The Whistler Writers Festival has something for everyone – readers, writers, established authors, poetry fans, dedicated non-fiction readers, murder-mystery aficionados – with events for every interest and age.
Here's what happened for 2024. Please check back for updated event information for 2025.
2024 Festival Highlights
In 2024, Whistler Writers Festival hosts its 23rd anniversary with the theme, everyone has a story to tell. New events, including storytelling and spoken performances, 12 reading events and 8 workshops, give you plenty of opportunities to share, experience and learn together. Most events are at Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Whistler Public Library, and some offer the opportunity to join online.
Thursday, October 17
The Sound of Story: Oral Storytelling & Spoken Word
Time: 8 – 9:30 PM
Details: Experience the melody and magic of oral storytelling with Lil’wat author and oral storyteller, Holly Bikadi and Squamish storyteller Tsawaysia Spukwus Dominique Nahanee, alongside spoken word artist and slam poetry champ, Nisha Patel (A Fate Worse than Death) and award-winning poet Bradley Peters (Sonnets from a Cell). Moderator and Lil’wat storyteller Yvonne Wallace will lead these four talented artists in conversation about the diverse and ancient art forms of oral storytelling and performing.
Friday, October 18
The Literary Cabaret
Time: 8 – 10 PM
Details: The Literary Cabaret is back with a night of literary riffs and live music at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Host band West Coast Front will jam with guest authors Dallas Hunt (Teeth), Laura Sharp (Places You Catch Yourself), Bob McDonald (Just Say Yes), Michael V. Smith (Queers Like Me), Natalie Sue (I Hope This Finds You Well) and Alli Vail (Brooklyn Thomas Isn’t Here) as they read from their latest works.
Saturday, October 19
Chilling Tales: Thrilling Fiction
Time: 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Details: Join moderator Tara Jean Stevens, Vancouver radio host and creator of the podcast, Heaven Bent in conversation with some of today’s most exciting writers of suspense. Tara will delve into the wild world of investigation, research, crime and thriller writing with guest authors, Amber Cowie (The Off Season), S.C. Lalli (The Plus One), and Hannah Mary McKinnon (Only One Survives). These spine-tingling novels explore our jealousy of those who achieve fame and fortune, and what happens when you don’t iron out expectations before a marriage. All that, plus you’ll be second guessing who you invite on your next vacation . . . Reserve your spot soon, this session is killer.
Beneath the Surface: A Conversation with Wade Davis
Time: Doors at 7:30 PM | Event 8 – 10 PM
Details: Join longtime friend of the festival, author and biologist, Leslie Anthony in a captivating conversation with National Geographic Explorer and Canadian anthropology legend, Wade Davis. Wade’s latest book, Beneath the Surface of Things: New and Selected Essays brings his unique anthropological perspective on various topics. Overall, the collection encourages us to see, and to seek, the wisdom of the middle way—a perspective of promise and hope. And since you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been, get ready for a deep dive and riveting discussion about Wade’s previous books, the evolving nature of anthropology and the effects of history, culture and politics on modern existence. Arrive early at 7:30 PM to hear themed classical music by the Sea to Sky String Orchestra and enjoy a glass of wine or beer from the bar.
Sunday, October 20
Sunday BookTalk and Breakfast
Time: Doors at 10:45 AM | Breakfast at 11 AM | Event 11:45 – 1 PM
Details: Spend Sunday morning chatting with other booklovers over the delicious Whiskey Jack Continental buffet breakfast before taking in this year’s BookTalk reading event. Moderator and author Caroline Adderson will engage three award-winning authors — Conor Kerr (Prairie Edge), Bob McDonald (Just Say Yes), and Leanne Toshiko Simpson (Never Been Better) — in conversation about their new releases. Each of these authors tackle pressing contemporary concerns: de-colonization, loss of culture, mental health, privacy and security, fake news and more.
Stay 3+ Nights and Receive a Free $100 Whistler Dining Voucher
Secure your lodging for the Whistler Writers Festival with rooms starting at $143 CAD per night*.
Extend your stay to 3+ nights and receive a free $100 Dining Voucher.
Offer Details:
Book 3+ nights and enter promo code FALLDINING at check-out or call 1.800.944.7853 and mention the offer to one of our Travel Consultants when booking. Valid at participating restaurants.
Hurry - this offer is available only at Whistler.com while quantities last!
*$143 CAD rate based on a 2 adults sharing a standard hotel room. Rates based on availability, subject to change and transacted in Canadian dollars.