Most people think of Whistler, British Columbia as a ski destination. No doubt, it is a very fine location for that kind of winter activity, but there’s a lot more happening than skiing and snowboarding on that mountain. For example, Whistler is also one of North America’s premier destinations for mountain biking. And that’s not all: hiking, golfing, rock climbing, and all sorts of non-winter activities await you. The entire area is brimming with opportunities for outdoor fun.
Sitting at the base of the namesake mountain, Whistler Village offers beer drinkers ample opportunities to enjoy a tasty beer following a day of adventure, even if your activity level peaks with a slow stroll through the village, people watching and shopping in the many boutiques and galleries. In a town built exclusively for vacation, relaxation and recreation, it’s hard to walk 100 feet without finding a source for libations.
Whatever time of year, and whatever reason fuels your visit to Whistler, here are my top recommendations for beer hunting. Note that I am limiting my selections to restaurants and bars along the Village Stroll, the pedestrian-only corridor through the village.
Longhorn Saloon
Located at the top of Whistler Village, at the base of the mountain, the Longhorn Saloon is one of Whistler’s most popular beer and food destinations. A decent selection of draft beer accompanies party-forward options, like buckets full of ice-cold Coronas. As far as craft beer, you’ll discover what I refer to as the typical Whistler beer selection. That is, you’ll find the same selection of craft breweries (mostly regional) represented on tap at several bars throughout the village.
Longhorn Saloon. Photo by Kim Sharpe Jones.
What I really love about the Longhorn is the location. Get a seat on the vast patio and spend a sunny summer afternoon watching bikers descend the mighty mountain. 4284 Mountain Square, Whistler, BC; 604-932-5999; www.gibbonshospitality.com/longhorn
Beer margarita at Longhorn Saloon. Photo by Kim Sharpe Jones.
Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub
Just across the plaza from the Longhorn, Dubh Linn Gate offers a typical Irish pub experience, with the same kind of décor you’ll find in Irish bars around the world. That’s not a bad thing; it’s familiar and comforting.
Live music at Dubh Linn Gate Pub. Photo by Kendall Jones.
Along with the typical Irish selection of beers (Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s, and so on), the draft list includes a good selection of regional craft beers. Also, the food is topnotch and the menu includes a lot more than the typical pub grub that you might expect at an Irish bar.
My favorite reason to visit Dubh Linn Gate is for the live music, which they offer nightly. Usually, it’s a guy and a guitar playing songs everyone knows by heart, along with traditional Irish stuff. 4320 Sundial Crescent, Whistler, BC; 604-905-4047; www.dubhlinngate.com
The Amsterdam Café Pub
Located at the Village Square, this is the place to see and be seen. The Amsterdam describes itself as Whistler’s rowdiest and sexiest pub. I don’t know about that, but the music is loud and the beer is cold, and if you are looking for a party, this is a good place to start. Everyone is welcome, the vibe is young, hip and energetic and, simply put, it feels very Whistler. That’s why it made the list. I’ve always found it hard to walk past The Amsterdam without stopping in for a beer and I’ve spent more time there than I’d care to admit.
Patio seating at Amsterdam Pub. Photo by Kim Sharpe Jones.
The craft beer options are acceptable, balanced by a selection of typical Canadian “big beer” options like Molson and Labatt, but the people watching cannot be beat. Food is serviceable, featuring lots of burgers, pizzas and some other familiar pub grub options. 4232 Village Stroll, Whistler, BC; 604-932-8334; www.amsterdampub.ca
Brickworks Public House
Okay, I lied. This one is not exactly along the Village Stroll, but it’s very close. Located on Main Street, Brickworks offers perhaps the best draft list of all the bars on this list—a very nice, rotating selection of regional craft beers. Also, you might stumble in on some kind of special event. The food here is solid, but I put it on the list because it is a bit less touristy than the other Whistler bars. Although you are in fact a tourist, sometimes it is nice not to feel like one. 4308 Main St, Whistler, BC; 604-962-2929; thebrickworks.ca
The Brewhouse
It’s a brewpub, so why wouldn’t you go there when you’re in Whistler? In all honesty, the beer has never knocked my socks off. It’s not bad, but it has always failed to amaze me. Maybe that doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement, but I have very high standards.
It’s a very popular place and everyone is drinking beer and having a good time. Like I said, it’s a brewpub, so as a beer geek you are duty-bound to visit. 4355 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC; 604-905-2739; www.mjg.ca/brewhouse
Others
Two other places deserving a mention that are along the Village Stroll are Beacon Pub and Tapley’s Neighborhood Pub. Both have a good beer list and are worth checking out.
Other Beery Diversions
Whistler Village Beer Festival. This outstanding event takes place in early September. The event offers beers from more than 50 breweries, many of which are located in British Columbia, and almost all of which are located in Canada. For Americans, this is a great introduction to the Canadian craft beer scene.
The location cannot be beat: Olympic Plaza, where athletes at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games received their medals. It is an exceedingly well-run festival, worthy of a special trip to Whistler. http://wvbf.ca/
Howe Sound Brewing. Very likely, on your way to and from Whistler, you will travel along the Sea to Sky Highway and through the town of Squamish, the home of Howe Sound Brewing. This brewery produces a lot of very fine beers and deserves a visit for that reason alone, but the pub is also worthy of a stop. Along with great food, the large patio offers an amazing view of The Chief, the massive rock wall (mountain really) that towers over the town. 37801 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC; 604-892-2603; www.howesound.com
Whistler Brewing. Located just a few miles from Whistler Village, in a part of town known as Function Junction, Whistler Brewing Company offers tours and tastings. The Tap House also serves food. If you want to escape the touristy hustle and bustle of Whistler Village for a relaxing beer, this is a good option. 1045 Millar Creek Rd, Whistler, BC; 604-962-8889; www.whistlerbeer.com
