Vancouver Nightlife: Vancouver is the place to party in Canada. This beautiful city offers everything from great DJ sets and all-day bars to trendy cocktail lounges and small plates. Get ready for a long day at the beach and soaking up the culture, and then experience all the nightlife the city has to offer. Here's the definitive guide to Vancouver's best bars and clubs.
Vancouver Nightlife
Canada 's third-largest metropolitan area . In terms of quality of life, Vancouver has the highest quality of life in the country, and was also the first city to be named among 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, attracting people from all over the world. The Canadian city is also known for its excellent theatre scene and numerous 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 takes place 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 , offering food, drink, music, and a unique atmosphere. The city offers top-notch nightlife with some of the trendiest bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Throughout the city, you'll find areas for nightlife, whether you want to listen to bands, sip cocktails, or dance the night away.
The city is home to a variety of funky venues, from bars and brewpubs to chic lounges and clubs. Most of Vancouver's nightlife is concentrated between Granville, Yaletown, and Main Street, with clubs featuring live music, DJs, and art events.
Nightlife in Vancouver
Vancouver's bars and clubs are a great way to party on the town, but the city is also famous for its unique after-dark activities that will make your tour unforgettable.
Vancouver Ghost Tour
If you love spooky things and the adrenaline rush they bring, then this paranormal nighttime activity is perfect for you. Ghostly Vancouver Tours offers historical walking tours of Greater Vancouver's most evocative haunted neighborhoods. They offer up to four tours a week. So, be sure to visit for a night of storytelling you won't soon forget!
Cabaret and comedy shows
Vancouver hosts a slew of fantastic local and international pranksters year-round. 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 place to unwind and forget all the stresses of everyday life.
For a night of laughter, head to the Improv Center on Granville Island. This lounge bar overlooks False Creek and offers themed evening shows featuring improv comedy.
Night skiing in Vancouver
Climb to the top of Grouse Mountain for a spectacular night ski experience. The views from most local ski areas are truly stunning and captivating during the day, but there's something truly special and magical about the nighttime vistas. The sea of stars stretching above the city lights and the glittering snowscape all around ensure a fantastic nighttime skiing and fun experience.
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 a cocktail, or dance the night away. Below are Vancouver'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 the city's best nightclubs and parties. This neon-lit locale is buzzing with people and energy, and its many bars and clubs stay open until the early hours.
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 reminiscent of Las Vegas . Whether you're looking for craft beers, Irish drinks, or cocktails, you'll find a bar to suit you. But the best part is bar-hopping, making new friends, and partying the night away.
Yaletown
The former warehouse district of downtown, Yaletown has a vibrant nightlife and is frequented by a more mature crowd than Granville's nightclubs. Here, you'll find several bars with a more relaxed and elegant atmosphere.
Gastown
Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, Gastown has become a popular nightlife spot in recent years , with a bar-centric scene. It's a great place for cocktails, but you can also find Irish pubs, wine bars, and beer halls. For a more refined atmosphere, many of the trendiest restaurants transform into bars later in the evening.
Kitsilano
Kitsilano is a beachside neighborhood in Vancouver, with nightlife that tends to center around small nightclubs and bars frequented by locals. There are plenty of pubs where you can grab a beer and watch the game, as well as neighborhood bistros with excellent cocktails and wine lists.
Davie Village
Located in the heart of Vancouver's West End, this gay-friendly neighborhood boasts a casual atmosphere and a wide array of bars and nightclubs, home to a large LGBTQ community. From the neighborhood's intimate spots, perfect for another glass of wine after dinner, to the hot, sweaty clubs and ultra-elegant lounges, the common denominator is open-mindedness and a desire to have fun.
Main Street
The Main Street neighborhood is Vancouver's favorite hipster hangout. It's the heart of the city's craft beer community, with tasting rooms packed with beer fanatics. If you're 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 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
Located in Chinatown, Fortune Sound Club is one of Vancouver's most popular clubs, with a consistently packed schedule of top Canadian and international DJs showcasing a musical mix of hip-hop, R&B, and techno. The club also hosts live music, various themed nights, and artist performances, as well as karaoke nights.
Bar None Nightclub (1222 Hamilton St, Vancouver)
Open Thursdays from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
Housed in a renovated warehouse and open for over 20 years, Bar None is one of Vancouver's most popular nightclubs . Primarily frequented by young people, Bar None becomes a lively spot on weekends, hosting local and international hipster DJs. On weekends, Bar None fills up with a young and hip crowd.
Celebrities Nightclub (1022 Davie St, Vancouver)
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
Located in Davie Village, Celebrities Nightclub is one of Vancouver's trendiest nightclubs and a popular spot for both tourists and locals. This venue first gained fame as a popular gay nightclub in Vancouver, but today it's a party spot for everyone, especially 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 at this club is casual, so dress comfortably and get ready to party all night.
Levels Nightclub (560 Seymour St, Vancouver)
Open Wednesdays 9:30 PM - 2:00 AM, Thursdays 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM, Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 PM - 3:00 AM.
One of Vancouver's most exciting nightclubs , Levels has quickly become one of the city's most popular nightlife hotspots. It features dance floors, bars, and VIP areas on three levels decorated with LED lights. The EDM-focused music showcases some of the world's most famous DJs.
The Roxy Cabaret (932 Granville St, Vancouver)
Open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM, and Friday to Sunday from 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
Located in a prime spot in the Granville Entertainment District, Roxy Cabaret is a Vancouver nightlife institution , attracting a diverse crowd, from college students to celebrities. A live band plays regularly, and themed nights promise energetic dance parties with a DJ that last until 3:00 AM.
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 Vancouver.
The Red Room (398 Richards St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 1:00 am, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am.
The Red Room Bar is one of Vancouver's hottest nightclubs and a great place to listen to good music. The room itself is large and can accommodate 450 people, and there are DJ and live music nights. Home to the best electronic music in the city, The Red Room also hosts Cancun Nights, Vancouver's best Latin music night featuring reggaeton, meringue, salsa, bachata, and more.
Harbour Event & Convention (750 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver)
Open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 PM to 5:30 AM.
This super-cool Vancouver nightclub attracts top DJs and 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, offering an intimate and welcoming environment that hosts Vancouver's up-and-coming bands and DJs, as well as burlesque parties, comedy shows, and retro dances.
There's live music of all kinds, but if you want to dance, go on Fridays. 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 transportation or taxi.
The Cobalt (917 Main St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday and Thursday from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
This historic comedy club is now a trendy nightclub hosting live concerts by bands of various musical genres. With a fantastic atmosphere, this club hosts DJs and live musicians and a variety of artistic events.
Gorg-O-Mish (695 Smithe St, Vancouver)
Open Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
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 underground music and dance until the sun comes up. The club features the best underground DJs, top house and techno. The party starts at 2:00 AM when other clubs have quietened down and continues until 8:00 AM.
The Junction (1138 Davie St, Vancouver)
Open daily from 1:30 PM to 3:00 AM.
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 nights, there's a drag show, and after 10:00 PM, the club transforms into a dance party, with DJs spinning the latest hits.
Fox Cabaret (2321 Main St, Vancouver)
Formerly an adult theater, Fox Cabaret is now a popular nightclub for '90s hip-hop nights, '80s dances, and improv comedy nights. The crowd is always relaxed and diverse, perfect for a sweaty late-night dance.
The Vogue Theatre (918 Granville St, Vancouver)
Housed in a former Art Deco cinema, The Vogue is a Vancouver nightclub that frequently hosts live music concerts and DJ nights.
The Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville St, Vancouver)
The Commodore Ballroom is a live music venue in Vancouver that hosts both emerging bands and established artists. The dance floor faces 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 7:00 PM, with boogie piano playing daily.
Vancouver's bars and pubs
Funky Winker Beans (37 W Hastings St, Vancouver)
Open Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 am–2:00 am, Friday and Saturday 11:00 am–3:00 am, and Sunday 11:00 am–1:00 am.
This East Vancouver bar hosts karaoke nights and has a hardcore atmosphere that makes it a favorite among metalheads and punk rockers. Fill up on cheap beer and scream your heart out.
Calabash Bistro (428 Carrall St, Vancouver)
Open Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
For a relaxing night out in Vancouver, Calabash is the place to be. They serve excellent Caribbean dishes and even a vegan menu, while cocktails, music, and dancing keep the party atmosphere going all night. Grab a Bordertown Swizzle and head downstairs, where small bands play during the week and house parties on the weekends.
The Keefer Bar (135 Keefer St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Thursday from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Friday and Saturday from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
This elegant Chinatown bar is a popular spot for 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. Kiefer Bar is one of Vancouver's most popular 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 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Located on the top floor of the Hotel Indigo, Witness Tree Lounge is Vancouver's premier rooftop bar. With breathtaking views of the Columbia River and the Portland skyline, the lounge offers a luxurious dining experience with indoor and outdoor balcony seating.
The Narrow Lounge (1898 Main St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Thursday from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
In true hideaway style, this Vancouver bar is hidden beneath a furniture store on Main Street and is unmarked. Note the red light. When it's on, the bar is open. A flight of stairs and a nondescript hallway lead to this elegant lounge with sumptuous interiors. From classic cocktails to refined bar food, enjoy a sophisticated evening in Vancouver.
The Shameful Tiki Room (4362 Main St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Thursday from 5:00 PM to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
This Vancouver bar is a nostalgic throwback to the heyday of tiki, with dim lighting, kitschy Polynesian decor, vintage cocktails, and the occasional ukulele player creating a fantastic atmosphere. The space features a thatched ceiling, carved wooden tikis, pufferfish lamps, vintage postcards permanently painted on the tabletop, and vintage tiki memorabilia on the floor.
Enjoy a Mai Tai or try the Vulcane Bowl, a potent concoction in a giant conch shell designed to be shared among friends. Unlike most clubs, the music here is kept low to allow for conversation, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed yet fun.
Six Shooter Bar (611 Main St, Vancouver)
With classic country tunes playing on the jukebox and whiskey shots 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 in the center of Main Street.
Guilt & Co. (1 Alexander Street, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Wednesday from 4:00 PM to midnight, Thursday from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and Friday and Saturday from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
This place has everything for lunch, dinner, and an extensive beer and wine list, along with quirky and absolutely delicious cocktails. From Latin folk bands to top DJs, there are events almost every night of the year, and happy hour runs until 7:00 PM.
The bar's space is welcoming and intimate, with something exciting happening every night, so there's 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 the middle and a round table lit by candles.
The Lobby Lounge and Rawbar (1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Wednesday from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, Thursday to Saturday from 9:00 am to midnight.
This elegant Vancouver bar is well-known among locals and tourists alike. High ceilings, stunning chandeliers, and a roaring fireplace create a cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxing with friends or a date. The cocktail menu features imaginative blends of premium spirits and quality ingredients, and the wine list is extensive. Local and visiting celebrities are often present.
The Cascade Room (2616 Main St, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Thursday to Sunday from 4:00 PM to midnight.
Located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, Cascade Room is a lively Vancouver bar modeled after a classic English pub, offering draft beers, great cocktails, wines, and refined pub fare. 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 from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Friday and Saturday from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
This bar features a rather dark entrance, with exposed brick walls and a candlelit space that creates a charming atmosphere for a drink and a chat. If you can, sit near the windows to enjoy the stunning nighttime view of Gastown.
Despite its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Diamond is very lively and noisy, making it a great place to hang out with friends. Known for its cocktails, the drinks menu features traditional recipes and original creations.
DOSALAS Latin Kitchen + tequila bar (777 Waterfront Wy Suite 201, Vancouver)
Open Monday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
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 delicious cocktails from their menu.
Brickhouse Bar & Grill (730 Main St, Vancouver)
Open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Sunday from 8:00 AM to midnight.
Enjoy comfy couches, live music, and shuffleboard at this high-ceilinged, family-friendly restaurant. A wide variety of classic American dishes and drinks are served, as well as some of Vancouver's best happy hour.
Shanahan’s Pub (209 W McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver)
Open Monday to Friday 11:00 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 10:00 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to midnight.
Located in downtown Vancouver, Shanahan's is a local favorite, with over 20 beers on tap and a varied menu for every meal of the day. Also enjoy the pool table and arcade games.
Uptown Barrel Room (2011 Main St, Vancouver)
Open Monday to Thursday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Housed in a barrel-shaped building, The Uptown Barrel Room offers fine pub cuisine, 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 from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, Thursday to Saturday from 7:00 am to midnight.
The Bacchus Lounge at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is an elegant place to enjoy English beers, a glass of wine, or a martini in a sumptuous setting of soft lighting, antique furnishings, and the soothing sound of a piano. Live entertainment is provided every evening and it's an ideal destination for couples.
Pourhouse (162 Water St, Vancouver)
Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to midnight.
A popular Vancouver cocktail bar serving classic cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere.
BREWHALL (97 E 2nd Ave, Vancouver)
Open Sunday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Located in a former steel mill, Brewhall is an atmospheric brewery offering great craft beer and tastings.
