The Best Après-Ski Bars in Canada

Après-ski culture runs just as deep as the passion for skiing and riding. Après-ski traditions and customs are different in different parts of the world, but the intent is the same: To raise a toast and celebrate a fun day day on the slopes. And Canada is no slouch when it comes to unique and fun après-ski traditions, parties, and bars. Continue reading as we bring you some of the best après-ski bars in Canada. Looking for bars in America? Head to our U.S. après-ski guide.

The Best Après-Ski Bars In Canada

British Columbia

Starting at North America’s largest ski area, Whistler Blackcomb, the Longhorn Saloon, located at the base, advertises that “no one does après better.” They bring it with their patio party, fun DJs, champagne showers, dancing, and high-energy après-ski vibes. If your idea of après-ski is popping bottles, music, and dancing, then look no further than the Longhorn Saloon.

At Revelstoke, the Village Idiot Bar & Grill in the heart of downtown is a must-visit for skiers and riders in search of great food and a wide selection of drinks at a place that doesn’t take itself very seriously. Case in point are its drinks like the Idiot Margarita and Moscow Villager (their take on a Moscow Mule). Or, of course, they have a selection of Canada’s popular tomato-based cocktail, the Caesar. Hungry? 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.

Morrisey’s Public House, near Sun Peaks, is a local favorite, known for its easy-going vibe and live music. Located inside the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Center, Morrisey’s pairs comfort food with a solid selection of craft beer and cocktails served up in mason jars.

At the top of Big White Village, just outside of Kelowna, Snowshoe Sam’s is the longest-operating pub on the mountain. Snowshoe Sam’s has been voted the number one ski bar in North America by Ski Canada Magazine, so it’s clearly earned its spot here. Sam’s is known for its welcoming atmosphere to locals and guests alike, and sometimes offers specials like 15% off local craft beer.

On the other side of the province, in Interior British Columbia, The Griz Bar at Fernie is renowned. 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 famous “Mogul Smoker,” a hot cocktail featuring rum, Khalua, coffee, hot cocoa, and whipped cream.

Banff

Skiing in Banff comes with plenty of aprés-ski choices, but for a unique experience head to Magpie & Stump, self-described as “Mexico in the Mountains.” One of Banff’s oldest restaurants, it serves Mexican 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.

Banff’s first brewpub, Banff Ave. Brewing Co., is a favorite for its in-house craft beers. Here, high-quality hops and malts are combined with the company’s proprietary cultured yeast strains and pure, mineral-laden glacial water from the Canadian Rockies. Banff Ave. Brewing Co. also features an extensive wine list and a variety of cocktails.

That’s just the beginning of the great food and drink offerings in Banff, which is dotted with taverns and pubs where you can pull up a seat at the bar, grab a brew, watch a game, and maybe even catch some live music. Rose and Crown, The Elk & Oarsman, and Tommy’s Neighborhood Pub are all solid options.

When winter turns to spring in Banff, après-ski means sunny patio vibes, and Mad Trapper’s Saloon, at Banff Sunshine Village, takes on a new life as the days get longer and warmer. Mad Trapper’s is the epicenter of the action, with its outdoor patio filled with skiers and riders celebrating a great day of spring skiing with craft brews.

Just 20 minutes away from Banff Sunshine, Mt. Norquay’s aprés-ski scene is often referred to as “social shredding.” And at Lone Pine Pub, the saying couldn’t be truer. Lone Pine Pub’s second-floor patio, known for its view and vibe, is the perfect ski resort lookout while enjoying a few craft brews and dipping into their food menu that’s perfect for crowd sharing.

Eastern Canada

Tremblant, an hour and a half outside of Montreal, is known for Le P’tit Caribou, an après-ski hot spot that’s considered one of the best of its kind, as evidenced by its ranking among the best ski bars in the world by Forbes. 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. Watch games on the big screen while enjoying a beer or a glass of wine and don’t miss one of their signature burgers. Jozo’s event nights include 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, the bar was 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.” Bar Le Tucker has a complete lineup of events all winter long including Karaoke Wednesdays on select nights, Open Mic Thursdays, Live Music Fridays, and DJ Saturdays.

Just an hour north of Mont Sutton, Slalom Pub, inside Mont-Orford’s ski chalet, has an extensive list of craft beer, as well as a special après-ski menu. If you’re jonesing for a burger, don’t miss the Burger Pub, located a couple of minutes from the ski hill near Mont-Giroux. It’s a crowd pleaser among locals for its laid-back atmosphere, delicious burgers, and what it describes as an authentic, yet original pub menu.

Finally, don’t miss La Débarque, located in the Summit ski chalet at Bromont. You’ll find a little bit of it all here, including a generous selection of regional beer, spirits, French wine, cocktails, and food, including one of Canada’s winter staples, poutine. On select evenings during the ski season, Bromont hosts special night skiing events, called “Nuits Blanches,” which will keep you partying through the night.

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Header image: ©Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova