The best places to enjoy après ski in Ontario

Blue Mountain Resort

Don’t miss out on the classic Blue Mountain après ski experience. As one of Ontario’s top skiing destinations, Blue Mountain Resort offers many activities for everyone after hitting the slopes. 

Jozo’s Bar is a favourite après ski spot among locals and tourists alike for its lively atmosphere, seasonal refreshments and live entertainment. Other popular après ski hangouts include the Bullwheel Pub for beer and classic comfort food and Rustys at Blue for award-winning barbecue. 

The best restaurants in Blue Mountain Village are minutes away from the ski resort, ideal for those looking for the perfect spot to relax after skiing. Copper Blues Bar & Grill features mountain views from the terrace, not to mention delicious dishes with gourmet burgers, steak, seafood and a popular kids' menu. Head to Firehall Pizza Co. for an assortment of pasta, pizza and cocktails or Northwinds Brewery for a wide selection of beverages, ranging from ciders and ales to margaritas and sangrias. Penny’s Motel & Après Snack Bar is a vintage style motel with a lot of charm. Located just a 15-minute drive west, in Thornbury, it’s another great spot to unwind and regroup for oysters and drinks.

Location: 190 Gord Canning Drive, The Blue Mountains

Horseshoe Resort and Mount St. Louis Moonstone Ski Resort

With downhill ski and snowboard runs for both beginners and experienced skiers, as well as scenic and comfortable accommodations nearby, both Horseshoe Resort and Mount St. Louis Moonstone Ski Resort are great options for your next winter getaway. 

Once the ski day is over, enjoy drinks with friends at Horseshoe Resort’s Eleven01 Taphouse + Kitchen. In addition to a wide selection of beer and cocktails, they also offer warming dishes like French onion soup, ribeye steak and fish and chips. If you’re looking for a sit-down family dinner, check out the diverse menu at Crazy Horse Sports Bar & Grill, which includes a grilled chicken penne pasta, Bombay chicken curry bowl, roasted turkey club sandwich and superfood salad with quinoa and heritage greens. 

HQ Restaurant & Taphouse has a reputation as the hub for the local community and, as a bonus, it’s close to both ski resorts. Gather your skiing party and order some wine along with shareable appetizers like antipasto and bruschetta. The KTCHN is located within Braestone Club in Oro-Medonte and offers both spectacular views of the valley and an eclectic mix of dinner dishes and unique gins. Or enjoy the Blacksmith Gastro Pub in Moonstone for a casual dining experience with locally grown, farm-to-table meals—they’re best known for their pizzas, but everything on the menu is a treat. 

Horseshoe Resort location: 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, Barrie

Mount St. Louis Moonstone Ski Resort location: R.R.#4, 24 Mt. St. Louis Road West, Coldwater

Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area

Located in Muskoka, Hidden Valley attracts thousands of novice and experienced skiers every year. 

Deerhurst Resort is located right next to Hidden Valley and offers a Ski & Stay package, providing hotel guests discounted lift tickets to the ski facility. Your resort stay also includes access to snowshoeing on the Starlight Snowshoe Trail, outdoor skating on the lake rink and kick sledding around the resort. Enjoy an evening dinner buffet at Eclipse Restaurant, and check out the après snow fondue menu to warm up after your day on the slopes.

If you’re up for a scenic drive, JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa is about an hour away southwest in Minett. Enjoy a refined meal in one of the upscale restaurants or bars, or opt to experience the Muskoka Ice Caves, outdoor domes overlooking Lake Rosseau.

Alternatively, just 5 minutes from Deerhurst, Muskoka on the Rocks features traditional pub food and draft beer in a comfortable atmosphere. 

Location: 1655 Hidden Valley Road, Huntsville

Hockley Valley Ski Resort

Great ski runs plus luxury amenities make Hockley Valley Ski Resort a hot spot for avid skiing enthusiasts across Ontario. 

Cabin, the trademark Hockley Valley Resort restaurant, serves après ski seekers delicious regionally sourced food and drinks from their bar. Babbo is also located near the ski resort and specializes in small plate appetizers, plus a variety of cocktails and wines. 

Less than a 5-minute drive south of Hockley Valley Resort, the Black Birch Restaurant is a cozy eatery surrounded by nature that offers pork tenderloin, grilled salmon, duck confit and much more. 

Nearby in Orangeville, check out the Mill Creek Pub & Restaurant on the weekends for live entertainment and traditional dishes such as chicken tenders, striploin steak and baked mac and cheese. Or warm up with a hot beverage at the quaint Bear Cub Coffee & Espresso Bar.

Location: 793522 Mono 3rd Line, Mono

Calabogie Peaks Resort

Situated approximately a 1.5-hour drive west of Ottawa in the Ottawa Valley, Calabogie Peaks Resort attracts skiers and snowboarders to the tallest ski hill in Ontario. 

After a full day of snow-based fun, continue your day at Canthooks, the property’s signature restaurant. It’s the perfect place for an après ski gathering with fresh, locally sourced, country-inspired cuisine. Or soak up the lively atmosphere at Boathouse Bar & Grill overlooking Calabogie Lake. 

On the other side of the lake, you’ll find more great options in Calabogie close to the ski resort. On the Rocks hosts a variety of fun events, including martini, cocktail and wine tastings. The nighttime view from the patio is especially recommended, as fairy lights glittering along the railings in the twilight complements a gorgeous view. Visit Redneck Bistro for homemade, southern cooking in a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

Location: 30 Barrett Chute Road, Calabogie

Dagmar Ski Resort

Dagmar Ski Resort is known for its family-friendly skiing hills and terrain parks and for a fun après ski experience. 

The ski chalet overlooks the slopes and includes a lounge area, licensed coffee bar and restaurant. You’ll find classic fast foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie wraps, soups and a variety of drinks for an energizing boost after a long day of skiing. 

Nearby, HandleBar Grill is located minutes away from the ski resort inside the Trail Hub, a popular spot for hikers, mountain bikers and snowshoers to convene after exploring Durham’s network of trails. Enjoy the lovely views while eating a healthy meal or choosing from a selection of local craft beer 

For a lively night out with lots of good food, drinks and laughter, head to the One Eyed Jack Pub & Grill or Scrambles Kitchen & Bar. A slightly further drive away, Foundry Kitchen & Bar in Port Perry features a full drinks bar and creative twists on classic pub food like country terrine, vegan squash risotto and mascarpone pear cake. 

Location: 1220 Lake Ridge Road, Uxbridge

Loch Lomond Ski Area

After tearing up the ski hills and terrain parks at Loch Lomond Ski Area, you’ll want to complete your day with a delightful après ski get together close by in Thunder Bay. 

Take in splendid mountain views at The Cliffhanger Restaurant & Bar with a glass of fine wine and delicious dinner, which can range from Greek flatbread and steak and goat cheese salad to barbecue back ribs and grilled chicken quesadilla. 

Neebing Roadhouse offers dishes like honey glazed salmon, bison shepherd’s pie and their popular Neebing Deluxe Pizza, along with your favourite cocktails, martinis and beers. Visit Beaux Daddys for some of the best seafood and steak dishes in Northern Ontario. For a quiet, relaxing night, head to the quaint Country Café on Hwy. 61 and warm up with a hot cup of coffee or tea over a shared plate of doughnuts. 

Location: 1800 Loch Lomond Road, Thunder Bay