The solution to November’s dark and stormy nights on the Canadian west coast can be found just a 1.5 hour drive north from Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. Whistler’s culinary-focused Whistler Cornucopia fall festival event is the perfect place to reconnect with your special someone over great food, wine, spirits and fun events in one of Canada’s prime resort destinations.
Here’s five ways to have fun and kick start the holiday season with a romantic getaway at Whistler Cornucopia.
5 tips for a romantic getaway at Whistler Cornucopia
Cornucopia, Whistler’s premier culinary event and annual celebration of food and drink, returns November 6th to 16th, 2025. Over 11 days and with over 70 events on the schedule, there are plenty of ways for the epicurious to get a taste of the world and tantalize their tastebuds in Whistler in fall.
“Cornucopia has always been about celebrating the vibrant flavours and experiences that make Whistler such a remarkable culinary destination, and this year we’re pushing the boundaries even further,” says Justina Armstrong, Event Director at Whistler Cornucopia. “From new winery showcases and innovative culinary events to hands-on workshops for aspiring chefs, Cornucopia 2025 is designed to inspire, connect, and delight everyone who joins us.”
The 2025 edition of Whistler Cornucopia introduces new experiences and fresh twists alongside perennial sellouts. With 16 new wineries and a roster of award-winning talent, this year’s festival promises to be more entertaining and engaging than ever before.
Leave the kids at home
Cornucopia is an incredible festival for couples and friends. But it is not family-friendly. Drop the kids at grandma’s house or book a sitter for the weekend and let your hair down a little.
Treat this festival as a way to adult again. Reconnect with your partner and friends, and relax while enjoying great wine, food and experiences from guests chefs, wineries and distilleries from all over British Columbia and the world.
Use the map below to search for hotel and short-term rental options
Book a hotel in Whistler Village
Choose accommodation that’s located in Whistler Village, or the Upper Village. As much as I love Whistler Creekside (and I do), you’ll want to stay at a Whistler hotel that’s central enough to walk to the events, most of which take place at Village restaurants or the Whistler Conference Centre.
Driving after a day or night of wine-tasting, spirit mixology class or gala evening is a no-no. And no one should have to be the designated driver when you’ve booked a relaxing getaway to a culinary festival. It defeats the purpose of going at all. Walk or take cabs to events.
Noteworthy Events You Can’t Miss
This year, Whistler Cornucopia features the Culinary Stage Series including a lineup of acclaimed chefs like Alana Maas (Chopped Canada winner), Paul Natrall (Mr. Bannock Food Truck, Indigenous cuisine champion), and Jason Dabbagh, alongside other celebrated chefs from across BC and Canada.
For comedy lovers, check out The Comedy Kitchen on November 13, celebrating its tenth year on the Cornucopia calendar with headliner Ivan Decker.
For foodies, Night Market: Taste of the World (November 14) will spotlight regional and Indigenous cuisine paired with local wines, beers, and spirits.
The Cocktail Gameshow is a new event featuring Barebones Bartender, Nick Peach, on November 16. This part cocktail workshop, part competition and part comedy show is Canada’s longest running cocktail workshop program and has travelled coast to coast featuring locally produced spirits.
Sign up early
The early bird gets her pick of Cornucopia’s amazing food and drink experiences. These include; drink seminars, paired dinners, signature event tastings, house parties, gala evenings, and health and wellness sessions. Whistler Cornucopia’s culinary stage sessions are very interactive and fun, and they sell out quickly.
Wine seminars and pairing sessions are led by award-winning sommeliers and presenters, including Kurtis Kolt, Chris Turyk, Ian Casterton, and Keith Nicholson, offering immersive tastings from “Bang for your Buck” to dim sum and sparkling wine pairings.
Among the wineries joining Cornucopia are Black Hills Estate Winery, Quails’ Gate Estate Winery, Phantom Creek, and Moraine Winery. Many are also celebrated in the 2025 National Wine Awards of Canada, including Quails’ Gate (#6 in Canada), Stags Hollow (#15), Black Hills (#21), and Lightning Rock (#23).
Get dressed up
Leave the slouchy pants at home. Pack those heels, dresses and funky earrings and prepare to have some nights out in the Village. Cornucopia has several gala events that are not to be missed.
This year the With A Twist: Silent Disco on November 9 will include a new Cocktail Competition featuring six bartenders battling it out while DJs set the vibe.
Straight Up on November 15 is back for its second year with a Casino Royale theme featuring live music and dancing. New this year, drinks are included with the ticket price and snacks will be provided throughout the evening.
Go to the Spa
I don’t really have to convince you of the wisdom of spa time, do I? Whistler’s Scandinave Spa is one of our favourites spa in British Columbia, and one of the top things to do in Whistler, in our humble opinion.
The Nordic spa hydrotherapy regime of hot saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs followed by cold plunges and relaxation is the best way to detoxify after a weekend of partying and overconsumption (ahem). We like to go to Scandinave even if we haven’t been to the festival. It’s glorious at any time of year and perfect for couple relaxation time.
Whistler Cornucopia has something for every food, wine and spirits lover. Grab your partner or friend posse and let loose responsibly while you dance the cold November rains away.
For the best value, festival attendees can bundle lodging and event tickets with Cornucopia Packages via Whistler.com. Packages include discounted tickets, accommodation, and a complimentary $100 dining voucher with bookings of 3+ nights.
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Disclosure: The writer was a guest of Whistler Cornucopia. As always, her opinion on good food, wine and nordic spas is honest and her own.
Photo Credits: Claudia Laroye, Tourism Whistler, Mike Crane and Leila Kwok
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