Your dream destination for a fall runcation: Whistler, B.C.

A quick quiz: where can you spend a few days this fall, running and racing while enjoying nature, magnificent scenery, fabulous food and drink and other fun pursuits, without breaking the bank? Why, Whistler, B.C., of course! The mountain resort town is an outdoor lover’s paradise, and it’s definitely not just about the skiing. Whether you’re an occasional runner, a veteran ultra-trail racer or you just want to bask in the region’s scenic beauty, Whistler has something–actually, plenty–for you. (The shoulder season is also a great time to take advantage of deals and savings on accommodation and food.)

Run and race in Whistler

There are no fewer than three races scheduled in Whistler this fall (four, if you count the Whistler X Tri on Sept. 13-14):

• Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB (Sept. 27-28)
• Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra (Oct. 4)
• Whistler Turkey Trot (Oct. 12–Thanksgiving Sunday)

Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB, now in its second year, is part of the prestigious international UTMB brand and attracts competitive trail runners from around the world. (The 70K’s top 10 included athletes from six different countries at the inaugural event in 2024.) With four distances to choose from over two days of racing (10K, 25K, 50K and 100K), there is truly something for everyone. Runners will traverse a mix of terrain, with demanding elevation and unforgettable alpine lakes and vistas, including the majestic Black Tusk. (After a last-minute cancellation of the 100K in 2024, it is slated to return in 2025.)

Not only do you get an international-calibre race, but you’re right in the heart of Whistler, with easy access to your accommodation and recovery options for you and your support crew. Whether you’re collecting Running Stones with a view to improving your chances of making it to Chamonix for the UTMB Final or just out for a fun day in the mountains, you don’t want to miss this event! For more information, click here, and to sign up, click here.

For something completely different, choose Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra, operated by BC Athletics on Oct. 4. The race, which is centred around Whistler Olympic Plaza and the incredible trails in Lost Lake Park, has a fun, party vibe (it’s celebrating 15 years in business this year) and a strong community spirit. Multiple distances ranging from 10K to 50K are available for individuals, or sign up or the 50 Mile (80K) with your friends as a relay team of either four or eight.

But lest you think this race is just for party animals, note that, in the past, it has served as the site of the Canadian Trail Running Championships.

For more information, click here, and to sign up, click here.

Why not celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving in Whistler, at the Whistler Turkey Trot (Oct. 12)? With both a 5K Drumstick Dash and a 10K Gravy Burner on Thanksgiving Sunday morning, it’s fun for all ages. For more information, or to sign up, click here.

Rest, recover and recreate

When you’re not running, Whistler offers endless ways to enjoy yourself outdoors, breathing in the beauty of fall in the mountains. Enjoy a hike, rent mountain bikes or a kayak (or bring your own), play a round of golf or go zip-lining–or all of the above. You have a good chance of spotting wildlife, or possibly witnessing the season’s first snowfall. Indulge your artistic side (or wait out the weather) with a soapstone art class at the Audain Art Museum (which also offers weekly yoga). While you’re in the area, check out some comedy or live music, or immerse yourself in Indigenous culture at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (yes, it’s in Whistler).

Visit Whistler and save

Fall is a great time to visit Whistler, with more room to explore and great deals to be had. If you go midweek, even better for a quieter pace, not to mention fall dining specials. Whistler’s best restaurants offer multi-course prix-fixe menus through the Taste Whistler app, and Tourism Whistler is offering a free Whistler Dining Voucher worth $100 with a three-night stay.

You can’t go wrong choosing Whistler for your fall runcation. Find out more, here.

This story was produced in partnership with Tourism Whistler.