3 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.

Tap & Barrel

Fodor's choice

The 360-degree views from this convention center patio take in Stanley Park, the seaplane terminal, and the North Shore Mountains. You can sit inside, amid the wooden casks of wine (in addition to 36 beers on tap, there are more than 20 British Columbia wines on tap), but waiting for a seat on the deck is worth it if the weather even hints at sunshine. There's another location—and similarly large patio—on False Creek, another at North Vancouver's Shipyards district with equally stunning harbor views on a giant patio, and yet another giant patio venue on Granville Island.

The Main

This pub-meets-Greek restaurant is a long-standing neighborhood hangout, with after-work crowds stopping by for microbrews, signature cocktails, big-screen sports, and pub fare that ranges from souvlaki to nachos.

Parq Casino

This entertainment mecca encompasses a casino, two high-end hotels, several excellent dining options, and a spa. The 72,000-square-foot gaming space features 600 machines and Fortune high-limit slots, as well as table games that span two floors. Access to the casino is 24/7.

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