Things To Do
Beautiful Hikes
There are amazing hikes in and around Whistler for hikers of all levels! We have put together a list of some recommendations: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/list/vita-ben-s-whistler-area-hike-recommendations-442b548 Brandywine Falls, the Ancient Cedars Trail, and Rainbow Falls are all nearby and relatively quick hikes. There are also great trails in the Whistler Interpretive Forest. The trail to Lost Lake is accessible right from town, no car required, as are the trails that start at the bases of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. If you have a car and a little more time, venture in to Garibaldi Provincial Park, or north towards Pemberton. Joffre Lakes and Panorama Ridge are both longer and tougher hikes with spectacular views. Nairn Falls is a beautiful quick and easy hike near Pemberton, if you want to head that way but aren't in the mood for anything too strenuous. If you do find yourself near Pemberton, we recommend grabbing burgers at The Pony!
BC Wine
BC wine is legitimately one of the reasons we wanted to get married in Whistler. It is excellent, and also extremely difficult to find anywhere else because it's hardly exported, even to other Canadian provinces. We first got in to BC wines - which are mostly from the Okanagan Valley, Canada's only desert - on a ski trip to Whistler. Since then (as many of you already know firsthand) we will extoll its merits to anyone who will listen! Opening up a bottle of Okanagan is a special treat for us. If you have the time, we highly recommend finding a cozy patio or fireplace and trying some BC wines! Some of our favorite winemakers are Osoyoos Larose, Painted Rock, and Burrowing Owl.
Great Dining
Whistler has some wonderful restaurants. Araxi is our absolute favorite - we still dream about dishes that we have had there! We also really like Wild Blue, and The Wildflower at the Fairmont. Some other local favorites - Bar Oso, Il Caminetto, Balam, Lorette Brasserie, and Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler Village; Red Door Bistro, and Rimrock Cafe in Whistler Creek. Because October is the off-season in Whistler, most of the nicest restaurants offer fall prix-fixe menus that are fantastic deals.
Outdoor Excursions
A number of local operators offer other fun ways to take in Whistler's spectacular natural beauty, including zipline tours, canopy walks on suspended boardwalks, and ATV rides through the forests.
Golf
The golfers in the group are in for a treat - Whistler has a number of excellent courses including the Fairmont's golf course, Nicklaus North, and the Palmer-designed Whistler Golf Club.
Shopping
October is the time to take advantage of Canadian Thanksgiving and off-season sales in Whistler Village. You can find great deals on winter clothing, ski gear, and other outdoor clothing and gear.
Sea to Sky Gondola
If you have time on your drive to or from Whistler, the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish takes you up to a set of viewing platforms with breathtaking views of the Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. Once you're at the top, there are also a number of trails, including short and easy hikes with great views.