Whistler Writers Festival pairs vibrant literary discovery with charming forest views, October 30 to November 2
Events range from book talks to writing masterclasses, featuring authors Antonio Michael Downing, Susan Juby, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and more
SPONSORED POST BY Tourism Whistler
Whistler Writers Festival. Photo by Justa Jeskova
The Whistler Writers Festival provides the perfect reason to escape the city for a weekend of literary discovery, community connection, and fall adventure. Taking place from October 30 to November 2 against a backdrop of golden forests and mountain vistas, the festival has something for everyone—readers, writers, established authors, poetry fans, dedicated nonfiction readers, murder-mystery aficionados—with events that cater to all interests and ages.
This year’s Whistler Writers Festival is a very special edition that doubles down on all things spooky and thrilling, including myths and legends, in honour of the season. Bookworms can embrace orange foliage and colder temperatures at a variety of events designed to send a little chill down the spine.
Fourteen reading events and nine workshops will unfold over the course of four days, with featured guests including Antonio Michael Downing, Karina Halle, Susan Juby, Chelene Knight, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Julian Brave NoiseCat, Ardra Shephard, and Liann Zhang. Festival highlights range from masterclass writing workshops and performance readings to panel discussions and industry networking events.
There is something for everyone at this year’s Whistler Writers Festival. Photo by Oisin McHugh
The Whistler Writers Festival launches with the first reading event, Connecting Cultures: Legends, Language and the Land, on October 30 at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, with Tsawaysia Dominique Nahanee and P̓áq̓emúl Shelby Dan sharing myths and legends in the oral tradition.
Just in time for Halloween, the festival presents Laugh Out LIVE! and authors Susan Juby and Liann Zhang for All Hallows Eve: Murder and Mayhem on October 31 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Juby’s latest book, Contemplation of a Crime, features a Buddhist butler sleuth; and Zhang’s diabolical debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead delves into the dark side of social media. A photobooth and a seasonal cocktail amp up the night.
Among other highlights is a full day of events at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler on November 1. Juby returns to teach a Create Your (Crime) Fighter Workshop at 11:45 am; and New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle hosts Spilling the Tea: Dragons, Thieves and Romantasy at 1:30 pm, with bonus red-velvet cupcakes. At 8 pm, it’s time for The Bewitching, A Night of Spellcraft and Suspense: In Conversation with Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The author’s Mexican Gothic was a massive hit on Instagram and TikTok and made the New York Times bestseller list; here, she talks about her latest work, The Bewitching.
The Whistler Writers Festival has plenty of relaxing events on offer, including a Sunday Book Talk and Breakfast. Photo by Mirae Campbell
November 2 offers a change of pace at the hotel with the third reading of the day, a Sunday Book Talk and Breakfast starting at 11 am. Spend a cozy morning with fellow bookworms talking about Canadian literature over a delicious Whiskey Jack Continental breakfast, featuring award-winning authors Antonio Michael Downing, Evelyn Lau, and Sarah Leavitt.
Beyond the bounds of the festival, Whistler is a vibrant and enriching fall destination that offers plenty of artistic and cultural activities. Because autumn is a quieter time of year, great deals on accommodation are available. Guests who book a stay that’s three nights or longer receive a free $100 Whistler Dining Voucher.
Visit Tourism Whistler to learn more about the Whistler Writers Festival and start planning a fall getaway.
Post sponsored by Tourism Whistler.
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