British Columbia’s biggest city often gets criticized for having a quieter nightlife scene than most places its size, but the coastal Canadian hotspot has plenty to offer evening crowds at the best bars in Vancouver—if you know where to look. The bar scene here has firmly entered its sophomore era, with both new and established businesses unshackling themselves from what they think they should be doing, and instead simply doing what they want: The early 2010s saw the start of Vancouver’s cocktail movement—spurred by the global spotlight of the Winter Olympics, along with the opening of some heavyweights like The Keefer Bar (more on that below) and now-closed The Diamond. These days, with that history firmly in place, a dedicated crop of proprietors and barkeeps are propelled by a desire to give this city the bar scene it deserves; one that is lively, fun, and unafraid to take risks. From the 1970s holdout you need to know about to contemporary hidden gems, these are the best bars in Vancouver.
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How we choose the best bars in Vancouver
Every bar on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that bar. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable bars, and weigh stand-out drinks, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.
https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-bars-in-vancouver