Whistler, British Columbia, is a paradise for craft beer enthusiasts. Whether you're winding down after a day on the slopes or at the bike park, or you've just finished fishing or rafting on the local rivers, the breweries and tap houses around Whistler are the perfect way to celebrate a great day in the mountains. Each brewery offers a diverse range of flavors and a different vibe - we hope our guide to Whistler's breweries and taphouses is handy as you navigate the local craft beer scene.
Whistler Craft Breweries
Whistler Brewing Company
Established in 1989, Whistler Brewing Company is a cornerstone of the local beer scene. Located in Function Junction, just south of Whistler Village, this brewery offers a variety of core and seasonal beers. Their taphouse provides a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a pint or a flight, with options like the Mountain Lager and Hazy Trail Pale. They also offer beer to go, so that you can stock your vacation rental fridge with some of their hoppy goodness. Whistler Brewing offers a small selection of snacks like nachos, veggie samosas, and a salted pretzel bun, as well as pizzas. They have a small outdoor patio that is dog-friendly.
Coast Mountain Brewing
Also located in Function Junction, Coast Mountain Brewing has been serving up innovative brews in Whistler since 2016. Known for their Hope You're Happy IPA and Green Run Session Ale, this brewery combines a tiny, rustic taproom with a covered outdoor patio, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Known for their hop-forward ales and a range of crisp lagers, Coast Mountain is the perfect place to enjoy a cold one and catch up with friends. This boutique tap room does not serve food, but you can bring in outside food! Their outdoor patio is dog-friendly as well.
High Mountain Brewing Company (The Brewhouse)
Located in the heart of Whistler Village near the Olympic Rings, The Brewhouse offers a full-service restaurant and bar alongside its brewing operations. With a selection of house-made beers, including lagers and ales, it's an ideal spot for people looking to pair craft beer with hearty meals in a lively setting. By far the largest of the three breweries, the Brewhouse is more of a restaurant than a taphouse. You'll find a wide array of food options here, from poutine to BBQ to pizzas. They also offer brunch on weekends. The rustic mountain decor is complemented by fireplaces, multiple TVs, and plenty of seating for larger groups. They also have a huge patio, which is perfect on warm summer days.
Whistler Taphouses
Garibaldi Lift Co (GLC)
Perched above the Whistler Gondola building, GLC is renowned for its lively après-ski atmosphere. With a large selection of BC craft beers on tap and a spacious outdoor patio offering panoramic views, it's a must-visit for those looking to unwind after a day on the mountain. It's also hugely popular in the summer, as some of the biggest jumps at the Whistler Bike Park are visible from the GLC patio.
Hunter Gather Eatery and Taphouse
Opened in 2017, Hunter Gather offers a curated selection of local craft beers, complemented by a menu of fresh, locally sourced dishes, with several vegetarian and vegan options as well. It's an excellent place to sample beers from Whistler, Squamish, and beyond, all in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This is a casual restaurant with a great vibe, elevated food, and high quality craft beer and cocktails - the perfect combo in our opinion!
Beacon Pub and Eatery
Situated in the village, Beacon Pub prides itself on its rotating selection of BC craft beers. With options like Coast Mountain's Hope You're Happy IPA and a variety of other local brews, it's a great spot to explore the regional beer scene.
Pemberton's Brewing Scene
Pemberton Brewing Co
Located in the Pemberton Industrial Park, this small craft brewery offers a comfortable tasting room and a four-season patio. It's an ideal stop for cyclists and adventurers exploring the nearby trails. People love their outdoor patio, where you can enjoy fresh beer while admiring the mountain views. While this brewery does not serve food, they do have some snacks available to purchase at the bar.
The Beer Farmers
Set on a fourth-generation organic family farm, The Beer Farmers craft their beers using locally grown ingredients. This brewery is truly special! Their tasting room, open daily, provides a unique farm-to-glass experience amidst the stunning Pemberton Valley. Drink beer while staring at jawdropping views, and you can even walk around the farm and check out the animals and produce. The Beer Farmers serves food on-site, which includes a menu that changes seasonally. There's often live music on weekends. A must visit if you're up for a drive to Pemberton!