What’s New And Happening In Vancouver & Whistler This Winter?

Here's the latest news out of Vancouver & Whistler.

WHISTLER 

Whistler Blackcomb Upgrades:

New this winter, the high-speed quad Jersey Cream Chair on Blackcomb Mountain has been replaced with a new high-speed sixpack. The upgrade is expected to increase uphill capacity by 29 per cent, also reducing lift-line wait times and improving circulation in Blackcomb's high-traffic mid-mountain area.  

Whistler Dining & Accommodation: 

New additions include... 

THE CORONA MOUNTAINTOP LODGE/ SEPPO’S BAR & LOUNGE 

The Corona Mountaintop Lodge, located at the Roundhouse on Whistler Mountain, is a re-imagined space that includes a refreshed Seppo’s Bar and lounge area and newly renovated outdoor patio. The new Seppo's includes its original name, and important memorabilia dedicated to one of Whistler’s most iconic and beloved historical figures – a ski pioneer responsible for cutting many of Whistler’s legendary runs. 

FLUTE & FROMAGE  

A new independently owned boutique Whistler cheesemonger and natural wine shop, Flute & Fromage has opened on the Whistler Village stroll. Serving high-quality BC and international cheeses, small plates and natural wines, offerings include a selection of to-go cheese and charcuterie plates and gift boxes, or beautifully prepared cheese and charcuterie boards can be enjoyed on the serviced outdoor patio alongside small dishes, wine, local cider, craft beer and organic sodas. 

THE LIBRARY BY THE MACALLAN 2.0, 22 November 2024 – April 2025   

The Library by the Macallan is coming back with a 2.0 version of its speakeasy whisky bar this winter. This pop-up cocktail bar located off the lobby of the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, draws from the refined charm of an authentic library and the beauty of The Macallan Estate in Scotland and is complete with an open fireplace, cocktail seating and bespoke bar.  

THE HILTON WHISTLER RESORT & SPA RENOVATIONS 

The Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa is embarking on a substantial renovation and remodel that will cover all areas of their public spaces, food and beverage outlets and banquet rooms. The iconic Cinnamon Bear Bar & Grille will bring the two establishments together into one space, increasing the size and layout of the venue, adding a new option for groups to experience. The meeting spaces will be lighter, brighter, more modern and ready to host events from around the world. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the region and honouring some of the original woodwork within the hotel, the Pacific Northwest design will bring Whistler’s alpine outdoors in, providing a sought-after space to eat, meet, rest and relax after a day spent exploring all that Whistler has to offer. 

Whistler Art & Culture: 

CHIEF DAN GEORGE – ACTOR & ACTIVIST, UNTIL 2^ND FEBRUARY 2025 

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre’s newest exhibition, Chief Dan George – Actor and Activist, explores the life and legacy of Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George (1899-1981), a renowned First Nations rights advocate and accomplished actor. Beginning his acting career later in life, in the 1960s and 70s, he used his platform to foster understanding of First Nations people through numerous TV, movie and stage productions. In the exhibit are significant events in the First Nations rights movement in BC and Canada and provide a comprehensive look at his profound impact on both his community and the country.  

CURVE! WOMEN CARVERS ON THE NORTHWEST COAST, 23^RD NOVEMBER 2024 TO 5^TH MAY 2025 

Co-curated by Dana Claxton and Director & Chief Curator Dr Curtis Collins, this exhibition at the Audain Art Museum will highlight over 100 works by female artists from the 1940s to the present, showcasing their significant yet under-recognised contributions to Northwest Coast carving traditions. 

What’s on in Whistler:   

WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL, 4^TH TO 8^TH DECEMBER  

The 2024 Whistler Film Festival will present feature and short film programmes, including Oscar contenders, breakthrough Canadian films, and award-winning stories from around the globe. The festival will also hold après events, conversations with top talent, Q&As, and much more, all set in the world-class ski resort of Whistler, where there’s always time to hit the slopes, explore the fine dining, or relax in a steaming hot tub.  

WHISTLER PRIDE & SKI FESTIVAL, 19^TH TO 26^TH JANUARY 2025 

What started out as a small weekend gathering of gay ski-enthusiasts in 1992 has become one of the largest queer-focused ski weeks in the world. Whistler Pride and Ski Festival pairs an unparalleled mountain experience with world-class event programming. Hosted by a team of friendly ski and snowboard guides and the festival events team, this is Canadian hospitality at its finest. 

LUGE CANADA 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, 6^TH TO 8^TH FEBRUARY 2025 

Luge Canada will reunite the world in Whistler as the International Luge Federation (FIL) has awarded Whistler with the 53^rd FIL Luge World Championships. 

INVICTUS GAMES VANCOUVER WHISTLER, 8^TH TO 16^TH FEBRUARY 2025 

Winter adaptive sports will be featured for the first time ever and include adaptive Alpine skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing and biathlon, skeleton, and wheelchair curling, in addition to the core Invictus Games sports of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball. Whistler is open to everyone during the Games: The resort will remain open and operational, with minimal terrain impacts on Whistler Blackcomb. 

Whistler Experiences:

New this winter at The Callaghan 

Just 20 minutes south of Whistler lies the remote wilderness of The Callaghan, a prime destination for winter mountain adventures and exploration. With 50 kilometres of groomed cross-country skiing trails, wilderness snowshoeing routes and world-class ski touring and splitboarding terrain, it’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. At its heart is the off-grid Journeyman Lodge, a luxurious backcountry escape with exceptional amenities and an onsite chef, set amid incredible backcountry terrain. New for this winter, visitors can look forward to in-house ski guiding at Journeyman Lodge and The Callaghan Ski Sauna at The Base at Alexander Falls: A meticulously crafted, wood-fired Finnish sauna, perfect for relaxing after a day of winter adventures. 

For more information, visit Whistler.com 

VANCOUVER 

Vancouver Dining & Accommodation: 

NUMBER OF MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANTS RISES  

The MICHELIN Guide has announced the 2024 restaurant selection for the MICHELIN Guide Vancouver. A new MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, one new Bib Gourmand and two new Recommended restaurants joined this year’s selection. Sushi Masuda joined the exclusive list of MICHELIN-Starred restaurants - taking the total number of MICHELIN-starred restaurants from nine to ten - with Gary’s recognised with a Bib Gourmand. The full selection, including Recommended eateries, totals 76 restaurants with 23 cuisine types represented. 

MICHELIN KEY HOTELS ANNOUNCED  

The restaurants join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Vancouver and throughout the world. Each hotel in the selection has been chosen by MICHELIN Guide experts for its extraordinary style, service and personality — with options for all budgets. The selection for Vancouver features the city’s most spectacular hotels, including design-forward luxury boutiques like the Douglas, standouts from the “Plus” collection like the Loden (one MICHELIN Key) and the Opus, old-world elegance like the Wedgewood (one MICHELIN Key), and dependable luxury stalwarts like the Fairmont Pacific Rim.    

Vancouver Experiences:  

NEW AUTHENTIC ASIAN EATS TOUR 

Explore Vancouver’s Asian culinary scene with a new tour featuring five eateries and 20 tastings. Discover hidden gems and learn about the cultural background to each dish. The three-hour neighbourhood walking tour with Vancouver Foodie Tours shines a light on Downtown Vancouver’s diverse Asian offering. From CAD$149.99 per person. 

NEW MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS 

Coming in Spring 2025, Grouse Mountain’s new bike trails, crafted by the experts behind the renowned Whistler Bike Park, are rapidly taking shape. The Bike Park will feature a variety of trails, from beginner green and blue flow trails to advanced intermediate and expert routes with technical challenges, all leading back to the Screaming Eagle chairlift for quick returns to the mountaintop. Designed for family-friendly fun and progression, these trails offer a perfect introduction to the North Shore’s world-class routes, allowing for quicker, more frequent laps without the need for climbing or shuttling. 

NEW MOUNTAIN COASTER 

Also set to open in Spring 2025, Grouse Mountain’s Mountain Coaster will offer an exhilarating ride with twists, turns, and stunning views of Vancouver. Quick Facts: 1,434m ride length, 919m vertical descent, 515m ascent, 91m vertical drop. 

What’s on in Vancouver: 

FESTIVE EVENTS & WINTER LIGHTS 

• The Shipyards at Lonsdale Quay is hosting Snowplace like The Quay from 1^st to 22^nd December, featuring holiday markets, pop-ups, live performances, and a kids scavenger hunt.  

• Nearby, the brand-new Shipyards Christmas Market will run from 29^th November to 24^th December, with artisan stalls, mulled wine, and visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.  

• The Shipyards Skate Plaza offers daily outdoor skating with stunning views of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains, making it an ideal winter wellness destination. 

• The Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights (22^nd November to 19^th January) dazzles with a multi-colour display, leading to illuminated treetop walks and a twinkling Cliffwalk, a magical escape into nature.  

• Visit the VanDusen Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Gardens (29^th November to 5^th January) for a stunning display of over a million twinkling lights. Stroll through the garden, enjoy festive music and treats, and shop for holiday gifts. 

DINE OUT VANCOUVER FESTIVAL, 22^nd JANUARY TO 9^th FEBRUARY 2025  

The popular Dine Out Vancouver Festival returns for another year. The festival brings together hundreds of chefs, restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, suppliers and more for three weeks of dining, food-forward events and experiences designed to share the best flavours of the city. Vancouver’s multicultural influences along with immediate access to fresh ingredients from the nearby oceans, rivers, valleys and fields, lend to the city's stature as one of the world’s greatest food hubs. It’s the home of Oceanwise, the 100 Mile Diet and over 125 different cultural groups, each contributing to the city’s unique flavours. 

INVICTUS GAMES VANCOUVER WHISTLER, 8^th TO 16^th FEBRUARY 2025 

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will feature more than 500 competitors from up to 25 nations competing in adaptive winter sports. Vancouver will host sporting action at the Convention Centre, Hillcrest and UBC. BC Place and Rogers Arena will also be the host venues for the opening and closing ceremonies. The opening ceremony will see performances from top Canadian artists including: Nelly Furtado, Noah Kahan and Roxane Bruneau.  

For more information, visit Destinationvancouver.com