Inside Vancouver

In the mood for something truly different this weekend? How about chasing an 11-pound cheese wheel down a mountain?

Saturday, August 15 is the 2nd annual Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival.

Taking place in Whistler, at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Festival is modeled on the world-famous, centuries-old English event on Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire. Last year, cheese rolling made its Canadian debut in Whistler, attracting more than 5,000 spectators and 200 participants.

The centre piece of this unique festival is, of course, the titular cheese roll: 200 cheese rollers race down a hill after an 11-pound cheese wheel, racers falling left and right. The first one to the bottom wins, and gets the cheese.

Want in on the action? Though all advanced cheese roller slots have been filled, there will be 50 spots available on-site. So if you want to race, get there early to get a spot on the hill! See the site for details.

The Cheese Roll is the Festival’s main event, but not its only one: The day is full of family activities, food, cheese seminars, cheese bowling, and more races. You can make a weekend mini-break out of your trip by heading up on the scenic Whistler Mountaineer.

If you do go, please tell us about it. I’d love to hear what someone thought of the races, especially someone who chased the cheese!