10 of the Best Après-ski Resorts in Canada

With 4,757 acres (1,925 hectares) of skiable terrain, Whistler is one of Canada’s top ski resorts, although its après-ski scene is just as legendary. Some of the best bars are in hotels, such as the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Four Seasons Whistler, where you can sample flights of local ales at the hotel’s Braidwood Tavern.

There’s also no shortage of standalone bars, ranging from wallet-friendly pubs to slick watering holes like the Bearfoot Bistro, where you can tour the cellar and try your hand at sabrage, which involves using a sword to slice off the top of a Champagne bottle.

Banff is one of Canada's largest ski resorts and at the Banff Sunshine, the après-ski is all about soaking up the rays at the dozens of venues that offer outdoor seating options, including Centennial Lodge, Goat’s Eye Beer Garden, and the Coors Light Chill Zone.

But Banff’s après-ski scene provides plenty of nods to the ski town’s past, too. Enjoy sipping drinks at Mad Trapper's, a restaurant founded in 1928 which is filled with artifacts and faded photos depicting Banff’s rich history.

Mount Norquay dates back to 1925, so it's had plenty of time to perfect the art of après-ski—think: cozy pubs and slope-side restaurants. Make your first port of call the Lone Pine Pub, where you can sip a glass of Norquay 94. This beer was created especially for Mount Norquay by nearby Banff Ave. Brewing Co.

Another reason to visit? It's the only resort in Alberta to offer nighttime skiing sessions, which means plenty of thirsty skiers and snowboarders will be ready to brag about landing (or not landing) their triple backflip under the snow park’s spotlights.

Big White is Canada’s largest ski-in, ski-out ski resort—you can ski right up to every one of its bars and restaurants, most of which feature patios. The most popular spots include Cantina del Centro for gorgeous sunset views and the Adirondack chair–dotted patio at The Woods in Big White’s center.

You’re never far from a happy hour (local favorite The Bullwheel has three each day) or live music, either. Head to the Happy Valley Day Lodge if you’re in town on a Saturday to catch live music and a spectacular weekly firework display.

Sun Peaks might not be Canada’s biggest ski resort, but its après-ski scene offers a supersized dose of slope-side fun. Many of its bars have outdoor firepits (this includes Morrisey’s pub, famous for its rum-based Mountain Storm cocktail), while the specialty at Masa’s Bar is their shotski: a row of liquor shots served on a ski.

One of the top spots here is Cahilty Creek Kitchen and Taproom, where you can sample ciders, wines, and beers made right in British Columbia.

Despite Mont Tremblant’s relatively small size, there’s plenty to do (and drink). You’ll find everything from nightclubs like Café d'Époque (the venue’s foam parties are legendary) to cozy slope-side bars such as La Forge, where you can soak up the alcohol with a steak grilled over a maple wood fire after a day of dog sledding or skiing.

Axe Lounge Bar is the place for cocktails, and Microbrasserie La Diable is the go-to spot for local brews. The best part? Tremblant’s best bars and restaurants are all a short walk from the slopes in the pedestrian-only main village. This means your accommodation will only be a short walk (or stagger) away from all the fun.

Kicking Horse, known as the "Champagne Powder Capital of Canada," is a magnet for thrillseekers, but it’s not just the slopes that are high altitude. The resort features Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, Canada’s highest eatery, only accessible via gondola.

But it’s worth the effort. Bag a spot on the patio to enjoy sweeping views of five national parks, including the Glacier National Park of Canada, Yoho National Park, and Mt. Revelstoke National Park.

Another small ski resort, Revelstoke’s après-ski scene might not rival Whistler’s or Banff’s in size, but that’s all part of the appeal. You’ll quickly feel like a local, and all the bars are slope-side.

The most popular spots include Revelation Lodge, just above the resort. Its patio is the perfect place for soaking up views of the valley below. But the views are even better from the Mackenzie Outpost, near the top of the Revelation ski lift. Come here for a glass of locally produced Stoked Mountain Ale before enjoying your final ski run of the day.

Fernie is one of Canada’s liveliest resorts, thanks partly to the film Hot Tub Time Machine. Much of it was filmed at Fernie’s Griz Bar, a venue famous for its snow dances (similar to a rain dance, but with more alcohol), DJ sets, and theme nights.

Heading to the resort at the end of the season? Get lucky, and you’ll catch the Fernival event, an annual extravaganza held to mark the end of winter.

Some of Le Massif de Charlevoix’s best bars and restaurants are actually halfway up the mountain. One of the most popular spots for a slope-side lunch is Camp Boule, where you can sip fine wines and soak up the views of Quebec’s highest peaks.

The all-inclusive Club Med Quebec Charlevoix has several fantastic restaurants and bars, and you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy them. Simply purchase one of the resort’s night passes to access the facilities. Consider going to Le Massif de Charlevoix in spring to catch the Massif Open, a fancy, fun event.