In December Whistler is in full-swing. The snow is falling, the lifts are turning, and there’s a holiday buzz in the air. But look beyond the obvious and there is a hidden world of experience and adventure that you could be missing.
To help you squeeze something awesome into every last moment of your vacation we asked Whistler locals for their top recommendations for things to do in Whistler in this December that don’t require a lift pass, and here’s what they said. Enjoy!
Culture + Food
Hidden Gems Dinner Tour
This 4-course dinner tour explores four local favourite restaurants and a chocolate shop. If you’re looking to discover Whistler’s best-kept culinary secrets, this is the tour for you.
Daily at 5pm
Book your reservation at whistlertastingtours.com
Whistler Film Festival
Over the years, Whistler Film Festival (WFF) has established an impressive track record for launching new films and filmmakers, and has earned a reputation as a ‘filmmakers festival’ through its coveted competitions and non-competitive sections that celebrate the best in independent Canadian and world cinema
December November 28 – December 2, 2018
Get the latest film festival listing at whistlerfilmfestival.com
BC Ale Trail, Whistler
The definitive online guide to BC’s dynamic craft beer community, the BC Ale Trail includes a number of BC’s craft brewing communities, including our very own Whistler. Over three days, this self-guided excursion will take you to Whistler’s best breweries via the town’s must-see sights, attractions, and eateries.
Self-guided all year-round
Get the Whistler Ale Trail route, at bcaletrail.ca/ale-trails/whistler/
Canadian Yukon Breakfast
Carve your way through the remote backcountry of the Callaghan Valley to our rustic cabin on Sproatt Mountain for a full Canadian Yukon breakfast. Cooked on an old fashioned wood stove, this skillet style mountain feast will fill you up ready for a rip it up on the frozen lake, or head off into the alpine before you descend back to reality.
Daily from December 14, 2018
Book the Yukon breakfast at canadianwilderness.com
Adventure + Exhilaration
Icefishing at a secret lake near Pemberton
There are few things more Canadian than ice fishing. On this half or full day trip with Pemberton Fishfinder you will learn how to drill the ice, bait, catch, and cook your very own lunch right on a a frozen Canadian lake. In the Winter months while ice fishing we catch Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, Kokanee, Cutthroat Trout and Pike Minnows.
Book your ice fishing spot here at pembertonfishfinder.com
Bobsleigh rides at Whistler Sliding Centre
Hop into a 4-person bobsled and take an adrenaline-fueled ride down the world’s fastest track, now an Olympic legacy. With guidance from a trained bobsleigh pilot (and reassurance from our detailed safety procedures), you and your team will coast through 10 twists and turns at speeds of 125+ km/hr and feel the acceleration of up to 4 G forces as you reach the track’s final and famous Thunderbird Corner.
Everyday from Mid December, 2018
Book your bodsleigh ride here at whistlersportslegacies.com
Skelton rides at Whistler Sliding Centre
Launch yourself head-first down the fastest sliding track in the world. The Whistler Sliding Centre is the only place in Canada where public can experience the rush of skeleton. Participants take off from the Maple Leaf starting point, passing through six corners and clocking speeds up to 100 km/hr.
Everyday from Mid December, 2018
Book your skeleton ride here at whistlersportslegacies.com
Dog Sledding in the Callaghan Valley
Just south of Whistler lies the beautiful Callaghan Valley. This winter, experience the treasured Canadian wilderness in timeless style: by dogsled. Step into our comfortable sleds – or onto the musher’s runners if you’re feeling adventurous. Join your musher in harnessing & staging the dogs, learn the commands & how to handle a sled, & relax as you are whisked away on an unforgettable winter journey.
Book a dog sled tour at blackcombdogsled.com
Guided Day of Backcountry Freeriding (ski/snowboard)
Leave the lift lines behind this winter on one of our guided backcountry ski touring/splitboard day tours! Enjoy awesome backcountry skiing and splitboarding around Whistler Blackcomb or Sea to Sky area.
Book your backcountry trip at mountainskillsacademy.com
Entertainment + Art
Fire & Ice Show
This legendary, free outdoor show is held every Sunday at the base of the mountains in Whistler Village. Dress warm, grab a cup of hot chocolate and prepare to be amazed by the live entertainment including ski and snowboard big air displays, fire spinners, live DJs and fireworks display – it’s guaranteed fun for the entire family.
Every Sunday at 8pm starting in December
No need to book, show is free at Skiers Plaza in Whistler Village
Art Lab: Felted Holiday Ornaments
This hands-on class is a great introduction for beginners and intermediates. In 3 hours you will make two felted ornaments. The workshop cost covers 2 ornaments of your choice, but you are free to make as many as time allows or buy extra materials to finish a few at home. This evening workshop is a great way to create something unique for the holidays, either for yourself or to give as a gift. Bring a few friends and make a night of it!
December 6, 2018
Book your workshop place here at artswhistler.com
Between Shifts Theatre Presents: A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story is based on humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s and follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas.
Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself, at Higbee’s Department Store, receiving a consistent response:”You’ll shoot your eye out”!
All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more.
November 29 – December 8, 2018
Book your tickets at artswhistler.com
