Snow was flying in the valley October 2nd  and the legendary turkey sale starts tomorrow. I love this weekend! We say farewell to the Whistler Mountain bike park, summer and set our sights on the ski season. The bears are eating 20 hours a day to fatten up for the winter. There is plenty to enjoy and rejoice for on this weekend. So here are a few of my favourite things to do around town.

Head up the mountain. It's the final weekend of sightseeing operations. Stroll up to the peak or take the Peak 2 Peak gondola over to Blackcomb for a walk over there. The bushes are aglow in fall colour and the landscape may feature a dusting of snow. Go up Saturday afternoon and catch the sunset from the Umbrella bar by the Inukshuk out the back of Pikas.

Take a stroll around Lost Lake or head down to Cheakamus Crossing and walk the Riverside trails. It's a great time to walk into Cheakamus Lake but it's not dog-friendly like the first two walks. The west side of the valley- Lord of the Squirrels, Into the Mystic, Rainbow Lake and Skywalk are unfortunately closed for the season due to some grizzlies in the area. Save those for next year!

Long weekends feature a two-day Farmer's market with lot's of great Pembie potatoes, artisan bread and crafts.

New this year is the turkey trot, brought to you by the North Face half marathon people. There's a 5 and 10 km route through Lost Lake on Sunday morning. It's sold out so plan ahead for 2019!

If you haven't been to Vallea Lumina, you've got until October 14th. Get your tickets from The Adventure Group and enjoy a wander through a light show and story out at Cougar Mountain. New to Whistler this year but I'm sure it will be back next year.

It's the last weekend to golf at the local courses so bundle up and get out there. The pro shops are also good spots to hit for the golfer on your Christmas list. 

So let's get to the main event of the weekend- shopping. Whistler Blackcomb started the original sale back decades ago. It grew to evolve into a resort-wide event. Plan your attack before arriving... looking to pick up a rental bike? There's downhill, cross-country, cruiser's and e-bikes available. Good deals on helmets, gloves and clothing as well.

The day lodge at the base of Blackcomb has the WB turkey sale but I find great value wandering the Village stroll and visiting Whistler Village Sports, Excess, Escape Route and more. Stock up on some west coast favourites like Arcteryx and Icebreaker. It's a perfect weekend to catch up with winter friends, split and stack some firewood or look at real estate! Thinking of buying or selling? I'm right in Whistler year round.