6 Best Bars in Vancouver, British Columbia

Background Illustration for Nightlife

Vancouver might be best-known for its outdoors activities but this hip, young, innovative city delivers plenty of entertainment once the sun goes down.

Gone are the days of prohibition-era liquor laws (well, most, anyway) and the general loosening of regulations has helped liven up the city after dark. When you add in a surge of modern craft breweries, wine bars implementing the latest technology, a lively mix of festivals throughout the year, and the inspiration of a fantastic wine region nearby (the Okanagan),Vancouver's nightlife scene looks as fit as any seawall runner.

In nice weather, Vancouver is all about the patios—preferably waterfront. Otherwise, the younger set migrates to dance clubs while more laid-back types gather in friendly pubs (perhaps to watch the hockey game), live music venues hosting up-and-coming stars, and splashy cocktail bars where savvy mixologists cultivate city-wide followings.

Bar None

Once you hit Bar None, you never really have to leave Yaletown. This longtime favorite is the place to get your groove on after dinner and drinks. Wide wood beams, exposed brick, and trendy lighting give it that Yaletown warehouse history-meets-hip feel. Celebrated Vancouver DJs spin house and electronica on weekend nights, and international stars sometimes take over, too.

1222 Hamilton St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 2S8, Canada
604-689–7000

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Cabana Lounge

Bask in the aura of South Beach with fluorescent colors, chic cabanas, and a dance floor beneath the boughs of an acai tree. Local and international DJs keep the energy high and happening. FYI, dress to impress.  

1163 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1M1, Canada
778-251--3335

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Celebrities

True to its name, this gay hot spot has had celeb cred since the 1980s. Expect to find a young, scantily clad crowd bumping and grinding to club hits, house, electronic, and Top 40 on a huge dance floor equipped with the latest in sound, lighting, and visuals. Men and women are welcome.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Fortune Sound Club

This sound-system-centric dance club and performance venue keeps the audience guessing with a mix of shows (often with hip-hop leanings). The second-floor space has red oak flooring and manages to incorporate local and eco-friendly elements into the design.

Numbers

This veteran of the Davie Street strip features three levels of furious fun, from nightly DJs to karaoke, darts, and pool. There's dancing, too.
1042 Davie St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 1M3, Canada
604-685–4077

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The Red Room

A club for the crowds featuring a sunken dance floor and a mix of styles including reggae, salsa, hip-hop, merengue, and top-40 favorites.