Welcome to Whistler-Blackcomb!
The Best Bars and Nightlife Reviews

Buffalo Bills is Whistler's long-time "go-to" party bar.

By Phil Chambers, Whistler Resident

When one thinks of Whistler-Blackcomb, two things should come to mind..........skiing and partying. There is more than enough of both to go around. Many an experienced clubber has gone to Whistler to ski his/her ass off, only to leave with a Great White Hangover. As well as a huge a smile on their face.

Whistler locals love going out to the bars in the Village.

But there is more to Whistler than just the apres-ski. There's skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling, watching world-class athletes during major events and exceptional mountain biking and golfing in the summer, But let's admit it, you're here for the Whistler "Sober Challenge!"

Bars Inside the Whistler Vilage

Inside Whistler Village there's a few places that seem to beckon during the day and, of course, others that call when the sun goes down.

The Whistler Brewhouse is a pub which makes some incredible local beers – a point of pride in Canada, it must be pointed out. Its beers are shipped all over Western Canada, the most notable of which is Whistler Ale. For beer lovers, this is a "must-do." During the day, the place is a bit more subdued, catering more to social lunchers. During the evening, it has been known to pick up its pace, progressing as the night wears on.

PubClub.com parties at Black's Pub during the Winter Olympics.

Black's Pub is a semi-Irish theme pub which tends to be quiet during the day. But it definitely gets going during the late afternoon and into the early evening. It has a good tap beer selection with the odd game of darts thrown in. Black's is worth the stop for those simply seeking a pint or two.

Citta is a small, intimate bar that can explode with fun groups.

While not a bar, Citta's (pronounced Cheetahs) in the heart of the Village is a great place for a meal or just a beer (or six). Always lively, this is a best bet to meet tons of people who are well on their way to partying the night away. There's usually a long wait for a table but when one comes up, don't be picky and take what you get. A surprising number of people seem to prefer the outdoor deck, even in the dead of winter, which is either a testament to their bodily bravery or the potency of Citta's cocktails.

These girls tap into the fun at Tapley's Pub.

Oh, Canada, it's babes and beer at Tapley's.

The silver medal winning German bobsled team parties in Tapley's Pub.

Tapley's Pub is the first pub opened within the main village. It's got that familiar feel that you could have been there before, in almost any town in North America, but when you sit down, take a sip and look around, you just know you're in Whistler. Everybody, and we mean EVERYBODY ends up here at some point! Look around, you are sure to find young Aussies on one side of you, and sixty-something locals that built the place on the other. Unpretentious, friendly and full of sports, pool tables, and laughter. Tapley's is home away from home for many.

The Dubh Linh Gate Pub is a fun Irish bar in the Pan Pacific.

The Dubh Linh Gate Pub in the Pan Pacific is right at the base of Whistler Mountain. In true Irish pub fashion one can savour the best of the Emerald Isle after a tough day on the slopes. The Dubh Linh Gate offers authentic Irish settings (not Setters, though we're sure that can be arranged) and fare to the PubClubber with the taste for a true snowbound Irish experience. We strongly reccommend you try this only after playing a game or two of darts. Cozy surroundings, and a distinctive decor will surely becon you to return. All this being said, the service can be as slow as a holiday lift line.

Of course, ski apres is a huge deal at any resort, and Whistler's top party place for post-slopes drinks is the Longhorn. But that's not all, and in fact there are so many spots PubClub.com has an article devoted exclusively to the apres bars.

Whistler Nightclubs & Nightclubbing – After the Jacuzzi

The party goes strong at Whistler's fun nightclubs.

While the post-mountain bars are sure to produce a fair amount of staggering, all ski bums and bunnies are rejuvenated for a night on the town after a long hot tub. Here's where to find the best post-Jacuzzi action.

It's a jungle in there, but it's almost a given that everyone in Whistler will eventually make it into Tommy Africa's. There is great live entertainment from professionals, but quite often it's the amateurs (patrons) that provide the most excitement. Credit the shooters, an intoxicating house trademark that eventually gets in the bloodstream of everyone.

The girls love going out to the dance clubs in Whistler.

Moe Joe's has the atmosphere and attitude of a fun college bar.

Garfinkel's is almost always busy. It's very popular with the locals and just as popular with the young – and young at heart. People here play hard. There seems to be some unwritten instructions for this place.......drink, dance, repeat. It's a high point – literally – on any Whistler trip.

The Savage Beagle is a two-level bar and while things may not seem too nuts on the top entry level, the small-ish dance club downstairs really gets going about 11. It's easy to join the insanity that rises like a chair lift up until the end of the night. Thus, its a good place to roll into for an hour or so.

The granddaddy of them all is Buffalo Bill's. You have to pick your nights here, as it seems to be busy on one or two nights during the week. But on the weekends – Watch Out!

This is a big bar with a very upbeat crowd. Everyone just seems to want everyone else to have the time of their lives and most of the time, everyone succeeds. The ages vary here, from twentysomethings all the way to fiftysomethings, but it seems that everyone's biological clock turns back to 18 when they enter the place. Buffalo Bill's has a fun staff and plays great music, making it one of the highlights of any trip.

One of the few places that focuses the tunes on the upbeat "party music" is Moe Joe's. A good smell of spilled beer screams out COLLEGE BAR!, but this unpretentious club/bar is a cool place to cut loose, do shots with the sexy cowgirl-clad bartenders and generally act like a fool.

Young revelers also like a downstairs club, Maxx Fish. It's not a large place but the pace picks up later in the night. It tends to be for the young crowd largely because of its different theme nights and lots of house and hip-hop music. But it can be fun for anyone. It has lots of late-night energy.

The Village is a two-level bar and while things may not seem too nuts on the top entry level, the small-ish dance club downstairs really gets going about 11. It's easy to join the insanity that rises like a chair lift up until the end of the night. Thus, its a good place to roll into for an hour or so.

Sadly, The Boot at the Shoestring Lodge is no more. Progress has taken "The Local's Living Room" away from us and replaced it with a housing development. In true Boot fashion, a massive farewell party was thrown in her honor, with thousands attending. Tears and smiles bid her goodbye, and even the siding was taken as momentos of the good times by the faithful patrons.

Fare thee well!