When you’re not soaring down snow-covered slopes, well...you’ll need to fuel up so you can fly down them again tomorrow. In addition to world-class skiing, Canada’s ski villages have some of the best dining and drinking in North America. And since you’ll need more than a protein bar to take on the epic Canadian mountain ranges, we’ve compiled a list of everywhere you’ll want to dine, snack, and relax when you’re visiting resorts like SkiBig3 (Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Mt. Norquay) and Whistler.

Despite being named for the Spanish for bear, Oso celebrates a life more civilised than wild. The long bar is a spirited place to meet for good cocktails or a glass of something nice, including sangria and a good little wine list. The Madrid-born chef has it dialled: Spanish-inspired small plates and tapas yield the usual suspects of croquetas, gambas in chilli oil, assorted chilled seafood, plus heaving charcuterie boards accompanied by fragrant crusty bread – meats and breads made in-house.

For a pre-dinner hang, sample one (or two) of the Gin & Tonic recipes at Bar Oso, Toptable’s homage to a Spanish tapas bar. The bite-sized montaditos (bite-sized sandwiches) topped with savory toppings like foie gras or marinated shrimp are the perfect little snacks. But for a full-on dinner, tackle an Italian feast at Il Caminetto, where you can fill up on crispy wagyu meatballs, nonna-approved pasta Bolognese, and grilled octopus paired with a nduja sofrito.

For a fancier après option, head to Bar Oso in the Village Square. This is where you'll find alpine-themed craft cocktails including a whole menu of gin and tonics, many made with British Columbia-distilled gin. The Spanish tapas are as good as the drinks.

Affiliated with Araxi a couple of doors away, Bar Oso takes a casual Spanish approach to dining creating small pintxos (Basque tapas) and raciones (shared…

Closed for more than a year during renovations that dramatically expanded the dining and drinking capacity, Whistler’s bear of a tapas bar is still packing the new, larger space (no reservations, so ideally arrive near the 4 p.m. opening time). Snag a prime seat at the now horseshoe-shaped bar and order a hero cocktail like Smoke and Mirrors, a smoldering combo of reposado, mezcal, red Spanish vermouth plus Campari and Aperiol, garnished with a shishito pepper and a whiff of cacao bitters. Snack on classic pinxtos and bocadillos, or the chef’s signature octopus with confit potatoes.

The scene: Bar Oso, is a tribute to Whistler’s wildlife and offers an eclectic mix of BC-influenced tapas dishes, small plates and house-made charcuterie alongside hand-crafted cocktails and inspired wines. The Spanish head chef has been involved in restaurants since he was a child and brings his passion, enthusiasm and excitement for food into Bar Oso’s ever-evolving menu. The lunch menu offers a variety of typically Spanish soups, salads, filled baguettes, charcuterie boards and sharing plates with a few key appearances of local ingredients adding a hint of Whistler.

If you’re as craft-cocktail obsessed as we are, then Bar Oso is definitely a must for your visit to Whistler, because you’re unlikely to find any other spot in town that offers Spanish tapas and cocktails that come with candied bacon. In fact, the cocktails here are so good that I actually enjoyed my gin and tonic—but I probably won’t like any others, so it’s reserved only for my time in Whistler. The reason is that the bar offered a selection of gins to pair with a variety of artisanal tonic waters—who knew that more just Schweppes is available for tonic water?

First up is Neil Henderson, who many will know from his time as the Restaurant Director steering the Araxi ship through almost all of those aforementioned Gold medals (he also was singled out for his own FOH excellence in our 2012 Restaurant Awards), and oversaw the opening of Bar Oso for the TopTable Group. He is easily one of the most respected front of house/restaurant operations managers in the province, and it feels like at one time or another he’s mentored a sizeable cross section of Whistler’s hospitality industry.

A sister restaurant to local hotspot Araxi, it brings a distinctly Spanish flavour to Whistler with its profusion of small-plate tapas and house-made charcuterie. Grab a glass of wine or a local beer and sample a variety of their delicious pintxos, raciones or platos principales that pay homage to head chef Jorge Muños Santos’ Madrileño roots. If you’re looking for a great deal, be sure to check out their lunchtime bocadillo special – a Spanish-style sandwich on house-baked bread for just $8.00.

Presented by restaurants Araxi, Il Caminetto, Provisions and Bar Oso at North Arm Farm in Pemberton, the Araxi Longtable Dinner offers a four-course meal with live entertainment, as spectacular Mount Currie looms in the background. Wild Blue restaurant brings a long table experience to Whistler Village, featuring a four-course dinner with wine pairings that highlights local, seasonal ingredients curated by chefs Alex Chen and Derek Bendig, surrounded by stunning mountain views.

With its graphic tiles and wood and marble elements, Bar Oso offers an elevated atmosphere with drinks to match. Spirit aficionados will delight in the large selection of BC gins and couples who like to share will love the tapas-style menu. The Raven Room is a popular cocktail bar and has been a hit with locals and visitors alike since it opened; The Bird’s Eye cocktail (tequila, Cointreau, basil, red Thai chilies and lime juice, with a Cajun-spice rim) is a must-try.

Bar Oso, which has recently relaunched as a bigger and better version of its former nook, is perfect for couples and small groups of friends. A favourite amongst locals in Whistler, we recommend getting a seat at the bar if possible for a front-row view of the chefs and mixologists working their magic. The sobrasada (a delicious spreadable salami with honey) is a must-order for the table, and for those who like a dash of spice, ask for the Firecracker Margarita.

Inspired by Spanish tapas culture, Bar Oso brings a vibrant yet intimate dining experience to Whistler. Known for its charcuterie boards, house-made pâtés, and signature gin and tonics, this Toptable Group gem is perfect for sharing plates with friends and family. Executive Chef Jorge Muñoz Santos infuses traditional Spanish flavors with Whistler’s flair, offering dishes like ceviche, garlicky prawns, and crisp-fried eggplant.

Stepping onto the tiled floor into the seductively lit dining room with commanding center bar, you feel as though you’ve been transported to a swanky Spanish neighborhood gem. Bar Oso is recently renovated and re-opened for business – and it’s definitely one of the hot spots of Whistler Village. This is a good place for an extraordinary dining experience, with impressive good food, tasty craft cocktails, and great service.

Stop by Bar Oso and you just might feel like you stumbled into a spiffy new bar on New York City's trendy Lower East Side instead of Whistler's newest restaurant. The contemporary feel is cozied up by spirited chefs who craft Spanish-forward small plates right in front of you. Its house-made charcuterie can't be missed (a massive, cured pork leg sits on the bar), nor can an order of its Spanish omelette.

This contemporary Spanish spot in the Whistler Village serves tapas plates to the après crowd in the early evening and to dressed up diners as the night gets later. Chef Jorge Muñoz Santos is from Madrid, and it certainly shows. Sit at a high top or around the glowing, orange marbled bar in the relaxed yet polished atmosphere and snack on one of the best assortments of meat and cheese you'll ever have.

You can sit at the glowing marble bar for cocktails and Spanish-inspired tapas at the newly expanded Bar Oso. At Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar, British Columbia-sourced ingredients appear in various dishes drawn from French and Italian coastal cuisines. At the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Fairmont Chateau Whistler, multiple dining spots offer a range of treats, from steaks to classic cheese fondue.

While there are still many casual Whistler bars in the village and on the mountain, for somewhere more classy, pull up a stool at Bar Oso. Oso, means bear in Spanish and is a nod to both the local area and the small plates, tapas menu on offer. The Cellar is located on the lower level and offers a beautiful warm and intimate setting for a fancier sit-down dinner wrapped in their wine wall.

Rounding off our list of ‘Cheap Eats’ is Bar Oso, providing a menu of small plates, tapas and charcuterie. Not really in the ‘cheap eats’ category but for drinks and dessert at the end of the night, Bar Oso is worth a mention!. Offering a Spanish Creme Brûlée, a Valrhona Chocolate Tart and a stellar cocktail and wine list, Bar Oso provides a charming finish to your evening.

Bar Oso is known for their Spanish tapas, house-made charcuterie, handcrafted cocktails, and wines. The restaurant is named “oso” meaning “bear” in Spanish as an homage to Whistler’s wildlife. The kitchen is led by Chef Jorge Munoz Santos, a native of Madrid, who had grown up in his family’s restaurant, surrounded by the lively Spanish culture of food and hospitality.

Bar Oso, nominated as one of Canada’s ‘Best New Restaurants’ in 2016, offers Spanish inspired tapas and small plates utilizing local BC ingredients. Be sure to check out their handcrafted cocktails like the feature Gin + Tonics, or my favourite, the signature Oso Sour made with bacon infused bourbon, maple syrup, chartreuse, and garnished with maple candied bacon.

Meaning “bear” in Spanish, you’ll need the appetite of a grizzly to dine at Bar Oso. Dining in close quarters at the long table bar, you can gorge on Spanish-inspired tapas, small plates and house-made charcuterie, as well as specialty wines and craft cocktails. This place is always busy, but it’s the perfect date night spot after a day on the slopes.

website | location: Whistler Village ( get directions) | cuisine: Spanish | best for: tapa. I discovered Bar Oso during a solo lunch after I hurt my wrist on the slopes one year and had to sit out my last day of snowboarding. It’s owned by the same restaurant group as Araxi and Il Caminetto, but it’s lower priced (though I wouldn’t say “cheap eats”).

You can’t talk about wine bars in Whistler without mentioning Bar Oso, famous for its sangria. This cozy tapas spot also offers a unique and diverse selection of Spanish-style dishes, complemented by an extensive wine list. In terms of sangria, they offer peach sangria, red sangria and a mulled version with cinnamon, orange and dried fruits.

When you're in the mood for wine, nibbles and a relaxing evening, head to Bar Oso. As the sister restaurant of the Toptable Group's famed Araxi, Bar Oso offers a more casual and approachable experience to Whistler Village. Serving an array of Spanish-influenced tapas, small plates, and house-made charcuterie, you're in for a real treat.

Bar Oso "oso" meaning "bear" in Spanish, pays homage to Whistler's natural inhabitants with its Spanish-influenced small plates and handcrafted cocktails. This intimate space is perfect for savouring tapas, charcuterie, and artisanal cheeses. The bar's creative cocktails are a must-try, offering a refreshing twist on classic flavors.

From the upscale elegance of Bar Oso to the unique cocktails of The Raven Room, you’ll find delectable drinks paired with exceptional culinary offerings. For more options, The GLC (Garibaldi Lift Co) offers the top-rated North American après-ski experience. If thats not your vibe, Merlin’s Bar and Grill provided a cozier atmosphere.

Spanish-influenced bites and thoughtfully designed cocktails line the menu, but don’t confuse Bar Oso’s elegance with stuffiness. With friendly, knowledgeable staff and a long bar designed to bring guests together, Bar Oso delivers après in unpretentious style. The place fills up, so be sure to get in early or make a reservation.

With its top-tier tapas, smooth marble bar, and awesome mood lighting, Bar Oso is one of the best restaurants in Whistler for a date night. Start your evening with some delicious House Baked Bread, before indulging in a charcuterie board for two. Then, get the party started with a selection of tapas plates.

I was instantly fascinated by the dark wood interior with the Mediterranean details, a great tribute to both Whitler’s wildlife and the Spanish word ‘oso’ for ‘bear’. The kitchen here is run by Chef Jorge Munoz Santos, a Madrid native, who also worked at the sister restaurant Araxi for four years.

Bar Oso ($$) - A great place for small bites, charcuterie and wine. I'll sometimes pop in here with friends before dinner, or even if we just want something light instead of a proper dinner. Atmosphere feels like an intimate wine bar you would find in Europe, a definite gem in Whistler.

Bar Oso offers a friendly atmosphere with great service and delicious food. Order up some tapas to go with one of British Columbia’s craft beers. Bar Oso has Nomad Semi-Dry Cider and Pem-berton Valley Fog IPA on tap and Four Winds IPA, Hoyne Dark Matter and Nomad Keeved in bottles.

The ultimate après spot, Bar Oso offers up a variety of Spanish-influenced small plates, tapas, and house-made charcuterie. It’s hard to go past a cheese board paired with a glass of wine when you’ve had a big day of skiing – or, even better, an entire jug of sangria.

Perhaps you’d like a classic bourbon with a twist of Canadian maple and bacon flavour?. You’ll find it here in Bar Oso. Each drink is made to perfection with complimenting tastes, flavours, and scents – all while pushing the boundaries of your wildest drink dreams.

While there's a ton of great Whistler restaurants, including our favorite Araxi, our favorite place to enjoy a good cocktail is at Bar Oso. The Spanish-inspired menu showcases a long list of craft gin and tonics, and their local charcuterie board is life-changing.

Named after the Spanish word for “bear,” Bar Oso, an homage to Whistler’s wildlife, serves Spanish-inspired small plates, tapas, and house-made charcuterie. It’s also a perfect spot to enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and a selection of inspired wines.

Bar Oso – for most of the time I lived in Whistler, Bar Oso was closed for renovation, but they opened before we left and we were blown away. Enjoy mouth-watering contemporary Spanish tapas and incredible cocktails in a super cool bar environment.

A sneak peak at whats in store for you at Elements in Whistler. A great option for cocktails and tapas, Bar Oso is one of Whistler’s premier watering holes. It’s a nice excuse to dress up a little bit and get some nice conversation going.

A stylish venue known for Spanish tapas, house-made charcuterie, and crafted cocktails. Savor dishes like Rolled Pork Belly, Beef Tartare, or Lamb Albondigas. Share plates, including the cured Spanish tuna Mojama, are perfect for groups.

Bar Oso is a small Spanish tapas restaurant in the heart of Whistler Village. They have an extensive drink menu and the cocktails are delicious. I especially enjoyed their Oso Sour with candied bacon (pictured above).

For a tasty bite to eat, stop off at some of Whistler’s best restaurants. One of our favourites was Bar Oso, which conjures up some tasty Spanish-inspired cocktails and tummy rumbling tapas dishes.

With choices like charcuterie boards and gazpacho, you get a Spanish-influenced meal here that you won’t soon forget. Order a sangria or one of the handcrafted gin and tonics.

Oso” meaning “bear” in Spanish, an homage to Whistler’s wildlife – is open daily and offers a profusion of Spanish-influenced small plates, tapas, and house-made charcuterie.

While dining out in Whistler, order them at Araxi, Bar Oso, Il Caminetto, Sushi Village Japanese Restaurant, and Legs Diamond, to name just a few spots that carry them.

Bar Oso - “oso” meaning “bear” in Spanish, an homage to Whistler’s wildlife – is open daily and offers a profusion of Spanish-influenced small plates.

Taste Of Spain Enjoy Bar Oso’s 3-course Taste of Spain for $29. Available Sunday to Thursday starting April 21!. baroso.ca | (604) 962-4540

Lunch: Head across to Bar Oso, who have a range of tapas inspired meals that are so delicious!. They also make some epic cocktails too!

James continues to oversee the kitchens of Araxi, The Cellar by Araxi and Bar Oso in addition to his new duties at Il Caminetto.

Other spots I was recommended but didn’t get to include: the Mallard Cocktail Lounge, Arazi, Bear Foot, and Bar Oso.