Après-ski has a universal love and passion behind it that’s about as deep as the love and passion for skiing. Customs are different in different parts of the world, but the intent and passion for après is universal. Recently, we’ve shared stories about the history of après-ski and some of the best places to après-ski around the U.S. Now we bring you some of the best après-ski bars in Canada.
Canada’s top après-ski spots
British Columbia
We start at the largest North American ski area, Whistler Blackcomb. At the base of the gondolas, The Longhorn Saloon advertises that “no one does après better than The Longhorn Saloon.” And they bring it with their patio party complete with fun DJs, champagne showers, dancing, and high-energy après-ski vibes. One of the most unique things about The Longhorn Saloon is its Après Pass Program, which offers 20% off all food and drinks and discounts at partner businesses.
At Revelstoke, the Village Idiot Bar & Grill, located in the heart of downtown, self-describes itself as “toque wearin’, beer drinkin’, pizza eatin’ skiers and snowboarders who love a great hangout with great food and, of course, great service.” It seems only natural that they’d have bar stools made from ski and snowboards. The drink menu is just as fun as their motto, with drinks like the Idiot Margarita and Moscow Villager (their take on a Moscow Mule). Fittingly, they have a selection of Caesars, which is Canada’s own tomato-based cocktail. Don’t miss the Village Idiot’s great selection of pizzas. Head a few blocks over to The Last Drop if you’re craving a game of pool and some late-night dancing. If you’re in town on a weekend, they frequently have live music.
Sun Peaks checks in for après-ski with a rather diverse display of comfort food and a casual, chill vibe at Morrisey’s Public House, a local favorite in the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Center. This cozy Sun Peaks pub is usually filled with live music and an easy-going atmosphere, open Thursday-Sunday until 11 p.m. Comfort food is paired with mason jar cocktails and craft beer.
Snowshoe Sam’s at the top of Big White Village, located just outside of Kelowna, is the longest-operating pub on the mountain. It has been voted the num. one ski bar in North America by Ski Canada Magazine, so it’s clearly a winner when you’ve wrapped with skiing for the day. Sam’s is known for its welcoming atmosphere to locals and guests, with specials like 15% off local craft beer on Wednesdays.
Après-ski time at The Griz Bar at Fernie is a walk across the snowy slopes up to Fernie Village at The Griz Inn. The Griz is casual and rustic, with retro ski memorabilia and pool tables, while live music takes the stage on weekends. The Griz has been Fernie’s top choice for après-ski since 1962. Try the “Mogul Smoker” accompanied by nachos.
Banff
There are plenty of choices in the Banff après-ski scene, but why not just settle back in town after a long day of skiing on the mountain and go for what’s self-described “Mexico in the Mountains” at Magpie & Stump. Magpie & Stump is one of Banff’s oldest restaurants, serving up Mexican food favorites and more than 60 different tequilas. As the weather warms up, the party at Magpie & Stump goes upstairs to El Patio, its sun-drenched rooftop taco bar. Table and counter service gets you tacos fast. Open-air starlight fiestas are common, serving up margaritas and beer under the late afternoon sky.
Banff’s first brewpub, Banff Ave. Brewing Co., is well-liked for its in-house craft beers. Here, the best quality hops and malts are combined with the company’s proprietary cultured yeast strains. All this and pure, mineral-laden glacial water from the Canadian Rockies. The Brewing Company also features an extensive wine list and a variety of cocktails.
If those options don’t satisfy you’re hankering for a local après scene, Banff is riddled with taverns and pubs where you can pull up a seat at the bar, grab a brew, watch a game, and maybe catch some live music. Rose and Crown, The Elk & Oarsman, or Tommy’s Neighborhood Pub are all solid options.
When winter turns to spring at Banff’s SkiBig3 resorts, après-ski time turns into sunshine patio time. Mad Trapper’s Saloon Patio at Banff Sunshine Village takes on a life of its own once spring arrives. Mad Trapper’s is the epicenter of the action, with its outdoor patio filled with people enjoying brews, and the party often sprawling out onto the snow.
“Social shredding” is what they call après-ski at Mt. Norquay, where at Lone Pine Pub, the locals and visitors mingle together. Kick back on the Lone Pine balcony patio and cheer on riders still kicking out laps off the North American chair. Lone Pine Pub’s second-floor patio, known for its view and vibe, is the perfect lookout while enjoying a few craft brews and dipping into fresh cuisine with portion sizes perfect for crowd sharing.
Located 50 miles west of Banff is Canmore, home to the Canmore Nordic Center, if cross-country skiing is your jam. Don’t miss The Wood’s outdoor patio, which weather-permitting, features a south-facing patio that soaks up the sun all afternoon. The sports bar inside is complete with six big-screen TVs. Monday night wing night is a favorite among locals.
Eastern Canada
Tremblant, an hour out of Montreal, offers up Le P’tit Caribou, an après-ski hot spot known as one of the best of its kind internationally, with Ski Canada calling it one of the best in the world. With two floors and 5,000 square feet of space, Le P’tit Caribou is a full-on après-ski party once the lifts stop turning and the music turns up.
Jozo’s Original Après, located in the Blue Mountain Inn, at the base of Happy Valley, is a long-time après favorite hangout of visitors and locals alike. Watch games on the big screens while downing a beer or a glass of wine, and don’t miss one of their signature burgers. Jozo’s event nights includes open mic night, industry night, trivia night, and live entertainment.
It’s always après-ski season at Bar Le Tucker. Located at the base of the Mont Sutton trails, the bar is featured as one of the best après-ski spots in Canada by SBC Skier Magazine for its “European-style ambiance and wide selection of cocktails and beers. “
The Slalom Pub, inside Mont-Orford’s ski chalet, has an extensive list of craft beer and a special après-ski menu with meals to share. Do you feel like a change of pace? Just head out to the Burger Pub, a couple of minutes from the ski hill near Mont-Giroux. It’s a favorite among locals.
Finally, skiers and riders at Bromont head to La Débarque in the Summit ski chalet. Here, between beer, spirits, cocktails, and food, you’ll find a uniquely Quebec bar serving poutine, regional craft beer, and French wine. The ski area offers several night skiing events, named “Nuits Blanches,” throughout the season, which may just keep you partying through the night.
» Check out lodging options in Quebec and in Ontario.
Header image: ©Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova
November 13, 2023
