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Whistler Pride WPSF2018 Festival Guide

Whistler PRIDE WPSF2018 Festival Guide

The 26th annual Whistler Pride and Ski Festival WPSF2018 is January 21-28, 2018 at Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. GayTravel.com has named Whistler Pride the #1 Winter LGBT Event of the year for the second consecutive year. We are very proud of the work we have done in creating an exciting festival and this year is no exception with incredible talent and fresh new events!

We are thrilled to welcome an all-star cast to this year’s festival. Rolling Stone Magazine recently named Margaret Cho (USA) as one of the TOP 50 standup Comics of all time. Join us as this five time Emmy and Grammy nominated artist takes us on a wildly funny night with Fresh Off the Bloat content that will have you rolling in the aisles. The Night of Comedy is on Wednesday, January 24.  Everyone gets hot and steamy at our annual SPLASH Pool-Party with DJ RAFAEL CALVENTE (Brazil), performing on  Thursday, Jan. 25. On Friday Jan 27 our reimagined Military Ball, FURROCIOUS heats up with Superstar DJ/PRODUCER GSP (Greece). DJ MAT STE-MARIE (Canada) launches our final night of celebration at SNOWBALL26, setting us up for the animated, floor shaking energy of one of the world’s top producing house music duos THE CUBE GUYS (Italy) at our Main Event on Saturday, Jan 27.

Whistler Pride 2018 is proud to showcase some of our local talent including: Byron James, LandonJames, Foxy Moron, and celebrity bartender and Games Night host – Ryan Steele.

Whistler Pride WPSF2018 is made possible by the generous support of our partners including: The Province of British Columbia, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, Tourism Vancouver, Delta Air Lines, Whistler Brewing Co, Finlandia Vodka, Jack Daniel’s, Aava Whistler Hotel, OUTtv, Roundhouse Radio 98.3 Vancouver, GayCalgary Magazine, Whistler Question, Pique Newsmagazine, Damron, TD Bank Group, Blasted Church Vineyards, ResortQuest Whistler, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, and Whistler Premier.

The festival would like to thank our dedicated and passionate team of volunteers and the ski and snowboard guides that really set this festival apart from all others. We feel very fortunate to have such a great and loyal team, many of whom have been with the festival from day one. Thank you.

We would also like to thank all of our promotional partners, official suppliers and media friends.

Happy #WhistlerPRIDE2018

Join us at Whistler Pride Jan. 21-2018

Whistler Celebrates 2017

Whistler Celebrates an Award Winning Year

Canada marked its 150th anniversary this year and celebrations continue as the country was recently awarded the designation of Travel + Leisure’s 2017 Destination of the Year. Adding to the cause for celebration are some recent accolades awarded to Whistler, its premier businesses and hotels.

The Condé Nast Readers’ Travel Awards celebrates the most incredible travel experiences worldwide and readers of Condé Nast Traveller voted Whistler as the number 1 ski resort in the world for 2017, jumping up from the number 2 spot in 2016.

Condé Nast delves into why Whistler was voted as number one here.

Readers of Condé Nast also chose Canada’s Top Resorts for 2017 and Whistler claimed half of the list thanks to award winners Nita Lake Lodge, Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Pan Pacific Village Centre, Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Pan Pacific Mountainside.

SKI Magazine named Whistler Blackcomb – Best Ski Resort in North America

O, Canada. Your “crown jewel of North American ski resorts” does it again. In fact, nearly three million global travelers now visit this British Columbia beauty annually, making it as cosmopolitan – and bustling – as mountain resorts get. …read more

The iconic ski-in, ski-out Fairmont Chateau Whistler took the number 5 spot as USA Today 10Best’s Best Ski Hotel for 2017. Long time local favourite, the Garibaldi Lift Company, made it in the number 10 slot for the Best Apres Ski Bar with an all-seaon patio perfect for parties and people watching. Winners of the USA Today 10Best awards are selected by voters with the nominees chosen by editors and a panel of experts.

Other award highlights from 2017 include a win for Cornucopia as the Best Food/Beverage Event Experience at the World Food Travel Association’s 2017 FoodTrekking Awards.

Travel + Leisure’s 2017 Destination of the Year Video

Our neighbor to the north sparked our imagination this year. Read on to find out why we named Canada the Travel + Leisure 2017 Destination of the Year.

Whistler Pride 2018 Proclamation

Whistler Pride 2018 Proclamation from the Resort Municipality of Whistler

On November 21, 2017 at the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s regular Council Meeting the Mayor and Council passed a resolution proclaiming the week of January 21 – 28, 2018 “Pride Week” in Whistler, British Columbia.

Whistler Pride 2018 Proclamation

PRIDE WEEK 2018

WHEREAS All individuals seek recognition and respect of their human and civil rights which are accorded to citizens in a free and democratic society, regardless of race, culture, creed, gender identity, gender experssion, or seuxal orientations;

AND WHEREAS The Resort Municipality of Whistler has been a pioneer in celebrating Pride publicly for the past 26 years and has benefited socially, economically and culturally from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisesual, Transgenerderd, Two-Spirited, Queer (LGBTTQ) community;

AND WHEREAS LGBTTQ people, residents and visitors alike come together each year during GayWhistler’s Whistler PRIDE and Ski Festival to celebrate their uniqueness as individuals, as well as their shared goals and achievements;

AND WHEREAS This year marks the 26th annual celebration of the Whistler Pride and Ski Festival week;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Nancy Wilhelm-Morden, Mayor of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM January 21 to 28, 2018 as ” Pride Week” in Whistler, British Columbia.

Whistler Pride Week 2018 Signed Proclamation

Join Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden at the Wednesday, January 24th Night of Comedy where she will officially present the proclamation to Dean Nelson + Sunil Sinha, Executive Producers of Whistler Pride and Ski Festival. For tickets and more information click here.

Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is an eight-day, sixty-five events that include legendary ski/snowboard guiding service on Whistler Blackcomb daily, excellent social events to meet your fellow skiers, boarders, unicorns, wolves, otters, bears and friends. Headline artists include: The Cube Guys (Italy) spinning at this year’s Snowball26 on Sat., Jan. 27th; Superstar DJ/Producer GSP (Greece) heating up the dance floor at this year’s Furrocious on Fri., Jan. 26th; The Brazilian wonder, DJ Rafael Calvente brings some of his Rio magic to the annual Splash Pool Party on Thur., Jan. 25th. Plus many more exciting artists.

Join us at Whistler Pride Jan. 21-2018

 

 

 

Whistler Pride 2018 in the News

Whistler Pride 2018 in the News

The following are some curated articles of Whistler Pride 2018 in the news. The 26th annual gay ski and pride festival takes place January 21-28, 2018 at the award winning mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb, Canada.

boiMag Life + Style Magazine in Chicago looking at Whistler Pride Jan. 21-28, 2018

WHISTLER PRIDE AND SKI FESTIVAL 2018

boiMagazine – Chicago’s premier Life + Style magazine November issue gives their readers some great travel tips and insight to all things winter including an article on #WhistlerPride2018

The award winning resort of Whistler Blackcomb is all set to host the 26th annual Whistler Pride and Ski Festival January 21-28, 2018. Whistler Pride is one of the largest in the world and biggest in Canada attracting men and women from 26+ countries for the weeklong celebrations on and off the slopes. The festival has four key elements that include: Sports, Culinary, Health & Wellness, and Entertainment.

Every day Whistler Pride assembles a gaygal of experienced skiers and snowboards ready to take the snomosexuals out on the slopes of Whistler and Blackcomb. The Whistler Pride ski/snowboard guides expertly place the pride guests into similar skiing/riding abilities so everyone can enjoy the awesomeness of the 8,176 acres this skier’s paradise has to offer (It is North America’s biggest ski resort so it can be a wee bit intimidating on where to ski). There is no other ski guide program like it on the planet and is one of the key events that truly sets this gay ski week apart from all others.

Other sporting events at Whistler Pride include a daring slide on the world’s fastest track, the Whistler Sliding Centre, where you have the opportunity to try your skills at skeleton or bobsled and imagine yourself at the Winter Olympics! A fan favourite is whipping through the forest on a zipline where you can chase your friend on parallel lines with SuperFly Ziplines. Whistler Pride also offers snowmobile tours, dog sledding, Nordic Skiing and snowshoeing…

Your guide to the best gay skiing celebrations from California to Canada

Dallas News by Louise Hudson

Attended by over 3,000 people from 26 nations, Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is the biggest LGBTQ piste-party in Canada and second largest in North America. As well as skiing and riding, the award-winning event involves a menu of festivities, notably Snowball26, a “mega dance party,” says CEO Dean Nelson.  First to host a downhill pride parade, Whistler Pride has become noted for its Night of Comedy, starring comedians such as Margaret Cho, Bianca Del Rio and Pam Ann. »continue to read

Snow Magazine Nov17 Title

The PRIDE of WHISTLER

Out and proud on the slopes for Whistler Pride and Ski Festival by Lori Knowles

Gay Whistler is amused. Catcall and wolf whistlers pierce the air as onstage, Australia’s promiscuous Pam Ann – star of Whistler Pride’s Night of Comedy – is bitchy and wickedly crude. Bawdy jokes about drag queens and the actual Queen are as raunchy as you’d expect from a performer with comic shticks such as Cockpit and Plane Filthy. The lewder the joke the louder the crowd.

It’s a cold yet steamy January night inside Whistler Conference Centre. The Canadian ski town’s annual Pride festival is mid-flight and attendees – nearly 3.000 of skiing’s LGBT community – are up for a night. Seated in the front row, Whistler’s female mayor is tittering shamelessly. Draped in shimmering drag, The Unstoppable Conni Smudge is snorting with glee and the mouths of straight women in the audience are dropping open in shock as Pam Ann mimes »continue to read

Attitude – January 2018 “Just the Ticket”

UK Attitude Gay Men's Lifestyle Magazine with Whistler Pride ArticleMarkus Bidaux of UK’s Attitude Gay Men’s Lifestyle magazine reviews some of the planet’s annual Gay Ski Weeks including the 26th annual Whistler Pride and Ski Festival.

Snomosexuals worldwide party at the Whistler Pride and Ski Festival in Canada’s Coast Mountains. An annual snowfall of 33 feet leaves plenty of the white stuff along North America’s longest ski runs, which are also home to inner tube sliding, dog sledding and snowmobiling, while Whistler Village hosts aprèsski socials and parties for the bear, lesbian and circuit boy crowds. The festival is part of the area’s Pride celebrations, so you’ll get an even warmer welcome than Canada is famous for.

Also inside the January issue is a special feature on Canada’s Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau. Pick up your copy on newsstands or online today.

Nomadic Boys do Whistler Pride’s Gay Ski Week

Nomadic Boys 5 Amazing things to do at Whistler Pride and Ski FestivalThe traveling gay global jetsetters – the Nomadic Boys experienced the 26th annual Whistler Pride and Ski Festival. Both Stefan and Sébastian had a lot to share including their 5 top tips to the annual Gay Ski Week.

The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is one of the biggest and best LGBTQ ski events in North America. We absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to all gay travellers seeking out a gay ski event to attend. To show you just how awesome it was, here are our 5 amazing things to do during the Whistler Pride week.

Click here to read more…

A Couple of Men experience the best of Whistler Pride and Ski Festival

Couple of Men at Whistler Pride

The gay Dutch couple – A Couple of Men made their second annual pilgrimage back to Canada to experience Gay Ski Week but this time to the west coast – Whistler Pride and Ski Festival.

Our gay couple travel diary of Whistler Pride 2018 Gay Ski Week in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Our second Gay Ski Week brought us again to the Western part of Canada, to British Columbia’s Whistler, to be precise. Together with hundreds of gay men, lesbian women, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community, we spent a week on the slopes of the Canadian Ski Resort Whistler Blackcomb enjoying incredibly much Canadian powder snow. Besides the usual winter sports like skiing and snowboarding through the British Columbian dense forest, Gay Whistler offers several different winter sports like zip-lining and snowmobiling organized by The Adventure Group Whistler.

Next to all the sporting there were, of course, a lot of LGBTQ+ events like the night of comedy with Margaret Cho, the LGBTQ+ Social Media Workshop, a special dinner evening at Bearfoot restaurant and the famous Furocious, Splash Pool Party, the Sip N’ Dip at the Scandinave Spa and the great closing event Snowball. The highlight of our week in Whistler was undoubtedly the gay pride parade with dozens of rainbow flags on the ski hill of Whistler and through Whistler Village kicking off gay pride season in Canada. Join us on our trip to the first Canadian gay pride together with hundreds of gay men and members of the LGBTQ+ community from all over the world and experience the Whistler Pride & Ski Festival 2018 with our gay travel diary through a couple of men’s eyes.

Click here to read more…

 

Cornucopia 2017

Whistler’s Cornucopia – celebration of all things Food and Drink

With one day to go before Whistler welcomes Cornucopia, presented by BlueShore Financial, events are selling out quickly however there are still a few opportunities to attend this annual celebration of food + drink.

Now in its 21st year, Cornucopia’s 11 day calendar is teeming with a diverse selection of events fit for every palate. From cooking demonstrations to drink seminars, winery dinners to gala tastings and late-night celebrations – this year’s festival will leave patrons counting down the days until next year.

Festival packages are also available offering accommodation and choice of Cornucopia’s signature events such as Cellar Door, House Party and Crush Grand Tasting with the option to add on a selection of additional event tickets in an easy one-spot-shop. Fill your days with a selection of seminars; learn a trick or two around the kitchen with local and visiting chefs at a Culinary Stage Series demonstration or in a more intimate setting, the Chef’s Table Luncheons are held in luxurious, private Whistler chalets.

For those that enjoy a little competition – and who in Whistler doesn’t – Cornucopia does not disappoint. Cicerone vs. Sommelier Culinary Stage sees a multi-course lunch paired with a craft beer and wine from leading experts in their field – who do you think will win?

Know a teen who loves to cook? Cornucopia Junior Chef is designed for budding culinary artists and junior foodies. Led by Chef Jason Dabbagh, this program is designed as a sneak peek into the culinary arts, with fun and learning at its core.  Set in Aava Hotel’s CABN, Cornucopia Junior Chef turns up the heat while experiencing working in one of Whistler’s top-notch professional kitchens.

Cornucopia’s creative team has dreamed up a new video series aimed to tickle your tastebuds and whet your appetites. The new Cornucopia Masterclass Series recently launched – featuring chefs, sommeliers and mixologists from Whistler’s signature bars and restaurants. Currently viewers can learn how to prepare theperfect charcuterie board, build on a plant-based diet with vegetarian pizza and a cauliflower crust or create the ultimate eggs benny – keep your eyes out for more set to release in the next week.

Whatever your plans may be, the countdown is on to get your tickets to Whistler’s premiere fall festival Cornucopia celebration of food + drink.

Cornucopia takes place November 9-19th – detailed schedule information and package options visit www.whistlercornucopia.com.

Join us for Whistler Pride Jan 21-28, 2018

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is the official airline for Whistler Pride and Ski Festival

We are so pleased to welcome Delta Air Lines to the Whistler Pride family. Delta has long been an advocate for the LGBTQ community and can be found as a major sponsor at many LGBTQ Pride Events and Festivals around the world. Recently Delta was named the most LGBT-friendly airline in Latin America and consistently ranks as one of the BEST places to work for LGBT Equality in the annual HRC Corporate Equality Index.

Delta Air Lines has provided a discount of up to 10%* for your flight to Vancouver (YVR) to attend the annual winter Whistler Pride and Ski Festival (January 14 – February 10, 2018) and Vancouver’s summer Pride (July 21 – August 11, 2018). The discount applies to Delta Air Lines designated* flights. To find out if your flights qualify for the discount you can call 1-800-328-1111 (Mon-Fri 7am-7pm CDT) or visit www.delta.com, select your routing and insert the convention code: NMR9B.

Delta Air Lines looks forward to welcoming you on board soon.

*restrictions apply
DELTA AIR LINE PROMO CODE

TRAVEL IN OR BETWEEN U.S./CA:

Discounts valid on Delta and applicable DL* Codeshare flights.
DELTA BOOKING CLASS PERCENTAGE OFF
F / J / C / D / Y / P / I  10%
B / M / H / Q / K / L     5%
U / T / V / X                    2%

INTERNATIONAL DL*:

Travel allowed between Europe, Middle East, Africa, India, Caribbean, SJU,
STT, STX, Central/South America, Israel, Mexico, U.S. and Canada (does not
apply within/between U.S./CA). Discounts valid on DL and applicable DL*
Codeshare flights. Fare Class X / V discounts do not apply.
DELTA (DL) BOOKING CLASS PERCENTAGE OFF
J / C / D / W / Y / B / M 10%
I / Z / H / Q / K / L / U 5%
T 3%

INTERNATIONAL Transpacific Asia/Australia – US/CA DL*:

Travel allowed between Asia/Australia – U.S. and Canada. Does not apply
within/between U.S./CA). Discounts valid on DL and applicable DL* Codeshare
flights.
DELTA (DL) BOOKING CLASS PERCENTAGE OFF HANEDA JAPAN DISCOUNT
J / C / W / Y 20% 25%
D / I / B / M / H / Q / K 10% 15%
Z / L / U / T 5% 10%
X / V 3% 8%

Fare DetailsDelta Air Line Book a Trip Now

– Discounts applicable worldwide for eligible Delta Meeting Network passengers.
– Contract not valid with other discounts, certificates, coupons, or promotional offers. Not all fares are eligible for use with this promotion. Fare rules will determine eligibility.
– Zone Fares are applicable for travel from U.S./CA only to worldwide destinations except International Transpacific
Asia/Australia.
– Fares are valid via DL, DL Connection and DL applicable codeshare flights.
– International discounts apply for travel on AZ coded flights.
– Administrative fees for published fares and zones fares are subject to change.

Reservations and Ticketing

– Must adhere to TSA regulations and SFPD guidelines.
– SkyMiles may be earned. Fare rules apply. SkyMiles travel award redemptions are not permitted.
– Tickets must be issued on 006 ticket stock and reflect the applicable fare basis and Meeting Code. Once ticketed, if changes occur, an administrative fee may apply in addition to any difference in the fare.
– Reservations and ticketing is available via www.delta.com/meetings or by calling the Delta Meeting Network Reservations at 800-328-1111 (Mon-Fri 7am-7pm CDT). When booking online at delta.com, select ‘Book Your Flight’ and enter
your Meeting Code: NMR9B in the box provided.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

– Valid for inbound flights into Vancouver (YVR) between January 14 – February 10, 2018 for Whistler Pride and Ski Festival and Vancouver’s summer Pride July 21 – August 11, 2018

– Delta will not be liable for flight delays or cancellations. Delta reserves the right to change equipment or schedules without notice.
– All transportation is subject to Delta’s contract of carriage and applicable tariffs.
– Some restrictions may apply.
– Offer subject to availability and may be withdrawn or changed without notice.

Delta Number One

Whistler Writers Festival

Literary Greats take a Risk at the annual Whistler Writers Festival

The annual Whistler Writers Festival October 12-15, 2017 is bringing in some incredible authors sharing their take on the festival’s theme of “Risk.” Two queer authors include Michael Harris and Jane Eaton Hamilton.

Michael Harris will be in the “Doug Saunders in Conversation brunch” event with Barbara Gowdy, Monia Mazigh, Frances Itani, Lee Maracle and moderator Doug Saunders.  Join us on Sunday, October 15, 11am-1pm at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Michael Harris

Queer author Michael Harris at the Whistler Writers FestivalThe award winning author, Michael Harris best known for  Solitude (2017)  and  the Governor General’s Literary Award for The End of Absence (2014). He writes about media, civil liberties and the arts. Harris is published in a variety of media outlets including: The Washington Post, Wired, Salon, The Huffingtington Post and The Globe and Mail. His work has been a finalist for the RBC Taylor Prize, the BC National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, the Chautauqua Prize, the CBC Bookie Award and several National Magazine Awards. He lives with the artist Kenny Park in Vancouver, Canada.

Jane Eaton Hamilton will be presenting in the Writers of Fiction event Saturday, October 14, 10-11:30am at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler with Lenore Rowntree, Jim Nason, Joan B. Flood and moderator Claudia Casper.

Jane Eaton Hamilton

Queer author Jane Easton Hamilton at the Whistler Writers FestivalJane Eaton Hamilton is the author of 9 books of cnf, fiction and poetry, including the 2016 novel WEEKEND and two prior collections of short fiction. Jane’s books have been shortlisted for the MIND Book Award, the BC Book Prize, the VanCity Award, the Pat Lowther Award and the Ferro-Grumley Award. Their memoir was one of the UK Guardian’s Best Books of the Year and a Sunday Times bestseller. They are the two-time winner of Canada’s CBC Literary Award for fiction (2003/2014). They have had a notable in BASS and BAE (2016) and have appeared in The Journey Prize, Best Canadian Short Stories and Best Canadian Poetry. Their work has recently appeared at Salon, The Rumpus, The Missouri Review, the NY Times and The Sun. Jane edits for Many Gendered Mothers and is a founding member of CripsCanLit. They are also a member of the TWUC Equity Task Force, serve on literature juries, and mentor new queer/ trans writers. They live in Vancouver. janeeatonhamilton.org.

Jane takes a Risk 

The Whistler Writers Festival caught up with Jane and asked what was the author’s biggest risk? Jane responded,
Probably the biggest risk in writing Weekend was using they/them pronouns for one of my characters. I hadn’t read a book which had done that, and it can dazzle with confusion, both for the author and the reader (was that correct? Was that really what the author meant? Wait … who is the author talking about?) but I felt it was true to my character, Logan, who was between genders not in the sense of landing in the non-binary, but in the sense that they hadn’t come all the way out as trans yet for various reasons of shame and fear. click here to read more »

Head up to Whistler October 12-15, 2017. The host hotel is the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Click here for more information about accommodations or call 1.866.787.1966 or 1.800.WHISTLER

Whistler Writers Festival Oct 12-15, 2017

Recharging your Soul at the Kingfisher

Island Escape the perfect remedy for recharging your Soul

Hard to believe we are already into the fall swing of things. Now is a good time to recharge with a mini Island escape to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Just a quick flight from Vancouver or Seattle. My fiancé and I enjoyed a scenic flight from Vancouver’s South terminal YVR with Pacific Coastal Airlines with dramatic bird eye views of the gulf islands. The service was great and the thirty minute flight meant we would have more time to enjoy the island and recharge.

Flying into the Comox airport on Vancouver Island. #gaytravel #gaynamicduo

A post shared by Dean Nelson (@gaywhistler) on

Upon arrival the Kingfisher resort shuttle was waiting for us at the Comox International Airport. Our driver whisked us away giving us some island tips as we drove the scenic highway to the hotel.


Checking in at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa the front office team was eager to welcome us. I felt very much at home almost instantly. The front desk associate lead us to our ocean view room. We were in awe as to how beautiful this place is. Truly an oasis for the soul.

Our first night at the resort we dined at the award winning Ocean7 restaurant with stunning ocean views. The culinary team lead by Executive Chef, Nyle Petherbridge prides themselves on using local island fresh ingredients. Their focus is on West Coast seafood, grain fed meats and fresh organic produce from local sustainable growers and suppliers. The exciting and unique dishes with the sweeping views of the ocean made our dining experience from great to exceptional. To start we enjoyed the daily catch of fresh oysters, mussels, and some cauliflower “two ways.” Next we moved on to Seared Ahi Tuna with sticky rice wonton, pickled daikon, cucumber salad, edamame and yuzu emulsion. Yum.

Beachcombing, Birding, Cycling and Eating our way around our Island Escape

The next day we enjoyed some beachcombing and relaxing in a bird blind where we watched for hours hundreds of Eagles feeding at low tide. It was exhilarating to see these magnificent birds soar and feed. There is something about that ocean scent that just calms the soul.

As our weekend progressed we took in Island Joy Rides – a local cycling company that took us on a progressive dining experience on bicycle. It was wonderful to see that Comox had many dedicated bike paths and lanes with many stunning scenic points to take in the natural beauty of the region.

Our final stop was at the boutique Wayword Island distillery. What makes this distillery a must experience is all of their spirits are distilled from… HONEY! It has a very smooth and unique taste. Love it.

Our final splurge for the weekend were spa treatments. Facials followed by the Pacific Mist Hydropath® therapy. I have had the privilege to experience many incredible spa treatments and have to say the Hydropath® is no doubt one of my favourite. It is a series of Hydro experiences that is created to stimulate the senses. The various pools offer remineralization, detoxification, relaxation and more. The entire Hydropath® is literally a pathway of water experiences. All in a setting that evokes Vancouver Island’s natural seaside elements. The treatment lasts for one hour. So amazing!

Last night at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa. What a spectacular stay. Today we enjoyed a morning beach walk among the eagles ?, afternoon cycling tour ? with @islandjoyridesbc with some #foodie stops along the way including @thelocalspace, @hotchocolates, @uranusgifts, and @waywarddistillation and a stunning sunset ? dinner at Aqua; then a blissful #hydropath treatment at @pacificmistspa and ending the night cuddling up on our veranda siping @40knotswinery rosé as the sun melts over the #comoxvalley #gratitude #sunset #vancouverisland #gaytravel #gaynamicduo #romanticgetaway #luxurytravel #igfoodie #igtravel #instagay #instatravel #instafoodie #instasunset #instarose @discovercomoxvalley @explorecanada @hellobc @travelgaycanada

A post shared by Dean Nelson (@gaywhistler) on

As we boarded our flight back to Vancouver and flew off in the sunset it was hard to believe how rejuvenated and refreshed we felt from our mini Island escape. So excited to head back and repeat it all again!

LGBTQ Welcoming Resort

The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa is an LGBTQ welcoming destination. The senior leadership of the property has taken the Travel Gay Canada diversity workshop. The hotel and their employees are committed in ensuring all of their guests feel welcome and included. The Kingfisher has donated weekend getaways to various LGBTQ charities for their fund raising efforts including: Vancouver Frontrunners annual Pride Run & Walk, Out in Schools and QMUNITY.

Whistler Rainbow Crosswalk

Whistler Rainbow Crosswalk official opening and blessing ceremony

September 15, 2017

The community of Whistler gathered on the traditional and unceded territories of the Squamish and Lil’Wat Nations to celebrate the opening of Whistler’s Rainbow Crosswalks. Performing the Two Spirit First Nations traditional Down Ceremony was the Greater Vancouver Native Cultural Society. Legacy Princess 40, The Silver Hummingbird, Desree Knight Niis Miou; Chief 19 & 36, Silver Coyote, Al Houston; Chief 20 & 37, Byron Longclaws (wearing vest with paddles on the vest); Chief 7 & 27, Lone Wolf, and also Mr Gay Vancouver 37, Sir John Taylor (wearing red vest with Mr Gay Vancouver sash); and Chief 34, Red Thunder Knight Niis Miou, Terry Azak (wearing cedar hat and doing most of the singing).

Speakers at the Whistler Rainbow Crosswalk ceremony

Other dignitaries included Whistler Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden, Sea to Sky Member of the Legislative Assembly – Jordan Sturdy, Sunil Sinha – Whistler Pride’s Executive Producer and Director of Entertainment, Payton McPhee – representing the Whistler youth, Dean Nelson – Whistler Pride’s Executive Producer and CEO, and Constable Brianna Kisby, a member of the Whistler Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP GRC).


Member of Parliament Pamela Goldsmith-Jones
Special greetings from Member of Parliament, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones – West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country

Congratulations on 25 years of Whistler Pride! Whistler’s advocacy for equality has set an example across Canada and around the world and is a big part of the inclusive community that exists today. Your two rainbow crosswalks are a beautiful way to celebrate Whistler’s strong, diverse community and I know it will be yet another great day for Whistler.

Sincerely,

Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, M.P.

West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country

There was an estimated one hundred plus people taking part in the celebration. We are very grateful for the continued support of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Whistler Mayor’s office and council, the Whistler Public Library, Vancouver’s Odyssey Nightclub, and Galactic Entertainment for helping to make this celebration possible.

Here are some of our favourite social media posts.

Opening of the new rainbow crosswalk. Way to show your colours, Whistler! #whistlerpride #rainbowcrosswalk #loveislove

A post shared by Phillipa Campbell (@wonderwritings) on


Post Rainbow Crosswalks Dean + Conni Smudge had the chance to meet up with some of our international visiting media for dinner at the Bearfoot Bistro. We were treated excepetionally well and was the perfect ending to the big day.

Media Coverage of the Whistler Rainbow Crosswalk Special Event

Whistler Question: Rainbow crosswalks unveiled on Main Street

Permanent, brightly-coloured symbol of inclusion and equality created in celebration of Whistler Pride’s 25th anniversary

MEGAN LALONDE / WHISTLER QUESTIONWhistler Question Article on Rainbow Crosswalk
When Whistler Pride’s executive director and CEO Dean Nelson was growing up, the library served as a safe space for him; allowing him to escape into the pages of books.

But even that sense of safety wasn’t all-encompassing. One day, he opened an “early-1960s” encyclopedia to look up what it meant to be gay.

“Back then, it said that it was a mental illness,” he remembered. “When I read that, it was like, ‘well… I can’t let anybody know this.’ So that’s when the story began for me.”

But now, youth visiting the Whistler Public Library will have a visual reminder that they are free to be themselves thanks to a new set of rainbow crosswalks unveiled on Friday (Sept. 15).

The unveiling of the two new permanent installations — one located on Main Street in front of the library and another a few metres down the street — are now part of the Whistler’s cultural connector. The official opening of the brightly-coloured crosswalks, an easily-recognized symbol of inclusion and equality, comes one year after Nelson officially proposed the concept to municipal council. It received unanimous support. <<click here to read more>>

SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 07:24 PM

Outlook TV – OUTtv Highlights of the Whistler Rainbow Crosswalk

The Unstoppable Conni Smudge reports for Outlook TV + OUTtv on the opening of Whistler’s Rainbow Crosswalks.

Vancouver Pride 2017

Vancouver Pride 2017 Review

The 39th annual Vancouver Pride 2017 Parade and Festival is one that will no doubt go down in the history books as one of the best. Perhaps it was the weather of being hot and dry? Was it the smoky haze from the BC Wildfires that helped to keep the intensity of the sun in check and creating an ery orange/red glow over the city? Or maybe it was an influx of LGBT Americans coming North to embrace the warm Canadian hospitality (and to take advantage of the strong US dollar). Could it be that the LGBT community were united and the mood in the city was full of love and caring? Topping it off Vancouver Pride 2017 had an unexpected surprise visit from Netflix’s original series – Sense8 cast and crew.

 

The Sense8 cast led by the very passionate co-creator, Lana Wachowski, visited Vancouver last week to film part of their special “Birthday thank you message” and their very first Facebook Live Q & A with their fans.

When asked why Vancouver? Lana candidly replied, “Vancouver is quintessentially Canadian. The people, the city everyone is so warm and welcoming. Vancouver is so friendly and when we think of Canada, and we think of hope this is what we think of.” She went on to share that Vancouver is easy to get to and it only made sense that they would come here and celebrate pride with us.

Lana and the cast were very generous with their time in answering questions from their fans and to take hundreds of selfies, me included. One of the most common questions asked of Lana was “how do we save Sense8? How do we get Season 3?” Lana responded that they had just experience the impossible. The fans with their outpouring of love, the petitions, the comments and creative campaigns had an impact on Netflix.

“… admire the holy shitness of it all and be in the gratitude that people can make a difference in this world.” She went on to say that it was the fans that went on to save the series” and that if each person creates their own cluster of 8 and they in turn share, watch, and subscribe [to Netflix: Sense8] and we get the numbers up then we will win. We do not know the numbers, but everything is measured [by Netflix]. When you watch the shows. When you stop, rewind and re-watch. What device you are watching from. It is all measured.”


Sense8 on Social at Vancouver Pride 2017

 


Vancouver Pride 2017 – Daily Hive Highlight Reel

Our friends at the Daily Hive composed the following Vancouver Pride 2017 highlight reel of the parade day and Davie Street Party. From the video you can feel the energy and excitement. Vancouver is very special and we have a lot to be thankful for. This year’s parade was no doubt one of the more colourful in recent memories.

Though the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau did not march this year (he is spreading his love and marched in Halifax, NS instead) he did send someone that was just as significant if not more so. Minister of National Defence, MP Harjit Sajjan celebrated Vancouver Pride on the SHER Vancouver Bollywood inspired float. Providing much needed visibility to LGBT South Asians.

“This is very important symbolically as he’s a very senior federal cabinet minister. By doing this act in public, he has sent out the message that LGBTs of our community need to be treated with respect, dignity and equality. It’s one thing for an activist like me to shout about this but it’s different when people in positions of power do that.” – Alex Sangha, Founder of Sher Vancouver

You Can Play – Olympians at Vancouver Pride 2017

It was also very exciting to see how engaged the Vancouver Sports community has been in this year’s pride celebrations. Last month all the major sport organizations were out for the annual Pride Sports Day including the Whitecaps (Professional Soccer), BC Lions (NFL), Vancouver Canucks (NHL) and many other sport clubs. Whistler Pride and Pride House had the opportunity to march with You Can Play, ViaSports and Team Canada at this year’s parade.

 


Want to see more pride parade photos? Click here »

Vancouver’s Pride week also included Fireworks, and mega parties

Vancouver was much more than just a parade. The city was alive with the annual fireworks celebrations that took place on the Wednesday and Saturday of Pride. An estimated 1,00,000+ lined the beaches from Spanish Banks all the way to Third Beach and beyond. The Celebration of light put Team Japan, Team Great Britain and Team Canada head to head. Though Canada did close the show, it would be Team Japan with their artistry and colours that would take home the gold.

 


Celebrate – Let’s Dance Vancouver!

Vancouver Pride 2017 had their fair share of incredible dance parties to choose from. One of the highlights from the week was the incredible beats spun by Israel DJ Yinon Yahel. Yes, if the name sounds familiar you are correct. Yinon has performed at Whistler Pride in the past and he just seems to get better every time we see him.

 

Parting comments…

Wow, Vancouver Pride you did an amazing job. So many community events, fund raisers leading up to the big Parade Day, the Pride Cruises and parties. Special thank you to the Loden Hotel Vancouver that helped us with our Summer Pride Contest.

Now our attention will shift to Vancouver’s Queer Film Festival (August 10-20). This is one of the most celebrated film festivals giving back to the kids. Making our schools safer and more inclusive.

 

Next week (Sat., Aug. 19th) is the Pride Night with the Whitecaps FC vs. Houston Dynamo hosted by the Unstoppable Conni Smudge. Click here if you want to win tickets to this game!

 

and then Whistler’s Pride (January 21-28, 2018) so make sure you book early and save. Best value is booking by August 31st. As Vancouver’s Drag extraordinary Queen – Miss Gloria Hole says…

Book by August 31 and Save for Whistler Pride and Ski Festival Jan 21-28, 2018

WHISTLER PRIDE

Whistler Pride is the biggest festival of it’s kind in Canada, the festival welcomes guests from around the globe. Revellers enjoy an unparalleled mountain experience and world-class event programming hosted by a team of  friendly ski & snowboard guides and festival staff. This is Canadian hospitality at its finest.

Whistler Pride and Ski Festival takes place on the shared unceded traditional territories of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and Lil̓wat7úl  (Lil’wat) Nation and works in partnership with the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Lil̓wat7úl Cultural Centre (SLCC) to welcome guests to learn about the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl nations, their history, proud culture, and experience.  

CONNECT

[email protected]

Whistler, BC Canada

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