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Welcome to
Whistler's Nightlife!
From Apres to the a.m., There's Plenty of Partying
After
a day on the hills, Whisterl has cozy bar fror apres – and
more.
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.
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!"
Getting There – Transportation from Vancouver's Airport
Located a 90-minute drive north of Vancouver,
B.C. (as can also be seen on PubClub.com). Whistler is reached
via Highway 99 (the Sea to Sky Highway) past some incredible mountain
and ocean views.
A word of caution here: This stretch of road is one of the deadliest
in Canada, where in the past few years many motorist have died in head-on
collisions and in mud/rock/snowslides. Drive slowly, enjoy the views
and if there's time, visit "The Chief" in Squamish, a half-mile sheer
rock face which is also home to some incredible base-jumping.
For those who prefer to leave the driving to someone else, there is
bus service from the Vancouver airport. Called the Whistler Express,
the trip takes 2 1/2 hours and one-way fare is a whopping $67 CDN. It
departs from the airport about every two hours from 8:30 a.m.-11:30
p.m., and returns from 3:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Care to guess how many people
go straight from the bars to make that 3:30 bus? Click
here for a schedule and on-line reservations.A much cheaper
option is the Greyhound bus, which $18.45 one-way or $36.90 R/T. Call
for reservations (800) 661-8747.
For complete information on the mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb,
where to ski/board and other activities click
here!
PubClubbing – Whistler Apres Ski, Dining, Restaurants
Whether it's at noon or after the last
lift closes, nothing says "ahhh" at the end of an awesome
day on the slopes like the word "cocktails!" There are about
as many options at the base of both Whistler and Blackcomb as there
are trail runs, so sipping pleasures abound.
In fact, one does not even have to get off the mountain before a bar
beckons.
The Garibaldi Lift Company is the only bar that is literally
on Whistler in the village. When the weather is good, it has a huge
patio where you can watch skiers and snowboarders finish their day while
you tip one back. In the summer, mountain bikers are flying off of cliffs
only a few feet away! It's home of many nighttime events, including
concerts from well-known artists, as well as film festivals and theme
parties. The food here is great. Local's Note: Try the Sex Cheese.
It's almost as good as the real thing!
 At
the base of Whistlee is The Longhorn Saloon. Don't let the name
surprise you; yes it's a country-themed bar with a great expanse indoors,
but on sunny days more people wind up sipping cold ones outside on the
large patio watching the rest of their skiing compatriots fly down the
mountain finishing their perfect day. Friendly attention from young,
attractive servers has patrons forgetting all about those burning legs
while reliving their greatest face-plants. But be careful – this
place is so much fun that closing time can sneak up like a high-speed
quad chair.
There are a few more pubs at the base of Blackcomb than at Whistler.
For starters, there's Merlin's. While it may actually be considered
a nightclub, it's really more of a great place to grab a cocktail or
two when the need hits to park the skis or board. Like the Longhorn,
the outdoor deck beckons skiers and shredders to revelry after a great
day on the slopes. It has good service, good drinks and is a great place
to look fabulous as the folks with places to be other than here walk
by, no doubt green with envy.
Monk's has a warm pine interior, pool tables, and outdoor deck
and good food. The locals – a surprisingly large number of which
are Aussies on holiday – tend to congregate here in the afternoon.
This place is highly recommended for those taking a day off the slopes
to nurse the hangover.
Those looking for a martini and a good cigar simply must go to The
Mallard in The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Plush seating, an outdoor
patio with gas heaters and large fire pits make "comfort"
the keyword here. The service is excellent and the martinis fantastic.
Unfortunately, the cozy surroundings and great drinks make the time
fly by all too quickly.
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.
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.
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.
Whistler Village
is convenient for walking and PubClub-hopping.
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 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.
The Clubs – After the Jacuzzi
Bars, clubs and dancing define Whistler's wild nightlife.
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Whistler
Nights
• Monday – Tommy Africa's
• Tuesday – Savage Beagle
• Wednesday – Buffalo Bills
• Thursday – Garfinkles
• Friday & Saturday – anywhere
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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.
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.
Young revelers also like a downstairs club, Max 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 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.
BBK'S is British Columbia's smallest pub! Found in the Upper
Village at the base of Blackcomb, it offers amazing food, and exclusively
micro brews on tap. The art on the walls changes regularly, and is the
work of both staff and patrons. There's even board games to play on
the quiet nights. The regulars are friendly and offer great advice on
activities and pursuits in town. It's solud from about 6 or 7 into the
evening and you never seem to have "just a quick beer." Fun,
friendly, and comfortable!
Sadly, The Boot at the Shoestring Lodge is no more. Progress has taken
"The Local's Living Room" away from us and is replacing 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!
CreekSide – More Bars!
CreekSide is the first development coming to town. It's kind of like
a mini village. The main village is located 3 miles/5 kilometers down
the road. Basically, Whistler has plenty of places to upload. This is
the original base of the mountain and site of the original gondola.
Oddly enough, High Times magazine has rated the Creekside Gondola
the #2 place in the world to "hotbox!"
Dusty's is the original pub of Whistler.It boasts a two-level
bar where a quick lunch crashes into a long session of après. A big,
relaxed A-frame style chalet becons you to forget you parked the car
on the other side of the mountain while you envision yourself racing
down the Olympic Downhill to a gold medal.So yes, during the 2010 Winter
Games, this will be a place to hang. In the spring, the patio gives
great views all the way up to Whistler's peak and is situated right
at the lift line. You can toast the shredders as they board the gondola
back up to the powder.
Hoz's Pub is a true local's haunt. Located across the highway
from Franz's Trail Marketplace, you will find the true home of many
of the people that built Whistler with their passion for partying. Not
just a tavern, it also features many screens to help you keep up with
all the sports you could want, as well as a kitchen with both Mexican
and traditional pub fare. In addition, it features a liquor store for
the reinforcements you will surely need for your condo fridge. Good
casual fun!
Whistler Events, Festivals & Prime Party Dates
A year-round paradise to be sure, but
Whistler gets really wild at certain times of the year.
Its prime party time is New Year's Eve. Thousands converge on
the village, turning it into one of the World's
Top NYE destinations. Expect to pay in excess of $300CDN
a night for a room or condo and just about every bar has a $50 cover.
The advice here is to pick a place and stick with it.
Can't make it for New Year's? Or have such a good time you want to
go back – and in a hurry!? Then make it for Australia Day
(Jan. 26). With all the Aussies who reside and work in Whistler, this
is a big-time blowout. The day for many starts at 9 and by noon it's
well on it's way to being a gooday, mates.
The Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival happens every April
for 10 days. It brings in the best of skiing, snowboarding, film, fashion
and music, Basically it's just a huge party. Outdoor concerts happen
every day, and include some of the biggest up and coming artists in
the world.
The snow events happen all over the mountains and are a must-see. The
Big Air competition happens at the base of Whistler and draws
thousands of people in the spring's biggest party. Book your stay now!
Kokanee Crankworx is a massive mountain biking festival that
happens every July. Spread out over the entire village, it has things
most people will probably never try. The best mountain bikers in the
world are here, as well as the latest in clothing and biking technology.
The grand finale is Slopestyle, an aerial freestyle downhill competition
that drew 20,000 fans in '06. And it gets bigger every year!
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