Beyond the vistas: Markets, music series and more make a fall vacation in B.C. the best idea

The stunning Sea to Sky corridor of British Columbia is known as a hive for outdoor adventurers but in recent years, the towns of Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton have also become popular among arts and culture aficionados. From galleries, book festivals and foodie gatherings to museums, mines and First Nations cultural centres, the region boasts a plethora of draws for road-tripping culture vultures. And with summer wrapping up, many have not yet had a chance to unplug and embark on a well-deserved holiday. The good news if you've got a hankering to head out? Fall is an ideal time to explore this West Coast outpost.

Squamish

Located an hour's drive north of Vancouver, Squamish is nestled between spectacular mountain ranges and the breathtaking Howe Sound. The scenic spot offers the best of all vacation worlds, from mountain biking and river rafting to railway heritage parks. A highlight is the Sea to Sky Gondola Mountain Music Series, which takes place a mind-boggling 885 metres above sea level, on the Summit Lodge's patio at the top. Every Friday night through to September 22, the high-altitude event combines mouth-watering BBQ menus, awe-inspiring sunset vistas and live rock, jazz, soul and folk music concerts. We recommend catching the crowd-pleasing Sea to Sky Orchestra. But be sure to arrive early as folks are seated on a first come, first served basis.

Whistler

Another hour up the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway, you'll find Whistler, home to some of the best skiing in the world. During the late summer though, the resort town is transformed into a hub for creative types from across the globe. From September to December, Fall for Arts Whistler offers exhibitions, workshops, culinary feasts, music festivals and free movie nights. As fall gets underway, bookworms flock to the Whistler Writers Festival, held October 11 to 14. There, you can take in readings, panels and workshops (intro to travel writing, anyone?). The crisp, cool weather and colourful autumn leaves also make fall the perfect time to take a self-guided Cultural Connector walking tour through Whistler village, making stops at the world-class Audain Art Museum — which houses everything from traditional First Nations pieces to contemporary work — and the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, to explore the heritage of the area through artifacts, exhibits, artwork and demonstrations.  

Pemberton​

Keep following the corridor 40 kilometres north, and you'll wind up in Pemberton; a friendly farming town popular with advocates of the local food movement. Interest in locally-grown and artisanal food here is high, and, as a result, the Friday Farmers Market (open until October 26) is a thriving one — complete with entertaining live music from the likes of Susan Holden, plus events and workshops. Be sure to stop by the Four Beat Farm stall for some organic veggies, and Birken House Bakery for fresh-baked bread. And definitely don't miss paying a visit to the Pemberton Museum, where you can learn about the valley's history, and the local Lil'wat Nation.

Now is the best time to plan your Sea to Sky adventure.

This is paid content produced on behalf of Tourism Whistler. This is not CBC journalistic content.