The Best Nightlife Guide to Whistler, British Columbia

Sip cocktails with the après-ski crowd and dance away the evening at the best nightlife spots in Whistler
Sip cocktails with the après-ski crowd and dance away the evening at the best nightlife spots in Whistler | © Patrick Untersee / Unsplash.com
Doug ONeill

After a day conquering the slopes, Whistler’s adrenaline-seekers burn even more energy long into the night. Follow their lead and sip cocktails with the après-ski crowd, shuffle to live music and dance until your legs are sore. Here are the best nightlife stops in Whistler, British Columbia.

1. Garfinkel’s

Nightclub, Pub Grub

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© Marcela Laskoski / Unsplash.com

Why is this long-running Whistler venue so popular? Regulars would say it’s a toss-up between the zany vibe (everyone is welcome) or the energetic dance floor (one of the largest in town.) Overseen by general manager Brendon King, who spent five years at the wonderfully rowdy Moe Joe’s Nightclub, Garfinkel’s has catered to all stripes since it opened its doors in 1991. In addition to the rollicking dance floor and live performances, there’s a smattering of big-screen TVs and pool tables.

2. High Mountain Brewing Company Brewhouse

Craft Ale Bar, Pub Grub

High Mountain Brewing Company Brewhouse
Courtesy of High Mountain Brewing Company Brewhouse

Owner-brewer Kevin Winter is obsessed about refining his brews. Before opening the Brewhouse in 2016, he won gold for Canada’s Best German Pilsner for Mission Springs in 2014, and nabbed another gold for North America’s best smoke-flavored ale in 2015. The big open kitchen, spacious taproom and double-sided fireplace create a relaxed and airy feel, with a separate restaurant on the mezzanine level for guests who want to chow down on barbecue and rotisserie classics or watch a game on the big-screen TVs.

3. The Raven Room

Cocktail Bar, Canadian

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© Ben Yang / Unsplash.com

This stylish, boutique cocktail bar (high ceilings and tall windows overlooking Blackcomb Mountain) was a welcome addition when it launched in 2019. The owners – local couples Luke and Brandi Woodnutt, and Steph and Jason Redmond – wanted to serve up a touch of sophistication and creative cocktails. With a food and drinks menu emphasizing local ingredients, the Raven Room received two nominations at the 2020 Spirited Awards, one for Best International Hotel Bar-Canada and another for Best New International Cocktail Bar. Mission successful.

5. Dubh Linn Gate

Pub, Irish

Dubh Linn Gate
Courtesy of Dubh Linn Gate

It’s not surprising that general manager Diane Rothdram (who joined in 2000 as bar manager) says Guinness is the drink of choice. Dubh Linn Gate has the cozy look and welcoming feel of a pub you’d expect to find in the Irish capital. Walkable from most major Whistler hotels, it’s one of the best nighttime options around for a friendly, sometimes boisterous, evening. Expect live entertainment (traditional and modern performers as well as DJs), a packed dance floor and a lengthy whiskey list.

6. Buffalo Bills

Bar, Pub Grub

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© Kaleb Becker / Unsplash.com

Expect to see skiers in outdoor gear next to partiers in cocktail dresses or dudes in jeans and tees. Everything goes at rustic Buffalo Bills, which is now in its third decade. Entertainment includes a high-tech DJ booth, two dance floors, pool tables and even a handful of pinball machines. If you’re looking for a taste of Whistler nightlife early in the week, Martini Mondays will satisfy your desire to kick back and have some fun after a day on the slopes. Located in Whistler Green close to the golf course.

7. Beacon Pub and Eatery

Pub, Pub Grub

Beacon Pub & Eatery
Courtesy of Beacon Pub and Eatery

The Beacon is a casual, come-as-you-are kind of pub conveniently located across the road from Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Beacon’s hosts Super Caesar Weekends serving variations of the popular Canadian cocktail. The Beacon Bad Boy Caesar is a blend of vodka, house Caesar blend, rimmed with garlic salt and lemon pepper garnished with dry-cured chorizo, pepperoncini, pickles, olives and lime. Seats on the Beacon’s sprawling patio are always in demand in warm weather.

8. FireRock Lounge

Resort, Spa Hotel

FireRock Lounge
Courtesy of Westin Resort and Spa

Australia native Anthony “Azza” Fleming oversees this comfortable chalet-style bar located in the stylish Westin Resort & Spa. The FireRock Lounge is an ideal spot for a romantic date night or quiet evening after a day on the slopes. They serve more than 20 different choices of Scotch and an impressively long tequila menu. Theme nights range from Tequila Tuesday to Pitcher Perfect Sunday, and the spacious patio has unobstructed views of the tree-covered mountains.

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