Whistler B.C., Canada

As you tow your oversized ski bag through the narrow halls of the Whistler Village, you can hear echoes of foreign accents and a deep music bass, you see all the bars and restaurants filled to the brim and can feel the excitement in the air; you instinctively know this place is going to be LIT. The only thing people do better in this town than skiing and snowboarding, is drinking. Between the world class skiing, delectable poutine, and one of the best après ski scenes in North America, Whistler is truly a skiers paradise. Think... VEGAS MEETS SNOW! Whistler’s bars and clubs are conveniently located on the basement level of the village condos and accommodations which ensures the party doesn't stop when people go to sleep.

Whistler has all the elements of a boujee European ski vacation but can be done for half the price. With 40 minute top to bottom runs, fine dining, and skiers visiting from around the world, you are guaranteed to feel like you are far from home! And let's not forget how advantageous the USD to CAD is - more beer for your buck, cheers!

Après Ski

*ranked in order from rowdy to chill

Longhorn’s Saloon | Whistler Village

If you like to go from world class ski to full scale rager in one drink, this is the place for you. It’s perfectly located at the base of Blackcomb so you can kick off your skis and fall right in. It’s hard to miss Longhorns as you will quickly spot the elevated DJ stand, table dancing, and sights of champagne guns & showers. Be prepared to be greeted with shot skis, boxes of beer, and the whole bar singing along to EDMs Top 50. Although you may walk away with a large tab and little memory, it does not get better than this!

$$ | Reservations & Walk Up Bar

Merlin’s | Whistler Village

This bar is at the upper base (ski in/ski out) of the Whistler Village and will give you all the local ski town bar vibes. With a ski gondola hanging from the ceiling and unlimited plates of poutine and wings - you will feel right at home hanging at Merlin’s after a day of skiing.

$$ | Walk Up Bar

Amsterdam Pub | Whistler Village

Probably one of our favorite bars, like ever. Remember we said this village makes you feel far from home, well this place does just that - think small European pub. With party popping tunes blasting from both inside and in the outdoor patio, skiers and snowboarders flock this place in the early afternoon for their daily $8 drink and $4 shot specials (Thursday: Dark & Storm, Friday: Fuck That's Fresh and Saturday: Sex Off Piste to name a few). On a really rowdy day, people are not shy to hop on the chairs and restaurant wall to sing and dance to their favorite songs.

$ | Walk Up Bar

Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill | Whistler Village

Whether you are with your family or friends and just want to enjoy a relaxing après ski scene, the GLC provides a chill vibe with good food and drink. With mountain views, live music, and their long list of beer variations, it's hard to find an empty seat! Pull up a chair on the deck so you can watch the anarchy of Longhorns from above.

$$ | Walk Up Bar

Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub | Whistler Village

You can’t go wrong with a traditional Irish pub post ski! With indoor/outdoor seating, this restaurant bar has great mountain views, live shanty music, and plenty of room for everyone. Inside has one of the largest walk around bars in Whistler and has tables for the small and large groups.

$$ | Walk Up Bar

Dusty’s Bar & BBQ | Creekside

This is a fabulous option for those staying at the Creekside base. With a large area for patio seating and beautiful mountain views, you just can’t go wrong. Inside feels like a cozy cabin where you can order all your favorite bar eats.

$$ | Walk Up Bar

El Furniture Warehouse | Whistler Village

While this bar and restaurant is far from shot skis and champagne guns, it fits the bill for your beloved local mountain watering hole. Their food is so delicious, so cheap and a complete vibe. With all dishes ranging from $5-$10, you may as well just order one of everything! Seriously. We also love it here for a lowkey bar scene, where you can drink away your night to all the fun tunes with out having to enter the dark black hole of the Whistler clubs.

$ | Walk Up Bar

Nightlife

This is one of the rowdiest villages and ski towns in North America and we are HERE for it. There is no way we could possibly ever write about every spot, so here is the highlight reel.

Garfinkel’s | Whistler Village

This is the spot to see and be seen. This club usually has the longest lines and sometimes a cover, but for good reason. Enter the deep dark underground hole of Garfinkel’s and you’ll find the biggest freakiest dance floor in town (GET LOW!). You’re definitely in for a good time as the DJ is well versed on all hip-hop and EDM hits.

$$ | Reservations & Walk Up Bar (table reservations recommended for holiday weekends)

Moe Joe’s & Tommy Africa’s | Whistler Village

These bar/clubs are in stiff competition with Garfinkel’s. More great venues with a dance floor full of people looking for a dang good time. With every drink and song imaginable, there is plenty of table dancing and shot skis to go around.

$$ | Walk Up Bar

Ketel One Ice Room | Whistler Village

This Ketel One themed ice bar is the Instagram moment you've been looking for. The bar takes reservations three weeks in advance and allows you to have a taste of four premium vodkas of your choice with groups ranging from 2-8.

$$$ | Reservations Required

Bar Crawl | Whistler Village

We wouldn’t necessarily recommend this as you can easily conduct your own bar crawl, BUT we have heard this is super fun since you can get a taste tester of all the different bars and clubs! This is especially great if you are looking to meet new people, though everyone in town is SO friendly and fun.

Where to Stay

Unless you are renting a shared home, you should definitely stay in the Whistler Village as there are many hotels, condos, and Airbnb's to choose from. So choose wisely!

The Whistler Village is much larger than the Creekside village and boasts a more magical après ski scene and nightlife. However, if you want something more quiet and relaxing, then Creekside is your sport. For those looking for larger accommodations, there are surrounding neighborhoods in close proximity to both villages that are made up of larger chalet rentals with easy bus access.

Getting There

To get to Whistler, you will need to fly into the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) which includes a 2 hour drive up the Sea to Sky Highway. From YVR, you can either rent a car or private shuttle to take you to the mountains or catch one of the public shuttles from the airport for roughly $40-$60/each way; the public shuttle system is best option from a cost perspective, especially since you don't need a car once in town. Note, there is free shuttle transportation between the two villages in case you get stuck at après or late night drinks in Whistler village…. oops!