Vancouver Island’s Mt. Washington offers a plethora of activities for outdoors enthusiasts of all ages and skill-levels.
Beyond exciting winter activities and picturesque vistas, Mt. Washington and the surrounding Comox Valley area have many bistros, restaurants, pubs and live music venues for après-ski activities.
While it can be tempting to enjoy a glass of beer or wine and head back up the hills, Preventable BC and the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB) encourage skiers and snowboarders to stay safe, only indulging after a day on the slopes. Alcohol can significantly alter judgment and reaction times and can lead to serious injuries while participating in winter sports.
Avoid preventable injuries by enjoying a drink at one of these eight exciting venues in the Mt. Washington area — but only after retiring from the slopes for the day.
On the Mountain:
Ted’s Bar + Grill
For west coast-inspired entrees and pub fare, Ted’s offers a friendly atmosphere for a meal after a long day of skiing. Located right on the mountain, Ted’s is a popular destination after a day on the slopes. On weekends, the pub transforms into a lively dance floor with DJs and live bands performing a wide variety of music.
Eagle Ridge Bistro
For a more laid-back après experience, visit Eagle Ridge Bistro. Still on the mountain and fully licensed, but with a more casual atmosphere, Eagle Ridge offers a beautiful location from which to watch the sun setting over the mountain and Strathcona Park.
Comox Valley:
Mad Chef Café, Courtenay
A little bit unusual but plenty of fun, the Mad Chef Café is a quirky place for casual eats. Featured on the Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here,” the café is regularly voted the Valley’s best burger. Daily drink specials and casual favourites like pizza make this an affordable place to unwind.
Gladstone Brewing Company, Courtenay
Craft beer enthusiasts will relish a visit to Gladstone Brewery after a day up the mountain. With a selection of beers available both on tap in the tasting lounge and at the filling station, guests can enjoy tasters on site before selecting a favourite to take home.
Blackfin Pub, Comox
Where else but B.C. can visitors begin the day on a mountain and finish the evening on the waterfront? Blackfin is an upscale waterfront pub with a cozy fireplace, fresh local seafood, an extensive wine list and classic cocktails. Soak up all that the Comox Valley has to offer with a day of natural, coastal beauty.
The Waverley Hotel and Pub, Cumberland
The historic Waverley Hotel and Pub offers affordable options in the Valley for budget-conscious skiers. The pub is often host to live music, providing a fun atmosphere for drinks and casual pub food. Enjoying a drink while staying the night in the hotel ensures a safe trip home, with no designated drivers necessary.
Locals, Courtenay
For an authentic farm-to-table dining experience, visit Locals in Courtenay. Situated in a charming, historic wood-shingled house, the restaurant serves locally-produced ingredients in an elegantly rustic room. Locals is the perfect location for a romantic après experience.
Avenue Bistro, Comox
Avenue Bistro is a family owned, semi-casual dining favourite in the Comox Valley. Here diners will find West Coast fare that accommodates many diets, including vegetarian and gluten-free. The lounge is a popular spot to watch the game after a day up Mt. Washington.
With a multitude of enjoyable dining options available only a short drive from the mountain base, the best option for enjoying a cocktail is after the poles have been packed.
Over 400,000 B.C. residents are injured each year, taking a toll not only on their own personal health and safety, but costing the province nearly $7 billion annually in preventable injuries.
Preventable and BCLDB wish winter sports–lovers a safe and exciting season, enjoying fresh powder and a refreshing drink — après-ski, of course.
