The eye candy is pretty terrific in Vancouver, B.C. — and the variety of bars and nightclubs will make sure you have a memorable time up the Yukon way.
You’re also likely to have more memory, too. In fact, you’ll be broke before you’re buzzed. By law, Canadian bartenders must pour their shots pre-measured. Expect to be surprised at how heavy-handed American bartenders can be. What’s that foreign taste in your bourbon and Coke? Why, it’s Coke!
The epicenter of Vancouver’s gay nightlife is Davie Village in the West End. Pride celebrations typically take place in August there — and often dovetail into the city’s international fireworks competition. Don’t be surprised if you get back to your hotel after sun sets over the march to see the night sky light up in a dizzying array of pyrotechnics.
Here’s the short list of Vancouver’s most popular nightspots.
Numbers:
Like to get your groove on while the twinks and truckers check you out? Generally Numbers is quite cruisy, and room to dance also means plenty of room to strut your stuff to maximum effect. Accordingly, DJs are on duty seven nights a week> there are three discrete and unique spots to perch and people watch. Because you’ll need a break, there’s also a karaoke room for you and a few pals.
Address: 1042 Davie Street
Website: numbers.ca
Phone: 604-685-4077
Celebrities
Here’s the nightspot where luminaries like RuPaul and Boy George are known to pop up. A local fixture on the scene for more than 25 years, Celebrities is also mixed. Guys, girls, straight, gay and everything in between are welcome. It’s a relaxed party atmosphere where you choose your own adventure.
Address: 1022 Davie Street
Website: celebritiesnightclub.com
Phone: 604-681-6180
Pump Jack
Recurring events have titles like BlowPop and Jacked, so you already know this is an edgier bar. Significantly. this the haven for bears and the leather community. The space is dimly lit and the bartenders serve as much smirk as they do booze. The clientele in particular ranges from friendly to handsy. Watch your wallet, and watch the swirl of hot humanity around you.
Address: 1167 Davie Street
Website: pumpjackpub.com
Phone: 604-685-3417
Score on Davie
Score is the LGBTQ’s sports bar in Vancouver. On the one hand, it’s got a mancave vibe and decadently appropriate pub food. On the other, it has a bit of that sorority house kitsch that keeps it from titling too heavily into testosterone overkill. Here’s where you’ll find your local members of the community hanging out and watching the Canucks tear it up. Chill. Low key. Mellow. So Remember: Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and “Hallelujah” songwriter Leonard Cohen all hail from Canada.
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Also check out:
The Best Gay Bars in Seattle
The Best Gay Bars in Portland
Last modified: April 2, 2019
