3 Best Bars in Victoria, British Columbia

Background Illustration for Nightlife

Victoria's nightlife is low-key and casual, with many wonderful pubs, but a limited choice of other nightlife. Pubs offer a casual vibe for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon pint, often with a view and an excellent selection of beer. The pubs listed here all serve food, and many brew their own beer. Patrons must be 19 or older to enter a bar or pub in British Columbia, but many pubs have a separate restaurant section open to all ages. The city is enjoying a resurgence of cocktail culture, with several of Victoria's trendier restaurants doubling as lounges, offering cocktails and small plates well into the night. Dance clubs attract a young crowd and most close by 2 am. A dress code (no jeans or sneakers) may be enforced, but otherwise, attire is casual. Smoking is not allowed in Victoria's pubs, bars, and nightclubs—this applies both indoors and on patios.

Canoe Brewpub

Downtown
One of Victoria's biggest and best pub patios overlooks the Gorge, the waterway just north of the Inner Harbour. The interior of the former power station has been stylishly redone with high ceilings, exposed bricks, and wood beams. There's a wide range of in-house brews, top-notch bar snacks, and an all-ages restaurant. Live music from Thursday to Saturday adds to its happening vibe, usually with no cover charge.
450 Swift St., Victoria, BC, V8W 1S3, Canada
250-361–1940

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Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

Vic West
You can hop on an Inner Harbour Ferry to this local favorite on the Inner Harbour's north shore. Canada's first modern-day brewpub, it also has the city's longest menu of traditionally made in-house brews. A covered waterfront deck, a double-sided fireplace, excellent pub grub, and an all-ages in-house restaurant make this a popular hangout.
308 Catherine St., Victoria, BC, V9A 3S8, Canada
250-386–2739

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Swans Pub

Downtown
A stunning array of First Nations masks and other artworks hangs from the open rafters in this popular Downtown brewpub, where jazz, blues, and swing bands play nightly.
1601 Store St., Victoria, BC, V8W 1N6, Canada
250-940–7513

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