Although Whistler, BC is most known as a ski and snowboard destination, the village also hosts many annual festivals during the winter months. On top of taking in the snow, pick one of the following festivals for something different. Next year, Whistler is host to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
Whistler Cornucopia
To warm up from the winter cold, head inside to Cornucopia. This wine and food tasting festival takes place every November when those with a culinary interest gather to taste wines from around the world and feasts of delicious food.
Gala tastings, outrageous nightlife, hot artwork, wine and cuisine seminars, farmer’s markets and many dinners to choose from make this a popular event in Whistler Village.
Whistler Film Festival
Local and international films come to Whistler at the beginning of every December for almost a week. The opening gala promises a bit of glitz, filmmakers are available at some screenings, there’s a Celebrity Challenge ski race and the nightlife get everyone away from the big screen for late night fun.
New Year’s Eve in Whistler
Called First Night, this New Year’s Eve bash is alcohol free and filled with activities. Travellers and residents take over the pedestrian-only Whistler Village and the TELUS Conference Centre on December 31st to ring in the New Year.
The evening gets underway at 6:00 pm, 9:30 pm brings a countdown for the younger crowd and fireworks at midnight are performed to a musical soundtrack. A $15 ticket will get in adults, $8 for those under 12 years old.
Gay Pride Week
At the beginning of spring, Gay Pride Week takes over Whistler Village, called WinterPRIDE. There are events all week at the beginning of March, special dining options and what is termed “naughty nightlife.”
Uniquely, there are TAG Approved® Accommodations (Travel Alternatives Group) in Whistler, meaning they are chosen for their non-discriminatory policies and staff who have gone through sensitivity training for a diversity of sexuality and ethnicity.
TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival
Every April, this highly attended event goes on for 10 days and 10 nights. Apart from skiing and snowboarding competitions, there are free concerts held outdoors everyday, art exhibits, film screenings, theatre and parties that last all night long.
Whistler Packages
Some great deals can be had during these festivals. Cornucopia, for example, has a two-night vacation plus a ticket to one of the big parties from $164 per person. At the Whistler Film Festival, Stay & See Packages combine the fest with some great hotel deals. During WinterPRIDE, book TAG Approved® Accommodations.
All of these Whistler packages can be reserved by calling 1-800-WHISTLER or visiting the Tourism Whistler website.
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Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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