A complete list of Things To Do In Whistler for the month of August, 2009. Summer is wrapping up with some awesome events:
i. 2009 World Police & Fire Games
August 4 – 6, 2009
The World Police and Fire Games Federation is a non-profit organization run by the Californian Police Athletics Federation. Every two years they hold a spectacular international sporting event offering police officers, firefighters and customs and correction officers from around the world an opportunity to showcase their athletic excellence in over 65 sporting events. This year the Games are held in British Columbia with golf, mountain biking and orienteering events taking place in Whistler.
ii. Salish Wool Weaving
August 8 – 9, 2009
Knit or crochet your very own tunic that can be worn, mounted or displayed as a textile art piece. Taught by Squamish Nation Master Weavers Chief Janice George and Buddy Joseph, this two-day workshop is held at the Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre and includes lunch each day, an instructional CD ROM, use of a Salish loom and all supplies. 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. $350 per person. Pre-registration is required: 604-964-0990.
iii. Kokanee Crankworx
August 8 – 16, 2009
This is one of the hottest events in Whistler! This premier mountain bike festival features freeride competitions, pro riding demos, FREE music and entertainment.
iv. 2nd Annual Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival
August 15, 2009
Canadian cheese rolling returns to Blackcomb Mountain for another day of chasing an 11-pound cheese wheel down the hill. Events include men’s and women’s heats along with kids uphill races in between, face painting, cheese bowling, cheese Twister and cheese seminars. Sample cheese from all over Canada and meet local cheese makers. 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
v. Lil’wat Cedar Weaving
August 15, 2009
Learn about the traditional uses of cedar and create your own weaving under the guidance of accomplished Lilwat Nation cedar weaver, Melvin Williams. The workshop is from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and is held at the Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre. Fee includes all supplies, $65 per person. Pre-registration is required: 604-964-0990.
vi. Slow Food Cycle Sunday
August 16, 2009
Sea to Sky’s signature agritourism event, Slow Food Cycle Sunday Pemberton blows the fast-food drive-through away. A pedal-powered trip through the natural buffet that is Pemberton Meadows farmland, to meet local growers and sample produce fresh from the field, Slow Food Cycle is: good for your carbon credits, flat and scenic and ride-able for all ages and levels of fitness, and a sensory smorgasbord. Register and begin your cycle at the Pemberton Community Centre at 9:00am.
vii. Mountain West Music Fest
August 21 – 23, 2009
Roll out the picnic blankets, unleash the kids and rock out to the good vibes at the first Mountain West Music Fest, a weekend of live music in Whistler. Put together by the producer of the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival, its the best place to see what happens when the laid back West Coast vibe gains a little altitude. www.mountainwestmusicfest.com.
viii. 5 Peaks Trail Running Race
August 22, 2009
This upper alpine race takes place on Whistler Mountain and features steep climbs, sharp descents and craggy wilderness trails. Register to compete at 5peaks.com. Spectators of all ages are welcome and can explore Whistler’s hiking and sightseeing trails after the race. Races include a Children’s Challenge, Sport Course and Enduro Course.
ix. Feeding the Spirit
August 20, 2009
This Aboriginal culinary event highlights the best the region has to offer. Held at the Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre, learn cooking techniques and methods from Four Seasons Resort Whistlers chef and sommelier. Together, you will cook a 3-course lunch featuring local indigenous foods and taste corresponding Aboriginal wines. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, $140 per person. Pre-registration is required: 604-964-0990.
x. Bannock Bakers Family Activity
August 22, 2009
Perfect for the whole family, this interactive workshop offers the chance to make and taste bannock. Held at the Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre, find out how this Aboriginal food staple links us with people from around the world. Fee includes a bannock kit to take home and share. 10:30 to 11:30 am, $5 per person. Children must be at least 6 years old. Pre-registration is required: 604-964-0990.
xi. The Seduction of Spirit with Dr. Deepak Chopra
August 23 – 29, 2009
Join Deepak, David Simon and the Chopra Centre staff for a life-changing journey of meditation, celebration and inner transformation all in the comfort of a relaxed group setting. Interweaving The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success with advanced meditation techniques, daily energy work and yoga practice, this experience creates an opening of emotional and spiritual pathways. For tickets and more information please see Whistler Wellness. For Tickets please check out Deepak Chopra in Whistler Seduction.
xii. Celebrating Change with Deepak Chopra
August 27, 2009
Join this inspirational gathering dedicated to a bold vision: to create a critical mass of consciousness to heal ourselves, our community and the planet through personal and social transformation. Featuring Deepak Chopra, Joseph Pepe Danza and Kali and Patrick Brauckmann. Whistler Conference Centre, 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm; mingle with friends until 7:30 pm when seminar begins. Good will offering of $20 reserves your seat. For more information and to book tickets check out Deepak Chopra Seminar in Whistler.
xiii. Feast in the Mountains
August 29, 2009
This gourmet wandering picnic features the best of regional food and drink created by BC chefs, farmers, vintners and brewers and brings a little Slow Food to the heart of Whistler. For more information check out Feast In The Mountains Picnic.
Don’t forget all the Whistler Ongoing Events that have been happening in throughout the Summer. Here are some that are still around for the month of August 2009 for Things To Do In Whistler:
Toonie Rides
April 30 – September 24, 2009
Join the locals every Thursday for a $2 race sponsored by Whistler businesses and organizations. Racers get food and fresh bevvies at the end of every ride. Sign in is at 5:30 pm and the race begins at 6:30 pm. Participants must be WORCA (Whistler Off Road Cycling Association) members to compete.
Phat Wednesdays Freeride Series
mid June to end of August
Head to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park every second Wednesday for a downhill race similar to the Toonie Rides. Each race takes place on a different trail or course so you never know what you’re going to get. All ages and skill levels welcome. Après at the GLC. Sign in at 5:00 pm.
Whistler Farmer’s Market
June 21 – October 11, 2009 – Sundays
The Whistler Farmer’s Market returns to the pedestrian streets of the Upper Village (near the Fairmont Chateau Whistler) every Sunday this summer, featuring local produce from the Pemberton Valley and beyond, tasty artisan foods, live cooking demos by Whistler Chefs and live music. Choose from a selection of crafts, organic and local produce, jams, honey, baked goods, jewellery and much more. The market runs every Sunday from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm. www.whistlerfarmersmarket.org
Whistler Art Workshops on the Lake
Various dates through the end of August
Featuring two to four day workshops from beginner to intermediate level instruction in oil, acrylic and watercolour painting, sketching and life drawing, taking place right on the beautiful Alta Lake waterfront. For a complete schedule and registration, please see the Whistler Arts Council.
Women’s Nights at Whistler Mountain Bike Park
June 22, 2009 – September 7, 2009
Every Monday and Wednesday, grab your best girls and hit the Bike Park for an estrogen-fuelled ride – no boys allowed. All levels of experience are welcome. Get discounts on rentals and learn from an experienced guide. Afterwards, bond over bevvies at the GLC après. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone
June 20 – September 7, 2009
If hiking, biking or exploring doesn’t tire them out, take your family for a ride at the Adventure Zone located at the base of Blackcomb. It’s huge fun for both big and little folk, and only minutes from the base of Whistler Mountain. Activities range in price and include the ever-popular Westcoaster Luge, mini golf, a climbing wall, a bungy trampoline, trail rides, a human gyroscope, a climbing web and a jumping castle and slide.
Whistler Street Entertainment
August 1 – 30, 2009 weekends and holidays
Animating the paths of Whistler Village, performers from the Sea to Sky Corridor and touring artists from across Canada provide free, family-friendly interactive entertainment like juggling, circus acts, music, bike stunts, dancing and acrobatics.
Mountain Top Dining
June 27 – September 7, 2009
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, from June 27 until September 7, Whistler Blackcomb hosts an incredible alpine dining experience at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Ride up on the Gondola and enjoy mouth-watering food while taking in famous Whistler views at 4,000 ft. above the Village. Choose from Whole Hog Friday, the Saturday Night BBQ or the Sunday Salmon Bake. Live music plays on all nights. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-766-0449.