Kimberley BC: A Good Place To Après

Known for consistent Purcell powder, plenty of sunshine, and the longest lit night-skiing run in North America, Kimberley’s ski culture needs no introduction. Here’s the thing, however: true Kimberley ski aficionados know that the après-ski here is just as good as the expertly-groomed corduroy and the perfectly-spaced glades. Whether you like to après on a sun-soaked patio or a super-secret sun pit, prefer hand-crafted cocktails and BC brews at a downtown spot, or want to groove to live music with locals and visitors alike, the good times certainly don’t slow down once the chairlifts stop spinning. Our suggestion? Grab your crew and get ready to clink glasses to a day well-spent, and a night worth repeating.

On-Mountain Après

Stay close to the action with on-mountain après that you’ll be thinking of for many seasons to come. Picture family-friendly venues, lively seasonal events, and a whole lot of post-shred fun.

• The Stemwinder

  At the end of the ski day, all runs lead to The Stemwinder. The Stemwinder Bar & Grill is our on-mountain restaurant and bar, which serves up classic pub grub, family-friendly entrees, and delicious drinks. Ski down from the top of the mountain and directly to the outdoor patio, then enjoy a beer, an appy, and a rich hot chocolate there. We hear the Stemwinder hosts live music every weekend from 3-6pm, and makes the best basecamp to soak up fun, seasonal events like the season-ender Spring Splash, and the locals’ favourite Northstar Days.

• Buckhorn & Main

  Located next door to the Stemwinder in the Trickle Creek Lodge, Buckhorn & Main Mountain Eatery is another great option for a warm lunch, a tasty dinner, or some post-ski cheer. Come to enjoy steak-house favourites and saucy ribs, then stay for dessert and drinks while you take in the alpenglow over the Canadian Rockies.

• Sun-Pits & Summits

  Legend has it that the Kimberley Alpine Resort has its fair share of sun pits to enjoy. Keen observers who spend a little time exploring the top of the Mountain will be rewarded with glorious wintertime sunshine alongside in-the-know Kimberley folk there. Our best tip for finding our notorious sun pits? Befriend a local or two on the chairlifts, then get ready to soak in the good vibes and legendary sunshine with new friends and old.

  
  

  Near the top of the Northstar Quad Chair, you’ll also find the beloved Kootenay Haus. This is the best place to warm up and re-charge during a ski day, and a great place to sneak in a fun mountain-top event on the first Saturday of each month. New this year, the aptly-named Summit Saturdays are celebrating good food, great company, and the best Rocky Mountain views around. From 11am-3pm on the first Saturday of the month, enjoy your fill of BBQ, music, and top-notch mountain vibes there.

In-Town Après

After you’ve had your fill of on-mountain fun, grab the free ski shuttle from the base of the hill to enjoy a little cheer in our downtown core. Here in Kimberley, our craft breweries, pubs, and distillers are stirring up something special that hits all the right notes with the après crowd. Whether you sip in a spot that’s as local and fresh as you can get, or grab a growler of beer to take with you back to your basecamp, our hometown drinkeries are well-worth the addition to any après lineup.

• Overtime Beer Works

  Self-described as a comfortable spot that’s perfect for “polishing off pints, watching a game, or getting info from the locals,” Overtime Beer Works is a must-stop during any visit here. We hear that Overtime’s outdoor patio is the best spot in town to soak in our year-round sunshine, and comes equipped with an outdoor fire pit to keep you warm and cozy on powder days. The vibe is casual here - go ahead and roll up directly in your ski gear, then tuck into a made-in-Kimberley brew or two.

• Grist & Mash Brewery

  The tasty beers and rotating taps at Grist & Mash Brewery are an après favourite around here. We love pairing their craft brews with their yummy seasonal snack boards and the local art adorning the walls. Here during the mid-week? Don’t miss the popular Thursday night live music on the Pine Box Stage.

• Kimberley Brewing Company

  Our newest brewery, the Kimberley Brewery Company, is a little further out from our downtown core, but just as full of après fun. The taproom is located in The Porch restaurant, which makes Kimberley Brewing Co. the perfect stop-over for anyone staying at the Western Lodge. Sample the brewed-in-house beers here, and don’t forget to try out a few of their yummy menu items while you’re at it.

• Bohemian Spirits

  After savouring our suds, get ready to enjoy craft cocktails at our local distillery, Bohemian Spirits. This spot is the perfect place to sip a seasonal drink next to picturesque Mark Creek, while munching on charcuterie boards and mingling with new friends. Ask about the infamous Colossal Pink Gin or Vagabond Vodka, and, when in season, be sure to take in a cocktail that’s infused with their local Whitebark Pine Bitters.

• The Shed

  Beer & BBQ aren’t the only things on offer here. The Shed is a place to clink glasses with friends and learn the name of your bartender on night one. Guests are family here, and no matter which smoked meat, BC craft beer, or saucy sandwich you choose, a good time is always on the menu. Hot tip: weekend warriors would be remiss not to take in the legendary Sheddy Sunday Bingo here. We hear the taco platter special goes extra well with the off-side jokes and questionable bingo rhymes.

• The Sullivan Pub

  The Sullivan Pub has been a Kimberley institution for decades, and is still one of the best spots to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a whole lot of après libations in between. The menu here is big, the portions are generous, and the staff are fabulous. Come discover why “The Sully” continues to be a Kimberley après staple.

Looking for more? Our town is jam-packed with great eats and local sips that are sure to satiate your cravings and curate the best vibe during any après mission and beyond. Don’t forget to keep an eye on our events calendar to make your stay even more festive, and be sure to come back throughout the rest of the year to discover why Kimberley is such a great place to visit in every season.