Often referred to as the Vegas of the North it is no secret that Whistler is a party town. Work hard, ski hard, play hard. It’s a town where weekends don’t really exist and there is something happening every day. Having been established in Whistler since 1979 our team knows a thing or two about where and how to celebrate.
Whether you are looking for a cozy intimate cocktail bar or a rowdy raucous dance party there is a party for everyone in Whistler and we are here to host.
Whistler Party Scene – The Breakdown
BRUNCH
Welcome to Whistler where the party starts at 10 AM. The Caesar is Canada’s National cocktail after all.
Fried Chicken Benny at Stonesedge Kitchen. Photo Credit: Abby Cooper
There are many delicious brunch spots in Whistler, but our two favourite are:
LOCALS CHOICE: Stonesedge Kitchen
Stonesedge Kitchen embraces rustic elegance, effortless charm, and is polished without being fussy…. They are known for their exceptional cocktails and have a renowned menu. Grizzle Benny or Breakfast poutine anyone?
Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free you can find a delicious brunch item for you at Stonesedge. Check out the menu for yourself.
Earls Brunch Happy Hour is available Saturdays and Sundays from open until noon and all brunch entrees are discounted, as well as they have some amazing boozy and non-boozy drink features. This is a great family-friendly option. We are warning you though that in the high season there is always a wait.
APRÈS
a•près (ˈɑ preɪ, ˈæp reɪ)
after; following (used in combination)
That’s the dictionary definition, but the Whistler definition is the magical time of day when you eat, drink, and celebrate – apres ski, apres hike, apres anything you like really!
The best spots to go in the village are:
Shot Ski at The Longhorn Saloon. Photo Credit: Rob Perry
No one does Après better than The Longhorn Saloon. Situated right at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas, the patio at The Longhorn Saloon is a perfect spot to enjoy a pint or a legendary bulldog after a day on the hill. Drinks are always flowing and the music is always bumping. Champagne Shower anyone?
A local landmark for 20 years and counting, Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub, was designed, crafted, and transported piece by piece across the pond to Whistler in 1997. From live music nearly every day of the week, along with Irish comfort food, and a large section of drinks, the Dubh Linn Gate is a great spot to raise a pint! Slainte!
Cocktails at FireRock Lounge. Photo credit: Abby Cooper.
Located just off the stroll, in the Westin Resort & Spa, you’ll find FireRock Lounge – a warmly-lit intimate chalet-style bar. This is the perfect spot for a date night, or a catch up over cocktails, a glass of wine or a cheeseboard.
The drinks menu is extensive with gape varietals, 20 different scotches, an expanded tequila menu, and an assortment of masterfully curated cocktails. There’s a libation for every taste.
GLC is located above the Whistler gondola building right off the slopes. It offers great views of the bike park’s infamous GLC drops – a trio of cliff-drops – and the patio is an all-season mecca. This is a place where “spa-goers meet hat-headed riders, tall tales meet magic moments, and fresh DJ sets meet masterfully curated playlists.”
Tapley’s Neighbourhood Pub. Photo Credit: Pete Bailey
Tapley’s Pub has been serving up good times, good drinks, and good food since 1981. Tapley’s, Whistler’s first pub, embodies all that is classically Whistler. A neighborhood favorite for decades this watering-hole is made for beer drinking, catching a game, dancing to live music, and making yourself at home.
RMU – The best spot in Upper Village
Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, RMU is a community hub with a bar stocked full of wine and craft beer.
Dusty’s Bar & BBQ – The best spot in Creekside
Dusty’s Bar & BBQ was named after Dusty, a stuffed horse that rode into Whistler in 1979 in the back of a pick-up. He watched over the place for years until one full moon a female partier stripped totally naked, jumped on Dusty’s back causing him to buck into life, burst through the bar doors, and gallop off into the night never to be seen again (or so legend has it).
And if you are looking for something even further out of the Village check out the two amazing breweries in Function Junction – Whistler Brewing and Coast Mountain Brewing.
AFTER DARK
Garfinkel’s Whistler. Photo Credit: Matt Sylvestre
There is a plethora of after-dark options in Whistler. Whether you want top 40’s and classic rock, or hip-hop, trap, EDM, drum and bass. There is a club beckoning you to come dance.
This is the hottest and most relevant party spot in Whistler. Having been voted Whistler’s #1 night club for years, this club is home to all the biggest international shows, and best weekend and local parties. Industry giants such as Avicci, SonReal, Skrillex, Hilltop Hoods, Afroman, and more have performed here. It truly is an experience that is not to be missed!
Buffalo Bills Whistler. Photo Credit: Eric Beckstead
Buffalo Bills has been a staple in Whistler nightlife for over 20 years. This old-school club has a huge dance floor that begs you to let your hair down and an energy that hits you the moment you walk in. From last chair to last call, Bills (as the locals call it) is a venue that has it all. Whether you want to dance in a cage, play some pool, or cozy up in a booth, you will find what you are looking for at Bills.
Having recently undergone a renovation Après Après is an underground breath of fresh air with handcrafted cocktails, table service, Dj nights and dancing. Lots of dancing.
Moe Joe’s is Whistler’s headquarters for good times. It is no attitude, no pretentiousness, just fun. Glow Joe’s, or church as the locals call it, is a must-attend.
Bar HopDo you want to hit all the action in Whistler? Hop on It with Bar Hop. Bar Hop is a guided tour on Friday and Saturday nights that takes you to four epic Whistler venues. Included in the hop is VIP access and comp cover, 5 drinks of your choice, Pizza from Avalanche Pizza, party prizes from The Adventure Group, and more.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
SAFETY
Yes Whistler is a quaint village town, but nights can turn from great to bad pretty quickly so here are a few things to note to keep you safe:
- MUST BE 19+. The legal drinking age in BC and the majority of Canada is 19 (except for Alberta where it is 18). For our friends south of the border this is a whole new experience for them, considering the drinking age in the US is 21. Our recommendations are to know your limits and stay within it.
- ARRANGE YOUR RIDE
- Looking for a way to get home after having a few beverages – you have options. No, we don’t have uber or lift yet, BUT we do have an awesome transit system provided by BC Transit and cabs are plentiful in this town.
- To hop on a bus head to the Gondola Transit Exchange
- To catch a cab head to the “cab loop” or the Gateway Loop.
- Or use Whistle, Whistler’s version of Uber.
- BUDDY UP
- Don’t go anywhere alone. Make sure to use the buddy system and keep an eye on each other so you both get home safe at the end of the night or better yet get a big group together. There’s safety in numbers!
- BE VISIBLE
- In winter Whistler is especially dark and if you are walking anywhere you need to be visible. Pull out your phone and turn your flashlight on, wear a headlamp, carry a flashlight, or wear something reflective. Regardless of what you do just make sure people can see you if you are walking on the Valley trail or on the road.
- BUNDLE UP
- Sure you have a saucy little dress and those heels are calling your name, but at the end of the night do you want to be freezing your butt off? No – so bundle up and dress appropriately. Throw on that extra puffy jacket and wear it on your walk to and from the bar – there is always coat check, and then once you are inside you can show off your banging outfit.
- Also PSA: Heels + Snow & ICE + cobblestones on the Village Stroll = Not a great combination.
- KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR DRINK
- This isn’t a Whistler-specific tip, but rather good life advice for anywhere you go – don’t take your eyes off your drink. If you must leave it momentarily get your buddy (see point 3 above) to watch it or get a new drink when you return. Don’t leave it up to chance.
- STAY NOURISHED AND HYDRATED
- Water is your friend. Make sure to stay hydrated and feed yourself. This is a marathon.
- Book your Hangover Hydration IV Treatment for the day after. The spa at Whistler, is located right in Whistler village on the 2nd floor of the Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler.
PARTY LIKE THE LOCALS
Here is a little secret for you – the Clubs and Pubs in Whistler have specific nights they are known for – generally known as locals nights. Here is a little breakdown of where to hit each night of the week so you can truly party like a local:
Sunday – Glow Joe’s at Moe Joe’s
Dress up in your best neon and get ready to confess at Whistler’s version of church. Pre-game at The Longhorn Saloon for local’s night.
Monday – Local’s Night at Après Après
Featuring Party Tutorial every Monday this is thee spot to be on Monday nights.
Tuesday – Not your Grandma’s BINGO at Tapleys
Join us every Tuesday for a BINGO night like no other. Rotating normal BINGO and MUSIC BINGO each week these games will have you crying with laughter.
Wednesday – Industry Night at Buffalo Bills
After participating in Let’s Get Quizzical at Tapley’s Pub make your way across the stroll to Buffalo Bill’s to dance the night away.
Thursday – Garfinkel’s Thursdays
Whistler’s longest-running locals night! Every Thursday you can expect weekly giveaways and a mix of the hottest Hip Hop, Rap, Trap, and EDM. A favourite to the locals and some of the world’s best snowboard, ski, and mountain bike pro athletes.
Friday & Saturday – #Hoponit with the Whistler party people
Bar Hop is the best party experience in Whistler.
Regardless of where you choose to party in Whistler we can guarantee it will be a good time!
