Welcome to Vancouver’s premier nightlife guide.
On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Vancouver. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.
Enjoy!
An Intro to Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal city located in the western part of Canada. The city locates in the Lower Mainland region of British Colombia. It is the most populous city in the province. The Greater Vancouver area has a population of over 2million, which makes it the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada. The city has the highest population density in Canada which also makes it the fifth most densely populated city with over 250,000 residents in North America behind New York City. Vancouver is one of the most linguistically and ethnically diverse cities in Canada. Almost 52% of the residents have a first language other than English. Roughly 30% of the city’s inhabitants are of Chinese heritage. Vancouver is also referred to as a Beta Global City. The City was incorporated on April 6, 1886, the same year that the first transcontinental train arrived.
Vancouver has been the top country when it comes to the quality of living. In this context, it has also been acknowledged as the first city ranked among the top-ten of the world’s most well-living cities for five consecutive years by Economist Intelligence Unit. The city also has a fair amount of political history as it has hosted many international conferences and events, including the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, UN-Habitat I, Expo 86, the World Police and Fire Games and many more.
The city is also famous for its ample amount of theatrical arrangements. With Prominent theatre companies being the Arts Club Theatre Company on Granville Island, and Bard on the Beach in the Vancouver City. The city also hosts various annual functions in this regards including the Push International Performing Arts Festival in January and the Vancouver Fringe Festival in September. The Vancouver International Film Festival is also a very great opportunity to learn with fun, which runs for two weeks each September, shows over 350 films and is one of the larger film festivals in North America. The Vancouver International Film Centre venue, the Vancity Theatre, runs independent non-commercial films throughout the rest of the year.
The nightlife of the city is also very fabulous. The city has got a combination of some of the swankiest bars, restaurants, and places for live music, which will provide you ultimate nightlife entertainment. Spread all over the city, you’ll find neighborhoods ready for nighttime fun, whether it’s catching a band, sipping a cocktail, or dancing the night away. Be sure to check out this place to enjoy the ultimate entertainment of nightlife.
The Nightlife of Vancouver
There are certain advantages that come with living in Vancouver, of which one is certainly the impressive nightlife of the city. Of course, there are plenty of unique and great places one might come across on their night out, but there are also a few renowned places that really reveal the real face of the city. This being the case, everyone in Vancouver will have likely heard of these spots, but if you have yet to go, make sure to add them to your list of things-to-do.
The city offers a vast array of watering holes–from bars and brewpubs to chic lounges and clubs can be found in ultra-funky. Though Nightclubs and bars are a good option to spend your night in the city, the city is tremendously famous for its unique set of activities that it provides after dark. These unique activities will make your tour unforgettable. With so many options available, we’ve come up with a list of activities or places which could be enjoyed during the nighttime in the city:
Vancouver Ghost Tour
If you love all things spooky and the adrenaline boost that it gives, then this paranormal night activity is the perfect thing for you. These kinds of arrangements can be found easily in Gastown, Downtown, and in New Westminster. Ghostly Vancouver Tours offers haunted history walking tours of Greater Vancouver’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. They have up to 4 tours running weekly. So, be sure to hit this place for a night of storytelling that you won’t forget soon! Their guides are from a multitude of backgrounds but they have they all possess a love of history, a knack for great storytelling, and a passion for all spooky things! Although they don’t promise that you’ll see a ghost or spirit, they hope that you do!
Science World
Like all the fun things in the city, it is also an extremely fun place during the daytime, but maybe even better “after dark.” This informative facility is jam-packed with interactive activities that you can enjoy, and these are a ton of fun to enjoy with your adult friends. Be sure to hit this classic landmark of Vancouver that offers you an opportunity to learn about science with a fun twist.
Laugh Gags
Why listen to terrible jokes at a bar when you can hear a professional and have a good laugh! Vancouver hosts ample amount of fantastic local and international jokesters all year round. If you aren’t able to catch a big name act, there are multiple venues that are always showing the amateur talent that is sure to leave you in stitches. These places can be a great source of relieving and forgetting all your tensions of the routine.
Night-Skiing
While this activity is not offered all the time on every resort, it is pretty awesome when it’s available. Although the view from most of the local ski hills is absolutely spectacular and mesmerizing by day, there’s something extra-special and magical about the night view. Gazing out at a sea of stars over the city lights with the snow glistening all around makes for a pretty vowing experience. Grouse Mountain is open until 10 pm in the night.
Night Drive
For night enthusiasts, the panoramic views of the city get even better when the sun sets. Taking a late night drive around the scenic city with a friend or partner is a creative and inexpensive way to explore on your own. Ditch the daytime crowds with several spots like YVR Airport, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Prospect Point guaranteed to make you fall more in love with the Lower Mainland. Including the above ones, there are so many beautiful and mesmerizing drives to take in Vancouver. The city offers a pure panoramic majesty, and there are plenty of viewpoints to stop at along the way. To make the affair even better, stop along the way to sample snacks from all of Vancouver’s diverse neighborhoods.
Watch a Movie
Of course, you haven’t come to this city for a mere movie, but there are some pretty phenomenal venues in Vancouver which we’re sure you haven’t experienced before. For example, The Rio Theatre on Commercial Drive is a landmark staple of the city’s history. While it shows a few contemporary features, this theatre provides the city with a vast array of historical gems and cult classics. Moreover, you can have a drink and eat a grilled cheese while viewing.
Best Bars in Vancouver
If you’re planning a night out then you’ll definitely want to check out the renowned bars of Vancouver. From hole-in-the-wall bars to fancy hotel bars, there’s something for everyone here. If you ask a local to list their top bars in the city, many would place the Keefer Bar on their list. This local favorite is dark, cozy, and the perfect place to enjoy a few drinks. Located in Chinatown, there are a number of great restaurants to grab dinner prior to pulling up a seat at the bar here. People here love sparkling craft beer, fancy cocktailing, margaritas. The city has many options to opt for, from age-old dives and secret speakeasies to classy rooftops and bars which can be enjoyed till dawn.
To make your life easier we have compiled a list of the famous and renowned options in the city, ranging from dives and icehouses to cocktail lounges and breweries, so you could enjoy the wholesome experience of drinking without needing to actually go through all options. Enjoy them with caution, because it’s hard to leave after just one drink at any of these spots, because of the great taste offered by them:
Keefer Bar
Whenever you’re in a mood for a fun and lively outing, head straight to Chinatown and you’ll find just the right spot for this. The Keefer Bar is one of Vancouver’s favorite places to grab a drink before or after dinner. Catering to the locals and the tourists for many years, Vancouverites know that they can go to the Keefer Bar for a delicious cocktail in an intimate space. Cocktails are made with house-made tinctures, mixes, and unique ingredients. They also offer a small menu of tasty bites to nibble on while you enjoy a cocktail or two. Inside you’ll find seating at tables throughout the space, or take a seat at the bar. When the weather is nice, sit outside on the patio and stay warm by the fire pits.
Guilt & Co.
Along the paved streets of Gastown, you’ll find a deep and underground lounge where live music and cocktails mingle are making for an ideal night out. The place is easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for so keep your eyes open for the sandwich board and a set of steps on the side of the building. The space provided by the bar is cozy and intimate. There are plenty of casual bites that are great for sharing if you are feeling somewhat hungry. The drink list is packed with plenty of tasty wine, beer, and cocktail options. With something exciting going on every night of the week, there’s never a dull moment. So, grab a seat and enjoy an eclectic mix of musicians.
The Diamond
The diamond has provided a pretty dimly lit entrance. The exposed brick walls and candlelit space create a charming atmosphere to catch up over drinks. If you can, hold a seat by the window to enjoy the lovely view of Gastown at night then it would be an absolute win. Despite the cozy and warm atmosphere, the Diamond can get quite lively and loud, making it the perfect place to hang out with friends. Known for their cocktails, The Diamond’s drink list pulls from traditional recipes and some of their own concoctions. If you’re feeling hungry you can tuck into a selection of Japanese dishes that are great for sharing. If you’re having an early night, make sure to check out their happy hour.
Alexander Gastown
This place is mainly dominated by the Hyphy crowd on Friday nights. It is a perfect spot for some really good hip hop and an amazing venue for live shows happening throughout the week. Owned by the genius behind Slow Jam Sundays, at just over a year old this place is a staple in Vancouver nightlife.
The Lobby Lounge and Rawbar
There’s a live band, cold drinks, and delicious food available at The Lobby Lounge and Raw Bar every time you’ll visit it. This place is equally famous in locals in tourists. The soaring ceilings, beautiful chandeliers, and roaring fireplace create an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for hanging out with friends or a date. The cocktail list boasts inventive mixes made with top-shelf liquor and quality ingredients, while the wine list has plenty to choose from. Whenever hunger strikes choose from a menu of bar bites or sink your chopsticks into their incredible sushi. Overall, it’s a great option for some great drinks.
Best Bar Restaurants in Vancouver
Checking the recommendations in the above section when you are out and about fulfilling your cocktail needs in Vancouver, you’re going to crave for deliciously-exotic food as well. With Vancouver’s bar scenes continuing to grow and innovate, it’s no wonder that a restaurant bar would be a great idea to go with. Vancouver has some of the finest restaurants that serve delicious food along with great cocktails and drinks that blend with the food to provide a perfect combination. The best thing to do is to choose a bar that also serves delicious food. That way your need for booze and craving for the food will be catered under one roof. Therefore, to fulfill your extreme craving for delightful food and awesome booze, we’ve come up with a list of Vancouver’s best bar restaurants, good enough to stimulate your taste buds to take you to the cloud noun:
Giardino Restaurant
The indoor space is warm and feels like you’re walking into a friend’s dining room, albeit a very large and fancy one. On a summer’s eve, head out to the courtyard to feel as though you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean; it’s a welcome urban oasis. The menu tempts with creamy burrata to start, fresh salads like their traditional Panzanella salad, pastas, risotto and gnocchi to follow, and beautiful cuts of meat and seafood for your main. Complete your meal with their tiramisu or any of the other sweet treats on offer. Overall a great option for a fine dining experience.
Cincin Ristorante
The warm and sophisticated Cincin Ristorante is very welcoming, the service and incredible food will seal the deal. The menu tempts with seasonal dishes that use well-sourced ingredients, making each dish shine. From appetizers like their prawns grilled on a rosemary branch to their seasonal pastas, to all sorts of beautiful cuts cooked in their wood-fired grill, Cin Cin’s menu is stacked with a choice. The drink scene here is also very good. Their craft cocktails are the perfect way to start your evening and the wine list is full of beautiful options. Having around for almost 30 years it has become a favorite spot of locals to hang out.
Botanist
Botanist brings a fresh take on fine dining. Walking into Botanist is like a breath of fresh air, literally. Inspired by the principles of botany and the lush landscape of the Pacific Northwest, this vibrant restaurant, bar, lounge, and terrace is a feast for the senses. The tasty dishes along with the cocktail program blends chemistry with a playful execution, while the wine list features wineries that practice sustainable, biodynamic or organic farming and winemaking.
Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar
When it comes to fresh seafood and fine dining, Yaletown’s Blue Water Cafe is another Vancouver institution that delivers the goods. The restaurant offers great local and international cuisines. You can wash it all down with a bottle from their ever-growing wine program. They carry over 1,000 labels and have a cellar of 14,000 bottles, which will give you an ultimate experience of food and booze.
Best Nightclubs in Vancouver
Other than the culinary scenes and all the cozy and swanky bars in the city, at times you may want to enjoy dancing on some great beats and enjoy a drink. Or, you just want to hang out with some friends at a nice place or want to make some new friends. Well, nightclubs are a perfect spot for all such kind of activities. From finding your date to hanging out with your friends you can enjoy in every sense. With so many options available, it can sometimes become difficult to choose or identify a great option for swanky kind of nightclub. Therefore, we’ve come up with the following list of some great nightclubs in Vancouver to entertain you:
The Biltmore
The Biltmore Cabaret has been a big part of Vancouver’s music and nightlife scene since long. This intimate venue with a fairly low capacity attracts some of the best up and coming bands and DJs from around the world. They host all sorts of live music, but if you’re looking to dance, go there on a Friday. Expect to hear indie, rock, alternative, the 80s and 90s, mainstream hits, and other fun stuff. The location is just outside of the downtown core, but public transportation and cabs make it easy to get to.
Bar None
This Yaletown bar occupies a restored warehouse and has been around for over 20 years. In fact, both Prince and Drake have performed here, and there have been DJ sets by Premier. Mainly crowded by a younger crowd, Bar None can be a lively spot on weekends. They offer table service and it’s best to get in touch ahead of time to reserve your spot. so if you don’t want to wait, it’s best to get on the guest list or arrive early to avoid the line. Overall this place provides an excellent ambiance to hang out.
Red Room Ultra Bar
For those who like to tap the foot on some nice music, Red Room Bar is a nice place. The excellent and sophisticated system and intelligent lighting set the stage for a night of dancing. Space itself is large and can accommodate 450 people. The other most popular night is SUBculture Saturdays. This night brings in local and international DJs that bring bass music to the dance floor. While these two nights are mainstays on the calendar, they also host a variety of other nights that feature DJs and live music. Hit up this place to enjoy the ultimate experience of music and dancing.
Fortune Sound Club
Fortune Sound Club attracts well-known DJs from all over, which makes it a favorite place for lively and young locals to go and dance. There are always different events happening so it’s a good idea to have a check on who’s playing when. As far as clubs go, it’s a pretty intimate space so you’re never far from the action. You won’t find any Top 40 music or VIP rooms here, but you can reserve tables if you plan ahead. This unique location in Vancouver’s Chinatown makes Fortune Sound Club a bit of an off-the-beaten-path gem. Before hitting up Fortune, head to one of the many restaurants in the area for cocktails.
Venue Nightclub
Venue Nightclub is a concert hall and a nightclub where you can catch a live show and then stay into the evening to dance the night away. It hosts different themed nights and you’ll find all types of music light up the dance floor like Brazilian, Latin, Hip-Hop, EDM, Pop, Dance Hall, Pop, Top 40, and R&B. International talent like Major Lazer, Hank Williams III, and David Guetta have enlightened this place before. Space itself can fit up to 500 and is spread over two levels, making it ideal for a night out on the town with your crew. All in all, a very good place to hang out and chill with your friends.
Conclusion
To sum up things, we went through a brief introduction of the city along with a brief introduction of its culture. We also went through different activities and place to enjoy the nightlife of Vancouver like Ghost Tours, Night Drives and Museums. Such activities provide a great source of entertainment for tourists and locals as well.
We then went through a comprehensive list of bars available in Vancouver. No doubt, Vancouver has some of the swankiest and great bars to cater to your boozing needs. These exotic and swanky bars included Keefer Bar, The Diamond, and Alexander Gastown.
To fulfill your food craving we also looked at a list of bar-restaurants which provide delicious and exotic food along with a touch of booze. This delightful and amazing combination of food and booze really pushes the limits of Nightlife entertainment and adds a great value tour.
And finally, we explored a detailed list of nightclubs that provide premium nigh-time entertainment. Fortune Soundclub, Red Room Ultra Bar and Venue Nightclub were some of the clubs that provided the ultra-rich experience of dance and music.
Make sure to give try the above recommendation which will really add value to your tour, so that you won’t regret choosing bad options.
