3 reviewed party hostels · from €24.74/night · Hostelworld rated
Whistler isn’t just about skiing: it’s one of Canada’s best spots for après-ski parties and hostel social scenes. The pedestrian village at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains is packed with bars, and the action kicks off early. Garibaldi Lift Company and Longhorn Saloon are where you’ll find crowds spilling out onto the terraces by 3 PM, pints in hand. For hostels, Pangea Pod Hotel stands out: it’s got its own bar and nightclub, so you won’t need to venture far for a night out. Most hostels are clustered around the village, meaning you’re never more than a 10-minute walk from the next round of drinks or a dance floor.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Centrally located, this social hostel is basically right in the heart of the city. The hostel features a cool on-site coffee house and bar where you can hang out with other travellers. Great common areas where regular events are organised to ensure a friendly and fun atmosphere. Free ski and snowboard storage available.
Huge social hostel with a spacious kitchen available for everyone. The modern on-site café is a part of the hostel and serves coffee, snacks, meals, beer, cider, and wine. Besides skiing, guests can enjoy other organized activities like hiking and cycling. The common areas are designed to encourage guests to meet each other. You can play billiard and all available games at any time.
Whistler Fireside Lodge offers a unique party hostel experience with a vibrant atmosphere, games room, communal kitchen, and recreational amenities, making it an excellent choice for social travellers seeking a laid-back yet fun environment to connect with others.
Organised nights out with a local guide
Bar Hop is Whistler’s top pub crawl, taking you to four of the village’s best bars and clubs. The tour includes skip-the-line entry, a welcome shot at each stop, and a group of 20–30 people to explore with. Venues usually include Longhorn Saloon, Buffalo Bills, and Maxx Fish. The guides are locals, so they know all the bouncers and best spots to avoid crowds.
How Whistler's nightlife zones break down
The heart of the action, Whistler Village is where you’ll find most hostels, bars, and ski lifts. The pedestrian-only streets are lined with shops selling ski gear, souvenir stores, and restaurants. At night, the village transforms into a party zone, with music spilling out of bars and groups of people moving from one venue to the next. It’s compact, so everything is within walking distance.
A quieter alternative to the main village, Creekside is where locals go to escape the tourist crowds. It’s home to Dusty’s Bar & BBQ and the Creekside Gondola, which offers direct access to Whistler Mountain. The area has a few budget-friendly eateries and a small grocery store, making it a good option if you want to save money without being too far from the action.
Situated at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Upper Village is a mix of hotels, condos, and a handful of bars. It’s less rowdy than Whistler Village but still has a few après-ski spots, like Merlin’s. The area is quieter at night, so it’s a good choice if you want to party during the day and crash early.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
This place is the epicentre of après-ski in Whistler. Located right at the base of Whistler Mountain, it fills up by 3 PM with skiers and snowboarders still in their gear. Expect live music, cheap beer specials, and a terrace packed with people soaking up the last of the sun. The crowd is a mix of locals and travellers, and it’s loud enough to drown out any post-ski aches.
A Whistler institution, Longhorn is where you go for happy hour: CA$6 pints between 3–6 PM. The patio is massive, with heaters and fire pits, so it’s busy even in winter. Inside, there’s a dance floor that gets going later, with DJs spinning everything from throwback hits to EDM. If you’re joining a pub crawl, this is usually the first stop.
A late-night club with a grungy, underground vibe. Maxx Fish doesn’t get busy until after midnight, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll find locals and season workers letting loose. The music leans toward hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall, and the drinks are strong. Cover is usually CA$10–15, but it’s worth it for the energy.
A two-storey bar with pool tables, a dance floor, and a rooftop patio. Buffalo Bills is a pub crawl favourite, thanks to its central location and lively crowd. The DJ plays a mix of Top 40 and throwbacks, and the place gets packed by 11 PM. If you’re not into dancing, the pool tables in the back are a good way to meet people.
Tucked at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, Merlin’s is another après-ski hotspot. The outdoor fire pits are perfect for warming up after a day on the slopes, and the happy hour (3–6 PM) offers CA$7 drinks. Later in the evening, it turns into a bar with live music or DJs, depending on the night.
A 10-minute shuttle ride from the village, Dusty’s is worth the trip for its legendary après-ski scene. The bar is right at the base of Creekside Gondola, and the patio is always packed with skiers. Inside, there’s a stage for live bands, and the BBQ ribs are a must-try. It’s a bit further out, but the crowd is friendly and the drinks are cheap.
Whistler’s most popular pub crawl, Bar Hop takes you to four of the village’s best bars and clubs. The tour includes skip-the-line entry, a welcome shot at each stop, and a group of 20–30 people to party with. It’s a great way to meet other travellers, and the guides know all the bouncers: so you’ll never get stuck waiting outside.