Canadian Working Holiday Guide: 5 Best Canadian Apres Ski Destinations
You’ve just had an amazing day riding on the mountain, ride down to the bottom covered in snow and meet up with all of your mates. It is now time for apres-ski (translated from French as after-ski) which is time tested tradition of enjoying social activities directly after skiing or snowboarding. Typically this means heading to the bars and having a few alcoholic beverages.
Some say this is even better then actually riding on the mountain, but we will leave that decision up to you. Here is our list of best places in Canada to enjoy the apres-ski scene:
1) Whistler, BC
Whistler offers a wide variety of apres options from casual, to parties, to fine dining. The largest ski resort in North America certainly delivers on not only world class skiing and snowboarding but keeping the good times rolling once the lifts are closed.
With a plethora of options that you can basically ski right into, Whistler Village is the best place to end your ski day. The GLC at the base of Whistler mountain has been voted as the best apres-ski bar many times and boasts delicious Caesars (a Canadian cocktail – must try!) and waffle fries with a warm cheese dip. Also, as the patio overlooks the ski out slope on Whistler, you can view the Whistler Fire and Ice Show which runs on Sunday evenings from December – March.
Looking for more of a pub vibe? Head to the Dubh Linn Gate which is next to the base of the Excalibur Gondola, also in Whistler village. Here you can reminisce on your day with a pint of Guinness and garlic fries. If you are riding out to Creekside village, then make sure to head to Dusty’s for what is our favourite apres scene in Whistler. Known for it’s friendly atmosphere, amazing staff, and top notch food, Dusty’s specialties include the chicken wings, pulled pork, and of course a Caesar.
Top Apres Spots in Whistler:
- GLC
- Dusty’s
- Dubh Linn Gate
- Bar Oso (for the fancy crowd)
Looking for a job in Whistler? Click here to check out the Whistler Job Board
2) Big White, BC
Big White is a true ski-in ski-out village, which makes it a great spot for apres-ski activities as you can ski right to the bar after a big day on the mountain. You should start with Snowshoe Sam’s, which has been voted #1 Ski Bar and Best Apres Ski Venue in North America. Here you can find a great atmosphere with pub food, games, live music, and a DJ later in the night.
Looking for more of a party? Head to Sessions Taphouse and Grill which is home to some of the biggest ragers of the year in Big White including the Rail Jam and the Slush Cup. Lots of live music and DJs on tap here, so be sure to head there during your winter season at Big White.
Top Apres Spots in Big White:
- Snowshoe Sam’s
- Sessions Taphouse
Looking for a job in Big White? Click here to check out the Big White Job Board
3) Revelstoke, BC
Revelstoke Mountain Resort is located about a 10 minute drive from the town of Revelstoke, however there are still some good options right at the base of the mountain for apres action. The Mac Tavern which is right at the base of the gondola is a great spot to grab a few drinks and snacks, and they even have some board games you can play to keep you entertained.
Our top pick for apres at Revelstoke is The Rockford. Also located right at the base of the mountain, this spot is famous for their wings and the amazing views into the valley. Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers epic skiing and snowboarding and The Rockford is the perfect place to end a memorable day gazing into the mountains and valleys around the area with some hot wings and cold beer.
Once you head back to the town of Revelstoke, head to the Village Idiot. This is a classic ski town bar equipped with skis on the wall, chairs built from old skis, and all the pub fixings you could ask for on the menu. A top spot to watch a hockey game in the evening after a day on the mountain – what a Canadian experience!
Top Apres Spots in Revelstoke:
- The Mac Tavern
- The Rockford
- Village Idiot
Looking for a job in Revelstoke? Click here to check out the Revelstoke Job Board
4) Banff, AB
Banff features 3 separate ski resorts so it really depends where you are riding that particular day as to where the best apres spot will be. You can always rendezvous with your friends in the main town of Banff after.
If you are at Lake Louise, you will want to head to The Kokanee Kabin which has awesome people viewing, a fun party atmosphere, and frequent live music. Riding at Sunshine Village? Our pick is to go to Mad Trapper’s Saloon which many consider to be the top apres spot in all of Banff. Just make sure to make it back to town before the gondola and buses shut!
Once you are back in the town of Banff, there are plenty of options for all tastes, Looking for live music? Go to The Rose & Crown. Consider yourself a beer connoisseur? Check out Banff Ave. Brew Co. with their delicious selection of craft beers. Keen for some more fun after a day on the mountain? Head to High Rollers which has tons of beers on tap and also 10-pin bowling!
Top Apres Spots in Banff:
- Kokanee Kabin
- Mad Trapper’s
- The Rose & Crown
- Banff Ave. Brew Co
- High Rollers
Looking for a job in Banff? Click here to check out the Banff Job Board
5) Fernie, BC
Fernie might not be world renowned for it’s apres ski scene, but it has a beautiful downtown core that has many options for a fun afternoon or night on the town after enjoying a day at Fernie Alpine Resort.
There is lots of live music on offer in Fernie, and our top pick would be The Griz Bar which is at the resort and has live music from 3-6pm on weekends. The Rusty Edge is another on mountain venue that offers live music and some awesome apres ski vibes. If you are heading back into town for your apres session then you could check out The Northern or The Royal.
Top Apres Spots in Fernie:
- Griz Bar
- The Rusty Edge
- The Northern
- The Royal