What To Do In Whistler’s So-Called “Off Season”?
You know what they say about Whistler in September, right? The beer flows like wine and the adventure seekers instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. (Does anyone get that reference or am I aging myself??).
For the past few years I’ve been fortunate to get invited to the Whistler Village Beer Fest by the amazing crew at Gibbon’s Whistler. It’s always an epic event and hands-down one of my fav beer fests of the year, come rain or shine.
The only “problem” with going to Whistler is that you can’t just pop in for an afternoon, you’ll want, no, NEED to stay for a weekend. But what do you do in the land of the Western Hoary Marmot in the so-called “off season”?
Besides cheaper hotels, fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures, there’s a ridiculous abundance of activities to dive into while you’re there for the Beer Fest. Lucky for you, I’ve rounded up some of my absolute favorites below, in no particular order (mostly).
- Whistler Village Beer Fest…. September 13…. Mark your calendars and start booking your vacation because this is the main reason I trek to Whistler every September.
- Over 80 craft beverages from some of the best breweries in the province. But don’t fret, it’s not just beer, they also have cider and seltzers to sample in those cute little mini steins.
- Multiple food trucks (I’m still dreaming about that raclette from a couple years ago)
- Live music from bands and DJs all day long
- A ton of interactive activities like axe throwing, bull riding, corn hole, giant Jenga and much, much more
- All that plus a backdrop of some of the most picturesque mountains in the world!
Okay, I might have said this list was in no particular order, but let’s be real: the beer fest is number one.
- Ziplines with TAG Whistler
- This is one that I tried for the first time 2 years ago and it was absolutely exhilarating. Even for Mrs. Explorer who isn’t exactly comfortable with heights.
- You’ll be flying over the backcountry of Cougar Mountain and Rainbow Mountain on four different ziplines.
- The highest zipline is over 300m (984ft) above the ground, the longest is 1.2km (0.75mi) long and the fastest reaches speeds up to 100km per hour (62mph).
- They also run in tandem so you can hear your partner scream the whole way. Is that joy or terror? Either way, we had fun.
- Chuckin’ Axes
- Axe throwing is fun, but axe throwing in Whistler is even more fun! Our experience was through the Axewood Crew at a set up they had at the golf course. This particular experience also came with some samples of Humblebee Mead. Little known fact; mead and axe throwing are a great combo and make you feel like a Viking!
- You can also visit Forged Axe Throwing for a fun time tossing sharp objects.
- Rock Climbing
- I’m no Alex Honold so we kept our danger levels to a minimum with some low risk climbing at the The Core, Whistler’s indoor climbing gym. The staff are fantastic and have tips for all skill levels. Plus, it’s a great spot to escape the heat or the rain. Win-Win!
- Hiking
- You’re in Whistler, surrounded by glorious mountains, so naturally, the hiking options are bountiful. I’d recommend checking All Trails to find something that suits your skill and energy levels.
- For a shorter, more chill hike that’s great for everyone, I’d suggest the Train Wreck Trail. It offers shady trails with not much incline, a river, waterfall, suspension bridge and, of course, the famous Whistler train wreck.
- Brewery Tour at Whistler Brewing
- Outside of the beer, most brewery tours can, (how do I put this nicely?), leave a lot to be desired. Whistler Brewing has a secret weapon, and his name is Hugues.
- This French Canadian world-traveler has tasted beer all over Europe and he made the brewery tour hilariously entertaining. Cracking jokes the whole time (some of which can’t be repeated here) but also dropped a plethora of knowledge about the brewing process and Whistler’s brewing history.
- It helps that Whistler Brewing makes some tasty brews as well. Try the Chestnut Ale!
- Also, make sure you don’t miss out on Coast Mountain Brewing. They’re right down the street from Whistler Brewing and they make some seriously delicious beer.
- Scandinave Spa
- If hiking isn’t your jam, or you just need to nurse those muscles after all the axe throwing and ziplining, the Scandinave Spa is the perfect choice for some chill time. World-renowned as one of the most relaxing spots in Whistler, they offer massages and an outdoor thermal spa experience nestled in the forest, surrounded by those beautiful Whistler mountains.
- Just be sure to keep your trap shut! We got in trouble for talking in the hot tub. This isn’t a place for chit chat, it’s for pure unadulterated Zen relaxation.
- You’re also not going to find any photos of the spa in this blog post because it’s a “technology-free zone”. You’re required to ditch your digital devices in the changeroom lockers. I know, I know, it’s hard to imagine life without our phones glued to our hands these days, but trust me, it’s a fantastic excuse to unplug for an hour or two.
- Oktoberfest at the Longhorn
- The Longhorn is a Whistler institution for après snowboarding, mountain biking beers, or just chilling on the patio watching people shred down the mountain.
- It’s also an awesome spot to throw on your lederhosen or dirndl and experience some Oktoberfest vibes while you’re in Whistler for the beer fest. Luscious lager flows in to 1 litre steins while polka blasts from the brass band on stage. Don’t worry, it’s not just polka.
- Side-by-Side Tours with TAG
- Okay, I know I said I wouldn’t play favorites, but besides the Whistler Village Beer Fest, the Side-by-Side tour with TAG Whistler is my absolute pick for the best “off season” experience in Whistler.
- I’ve done this three times now, and every single time, I finish and instantly want to go back for more. We’re talking tearing through the backcountry in an off-road buggy, splashing through puddles, climbing hills, all surrounded by jaw-dropping views… words really can’t do it justice, so here are a couple short Reels I created from previous trips; VIDEO 1 & VIDEO 2
- Here’s a hot tip: if you can go a day or two after it rains, or even on a rainy day, that’ll give you the best experience. Rain can put a damper on most activities, but for the side-by-side tour, it seriously enhances the experience!
So there you have it. Whistler in September isn’t just an “off-season” escape, it’s an open invitation to adventure, relaxation, and some seriously good times. The Whistler Village Beer Fest offers a great excuse to gather your crew, raise a glass (or a mini stein!), and soak in the vibrant atmosphere that only Whistler can deliver. So, what do ya say, will I see you in Whistler September 13??