Whistler Writers Festival offers literary events amid spectacular natural scenery, November 5 to 8

Whistler hosts a wide range of award-winning authors for readings, conversations, workshops, and more

SPONSORED POST BY Tourism Whistler

A couple on a fall hike around Lost Lake in Whistler. Photo by Justa Jeskova for Tourism Whistler

A vibrant, enriching retreat awaits literature lovers this fall, as the Whistler Writers Festival returns for a celebratory 25th edition from November 5 to 8.

Set against a backdrop of golden forests and mountain vistas, the festival provides the perfect reason to escape to Whistler for a weekend of literary discovery, community connection, and fall adventure. The events in store cater to curious minds of all kinds, from poetry fans to murder-mystery aficionados.

Among this year’s highlights is a wide array of author readings, literary conversations, and book launches. Hands-on experiences range from writing workshops to one-on-one editing and publishing sessions. There are also panels and events across genres—including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, and YA literature—plus writing, coffee, and networking opportunities.

The opening night event, Celebrating Sea to Sky Storytellers, honours deeply personal new publications by local authors Heather Hendrie, Bronwyn Preece, and Brad Sills. Elsewhere, natural and literary beauty meet during Being Forest: A Salish Stroll, a nature walk with pauses for readings by debut author Avis Blackbird, the City of Vancouver’s current Poet Laureate Elee Kraljii Gardiner, and the inaugural winner of the Whistler Independent Book Award for Poetry, who will be unveiled at the festival.

Notable festival guests include Michelle Good, award-winning and bestselling author of Five Little Indians; Clara Hughes, six-time Olympic medalist, humanitarian, and memoirist of Learning to Breathe; Loghan Paylor, author of The Cure for Drowning and winner of Canada Reads 2026; and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, originator of the Haida manga-verse with The Lost Haida Manga: A Compendium.

Tickets to all events are on sale now.

A group eating at Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar in Whistler. Photo by Ben Girardi for Tourism Whistler

Beyond the festival, Whistler in autumn is more than beautiful scenery—it’s a season of inspiration, with art galleries, live performances, and cultural events. Fall is one of the best times to experience Whistler’s renowned dining scene through seasonal menus, local ingredients, and unforgettable mountain dining experiences. There are plenty of opportunities to relax while indulging at patios, craft breweries, cafés, and award-winning restaurants.

Dine Whistler: Fall Edition features limited-time prix fixe menus and exclusive dining offers at participating restaurants, making it easier than ever to explore Whistler’s award-winning culinary scene. Fall also brings great value on accommodation rates and special offers, with guests who stay three or more nights receiving a $100 Whistler Dining Credit.

For outdoor enthusiasts, fall in Whistler offers a mix of seasonal adventures like hiking, biking, golfing, and ziplining. A stroll through the Village reveals the spectacular colours of autumn leaves, crisp mountain air, and a first snow dusting the alpine peaks, creating one of the most stunning seasons to visit. In the surrounding forests, folks can spot local wildlife preparing for winter, enjoy quieter trails, and discover a slower, more relaxed side of the area.

Visit the Whistler Writers Festival website to learn more about the events in store, and start planning a fall getaway at whistler.com/fall.

Post sponsored by Tourism Whistler.

A couple viewing artwork at the Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery. Photo by Ben Girardi for Tourism Whistler

---

Related Articles