The late fall on the west coast of Canada can be a dark and stormy time of year. There’s driving rain, wind that blasts the last leaves off of trees, and it’s dark early. Like really early, we’re talking 4:00 PM. It can all wear a couple down just as the stress of the holidays approach. My solution? Plan a culinary-focused romantic getaway at Cornucopia Whistler. This fall festival event a perfect time 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 rekindle your romantic side of life with a couples getaway at Whistler Cornucopia.
5 tips for a romantic getaway to Whistler Cornucopia
Cornucopia, Whistler’s premier culinary event and annual celebration of food and drink, returns November 9th to 19th, 2023, 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.
“Whistler Cornucopia continues to evolve year after year to incorporate exciting new experiences that perfectly complement our beloved Signature Events,” says Justina Armstrong, Director of Operations at Whistler Cornucopia. “From drink seminars to winery dinners, to tasting events and culinary demonstrations, Cornucopia celebrates Whistler’s world-class dining scene and offers an unforgettable experience in the mountains.”
Leave the kids at home
Cornucopia is an incredible festival of food event for couples and friends. Take the kids to 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.
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.
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.
In-depth workshops include eating and drinking along with the hosts, chefs and mixologists. During winery speed dating, learn about wines from Portugal, Italy, France, Spain and beyond. And don’t forget about the spirits!
We enjoyed a fantastic gin and vodka cocktail seminar at Cornucopia a few years ago. The session involved some seriously potent drinks and tastings, so it’s good to remember to not overbook yourselves in one day.
My advice is to take a bird’s eye view of the seminar schedule, choose your favorites, and plan your days accordingly. I’ll say that moderation is key but I know how hard that is IRL.
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.
The CRUSH Grand Tasting is the flagship event of the festival, where guests can sip, savour and sample their way through the Conference Ballroom. Whistler being Whistler, you can get away with beanie hats and flannel shirts, but don’t do it! Bring the bling and have some fun dressing up from your own tickle trunk.
New this year is a Murder Mystery Dinner at Bearfoot Bistro. At this Signature Event on November 12th, guests will savor a delectable four-course meal at Bearfoot Bistro while being immersed in a mystery storyline set around the fictional Dual Mountain Secondary Prom in 1987.
Be sure to arrive dressed in your finest 80s prom attire, and work together with other guests to unravel a mystery filled with secrets, suspense and unexpected twists.
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.
Packages are available and combine discounted tickets for these events with exclusive rates on accommodation. For the best value on a Whistler Cornucopia getaway, book a Cornucopia Package from as low as $95 per person, per night. Plus, those who book 3+ nights also receive a free $100 Fall Dining Voucher. Learn more at whistler.com/cornucopia.
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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 Darby Magill
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