Someone once said that Vancouver’s nightlife is second to none, which may be a bit of a stretch when you consider the glittering gaga nightlife of, say, NYC, or Paris or London. But in fact, Vancouver does have its share of the nightlife, and is home to myriad nightclubs, lounges, bars, and pubs. Granville Street, in downtown Vancouver, is famous for its nightlife, and its sidewalks are crowded with bars, clubs, and restaurants. There are far too many in the city to list here, but here are a few of the more noteworthy ones.
Nightclubs
Boss Night Club — http://www.bossnightclub.net/
Formerly the Atlantis, the Boss Night Club is a glittering and hip nightclub featuring cool drinks and music, and a classy interior. The club also specializes in private functions.
Location:
1320 Richards Street
Vancouver, BC
Phone: (604) 662-7707
Biltmore Cabaret — http://www.biltmorecabaret.com/
Hipster dive with shabby-classy ambiance, the Biltmore features dark lighting, cozy velvet couches, a dance floor, and a small stage where venues are played nightly. Good selection of beers. Located beneath the Howard Johnson Hotel at Kingsway and East 12th Avenue.
Location:
2755 Prince Edward Street
Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-676-0541
The Alibi Room — http://www.alibi.ca/
More of a pub than anything, this Gastown gem features long trestle tables, all-wood interior (just like back in the old country), and an unparalleled selection of fine beers and ales. The Alibi can also be rented out for private functions and office parties.
Location:
157 Alexander Street
Vancouver, BC
(604) 623-3383
The Railway Club — http://www.therailwayclub.com/
The Railway Club is one of Vancouver’s oldest nightspots, and is one of the few places where you can “come as you are”; you’ll see it all here. Featuring live music and an intimate setting, the club is popular with locals and visitors alike. Low cover charge.
Location:
579 Dunsmuir St
Vancouver, BC
(604) 681-1625
Yuk Yuks Comedy Club — http://www.yukyuks.com/
Comedy club featuring local and visiting comedians, beer, and popcorn. Yuk Yuks’ motto is “to make more fun and live it.” Good place to catch a few laughs.
Location:
1015 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC
(604) 696-9857
The Roxy — http://www.roxyvan.com/
Landmark Vancouver nightclub featuring live music. Said to be a Vancouver staple. Canucks players and Nickelback members have been spotted here. Website currently under construction (updating).
Location:
932 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
(604) 331-7999 – Office
To get on the guest list:
info@roxyvan.com or call 604-331-7999
Brandi’s — http://www.brandislounge.com/
A nightclub seeking to bridge the gap between clubs and exotic entertainment. Adults only.
Location:
595 Hornby Street
5th Floor
Vancouver, BC
(604) 684-2000
Dress Code: smart casual
Casinos
Casinos are popular with Vancouverites, and a lot of people regularly travel down to the casino at Tulalip, in Washington State, but as there are several casinos right in town, traveling for entertainment is optional.
Grand Villa Casino and Hotel — http://grandvillacasino.com/
A newer casino in the area, the Grande Villa offers a luxurious stay at its hotel or exciting entertainment at its casino. Décor is Italian, villa-like. Over 100,000 square feet of gaming space, two bars, restaurants, and show lounge.
Location:
4331 Dominion Street
Burnaby, BC
(Off Highway 1, Willingdon Exit)
Phone 604.436.221
River Rock Casino Resort — http://www.riverrock.com/
Western Canada’s biggest casino resort with 24-hour gaming and a 70,000 square foot casino. Also featuring a hotel, restaurants, entertainment, and more. Located in Richmond.
Location:
8811 River Road
Richmond BC
Tel. 604.273.1895
info@gcgaming.com
Edgewater Casino — http://www.edgewatercasino.ca/
Vancouver’s premier downtown casino, right on the edge of False Creek, offering world-class entertainment, gaming, and dining.
Location:
311-750 Pacific Blvd.
Vancouver, BC
Tel. 604.687.3343
Fax. 604.687.4279
Toll Free. 1.877.688.3343
info@edgewatercasino.ca
Expat Groups
Because Vancouver is such a cosmopolitan, diverse city, and the official language is English, expats tend to mingle with the locals and the tendency to band together is less than it would be in other, less-cosmopolitan cities. Still, a few expat groups do exist, mostly through Meetup.com. Another place to find expats of similar origin and/or groups would be through the social networking site, Facebook.
The Original Vancouver British Expats Group — http://www.meetup.com/BritishExpat/
The Vancouver Expat Australian Meetup Group — http://aussie.meetup.com/164/
The Vancouver Polish Language Meetup Group — http://www.meetup.com/The-Vancouver-Polish-Language-Meetup-Group/
The Vancouver Swiss-German Language Meetup Group — http://german.meetup.com/359/
