Vancouver Nightlife: Vancouver is the place to party in Canada. This gorgeous city offers everything from great DJ sets and all-day bars to trendy cocktail bars and small plates. Get ready for a long day at the beach and soaking up the culture, and at night experiencing all the nightlife the city has to offer. Here is the ultimate guide to the best bars and nightclubs in Vancouver.
Nightlife Vancouver
With more than 2 million residents, Vancouver is the most populous city in Western Canada and the third largest metropolitan area in Canada . In terms of quality of life, Vancouver was the country with the highest quality of life, and was also the first city to be named in the top 10 most livable cities in the world for five consecutive years.
Vancouver is a city known for its arts and culture, as well as its multi-ethnic population, as it attracts people from all over the world. The Canadian city is also known for its excellent theater scene and several related annual events, including the Push International Performing Arts Festival in January and the Vancouver Fringe Festival in September.
Another major event taking place in the city is the Vancouver International Film Festival , which is held every September for two weeks and screens over 350 films, making it one of the largest film festivals in North America.
Part of that culture is Vancouver's vibrant nightlife , which offers food, drink, music, and a unique atmosphere. The city offers the ultimate in night time entertainment with some of the hottest bars, restaurants and live music venues. Throughout the city, you'll find areas for nightlife, whether it's listening to bands, sipping cocktails or dancing the night away.
The city is home to a number of very funky pubs, from bars and brewpubs to chic lounges and clubs. Most of Vancouver's nightlife is concentrated between Granville, Yaletown and Main Street with nightclubs featuring live music, DJs and arts events.
Night time activities in Vancouver
Vancouver's bars and nightclubs are a great way to spend a party night on the town, but the city is also very famous for its unique after dark activities that will make your tour one to remember.
Vancouver Ghost Tour
If you love spooky things and the adrenaline it gives, then this paranormal night activity is perfect for you. Ghostly Vancouver Tours offers history walking tours of Greater Vancouver's most atmospheric haunted neighborhoods. They have up to 4 tours per week. So, make sure you visit this place for a night of storytelling you won't soon forget!
Cabaret and comedy shows
Vancouver is home to a huge amount of fantastic local and international pranksters throughout the year. There are some venues that showcase amateur talent that are always thrilling, even if they don't capture a celebrity. These places are the perfect places to release and forget all the tensions of everyday life.
For a night of laughter, head to the Improv Center on Granville Island. This lounge bar overlooks False Creek and offers nightly themed shows with improv comedy.
Night skiing in Vancouver
Climb to the top of Grouse Mountain for some great night skiing. The views from most of the local ski areas are truly stunning and mesmerizing during the day, but there is something very special and magical about the views at night. The sea of stars that extends above the city lights and the snowy landscape that glitters all around ensures a fantastic experience of night sports and entertainment.
Where to go out at night in Vancouver
The city is teeming with neighborhoods where you can enjoy a night out, listen to bands play, sip cocktails or dance the night away. Here are Vancover's best nightlife areas :
The Granville Entertainment District
Since the 1990s, the Granville entertainment district has been the center of Vancouver's nightlife , home to Vancouver's best nightclubs and best parties. This neon-lit place is buzzing with people and energy, and there are plenty of bars and clubs that stay open until the wee hours of the morning.
The city's original red-light district, Granville Street caters to young college students and is lined with pubs, nightclubs and live music venues, with atmospheres worthy of Las Vegas . Whether you're looking for craft beers, Irish drinks or cocktails, you'll find several bars to suit you, but the best part is navigating from bar to bar, making new friends and partying all night long.
Yaletown
The former warehouse district of downtown, Yaletown has a vibrant nightlife and is frequented by a more mature crowd than the nightclubs in Granville. Here you will find several bars with a more relaxed and elegant atmosphere.
Gastown
Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, Gastown has become a popular location for Vancouver nightlife in recent years , with a scene centered around bars. It's a great place for cocktails, but you can also find Irish pubs, wine bars and beer gardens. For a more refined atmosphere, many of the trendier restaurants turn into bars later in the evening.
Kitsilane
Kitsilano is a beachfront Vancouver neighborhood, with nightlife that tends to be concentrated in small nightclubs and bars frequented by locals. There are many pubs where you can have a beer and watch the game, and neighborhood bistros with great cocktails and wine lists.
Davie Village
Located in the heart of the West End, this gay-friendly neighborhood features a casual atmosphere and a wide range of Vancouver bars and nightclubs that are home to a large LGBTQ community. From intimate neighborhood spots, perfect for another after-dinner glass of wine, to hot, sweaty clubs and ultra-stylish lounges, the common denominator is open-mindedness and a desire to have fun.
Main Street
The Main Street neighborhood is a favorite hangout for Vancouver's hipsters. It is the heart of the city's craft beer community, with tasting rooms filled with beer fanatics. If you are looking for a dance floor, there are also several nightclubs in the area.
Clubs and discos in Vancouver
Fortune Sound Club (147 E Pender St, Vancouver)
Open Monday, Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 2am.
Located in Chinatown, Fortune Sound Club is one of the most famous nightclubs in Vancouver, with a calendar always full of the best Canadian and international DJs showcasing a musical mix that spans hip-hop, R&B and techno. The club also hosts live music, various theme nights and artist performances, as well as karaoke nights.
Bar None Nightclub (1222 Hamilton St, Vancouver)
Open Thursday 10pm to 2am, Friday and Saturday 10pm to 3am.
Housed in a restored warehouse and open for over 20 years, Bar None is one of Vancouver's most popular nightclubs . Mainly frequented by young people, Bar None becomes a lively place on weekends, hosting local and international hipster DJs. On weekends, Bar None fills with a young, hip crowd.
Celebrities Nightclub (1022 Davie St, Vancouver)
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10pm to 3am.
Located in Davie Village, Celebrities Nightclub is one of Vancouver's hottest nightclubs and is one of the most popular spots for both tourists and locals. This place became famous as a popular gay nightclub in Vancouver, but today it is a party spot for everyone, especially popular on Tuesday nights.
Celebrity lives up to its reputation with edgy parties, captivating DJs and unforgettable dance nights. Vancouver's largest gay nightclub has been a popular venue for extravagant dance parties since the 1980s. The dress code in this club is casual, so dress comfortable and get ready to party the night away.
Levels Nightclub (560 Seymour St, Vancouver)
Open Wednesday 9.30pm to 2am, Thursday 10pm to 2am, Friday and Saturday 9.30pm to 3am.
One of Vancouver's hottest nightclubs , Levels has quickly become one of the most popular nightlife hotspots in the city. There are dance floors, bars and VIP areas on three levels decorated with LED lights. The EDM-focused music showcases some of the world's most popular DJs.
The Roxy Cabaret (932 Granville St, Vancouver)
Open Monday to Thursday 9pm to 3am, Friday to Sunday 8pm to 3am.
Located in a prime location in the Granville Entertainment District, Roxy Cabaret is a Vancouver nightlife institution and attracts a diverse crowd, from college students to celebrities. A live band plays regularly and theme nights promise energetic dance parties with a DJ that last until 3am.
Even if you don't like dancing, this is a place to socialize, meet new people and make new friends in Vancouver. This club is known for hosting some of the best live music in all of Vancouver.
The Red Room (398 Richards St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Thursday 10am to 1am, Friday and Saturday 9pm to 3am.
The Red Room Bar is one of Vancouver's hottest nightclubs and a great place for those who want to listen to good music. The room itself is large and can accommodate 450 people and there are evenings with DJs and live music. Home to the best electronic music in the city, The Red Room is also home to Cancun Nights, Vancouver's best Latin night featuring reggaeton, meringue, salsa, bachata and more.
Harbour Event & Convention (750 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver)
Open Monday to Saturday from 11pm to 5.30am.
This Vancouver super nightclub attracts top DJs and music artists. The spectacular space features a state-of-the-art dance floor with high-tech sound, LED lighting, CO2 cannons and confetti.
Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver)
Located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, Biltmore Cabaret is a staple of Vancouver's music and nightlife scene. This Vancouver nightclub aims to highlight the local music scene, an intimate and welcoming environment that hosts Vancouver's up-and-coming bands and DJs, as well as burlesque, comedy and retro dance parties.
There is live music of all kinds, but if you want to dance, go on a Friday. Expect indie, rock, alternative, 80s, 90s, mainstream hits and other fun stuff. The location is a bit far from the city center but easily accessible by public transport or taxi.
The Cobalt (917 Main St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday and Thursday 9pm to 2am, Friday and Saturday 8am to 2am.
This historic cabaret venue is now a trendy nightclub that hosts live concerts by bands from various musical genres. With a great atmosphere, this club hosts live DJs and musicians and a variety of artistic events.
Gorg-O-Mish (695 Smithe St, Vancouver)
Open Saturday and Sunday 2am to 8am.
Gorg-O-Mish is Vancouver's best after party club . This after-hours nightclub on Smith Street in Vancouver is the perfect place to listen to his underground music and dance until the sun comes up. The club features the best underground, top house and techno DJs. The party starts at 2am when other clubs are quiet and continues until 8am.
The Junction (1138 Davie St, Vancouver)
Open daily from 1.30pm to 3am.
Both a pub and a nightclub, The Junction is one of Vancouver's hottest gay bars, hosting fun events, themed nights and local DJs every week. On Saturday evening there is a drag queen show and, after 10pm, the club transforms into a dance party, with DJs playing current hits.
Fox Cabaret (2321 Main St, Vancouver)
Formerly a red-light theater, the Fox Cabaret is now a popular nightclub for '90s hip-hop nights, '80s dances and improv comedy nights. The crowd is always relaxed and a mix of people, perfect for a late night sweaty dance.
The Vogue Theatre (918 Granville St, Vancouver)
Located in a former Art Deco cinema, The Vogue is a Vancouver nightclub that often hosts live music concerts and DJ nights.
The Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville St, Vancouver)
The Commodore Ballroom is a live concert club in Vancouver that hosts both emerging bands and established artists. The dance floor is in front of the stage with limited seating.
The Revel Room (238 Abbott St, Vancouver)
The Level Room hosts high-energy live bands playing rockabilly, blues, old country, Texas swing, boogie-woogie and soul. The evening starts at 7pm, with the boogie piano playing every day.
Vancouver's bars and pubs
Funky Winker Beans (37 W Hastings St, Vancouver)
Open Wednesday and Thursday 11am to 2am, Friday and Saturday 11am to 3am, Sunday 11am to 1am.
This East Vancouver bar hosts karaoke nights and has a hardcore vibe that makes it a hangout for metalheads and punk rockers. Fill yourself with cheap beer and shout at the top of your lungs.
Calabash Bistro (428 Carrall St, Vancouver)
Open Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 2am.
For a relaxing evening in Vancouver, Calabash is the place to be. They prepare great Caribbean dishes and even a vegan menu, while the cocktails, music and dancing keep the party atmosphere alive all night long. Grab a Bordertown Swizzle and head downstairs, where small bands play during the week and there are house music parties on the weekends.
The Keefer Bar (135 Keefer St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Thursday 4pm to 1am, Friday and Saturday 4pm to 2am.
This elegant Chinatown bar is a popular spot for a happy hour in Vancouver. The bar boasts a menu of apothecary-inspired botanical cocktails and house-made tinctures. Evening entertainment includes rotating DJs and other special events. The Kiefer Bar is one of Vancouver's most famous bars , ideal for sipping delicious cocktails in an intimate setting. When the weather is nice, you can sit outside on the patio and warm up by the fire pit.
Witness Tree Lounge (510 Waterfront Way, Vancouver)
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm to 10pm.
located on the top floor of Hotel Indigo, Witness Tree Lounge is Vancouver's best rooftop bar. With breathtaking views of the Columbia River and Portland skyline, the lounge offers an upscale dining experience with indoor and outdoor balcony seating.
The Narrow Lounge (1898 Main St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Thursday 5pm to 1am, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 2am.
In true hideaway style, this Vancouver bar is hidden under a furniture store on Main Street and is unmarked. Notice the red light. If lit, the bar is open. A flight of stairs and an anonymous corridor lead to this elegant living room with sumptuous interiors. From classic cocktails to refined bar fare, enjoy a trip to a sophisticated evening in Vancouver.
The Shameful Tiki Room (4362 Main St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Thursday 5pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 1am.
This Vancouver bar is a nostalgic throwback to the heyday of tiki, with dim lighting, kitschy Polynesian decor, vintage cocktails and an occasional ukulele player doing everything to ensure a great atmosphere. The space features a thatched ceiling, carved wooden tikis, puffer fish-shaped lamps, permanently painted vintage postcards on the table and vintage tiki memorabilia on the floor.
Enjoy a Mai Tai or try the Vulcane Bowl, a potent concoction in a giant seashell meant to be shared among friends. Unlike most clubs, the music here is turned down to allow for conversation and the overall vibe is relaxed but fun.
Six Shooter Bar (611 Main St, Vancouver)
With classic country tunes playing from the jukebox and shots of whiskey at the bar, Six Shooter Bar immerses you in the atmosphere of the American West and rock 'n' roll. Open late, this Vancouver bar offers live entertainment and is a great nightlife option on Main Street downtown.
Guilt & Co. (1 Alexander Street, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Wednesday 4pm to midnight, Thursday 4pm to 1am, Friday and Saturday 4pm to 2am.
This place has everything for lunch, dinner and an extensive beer and wine list and quirky and absolutely delicious cocktails. From Latin folk bands to top DJs, there are events most nights of the year and happy hour until 7pm.
The space offered by the bar is cozy and intimate, there is something exciting every night, so there is never a dull moment. Sit back and enjoy performances by a wide variety of musicians. The evening band plays on a small stone-walled stage with a small dance floor in between and a candle-lit round table.
The Lobby Lounge and Rawbar (1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Wednesday from 9am to 11pm, Thursday to Saturday from 9am to midnight.
This stylish Vancouver bar is well known to both locals and tourists. High ceilings, beautiful chandeliers and a roaring fireplace create a cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxing with friends or on a date. The cocktail menu features imaginative concoctions of premium spirits and quality ingredients, and the wine list is extensive. There are often local and visiting celebrities.
The Cascade Room (2616 Main St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Wednesday 4pm to 11pm, Thursday to Sunday 4pm to midnight.
In the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, Cascade Room is a lively Vancouver bar modeled on classic English pubs offering draft beers, great cocktails, wines and refined pub food. There's always something going on: video game challenges, tap takeovers, live music, themed parties and more.
The Diamond (6 Powell St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Thursday 6pm to 1am, Friday and Saturday 6pm to 2am.
This bar features a rather dark entrance, with exposed brick walls and the space lit by candles which create a lovely atmosphere for a drink and a chat. If you have the chance, sit near the windows to enjoy the beautiful night view of Gastown.
Despite its welcoming and warm atmosphere, Diamond is very lively and noisy, making it an ideal place to hang out with friends. Known for its cocktails, the drink menu is based on traditional recipes and original creations.
DOSALAS Latin Kitchen + tequila bar (777 Waterfront Wy Suite 201, Vancouver)
Open Monday to Thursday 12pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11.30am to 12am, Sunday 10am to 10pm.
DOSALAS is a small bar and restaurant inspired by Latin American influences. Dine on the water in a luxurious, modern and chic setting, paired with the delicious cocktails on their menu.
Brickhouse Bar & Grill (730 Main St, Vancouver)
Open Monday to Saturday 8pm to 2am, Sunday 8am to midnight.
Enjoy comfortable sofas, live music and shuffleboard at this high-ceilinged, family-friendly restaurant. A wide variety of classic American dishes and drinks are served here, as well as some of the best happy hours in Vancouver.
Shanahan’s Pub (209 W McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver)
Open Monday to Friday 11am to midnight, Saturday 10am to midnight, Sunday 9am to midnight.
Located in downtown Vancouver, Shanahan's is a favorite in the area, with over 20 beers on tap and a varied menu for every meal of the day. Also have fun with billiards and arcade games.
Uptown Barrel Room (2011 Main St, Vancouver)
Open Monday to Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 11pm, Sunday 9am to 9pm.
Housed in a barrel-shaped building, The Uptown Barrel Room offers fine pub fare, as well as a wide selection of craft beers, cocktails and more than 50 wines.
Bacchus Lounge (845 Hornby St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Wednesday 7am to 11pm, Thursday to Saturday 7am to midnight.
The Bacchus Lounge at Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is an elegant place to enjoy English ales, a glass of wine or a martini in a sumptuous setting of soft lighting, antique furniture and the tranquil sound of a piano. There is live entertainment every evening and it is a great destination for couples.
Pourhouse (162 Water St, Vancouver)
Open daily from 11.30am to midnight.
A popular Vancouver cocktail bar that prepares great classic cocktails in a relaxed environment.
BREWHALL (97 E 2nd Ave, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Thursday from 11.30am to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 11.30am to 1am.
Located in a former steelworks, Brewhall is an atmospheric brewery offering great craft beer and tastings.
