April 26, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Festivals & Events

View a larger image on flickr.com
One of the myriad great things about Whistler, besides its jaw-dropping mountains and the fact that it's kind of stunning all year round is that it is home to some amazing festivals and events.
This Easter Weekend, we headed up for the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival which ran from April 15 - 24. There were gigs and concerts in the main Village Square, DJs, ski and boarding competitions, plus fashion and art exhibits.
While everyone was hitting the snow, I road the gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain to check out the demo park (bonus! The views are there year round - get a lift ticket and you can check them out whether you're riding or not), then took the Peak 2 Peak over to Blackcomb for a bite to eat at the lodge. Sat in the sunshine, chatted with other visitors (one from BC, another from Dublin) while having a beer on the patio on top of the world.
In town (see pic), I wandered, shopped, and checked out the Whistler DogFest. At night, our gang stuffed our faces at Ric's Grill, and joined the thousands in the square for the WSSF Big Air competition - brilliant to see great athletes make huge ski jumps, and and meet other visitors. The WSSF activities provided a great vibe in the village, lots of people (though we still managed to get good hotel deals), and the best news is that it happens every year. And even better news? You don't have to be at an event to enjoy Whistler. The mountains don't move! :)
February 23, 2009 | Field Reports >
Whistler, Festivals & Events
Italy's Armin Zoeggeler is crowned the 2009 World Cup Luge Champion at the Whistler Sliding Centre. Tourism British Columbia Field Reporter Ivan Hughes was there watching the action on and off the course.
February 23, 2009 | Field Reports >
Whistler, Festivals & Events
With just one year to go until the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Tourism BC Field Reporter Kelli Corscadden took in the excitement. See the Olympic torch and clothing for the first time and check out the rest of the excitement in Whistler.
February 19, 2009 | Field Reports >
Whistler, Festivals & Events
Tourism British Columbia Field Reporter Ivan Hughes checks out
the World Cup 4-man Bobsleigh action at the Whistler Sliding Center.
September 09, 2006 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Festivals & Events
I know the celebration is still two months away, but now would be the time to book your wine tasting at
Cornucopia in
Whistler as tickets typically sell out prior to the four-day event starting November 9th. I love Whistler in the pre-ski season, so I just might see you there! The festival is jam-packed with B.C. wine and food, but it's the Pre-parties, Parties and After Parties that go from 5 pm and end at 4 am that I want to go for - unlike a good B.C. Pinot Gris, I just can't seem to find these extreme parties at other fine dining establishments.
Here’s a direct quote from the event schedule describing the After Party at Bearfoot Bistro: “Part urban myth and part reality, the After Party has taken on a life of its own over the years with live entertainment, painted human artwork, wine, bubbly, caviar, chocolate and other mouth-watering delights from some of Canada's best restaurants including Lumiere, Vij's, Chippino's, Bin 941 and Tojo's.”
If you are interested in some visuals,
British Columbia Magazine currently has an article on Cornucopia, complete with pictures of painted bodies, fresh-shucked oysters, and bottles of bubbly. As writer Daniel Wood puts it, it’s a delicious and quick descent to the decadent. I'm in!
January 26, 2006 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Festivals & Events
Okay, really now, any week in
Whistler is an entertaining week - especially the après-ski part of the week! That being said, Whistler has sent me a notice about two upcoming weeks that sound a bit more exuberant than the normal amount of high-spirited fun.
First, from February 6 to 12, Gay Ski Week will be in full swing. The headlining acts are the guided tours and a “fabulous” martini party. And, as my favourite CBC radio Stepping Out host Fred Lee says, “How much fun will that be! Xciting with a Capital X.”
Second, from March 5 to 11, Women’s Week features women-only clinics, seminars and what I might call “gear for grrls” specials offer. “I am women. Hear me roar. And Watch me Ski!”
December 14, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Festivals & Events
From December 17th to the 30th,
Whistler’s community centre for arts, culture and inspiration -Maurice Young Millennium Place- will be completely transformed into a winter wonderland for the inaugural
North Pole Central festival. This family-oriented festival is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.
At noon on
December 17th, the festival kicks off with Santa arriving in Whistler on the Fire Rescue Service’s No.1 fire engine. Live music, street performers, children’s activities and hot chocolate will round off the day’s festivities.
Over the following two weeks visitors can get involved in a variety of fun events. There will be daytime activities on Whistler Blackcomb, indoor craft workshops, seasonal sing-alongs, holiday films, and headline music and comedy shows.
Kids will want to visit Santa’s workshop to deliver their letters and get their photo taken with the big guy himself. Be sure to stop by the festive holiday beverage bar to satisfy your hot chocolate and eggnog cravings.
Maurice Young Millennium Place is located on Blackcomb Way near Village North.