Whistler Writers Fest celebrates the literary arts in full fall colour
Taking place October 13 to 16, the 21st annual event hosts Canada’s best authors for readings, workshops, mingling, walks, and more
Post Sponsored by tourism whistler
Whistler Writers Festival. Photo by Tourism Whistler/Mirae Campbell
As the leaves quietly morph from green to golden and the outdoor air turns appley crisp, fall is a special time of year for book lovers. The season calls for cozying up under a blanket with a good read, whether it’s a title that moves us to tears, makes us laugh out loud, startles with sobering facts, or proves so gripping that even when we’re tempted to fall asleep we think, “Just one more page!”
Autumn is also time for the annual Whistler Writers Festival. If words can move mountains, there’s no better place to enjoy the literary arts than in Whistler.
The 2022 WWF takes place October 13 to 16. The literary celebration features more than 70 authors, presenters, and musicians across dozens of reading events and workshops. The majority of the festival takes place in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler or the iconic timber-framed Whistler Public Library.
Now in its 21st year, the highly anticipated event is an opportunity for literary enthusiasts to connect with authors, refine their craft, and experience the power and beauty of writing while surrounded by the snow-capped majesty of the Coast Mountain Range.
The theme of this year’s WWF is “sharing stories together”. The stories range from fiction to nonfiction, poetry to murder mystery. Regardless of the form they take, stories connect us.
Photo by Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova
Just like a book-club, the festival’s kick-off events are sure to spark conversation and camaraderie. Among the October 13 highlights is the Opening Night Showcase at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre with Canada’s best independent authors. A brand-new event follows; Sharing Traditions: An Evening of Oral Storytelling features Tsawaysia Spukwus (Squamish Nation), Tanina Williams (Lil’wat Nation), and eight local storytellers. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about and experience the beautiful tradition of oral storytelling, historically practised in the winter when people had more time to relax and share stories.
The beloved Booklovers’ Literary Salon, on October 14, brings that same community feel to the mountainside fest. Journalist and author Marsha Lederman will provide thoughtful conversation on her recently released memoir, Kiss the Red Stairs: The Holocaust, Once Removed, with festival founder Stella Harvey.
On October 14, it’s time to raise a glass at The Literary Cabaret: We’re Back, Live Baby!. Hosted this year by local scribe and musician Stephen Vogler, this festival favourite includes readings by some of Canada’s best-loved and emerging authors—including Amber Cowie, Joseph Dandurand, Norma Dunning, Gary Geddes, Tamar Glouberman, Hasan Namir, Mari-Lou Rowley, and Shyam Selvadurai—all accompanied by live music by the West Coast Front Band. Winners of the Whistler Independent Book Awards will also be announced just before the Literary Cabaret gets underway.
Mingling over light bites, wine, and live music is the vibe of Sharing Stories Together: A Festival Celebration & Fundraiser on October 15. That same day, the festival’s flagship Saturday Night Gala features a not-to-be missed conversation between authors Méira Cook (The Full Catastrophe) and Iain Reid (We Spread). These bright minds will talk about everything from community and relationships to identity and art, giving attendees something to sleep on.
For a relaxing start to the day, there’s The Sunday Book Talk: Coffee and Conversation on October 16. With fresh breakfast pastries, coffee or tea, and fascinating insight into what makes great authors tick, it’s a leisurely way for guests to wake up their bodies and minds. Moderated by Wayne Grady, the brand-new session features Cody Caetano (Half-Bads in White Regalia), Lisa Moore (This is How We Love), Heather O’Neill (When We Lost Our Heads), and Jamal Saeed (My Road to Damascus).
Whistler Writers Festival. Photo by Tourism Whistler/Mirae Campbell
Those who love the idea of enjoying stories in the great outdoors won’t want to miss Walk to Lost Lake and Back Again, also on October 16. With a cup of hot chocolate to keep warm, readers can stroll through the forest to the water, taking in readings by Jónína Kirton (Standing in a River of Time), Grant Lawrence (Return to Solitude), Tolu Oloruntoba (The Junta of Happenstance, Each One a Furnace) and Merilyn Simonds (Women, Watching: Louise de Kiriline Lawrence and the Songbirds of Pimisi Bay) along the way.
There’s more! Saturday reading events are back due to popular demand. Authors of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, mystery, and crime will all take part. Saturday is also the best date for aspiring poets featuring a workshop with poet Joseph Dandurand and a poetry panel called Deeper Conversations: Loss, Grief and Finding Our Way Home that explores the language of loss with four poets: Sarah de Leeuw (Lot), Gillian Jerome (Nevertheless), Jónína Kirton (Standing in a River of Time), and Tolu Oloruntoba (The Junta of Happenstance and Each One a Furnace). Meanwhile, aspiring scribes have a coveted opportunity to pitch their ideas or take pen to paper in creative writing and publishing workshop with pros such as Lederman, Brandon Barrett, Amber Cowie, and Joseph Dandurand, to name a few.
These are just some of the WWF offerings. There’s something for everyone, from bookworms to poetry aficionados to thriller fans.
The full schedule of events and workshops is available online and tickets are now on sale.
Armchair Books and the Whistler Independent Book Awards will also have pop-up stores on-site at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler with a selection of each author’s books.
With fall in Whistler ushering in a slower pace and reflective mood, the Writers Festival makes for an unforgettable getaway. If the pandemic proved anything, it’s that people crave well-crafted stories, whether rooted in truth or wildly fantastical. Good writing opens up new realms of discovery, emotion, and enlightenment, and sharing these stories connects us all. Taking in this feast of words at this time of year is also a chance to experience all of Whistler’s world-class amenities with shoulder-season value on accommodation, spas, dining, and more.
Book a literary getaway to the mountains from $143 CAD per night. Plus, book three or more nights to receive a complimentary $100 dining voucher.
Learn more at whistler.com/writersfestival.
Photo by Tourism Whistler/Mirae Campbell
Post sponsored by Tourism Whistler.