All photos by Anke Weber, including banner image.
Fall is late this year. It’s already mid-October, but it seems the trees and plants are only now getting the message to turn into colourful showcases, letting their leaves fall to drift through the fresh breeze. If you’re still planning a last-minute fall getaway, Whistler might be just what you’re looking for.
An In-Between Time
Two years ago, when we planned to visit Whistler at the end of October, I was sceptical. It was an in-between time, the chairs had closed for the biking season but hadn’t yet opened for skiing. I imagined arriving to a deserted village in pouring rain and planned to sleep in, read a lot, and drink hot chocolate. It was definitely a possibility and, of course, not a bad one. But the opposite turned out to be true.
Whistler greeted us with a blue sky, sunshine, trees full of colour, and a village shining just as brightly. The air was so breathtakingly clear that I simply couldn’t stay inside. I walked and wandered from morning to evening, taking my camera along on each outing.
Wind-Swept Blackcomb Mountain
It was cold, but I had come prepared and it gave me a good reason to order that hot chocolate after all. There was just a touch of powdered snow high up on Blackcomb Mountain, which the wind swept up in waves and clouds.
A Glittering River and a Touch of Yellow in Whistler Village
Fitzsimmons Creek, which runs right through Whistler Village, was covered with a glittering layer of thin ice, yellow leaves playfully dotting its surface in contrast to the dark shine of the water below.
Despite the closed lifts, there were still mountain bikers around, and the village was pleasantly quiet, with just enough people to give it a gentle buzz. On the weekend, Vancouverites filled the streets and shops, many carrying large shopping bags, and the restaurants were bustling. It seems that a few gourmet chefs have made Whistler their home, and I was surprised to find long booking times. We ended up at the Mexican restaurant in town, enjoying fresh food and a fun atmosphere.
Mountain Glimpses Through Leaf-Sculpted Picture Frames
On the trails, the leaves crunched under my feet, and the foliage had lightened enough to reveal glimpses of the mountains. They framed the view like colourful picture frames.
Reflections of Turquoise in the Waters
Many of Whistler’s lakes and rivers are clear and vividly green, adding to the feeling of being surrounded by colour. I first wondered about this during a summer visit when I walked along Green Lake. I later learned that Whistler’s lakes and rivers look green or turquoise because they are fed by glaciers that grind rock into fine particles called glacial flour. These tiny sediments remain suspended in the water and scatter sunlight, reflecting mostly blue and green wavelengths. Even the river flowing through Whistler Village turns a beautiful turquoise in summer.
We visited Nairn Falls, where the basin reveals that same vivid green colour. Nairn Falls Park is just twenty minutes north of Whistler and only five minutes from Pemberton’s town centre. The park has long been a spiritual site for the Lil’wat Nation and protects an area rich in both natural and cultural history.
The river at Nairn Falls is the Green River. Its source is Green Lake, just north of Whistler. From there, the river flows north through the valley toward Pemberton with Nairn Falls lying along the way.
Nairn Falls is a striking example of the erosive power of water. Over time, the river has carved deep potholes into the rock, created by spinning sand and gravel in ever-deeper circles by its powerful, swirling currents. Some of these pot holes even connect through small underground passages. At Nairn Falls, you can see all of these features up close.
Find More Colour Inside
And if the colours outside aren’t quite enough, or if you find yourself with a rainy day, you can visit the many art galleries around the village. The Audain Art Museum makes a wonderful photo opportunity. Outside, it features a striking geometric design; inside, it hosts the largest permanent display of paintings by Emily Carr, along with key works from the Vancouver photo conceptualism movement, including artists such as Jeff Wall and Vikky Alexander.
Take A Chance, There is Always Hot Chocolate …
There are so many ways to spend your day in and around the village that, to my surprise, fall is a wonderful time for a Whistler getaway. It’s probably best to plan for both sun and rain, though you may just be pleasantly surprised.
… or Ice Cream!
About Anke Weber
Co-Editor, Close-Up Digital
Get in touch for Close-Up Digital. I’d love to hear your story!
I live on the beautiful West Coast of Canada and love to be out and about with my camera. I enjoy how light shifts, how animals and moments appear, and how an image can hold the start of a story. Writing has always been part of my life, and I combine it with my photographs and sometimes my paintings to create colourful visual stories. One of my interests is nature and wildlife photography, but I like to shoot wherever I go. Right now, I’m learning about light-motion and night photography. I have a master’s in computer science and worked in several fun areas. I’ve also been a newsletter editor and website designer. I’m endlessly curious about discovering new tools, techniques, and media.
Edited by Anke Weber
Co-Editor, Close-Up Digital