I don’t know if it’s just me, but I keep seeing people say Vancouver’s nightlife is awful.. My social media is flooded with complaints—bars and clubs are dead, the dancing is awkward, and the crowd is either too stiff or too cliquey. Whether it’s TikTok rants or Instagram comments, the consensus seems to be that going out in Vancouver just isn’t fun as other cities. But is it really that bad, or are people just exaggerating? Maybe the city’s nightlife scene is just different from what people expect. 

One thing I will say, from an insider’s perspective, Vancouver doesn’t really have anything to it. Like think about it, Whistler has skiing and the whole Apres scene, Calgary is all fun country bars and the Stampede, Toronto is all Drake, and Vancouver has ….. The rain? I mean correct me if I’m wrong but as someone who has grown up in Vancouver I just can’t say we got a lot going on besides our beautiful scenery. 

I also strongly agree that the group you’re with can make or break your night. The right people can turn even the most mediocre boring bar into a party, while the wrong vibe can make the best club feel dull. If you’re out with a fun, energetic group who are ready to dance, laugh, and make the most of the night, you’re almost guaranteed to have a great time. A solid girls’ night is always a win—fun energy, inside jokes, and a “we’re making this fun no matter what” mindset can turn any night into a memorable one. It can even just be me and my best friend, and we will make a simple duo into a party. 

Not to sound like a huge complainer but I do have a couple of complaints that are for the most part, completely out of my control that I think adds to the dull Vancouver nightlife. 

• The Rain

I mean they don’t call it Raincouver for nothing.  Nothing sucks more than putting on a good outfit, doing your hair, maybe putting a little makeup on and then stepping outside and looking like a drenched rat. I mean yes, I know rain jackets and umbrellas are a thing but it’s just a struggle. The jacket ruins the outfit and then the umbrella is just annoying to carry around the bar. I mean if there’s a coat check then it can be somewhat okay but if there’s not do you really want to be carrying around your puffer coat and a sopping wet umbrella? I didn’t think so. 

• The Money

It’s impossible to not spend at least over $50 on a night out and that is being very very budget friendly. The pre-drinks, the ubers there and back, the insane cover fees, and of course, the overpriced beer. It’s gotten way out of hand, it’s straight robbery. Like really? $25 just to step foot in a bar that’s half-empty with weak music and no vibe? No thanks, I’ll pass. And don’t even get me started on drinks—$12 for a watered-down vodka soda? At that point, I might as well stay home and throw my own party. Certainly would save me from waking up with a huge dent in my wallet accompanied with a pounding headache from cheap vodka shots. 

• The People

To be quite frank, I think people have just gotten plain rude. What happened to a simple, excuse me?  Instead of a polite tap on the shoulder or a quick “sorry,” I’m just getting shoved out of the way like I don’t exist! I get your in the moment, probably drunk and not thinking right, but c’mon, just a little bit of human decency would be nice right? Whether it’s at the bar, on the dance floor, or even just walking through a crowded space, people seem more impatient and self-absorbed than ever. It’s like common courtesy has been replaced with this entitled, every-person-for-themselves attitude. A night out is supposed to be fun, but when you’re constantly getting elbowed aside with zero acknowledgment, it definitely kills the vibe.

So, although Vancouver’s nightlife has its fair share of disappointments, there are still a few spots that never let me down. Here’s my go-to list of places that actually bring the energy and make a night out worth it.

The Roxy

I know, I know, I might already be scaring you with this one but hear me out. 2 words. Country Sundays. How could you not want that fun? The music is a live band, the bartenders are great, and the people are there for just straight good times. It’s also more of a casual vibe, no need to put on a collared shirt or a dress, jeans and a tee shirt do just fine. This place is a generational hit. I mean even my parents have some crazy stories from their Roxy days so it’s funny to fill them in on my nights at this classic joint. My best friend’s parents even met in the Roxy so if you’re having no luck on the dating apps, take this as your sign to hit up the Roxy. But seriously, I’ve never had a night go south there, it’s one of those places that just makes you want to dance. 

The Blarney Stone

An Irish bar? Enough said. Sign me up. I mean really how could you go wrong with an Irish bar. Nothing like throwing back pints of Guinness with “Shipping Up To Boston” blasting in your ears right? This place has great live music too. I know usually bars and clubs have DJs but in my opinion, live music rocks compared to corny mash ups and house beats. Located in the heart of Gastown if you’re looking for a place to get your night right, Blarney has got you covered. 

The Yale

I’m a sucker for country music and beer. And The Yale hits both of those marks so that’s why it lands at the number 3 spot for me. The cover fee is a bit steep but honestly, I’ve never regretted paying it. Bring out your cowboy boots and hat for this one, and brush up on your line dancing and you will fit right in. But if country music isn’t your thing, then I’d skip this one because it’s literally just country music all night.

The Granville Warehouse

Throwing in a bar for good measure, the Warehouse is the place you want to be if you’re looking to throw some drinks back with friends over conversation and good music, this is more of a sit down place you can order food at too. And the best part, cheapest drinks and food you will find in the city. I think you can grab a beer for like $5. I don’t know anywhere else downtown Vancouver where you can do that! 

At the end of the day, Vancouver’s nightlife might not be perfect, but with the right places, the right people, and the right mindset, you can still make a great night out of it—just don’t expect it to come cheap or without a few annoyances along the way. But either way, if you hit up one of these spots at least you can guarantee that your on the right path for having a good night.