Nightlife in Whistler [2024]: Discover Local Experiences!

Whistler is an outdoor playground accessible by driving along the scenic Sea to Sky highway from Vancouver. You'll experience beautiful views of the Strait of Georgia, Victoria, and many more of the islands lining the coast. 

Best known for its two majestic mountain peaks, Whistler and Blackcomb, visitors enjoy skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and countless other outdoor activities here. However, no one thinks about how abundant the nightlife is in this small Canadian city!

With a year-round population of just over 10,000 people, you may not think of Whistler as a destination known for nightlife. That couldn't be farther from the truth. Depending on the season, Whistler regularly sees an influx of tourists looking to hit the slopes during the day and party into the night.

After a day of outdoor fun, you can head to one of Whistler's many nightclubs if you're looking to party hard. Are you looking for a more relaxed atmosphere instead? Check out one of the many high-quality bars in Whistler to enjoy a pint and a cozy seat. There are also plenty of live music venues in Whistler as well!

Experience the best of Whistler nightlife for yourself! Here is a list of popular things to do in Whistler at night.

5 nightlife activities in Whistler you must experience!

5. Tour the Whistler Pubs

One of the best ways to experience Whistler nightlife and meet like-minded travelers is on a pub crawl. A pub crawl is where a group of people visit different bars and pubs on a single night. They are usually organized by companies that provide transport between venues, drink specials, and other perks.

If you're interested in joining a pub crawl, there are a few different options. The best of the bunch, due to its regular hours, is Bar Hop Whistler, and they run bar crawls every Friday and Saturday night starting at 8 pm. Many of these venues are high-energy, so if you want something more low-key, you'll have to create your own pub crawl.

As for individual pubs that are worth one of your limited Whistler evenings, head to either the Dub Linh Gate Irish Pub with its beautiful patio or the Fitzsimmons Pub. Both of these cozy bars will feel welcoming and familiar. And, at Dub Linh Gate, you might even catch some live music.

Fans of craft and draught beer, live music, and meeting new people will love the Whistler pub experience. These warm and inviting places are the perfect spots to cap off a day spent outside. 

4. Dance the Night Away

If you have a bunch of energy left in the evening, it's time to venture into the Whistler nightclub scene. And even if you're tired, the drinks, music, and overall atmosphere have a way of perking you up instantly! Your only problem with this exciting nighttime option is deciding which club to head to first.

Try these:

Garfinkel's

Garfinkel's is probably THE most famous nightclub in Whistler. The live music, DJs, and party vibe keep locals and tourists coming to this spot. They are consistently voted number one in town, so you should expect to wait in line to get in. 

Moe Joe's

For those travelers who enjoy dancing strictly to DJs and a VIP experience, Moe Joe's is probably your ideal activity at night in Whistler. The place is sleek and modern but not at all pretentious. There is no dress code, and this inclusive policy ensures that the dance floor is always packed.

3.Take in a Live Show

Whistler is home to various live music venues, so it's the perfect place to catch a show. The Theater at the Maury Young Arts Centre is one of the most popular venues, hosting everything from local bands to international touring artists.

Garfinkel's and the Dub Linh Gate Irish Pub, which we have already mentioned, are other fabulous live music destinations. You should also check out The Longhorn Saloon for some of the loudest live entertainment in town or the casual and relaxed vibe at Buffalo Bill's Bar & Grill. Check ahead online to find out which acts appear at each venue to find your favorite.

2. Get Outside

Whether you need a night off from the wild parties or you have work the next day, a more relaxing way to spend an evening in Whistler is to get outside.

In the winter, the slopes stay open late for night skiing, and you can keep doing other outdoor sports like cross-country skiing,  snowshoeing, and ice skating.

For anyone in Whistler during the off-season, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to do at night. Try mountain biking or stroll around the lively village, taking in the sights. A walk around the city center with stops for dinner and dessert can be an easy way to end a fun-filled day. 

Regardless of what you like to do outside, you'll probably find it in Whistler and available during the evening. Just remember to dress warmly!

1. A Night at the Museum!

Another great option when you've partied too hard is to head to a museum rather than back to your Whistler hostel or hotel. Your museum visit will have to be an early evening activity since the Audain Art Museum closes at 6 pm. Still, an early night never hurt anyone, right?

Since Whistler is so focused on the outdoors, it can be hard to squeeze any other types of attractions into your daytime plans. That's where the Audain Art Museum comes in. A trip here, coupled with a lovely dinner, is a great way to enjoy the resort town without going too crazy.

You'll find many British Columbian art pieces at the Audain Museum focusing on contemporary First Nations art and artists. From paintings and prints to sculptures and its impressive building, you must consider adding this museum onto your nighttime itinerary.

Start planning your night out in Whistler!

When we say that Whistler nightlife has something for everyone, we mean it. You can enjoy museums and wholesome activities like skiing and ice skating. Or you can head to some of the liveliest pubs, bars, and nightclubs. Wherever you fall on the nightlife spectrum, you'll find the perfect thing to do in Whistler.

Since Whistler has so much to offer during the day and night, it can be tricky to fit it all in. That's why Pilot should be your favorite travel app!‍