Most people come to Whistler to shred its world-famous slopes, but let's admit it, the bars and nightclubs are reason enough to pay a visit. And judging from the number of bachelor and bachelorette parties, and birthday boys and girls pub-crawling their way through the village, Whistler is a place to celebrate occasions.
No matter what one's taste in entertainment entails, Whistler's venues offer it all, from acoustic live music to famous DJs spinning sets into the morning light. There are traditional pubs and sub-zero ice bars; open-air festivals and flame-warmed patios. Leave your board on a rack to dig into apres-ski nachos or settle into an artfully crafted cocktail in a cozy lounge.
The visiting bar fly looking to hit the slopes then hit the town (or retire for a night of fine wine!) won't want for anything in Whistler. It's not where to drink, but what'll be your poison?
Garibaldi Lift Company:
For Apres Ski Fun
Mike Crane / Tourism Whistler
For those visiting during peak ski season, the terrace of the Garibaldi Lift Company above the Whistler Village Gondola building should be a bar fly's first stop. During the day, Garibaldi is a great place to kick back and enjoy some drinks and fantastic food, but once the sun sets, it becomes the place to be for apres ski fun. Jugs of beer and margaritas flow like water and their resident DJ Kori K lays down incredible mixes that turns this already hip club into a Mecca for dancing, drinking and in your ski boots fun.
Whistler Brewhouse
For Eclectic Beer Selection
The Brewhouse Whistler / Facebook
Website: mjg.ca/brewhouse
Location: 4355 Blackcomb Way, Whistler
The Whistler Brewhouse is Whistler's first brewpub where visitors can enjoy a wood-fired pizza by the fireplace or share a rotisserie chicken with friends on their beautiful patio. However, like with any brewpub, the main attraction is their beer. They host six ales and lagers that are served year-round and brewed right on the property but they also have a variety of seasonal brews available for those that come to unwind or shoot a little pool within their relaxing mountain lodge-style space. Their light and quaffable Lifty Lager proves to be the most enduringly popular year-round brew at Whistler's Brewhouse, but for those with more daring and refined palates should give their Big Wolf Bitter, English Bitter-style beer a try.
Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub
For the Irish Pub Experience
Tourism Whistler / Robin O'Neill
Website: dubhlinngate.com
Location: 4320 Sundial Crescent
No matter what town a bar fly visits anywhere in the world, they can always count on the resident Irish Pub to provide cold beer, good food and a home-style atmosphere. Dubh Linn Gate, Whistler's resident Irish Pub, is no different. They are the city's best (and only!) Irish Pub where the dark stained wood, soft lighting and cozy seating makes visitors feel like they are sitting in the local watering hole in a Dublin neighbourhood.
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With 20 beers on tap and a selection of 60 different whiskies, their drink menu is nothing to scoff at, but their eclectic libation selection pairs even better with their selection of Emerald Isle favourites like steak and Guinness pie, roasted Cornish hen and corned beef.
Bearfoot Bistro
For the Coolest Place to Drink in Whistler
Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane
Website: bearfootbistro.com/the-experience
Location: 4121 Village Green, Whistler Village
The Bearfoot Bistro is fondly known as the restaurant of excess, known for its extensive wine menu and gourmet dining. With their highly creative list of signature house cocktails, those who go for dinner and don't indulge on a pre-dinner cocktail are truly missing out. However, the star of the Bearfoot Bistro for the visiting bar fly is the Ketel One Ice Room, which is literally the coolest place to drink in Whistler.
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The ice room is, as its name suggests, made of ice kept at a temperature of -32C. Keep warm in snug Canada Goose down-filed parkas before warming up with a vodka sampler. There are over 50 to choose from, made from ingredients like rye, wheat, soy and hemp. Good luck settling on the four you want to imbibe. Tip: reserve ahead of time as physical space in the ice room is limited.
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