transportation and sorting garbage properly to reduce your waste.
• Be AdventureSmart and always practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Consider our Responsible Travel pillars, Respect Nature, Think Environment, Don’t Love It to Death and Support Local.
• Whistler Alert is the official emergency notification system used by the RMOW to communicate with residents and visitors during emergencies via text message, phone and email. We encourage you to sign up for it while you’re here (just in case). When you register, you will be asked to provide your contact number and the date you plan to leave Whistler so that you don’t receive alerts when you’re back home.

Travel Updates

All travel restrictions have been removed for US and international visitors entering Canada. Visit whistler.com/covid for the latest COVID-19 information and resources for travellers.

If You’re Driving . . .

• Take a read of Go Car Free: 8 Reasons to Ditch the Car on Your Whistler Trip in case we can convince you that you don’t need your car!
• Winter tires or chains are required on the Sea to Sky Highway from now until March 31. Make sure to check you have these, especially if you’re using a rental car. Read more on our Road Conditions page.
• Help reduce congestion on the highway by travelling during non-peak times. Peak travel times on the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler include Friday afternoons and evenings, weekends and holidays. To avoid this busy time, plan to visit Whistler midweek when the highway and the resort are typically quieter. Extend your weekend – plan to arrive on Thursday night and leave on Monday morning to avoid the weekend traffic. If you’re visiting Whistler only for the day, plan on staying for dinner to avoid the rush of day traffic leaving the resort after the mountain closes.
• Always check DriveBC for current road conditions before getting on the road. Follow @DriveBC on Twitter and listen to MountainFM for the latest updates.
• Paid parking is in effect in all the Day Lots although there is complimentary parking from 5 PM to 8 AM. Overnight parking is now allowed in the Day Lots, but no overnight camping or sleeping in vehicles. Please check the RMOW website for more information on parking including an interactive map.
• Marketplace parking has new tariffs; $1 first 30 minutes and $2 first hour (15-minute, storefront parking remains free). For shopping at Fresh St. Market, register your license plate in the machine prior to shopping and they will reimburse you for 1 hour with a minimum $25 purchase.