Shane's Picks
   
 

Wondering what to do in Whistler in November? Here are some suggestions

Adrenalin Rush
There arezip lines operating year round in Whistler.
“Ziptrek” http://www.ziptrek.com/whistler-canada operates a total of 16 ziplines in two areas not far from the village. The “Sasquatch” run a total 2 km of ziplines, while the “Ecotour” has 700m of line and 9 tree-top aerial bridges.

Scandinavian Outdoor Spa Experience
“Scandinave” http://www.scandinave.com/en/whistler/ has a spectacular 20,000 sq ft outdoor spa with beautiful pools, hot and cold waterfalls, rustic buildings, and hot and steam baths.

Valley Trails System
Whistler has an extensive 40km system of walking trails https://www.whistler.ca/whistler-valley-trail
Be sure to download the trail map, or better pick up a printed copy from the tourist information centre. The trails nearest the Fairmont are those heading to Lost Lake and Green Lake.
If you prefer biking the trails, consider an Electric Bike tour http://whistlerebikes.com/

First Nations Cultural Centre
The Squamish Lilwat band bill this as an aboriginal museum and cultural centre; but first nations in British Columbia are active and vibrant; this is no stale museum. Constructed for the 2010 Winter Olympics, this cultural centre http://slcc.ca/ has exhibits, demonstrations and indigenous fare for lunch.

Whistler Celebration of Fine Food & Drink Cornucopia
“Whistler Cornucopia” http://whistlercornucopia.com/Schedule lasts Nov 05-15. This is the “must do” food and wine tasting event of the Whistler year. It is well attended by the locals, and I recommend buying tickets at least 2 weeks in advance for sell out events such as the “Best of BC House Party” on Thursday Nov 05. Think about sticking around Friday night for “Champagne Secrets” and “Desert Tastings”, etc.

Pique of the Week
Local event listings will be found in Whistler’s own “Pique Magazine” available on line http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/ and free at news stands in good ole print format. Want to find special events, best deals on dining, live bands and bars, farmers markets, open mic comedy, etc, etc, this is the place.

Cinema & Theatre
For those wet/cold nights to stay indoors, Whistler has the “Village 8 cinemas” http://www.metrotheatres.com/location/9258/Village-8 with multiple shows every day, and a calendar of performing arts events http://artswhistler.com/events-and-programs/events-and-festivals

For Train Buffs
Last on my list is the “West Coast Railway Heritage Park”  http://www.wcra.org/ which has a small collection of steam and diesel locomtives, vintage railcars, and a Mini Rail ride for the kids.

The not-so-good news
November is a transition month. Be prepared for rain; a good rain coat and/or heavy duty umbrella is essential.
The gondola’s do not run between October 12 and November 22 – unless there is a big snow fall.
There is no float plane flight seeing after Sept 27.
There is no river rafting after Sept 07.
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Whistler Municipal golf course both closes October 12.
Most of the mountain bike rentals close after October 12; so if you plan on using a bicycle, then you have two options (i) bring your own, or join an electric bike tour http://whistlerebikes.com/tours/
[Ordinary rentals are available in Squamish, about an hour drive south of Whistler] http://www.seatoskyadventurecompany.com/bike--watersport-rentals.html