A Visitor’s Guide to Fall Dining in Whistler
With the approach of fall and chillier days ahead, many Whistlerites anticipate the season with excitement. Is it the turkey sale and dreams of ski days and powder to come? Visions of first tracks down the slopes? Here’s the secret: what locals are thinking about is the bounty of food and wine that Whistler is known for in the fall – and the celebration of good taste known as Cornucopia.
Sniff Out the Best in BC Mushrooms
With winemakers’ dinners during Cornucopia, along with the fall harvest around BC, the best of autumn’s bounty ends up in Whistler for lucky locals and discerning visitors. Now is the time to sample BC’s best mushrooms, chanterelles, a delicacy that many salivate over with gusto. Be sure to try them at Whistler’s finest dining establishments. Found along BC’s coastal regions, this beautiful yellow-orange mushroom variety adds rich flavour to soups, stuffing for Thanksgiving, and simply pan fried in butter. A little goes a long way, but you will find locals foraging for this elusive variety in the hopes of discovering a large cache somewhere in Whistler’s woods.
Dinner Specials Make Fine Dining Restaurants a Must-Do
Fall brings locals’ shoulder-season specials, which any visitor can take advantage of. Enjoy several set course menus at Whistler’s top restaurants, with prices up to 50% off the high season rates. Lunch and dinner specials are advertised in the Pique once Labour Day has passed, and will be offered up until ski season officially begins on American Thanksgiving weekend.
Cornucopia – a Celebration of Food, Drink, and Fun
Cornucopia, Whistler’s annual celebration of food and drink, takes place every November, and there are some visitors who come to Whistler, not for mountain biking, skiing, or summertime fun, but simply to enjoy the many events during this extravaganza. From wild parties, to the famous signature Crush wine tasting event, the schedule of food and drink themed events is endless, and well worth attending. Events are usually sold out, so book your tickets for the festivities ahead of time. Events are varied but all the focus is on food and drink. Experts lead how-to seminars on everything from paleo cooking to food and wine pairings.
Last Gasp at the Farmers’ Market
Head to the Whistler Famers’ Market to gather the last bounty of the season. From winter squashes to apples and pears, Pemberton potatoes (take home a few pounds of the Red Fingerling or Seiglinde varieties), and of course the usual baked goods and artisan displays, enjoy the Farmers’ Market while it lasts. Fresh and local is best!
Enjoy Whistler Without the Crowds
Of course, the bonus (aside from all the food and drink) is enjoying the resort with a lot more elbow room. Walk the village without stepping on anyone’s shoes and take in the sights with quieter surroundings. This is as quiet as Whistler gets, so take advantage of more parking, more seats in the best restaurants, and more room to move in your favourite stores.
Photo Credit: Mike Crane
