Best Après-Ski Spots Along B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky Corridor
MARK SISSONS
Shredding big mountain slopes all day, playing indoors all night. Along the Sea-to-Sky corridor that connects Vancouver to Whistler and some incredible backcountry, that's the name of the game.
As legendary for its epic resort and accessible wilderness terrain as it is for après-ski fun and food, B.C.'s southern coastal region offers options galore to kick back at that perfect watering hole where the drinks are flowing and the crowd is cool.
Whether you're staying in Whistler or in nearby Pemberton or Squamish, there are après-ski spots aplenty to choose from. Here are a few of our favourites, chosen for their authentic mountain life vibe and locals' stamp of approval.
Whistler's world-renowned for its on and off the slope adventures
Whistler
Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC)
Occupying the prime spot overlooking the base of Whistler just steps away from the Village gondolas, the GLC has been rightly hailed as one of the top 10 après experiences in the world. Always packed to the rafters with revellers who spill out onto the spacious slopeside patio once the lifts close, this Whistler institution serves up pitchers of Kokanee, poutine and other hearty pub grub in a friendly (and often frenzied) room with amazing mountain views. The go-to spot for official Whistler events and after parties, the GLC hosts DJ nights that will keep you dancing all night long.
Dusty's Bar & BBQ
It doesn't get more local than legendary Dusty's. Anchoring the base of the Creekside Gondola, Whistler's original après-ski watering hole is the real deal, with more stories to tell than a drunken ski patroller. The bar got its name from Dusty, a stuffed horse that rode into Whistler back in 1979 in the back of a pick-up and spent a decade on the bar before mysteriously springing to life and bolting into the blue with nude woman on his back. It soon developed a reputation for mouthwatering barbecue and a Caesar that is arguably the best in the world. Toss in nearly four decades of outrageous après antics and live music that still rocks it to the rafters, and you've got the recipe for a rockin' good time.
Merlin's Bar and Grill
When it comes to outstanding après, Whistler Mountain doesn't get to have all the fun. Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler's Upper Village, Merlin's has the cosy feel of a classic winter Canadian cabin and the anything goes vibe of a rockin' small town bar. Many a brief après stop here has become a memorable night fuelled by mountains of nachos and a steady flow of specialty brews. If you're lucky, you might even catch Whistler's original rockers onstage, the legendary Hairfarmers.
For a full list of après and nightlife in Whistler Blackcomb, check out their official website.
Squamish
Howe Sound Brewing
Craft breweries are big in B.C., and Howe Sound Brewing is one of the best. Journey's end on the popular Squamish "Ale Trail," this local institution has been around since 1997, and has played a central role in Squamish becoming a bona fide craft beer destination. What better way to après after a full-on day of exploring Squamish's incredible backcountry or ripping it up at nearby Whistler than a refuelling stop at Squamish's "elder sudsman." More than a dozen varieties of local brew is on tap, including some of the brewery's more exclusive selections. And many of the dishes on the extensive food menu also use the brewery's beer as an ingredient. So, raise a pint to the Squamish Chief and your own good fortune for being in the epicentre of the Sea-to-Sky winter wonderland.
Pemberton
Photo:
Abby Cooper
Mile One Eating House
With a name inspired by the beautiful backcountry wilderness that surrounds this popular mountain town just a half hour drive north of Whistler, Mile One Eating house takes fresh and local comfort food very seriously. Serving up classic British Columbian cuisine with a slow food twist, this popular après spot can also go upscale into fine dining territory. The extensive drinks menu features over 35 types of B.C. craft beers, six regional wines and an eclectic selection of sodas, assuring that your après will be well lubricated as you soak up the friendly small-town vibe.
If You Go
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