10+ Fun Things To Do in Whistler in November

If you are looking for the best things to do in Whistler in November then you are in the right place! Whistler is one of the best resorts in North America and the number one resort in Canada. When it comes to a November visit, if you want to ski, you are going to have to make sure you plan on coming at the end of the month. If you are not a skier and are looking for other things to do in Whistler in November then this post will help!

Whether November will be your first visit to Whistler or you come back year after year, by the time you get to the bottom of this post, your itinerary will be packed full of epic things to do in Whistler in November!

Things to do in Whistler in November

1. Find reasonable hotel prices in November

Below I have listed some popular properties in Whistler to stay and November offers the best shoulder season prices! Hotels are deeply discounted after the longer days are gone and before ski season starts so it is the perfect time to come up to the mountain!

Four Seasons Whistler – The Four Seasons is one of Whistler’s luxury 5 star properties and one of the best hotels in the upper village. The Four Seasons Whistler has a swimming pool and hot tub. They offer a bike valet that is convenient and safe. In the winter, I love the ski valet option where you can leave your skis at the ski hill instead of having to bring them back to the hotel. Four Seasons is located in the Upper Village near the Blackcomb Gondola. If you are visiting as a family, they offer playpens or cribs and high chairs for guests.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Delta Hotel Whistler – The Delta is mid-range price-wise and offers rooms with full kitchens. This is ideal for those who like condo style accommodation but want the convenience of a hotel. There is coin laundry on site which may be needed to dry out wet ski gear. There is a heated indoor/outdoor pool as well as a hot tub. The Delta is in Whistler Village close to everything including walkable to Whistler Olympic plaza.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Planning a visit with your family? Check out the best Whistler hotels for families!

Want a romantic weekend retreat? Check out the best places to stay in Whistler with private hot tubs!

2. Cornucopia Whistler

Cornucopia is Whistler’s annual fall festival and it is all about the foodies and drink lovers! It occurs November 9-19 for 2023. If you are an epicurious, uninhibited food and drink lover, Cornucopia 2023 is the best time to come to Whistler. It offers opportunities to experiment with your palate, expand your knowledge, and is a great place to celebrate Whistler’s world-class food and drink scene. It includes for food and drink tastings, culinary demonstrations, chef luncheons, drink seminars, winemaker dinners, and more.

Signature Events at Cornucopia 2023:

• House Party: Best of BC (Thursday, November 9th 2023 6 – 9 PM)
• Cellar Door (Friday, November 10th 2023 8 – 11 PM)
• CRUSH Grand Tasting (Saturday, November 11th 2023 8:30 – 11 PM – Early Entry from 7:45 PM)
• With a Twist (Sunday, November 13th 8 – 11 PM
• Drag Me to Brunch (Sunday, November 12th 10 AM – 1 PM)
• Murder Mystery Dinner at Bearfoot Bistro (Sunday, November 12th 6 – 10 PM)
• Taste of Indigenous Worlds (Sunday, November 12th 7 – 9:30 PM)
• With a Twist (Sunday, November 12th 8 – 11 PM)
• Laugh Out Live (Monday, November 13th 8 – 11 PM)
• Comedy Kitchen (Thursday, November 16th 8 – 11 PM)
• Night Market: Taste of the World (Friday, November 17th 8 – 10:30 PM)
• Poured (Saturday, November 18th 8 – 11 PM)
• Bearfoot Bistro World Oyster Invitational & Bloody Caesar Battle (Sunday, November 19th 3 – 7 PM)

3. Opening day in Whistler

All eyes are on opening day in Whistler for those who want to get in on the early season runs in the late fall. It is known as one of the best ski resorts for early season skiing. Typically, the opening of Whistler Blackcomb aligns with the Thursday of American Thanksgiving. In 2023, the opening day is planned for November 23rd.

If the conditions arise, it can sometimes be sooner but there is a lot that goes into opening up the largest ski hill in North America! From staff to countless pieces of equipment, it is not just the flip of a switch! For those in Whistler in November, they know that it is one of the best-kept secrets around. Whistler gets almost 8 feet (2.4 meters) of snow in November alone! Check out more info on the best time to ski in Whistler.

November also brings plenty of deals on gear, and with low visitor numbers in town on account of the rainy days, it is probably the most affordable time for accommodations and the easiest time to get restaurant reservations!

4. Take A Food Tour in Whistler in November

If Cornucopia does not have your schedule entirely full, you can take an early evening food tour with an expert foodie when you visit Whistler in November. This luxury experience also has a wine add-on and ends early enough in the evening to have a nightcap.

Book Online: Here

5. Enjoy a Weekend Getaway

November is low season at Whistler, just before the start of the ski season and just after the end of the biking season on Blackcomb Mountain. Whistler is one of the best weekend getaways in BC and for those looking to save some money, November is a great time to go! Whistler’s top hotels often drastically reduce their prices to entice visitors into the city at this time of year. Almost all of the pools in Whistler are heated year round. Check out the best Whistler hotel pools and grab one with a nice hot tub and pool! You can enjoy it regardless of the weather outside!

6. Ziplining in Whistler in November

Ziplining is a perfect November Whistler activity for the adrenaline junkie. It is actually available all year long and you might just luck out with some sunny days while you are here! You can zipline from the village or you can go to nearby Cougar Mountain.

You can book here for Ziptrek and book here for Superfly. I have done Superfly and it is amazing (and very high!!!) Both actually operate all year round, so pack for the conditions and layer up!

7. Take an Unforgettable Helicopter Ride

Admire British Columbia’s spectacular natural beauty from the air on this bucketlist experience! Soar high over rolling alpine meadows and admire mighty waterfalls cascading through the countryside. Hover over Whistler mountain and Blackcomb mountain peaks, marvel at the mighty Cheakamus Glacier and gaze out over the untouched mountain wilderness of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

If you have ever seen epic Whistler proposals or photoshoots, this is how they get those mesmerizing shots! The helicopter is private and seats 1-5 people.

Book: Online Here

8. SLCC Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Open year-round, the Squamish lil’wat cultural centre (SLCC) brings together the vibrant cultures of two local Indigenous groups in one beautiful space. It offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the Indigenous people (the Squamish and the Li-wat people) who inhabited the region that Whistler is part of.

The Squamish Li’wat Cultural Centre is the perfect place to get out of the rain in Whistler in November. There is an hourly guided tour that gives you a glimpse into the Squamish and the Li-wat people who lived in this region! On the main level you can find a gift shop, perfect for local souvenir shopping, as well as a cafe.

Location: 4584 Blackcomb Way

Hours: 10am to 5pm. Tours are hourly on the hour from 10am-4pm

Prices: Adults $20.00 Students (13-18) $7.00 Children (6-12) $5.00 Family Pass $45.00 (up to 2 adults and 2 youth under 18)

9. Whistler Train Wreck Hike

Hiking in Whistler in November is one of the most popular outdoor activities you can do in the village area (the alpine is closed). There are dozens of hikes taking you around the village, and November means smaller crowds. It is one of the easier hikes (or some like to call it a walk). It is just south of the Village, at Function Junction.

Beautifully colored graffiti covers up rusty train car boxes that have been lying among the trees in the forest for close to 70 years. Over time this train wreck became more than a locals’ secret and just a few years ago a path was built, along with a suspension bridge, to give visitors access to the site (without having to illegally walk on the train tracks to get there). If you have kids, this is one of the fun things to do with kids in Whistler. The colorful graffiti and forested trees make it a fun Whistler photo spot as well!

10. Book a Photo Shoot!

Did you plan a girl’s weekend or maybe a family trip? Whatever the reason, it is the perfect time to book a local Whistler photoshoot when you are planning your trip! I have a whole article on making the process easy. Just click here. If you are already like, WOW, yes I know I want to do that, then book your photoshoot online here! Its quick and easy and if you use the code LINDSAY, you will get $25 off!

11. Challenge Yourself with Forged Axe Throwing

Bring your lumberjack fantasies to life during a 1-hour axe throwing experience in Whistler this November. Open from 11am to 10pm, you can easily fit this thrilling event into your schedule. After a safety briefing, you’re ready to take a shot at the bullseye.

Ages: 10 and up

BOOK YOUR SPOT: Online here

12. Get your Bearings on A Sightseeing Tour

This tour is perfect for first time visitors to get an introduction and see the sights around Whistler. Starting in late November for the winter season experience incredible scenery, and enjoy your guide’s commentary on the area. Visit Green Lake Lookout, and Rainbow Park, and consider an optional stop at Whistler Brewing Company.

BOOK: Online here

Dates: Nov 25th – 30th (and onwards)

13. Whistler Film Festival

Occuring from November 29th until December 3rd for 2023 is the Whistler Film Festival. It connects audiences, filmmakers, and industry with the films we love, industry insights we need, and the human connection that we crave. Events included film premieres, industry summits, talent programs, parties and special guest appearances by actors and directors.

More details: Here

So why Whistler in November?

If these things to do have not convinced you, then here is one final piece of advice. You should visit Whistler in November so you can experience everything it has to offer before the crowds overwhelm this charming village. Pack for the weather (see my recommendations below) and go enjoy yourself! It’s the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway or a trip with friends!

More Whistler Travel Resources for 2023

If you are still in the planning stages, this information will help you plan your visit to Whistler.

Start with how to get from Vancouver to Whistler. If you are from out of town, there are ways to get to Whistler without a car.

Traveling with Kids? This post has all of the best things to do in Whistler with kids! It has things for all seasons!

Shopping? Whistler Village has plenty of shopping options from clothing to gear to souvenirs. Get your holiday shopping while you are in Whistler with this list of Whistler souvenirs you can buy while in the village!

5 Things to Pack for a November Whistler Trip

Make sure you have some warm clothes packed for your trip to Whistler. You also do not want to forget:

• Bathing Suit: Do not forget your bathing suit. All hotel pools are open year round and almost all have hot tubs!
• Rain Coat: Bring a rain coat, one that is properly waterproof! Whistler gets a lot of snow in November, which means a lot of rain in the village! 17 days of rain (or snow) on average! So plan for cold and wet weather.
• Comfortable shoes: Even if you are not a hiker, there are plenty of walking trails in the village. Whistler Village is such a walkable area and with a focus on eco-experiences, park the car and walk as much as you can.
• Bikes: If you are a local, consider bringing a bike! The village trails are perfect to bike to the lakes, and all over the village. Most people will bike to dinner and places like the farmer’s market. This helps limit your car use as well! All hotels offer bike valet or bike storage for visitors.
• Hand or Feet Warmers: If you get cold easily like I do, order a pair of these wrist warmers for your trip. Do not expect warmer temperatures before the snow comes! I wear them from fall until spring! They have been the best thing I have found to keep the chill out!

That is far from all, read my Guide to What to Wear in Whistler which has a complete packing list for visiting Canada’s best ski resort (and ski town) at any time of the year.