The Whistler Chamber has opened nominations for the 2026 Whistler Excellence Awards, inviting the community to recognize the businesses, organizations and individuals helping shape Whistler as the Chamber celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Community members have until Monday, July 13 to nominate outstanding leaders, employees, entrepreneurs, organizations and businesses across nine award categories. Last year, the awards received more than 300 nominations, reflecting both the depth of talent across Whistler and the community’s enthusiasm for recognizing local excellence.
As the Chamber marks six decades of supporting local business, this year’s Diamond Celebration recognizes the many facets of Whistler’s business community. From entrepreneurs and frontline employees to artists, volunteers and community leaders, the awards celebrate the people and organizations whose contributions help the resort thrive.
New for 2026 is the Members’ Choice Award, which will give Whistler Chamber Members, and ultimately attendees at the Whistler Excellence Awards Gala, the opportunity to vote for a finalist who exemplifies the spirit of Whistler through exceptional service, leadership and community impact.
“Our 60th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate not only where we’ve been as an organization, but the people, businesses and organizations that continue to shape Whistler every day,” says Louise Walker, Executive Director of the Whistler Chamber. “One of Whistler’s greatest strengths is the people who quietly step up every day, whether they’re leading businesses, serving guests, creating art, volunteering or supporting their neighbours. Every one of them has a story, and these awards are our opportunity to recognize them together.”
Award Categories for 2026:
• Business Person of the Year
• Rising Star of the Year
• Citizen of the Year
• Emerging Business of the Year
• Service Excellence – Small Business
• Service Excellence – Large Business
• Sustainability in Action Business
• Champion of the Arts Award
• Members’ Choice Award
The 2026 Whistler Excellence Awards Gala will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Guests will gather for an unforgettable evening recognizing this year’s finalists and winners while celebrating the Chamber’s 60th anniversary and the many facets of Whistler’s business community.
Celebrate the people, businesses and organizations making Whistler exceptional by submitting a nomination at: go.whistlerchamber.com/WEA-nominate before the deadline on Monday, July 13 at 11:59 PM.