September has arrived and with it comes the feeling of seasonal change. It’s the time to embrace the last weeks of summer before fall rolls around and we slow down to enjoy the cozy season. Join us in Whistler to tick off those final summer, alpine adventures and raise a craft beer to a season well spent at the Whistler Village Beer Festival on September 14.
September is a time to reflect on our nation’s history. National Truth and Reconciliation Day is September 30 and a statutory holiday in BC. The day was introduced for Canadians to recognize and reflect on the tragic, ongoing legacy of the residential schools and honour the lost children, the survivors and their communities. We recommend a visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about the local Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. Thanks to the SLCC’s partners, CIBC and the RMOW, it’s free admission on Monday, September 30 with programming happening throughout the day.
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If you plan to head up the gondolas this September, check the lift and terrain status before you go. Whistler Blackcomb’s summer operations change this month to prepare for the winter season ahead. The Whistler Village Gondola and the Peak Express Chair close on September 2. After this date, sightseers can ride the Blackcomb Gondola to access the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and Whistler Mountain until September 22. If you’re riding the bike park, Top of the World (Peak Zone) closes on September 2, the Garbanzo and Creek Zones close on September 22, and the Fitzsimmons Zone closes on October 14. Always check the hours of operation page before starting your adventure.
Here’s what’s going on in Whistler this September:
Outdoor Adventure
You’ll find us:
- Pedalling 122 kilometres alongside the ocean and ascending into the mountains at the RBC GranFondo Whistler on September 7, or choosing the 55-kilometre distance option and riding through the stunning Callaghan Valley. The Invictus Games Foundation is supporting 90 wounded, injured and sick service men and women from around the world to take part. For a firsthand account of what it’s like to ride in the event, read our blog, RBC GranFondo Whistler: Cycling the Sea to Sky. Make sure to stop by Whistler Olympic Plaza for a celebration of live music from 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Racing alongside other women through Whistler’s incredible mountain bike trail network or cheering them along at the women’s enduro race – The Witsend, taking place on September 14.
- Ripping around in a 4×4 off-road buggy with Canadian Wilderness Adventures on the Odyssey Off-Road Buggy Tour. Climb rugged mountain roads and forested trails up to scenic viewpoints while watching for wildlife along the way. Tours run all the way through to mid-October, making this a great late summer/early fall activity for the whole family.
- Getting outside of our comfort zone at XTERRA Whistler, an off-road take on the traditional triathlon format, combining a lake swim with a cross-country mountain bike ride and a trail run. Learn more about XTERRA from the endurance coach who produces the event in our blog, XTERRA Whistler: You Can Do More Than You Think.
- Enjoying prime time in the Whistler Bike Park. With cooler temperatures and fewer riders, September in the bike park is a gem.
- Setting out for a long-distance run with the Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB on September 28 and 29. Three race distances of 25 KM, 50 KM and 70 KM will take trail runners on a journey that highlights the best of Whistler and its surrounding trails.
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Adventure Lite
You’ll find us:
- Activating your curiosity while you discover some of Whistler’s oldest residents on the Weird and Wonderful Trees tour. It’s one of the free, self-guided tours on our Go Whistler Tours App, and it uses engaging text, audio, video and images to share fascinating information and stories about the trees along a two-kilometre stroll around Whistler Village.
- Stretching it out at the Summer Series by Lululemon, located at the Westin’s outdoor plaza on Sunday, September 1 and Sunday, September 8 from 9 to 10 AM. Bring your own yoga mat and join this FREE outdoor yoga class, led by local ambassadors and community partners.
- Experiencing Whistler’s famous black bears in their natural habitat on Whistler Mountain. Bear Tours run until October 7 and September is a great time to view bears as they are actively preparing for hibernation. A tour is the best way to safely and respectfully view bears. To learn more, check out our blog on Bear Viewing Tours on Whistler.
- Paddling on Callaghan Lake with The Callaghan’s canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals (there’s a rumour you get free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream when you rent for the day). Pick up your gear at The Base at Alexander Falls, then head up the forest service road (four-wheel drive recommended) for a backcountry lake experience. You can opt for a transportation add-on if you need a lift up to the lake from Alexander Falls. While there, you can hike up the 4.5-kilometre trail to the Journeyman Lodge and enjoy some lunch (available daily, reservations needed on weekdays) or stay the evening on weekends (book in advance). Don’t miss the Huckleberry Festival on Saturday, September 28th for pancakes at the Journeyman Lodge.
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More ways to get outside.
Family Fun
You’ll find us:
- Wrapping up a great summer of music on the final day of the Whistler Summer Concert Series. On Sunday, Sept 1, enjoy Sunday Sessions, a festival-style day of music from 1 PM to 5 PM, featuring local and touring acts including Little Bigs Band, JennaMae and the Groove Section, Cat Madden and Kim Churchill.
- Walking or running in the Terry Fox Run on September 15. Register from 9 AM at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler before setting off for the run at 11 AM. There will be two route options, one relaxed and one challenging.
- Exploring the wilderness atop a surefooted horse on a riding tour. Horseback riding tours range in length from one hour to three days, any level of rider can enjoy this unique and memorable way to experience the mountains. To learn more about this experience read our horseback riding blog.
- Discovering a valley of hidden wonders at Vallea Lumina, a multimedia night walk nestled in the trees on Cougar Mountain. As the sun goes down a little earlier, show times become more kid-friendly, making September a good time to bring the kiddos out to experience the magic.
- Inspiring the kids to get creative at the Kid’s Paint Workshop with Andrea Mueller on September 14. Children aged 5 to 10 are invited for a fun day of painting, inspired by landscape artist Tom Thomson, whose exhibition is currently on at the Audain Art Museum.
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More family-friendly activities.
Arts & Culture
You’ll find us:
- Slowing down after the excitement of the RBC GrandFondo at the Sunday Slow Down hosted by the Audain Art Museum. On Sunday, September 8, guests can enjoy a calming sound bath meditation, a restorative yoga session, or a guided tour at the Audain Art Museum. Plus, a Sunday Slow Down ticket gets you discounts at the Scandianve Spa to really unwind. While at the Audain Art Museum, don’t forget to check out the final few days of the Otherwise Disregarded – Capture Photography Festival exhibit before it goes on September 9.
- Viewing meticulously crafted local art by local artists, which measure 3″ x 3″ or smaller at the 7th annual Teeny Tiny Show, at the Maury Young Arts Centre from September 18 to October 26.
- Listening to Corporal Retired Lealand Muller’s experience of the Invictus Games 2023 as Whistler prepares to host the 2025 event. He’ll be inspiring the audience to overcome their own physical and mental limitations while advocating for change in Canada’s built environment to increase accessibility on September 19 at the Maury Young Arts Centre, hosted by the Whistler Institute as part of their Global Perspectives Speaker Series.
- Visiting the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to view their current exhibits, Cheif Dan George- Actor and Activist, and Declaration of the Lillooet Tribes. Stop by on September 30 for National Truth and Reconciliation Day to learn about and reflect on the history and connect to the land.
- Immersing ourselves in the Soul City Yoga 12-Hour Immersion workshop from September 6 to 8 at Yogacara. Throughout the three days, participants deepen their yoga practice and dive into the history and philosophy of yoga, while experiencing asana labs and useful anatomy insights.
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Eating, Drinking & Shopping
You’ll find us:
- Sending off another great summer with delicious craft beer at the Whistler Village Beer Festival, a week of beer-fuelled fun running from September 9 to 15, with the main event on September 14. Throughout the week there are events such as beer cocktail parties, tap takeovers and sip ‘n’ stretch yoga. The weekend culminates with the Main Event on Saturday, September 14 from 12 to 6 PM in Whistler Olympic Plaza and continues with Oktoberfest that evening.
- Squeezing in a few more patio days at the Patio Party Series hosted by Nita Lake Lodge on September 7. Soak in the lakeside views from the Cure Lounge & Patio while enjoying live music, beer specials and delicious food. Don’t stress about transportation – take their courtesy shuttle to and from the Village!
- Nibbling on a variety of Peaked Pies with their new Mini Bite Pie Flights, because it’s the little things in life!
- Dreaming of Mediterranean sun-kissed beaches and endless blue skies with the brand new Tales of The Med menu at the Braidwood Tavern. This brand-new dinner menu transports you across the Atlantic with this seafood-inspired dinner concept, including oysters, seared salmon, lobster, carefully curated cocktails and more.
- Strolling through the Whistler Farmers’ Market, every Sunday until October 13 (plus Saturday, October 12). Support the local farms and small businesses as you shop for your produce, groceries and craft-prepared foods. Make sure you arrive hungry, there is plenty of on-site hot food, treats and goodies to indulge in.
- Indulging in the Lobster Fest menu at Bearfoot Bistro, now available from Monday to Thursday for a limited time. Or, stop by for Happy Hour from 4:30 to 5:30 PM for Oyster Specials – yum!
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More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.
Save the Date
Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra | October 5
Whistler Wine Walk | October 4, 11, 18 and 25
Whistler Writers Festival | October 17 – 20
Cornucopia Whistler | November 7 – 17
Whistler Blackcomb Winter Opening Day | November 22
Whistler Film Festival | December 4 – 8
Be a Responsible Traveller: Don’t Love It to Death
- Whistler is bear country. Take a read of our Bear Aware blog post so you can act responsibly on behalf of these beautiful, wild creatures. Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear.
- Wildfires are a very real risk to Whistler, even into the fall months. Whistler’s fire danger rating gets updated daily by the BC Wildfire Service and when it reaches High or Extreme, open fires of any kind are banned (check it on our weather page). If you see a fire call 9-1-1.
- If you’re using the hiking and biking trails around Whistler regularly, consider donating to or joining WORCA, a local organization that maintains Whistler’s trail system.
- 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.
Last Day Of…
- Meadow Park Sports Centre – the pool is closed from August 19 to September 17, and the main facility is closed from August 24 to September 2, reopening September 3.
- Last day for the Lost Lake and Rainbow Park shuttles is September 2. Parking at Lost Lake is then available until winter closure.
- Last day for Park Eats and free Bike Valet is September 2. New Smart Bike Parking stations are located at Whistler Olympic Plaza, Village Square by Blackcomb Lodge, and Meadow Park. The racks fit almost all types of bikes and offer free e-bike charging, download the Bikeep App for more information.
- Last day for free transit is September 2. There’s free transit on September 7 during GranFondo, Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30 and October 12, 13, & 14.
- To celebrate shared stewardship values and recognize the importance of the Pipi7íyekw /Joffre Lakes Park area to the Líl̓wat Nation and N’Quatqua, the park will be closed to recreational visitors and the general public from September 3 to October 3.
If You’re Driving . . .
- GranFondo will impact traffic conditions on the Sea to Sky Highway and in Whistler on September 9. Delays should be expected and guests / residents should plan ahead.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
Book 3+ nights between January 1 - 31, 2025 to receive two free First Tracks tickets (early access to Whistler Mountain). Stay longer and save more, book now and save up to 25% on lodging and up to 35% on gear rentals.
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