The Whistler Scene | Best patios in winter

Like nearly everything in Canada, Whistler’s thriving patio scene isn’t dependent on the temperature. In fact, things are particularly alive in the cool mountain air of winter, when residents and visitors alike flock to the village’s numerous patios for après. Here’s our guide to the best of those patios.

THE ROOFTOP PATIO.

The fact that Whistler Village has to sheepishly wag its head when asked if it sports any rooftop patios is going to change in 2018 when we open The Rooftop Patio, offering elevated après right in the centre of the village.

Our third floor rooftop patio will be a smaller version of The Living Room, our design-forward interior bar + lounge + cafe on our second floor, and will feature a small bar, standing counter and sensational views up to snow-capped peaks and down over the pedestrian-only Stroll to Village Square.

Here you’ll be able to warm your inner soul (and your body) under a patio heater with a (Baileys-infused) gourmet hot chocolate, or anything else from our full bar. This is going to be a game-changer, and with its limited capacity it’s going be kept a secret by locals for as long as they can.

LONGHORN SALOON & GRILL.

Whistler’s largest patio bar is home to the infamous Bulldog cocktail – an inverted Corona beer stuck deep in a mini pitcher of lime margarita. If you’re hitting up the Longhorn make sure you’re ready for an epic après – the Longhorn does not do low key. This huge patio with outdoor firepits and signature yellow umbrellas is a favourite with locals and visitors – you’ll understand why as soon as you grab a seat front-and-centre at the base of Whistler Mountain.

GARIBALDI LIFT CO. BAR & GRILL (GLC).

The GLC, as it’s more commonly known, is perched right on Whistler’s shoulder in Skier’s Plaza and offers front row seats for watching skiers and snowboarders gliding into the Village. A recent renovation that introduced outdoor firepits on the GLC’s side patio overlooking Skier’s Plaza has created a buzzing lounge vibe. This patio mainstay ups the ante on typical après fare – think epic nachos served with fresh homemade guacamole, an impressive selection of local and imported beers, and their signature appetizer, “Sex Cheese”.

BASALT WINE + SALUMERIA.

This patio is mid-stream on Village Stroll, across the way from Pangea, and really shines once the night gets going. Basalt’s cocktails aren’t just mixed, they are crafted, and there’s a unique urban vibe to the space. You don’t want to miss their exceptional cured meat and cheese platter.

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Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experiencing the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.