This is the third installment in our “Best Event Venues” series - where we explore some of the best venues for conferences, tradeshows and expos in different cities, along with nearby dining and attractions for each. We kicked it off with Toronto (part 1 and part 2) and now are excited to bring you our first look at event venues in Vancouver. Have a request for a specific city or a feature? Get in touch with us at hello@pheedloop.com. 

We’re no stranger to event venues in Vancouver, having supported many events throughout the years in the beautiful ocean-front city. Today, we're sharing recommendations around the city's exceptional venue landscape, featuring outstanding options deserving of a spot on every event planner's radar.

Planning an intimate corporate retreat, a mid-sized conference, or a spectacular gala? This guide will introduce you to venues combining distinctive character with practical functionality. Waterfront destinations, historic landmarks, and contemporary event spaces all prove why Vancouver is one of North America's premier event destinations.

Large-Scale Venues

Rogers Arena

Home to the Vancouver Canucks and located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Rogers Arena is a versatile venue for conferences, meetings, and private events hosted across a wide range of dedicated function rooms, club spaces, concourses, and premium lounges. Conferences and corporate events are not held in the arena bowl itself, but instead take place in these purpose-built spaces designed for flexibility, flow, and production support!

Depending on the room and layout, Rogers Arena can host events ranging from intimate boardroom meetings of 15 to 30 attendees to large-scale receptions, banquets, and exhibitions welcoming 1,000 to more than 3,000 guests. Key spaces include the Concourse, which can accommodate up to 3,300 attendees for receptions, the Club, ideal for events of up to 1,000 guests, and the Arena Floor, which supports nearly 1,500 attendees in theatre-style seating or up to 1,250 for receptions. This range of options makes Rogers Arena well suited for multi-room conferences, networking-focused programs, and events that require seamless attendee movement and scalable event technology.

👉 Book an event at the Rogers Arena

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• Miku Vancouver – Aburi-style Japanese cuisine with waterfront location
• Cardero's Restaurant – West Coast seafood dining in Coal Harbour
• The Flying Pig – Contemporary Canadian comfort food
• Hawksworth Restaurant – Fine dining in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Nearby, attendees can explore BC Place Stadium, the historic Vancouver Lookout, or take a short walk to the beautiful waterfront seawall. The Vancouver Art Gallery and Robson Street shopping district are within easy reach.

BC Place

As Western Canada's largest stadium venue, BC Place offers over 242,000 square feet of event space with a retractable roof, making it perfect for year-round large-scale conferences, trade shows, and conventions. Its downtown location near the waterfront and proximity to major hotels makes it exceptionally convenient for attendees. The venue features modern amenities, impressive technical capabilities, and flexible space configurations that can accommodate events ranging from intimate executive meetings of 10 attendees to large-scale exhibitions and receptions of up to 10,000 people.

👉 Book an event at BC Place

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• The Pint Public House – Gastropub with local craft beers
• Craft Beer Market – Extensive beer selection with comfort food
• Homer St. Cafe & Bar – Contemporary West Coast cuisine
• Provence Marinaside – French Mediterranean dining with patio

The venue's location puts attendees steps from Science World, False Creek seawall, Yaletown's vibrant restaurant scene, and easy SkyTrain access to all of Vancouver's attractions.

Vancouver Convention Centre

Located on Vancouver’s stunning waterfront, the Vancouver Convention Centre is one of Canada’s premier conference and convention venues, offering over 466,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibition space across its West and East buildings. Known for its sustainable design and iconic architecture, the venue is ideal for large-scale conferences, international conventions, and trade shows. Its downtown location places attendees within walking distance of major hotels, transit, and Vancouver’s top attractions.

👉 Book an event at the Vancouver Convention Centre

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• Cardero’s – West Coast seafood and waterfront dining
• Cactus Club Cafe (Coal Harbour) – Casual upscale Canadian fare
• Tap & Barrel – Craft beers with harbour views
• Miku – Aburi-style Japanese cuisine

The Vancouver Convention Centre is steps from Stanley Park, Canada Place, Coal Harbour, the Seawall, and the FlyOver Canada experience, with easy access to Waterfront Station for SkyTrain, SeaBus, and regional transit connections.

Vancouver Aquarium

Nestled in the heart of Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium offers a truly unique and immersive event setting surrounded by marine life and coastal scenery. The venue features a range of distinctive indoor and outdoor event spaces, making it ideal for receptions, galas, corporate mixers, and evening networking events. From the dramatic Pacific Canada Pavilion to open-air terraces, events are enhanced by live exhibits, interactive experiences, and a memorable atmosphere that encourages connection and conversation. 

👉 Book an event at the Vancouver Aquarium

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• Stanley Park Teahouse – Fine dining in a heritage setting surrounded by forest
• The Fish House in Stanley Park – Classic seafood and West Coast cuisine
• Lift Bar Grill View – Waterfront dining with views of Coal Harbour and the marina
• English Bay Beach – Popular spot for sunsets and waterfront walks
• Stanley Park Seawall – Scenic walking and cycling paths around the park

Vancouver Aquarium visitors and event attendees can enjoy easy access to beaches, trails, gardens, and ocean views, while still being just minutes from downtown Vancouver and nearby hotels.

Unique & Creative Spaces

Science World

A stunning Vancouver icon featuring a geodesic dome, Science World combines architectural drama with modern event amenities across multiple flexible spaces. Originally built for Expo 86, this waterfront venue features interactive exhibits, the OMNIMAX Theatre, and the Green Roof Terrace with tent accommodations. Perfect for corporate events, conferences, product launches, and galas for up to 1,800 guests, Science World offers both indoor sophistication and outdoor spaces with breathtaking False Creek and downtown skyline views.

👉 Book an event at the Science World

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• The Parlour – Italian cuisine in Mount Pleasant
• AnnaLena – Modern Canadian fine dining
• Tap & Barrel Olympic Village – Waterfront brewpub dining
• Heritage Asian Eatery – Contemporary Asian fusion

Located just steps from Main Street-Science World SkyTrain station, attendees can explore Olympic Village, the False Creek seawall, and the vibrant Main Street and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods with their independent boutiques and cafés.

The Permanent

A beautifully restored heritage venue in Gastown, The Permanent combines early 1900s charm with modern event capabilities. This versatile space features original brick walls, high ceilings, elegant lighting, and multiple configurations across its sophisticated layout. Perfect for conferences, corporate celebrations, product launches, and networking events for up to 263 people (including staff), the venue's character provides a memorable backdrop while offering state-of-the-art AV capabilities and a complimentary on-site event coordinator.

👉 Book an event at The Permanent

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• L'Abattoir – French-inspired fine dining
• Steamworks Brewpub – Craft brewery with contemporary dining
• Pourhouse – Upscale cocktail bar and restaurant
• The Botanist – Pacific Northwest cuisine with rooftop patio

Located in historic Gastown, attendees can explore cobblestone streets, the famous Steam Clock, independent boutiques, art galleries, and the nearby waterfront and Canada Place.

The Modern Vancouver

An industrial-chic event space in the heart of downtown, The Modern Vancouver offers exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. This 3,000+ square-foot venue provides a blank canvas for corporate events, conferences, and celebrations, with flexible configurations for up to 120 guests. The venue's contemporary aesthetic and central location make it particularly attractive for tech companies and creative agencies.

👉 Book an event at The Modern Vancouver

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• Mott 32 – Contemporary Chinese cuisine
• Nightingale – Canadian farm-to-table dining
• Black+Blue – Premium steakhouse
• Chambar – Belgian-inspired fine dining

The venue's downtown location provides easy access to the Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Street shopping, Pacific Centre mall, and excellent transit connections including the Canada Line.

Hotels with Built-In Conference Spaces

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

With over 63,000 square feet (across multiple venues) of elegant meeting space including two grand ballrooms and 22 meeting rooms, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is a premium choice for conferences and corporate events. This iconic heritage hotel in the heart of downtown features the stunning Pacific Ballroom with 23-foot ceilings and crystal chandeliers. The hotel's 557 guest rooms make it ideal for large conferences where most attendees need accommodation, and the dedicated event planning team ensures seamless execution.

👉 Book an event at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• Notch8 Restaurant – On-site dining with classic elegance
• Hawksworth Restaurant – Fine dining nearby at Rosewood
• Carlino – Italian dining on Robson Street
• Hydra Estiatorio – Greek fine dining with fresh seafood and farm fare

The hotel's central location puts attendees steps from the Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Street shopping, Pacific Centre mall, and a short walk to the waterfront and Canada Place.

Hyatt Regency Vancouver

A landmark hotel venue in the heart of downtown, Hyatt Regency Vancouver offers a polished, professional setting for conferences, meetings, and corporate events of all sizes. With an extensive collection of ballrooms, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces, the venue supports everything from small executive meetings to large-scale conferences and receptions. Flexible layouts and modern AV infrastructure allow events to scale from intimate boardroom sessions to programs hosting up to approximately 2,000 attendees, all within a single, centrally located property.

Connected to the Burrard SkyTrain Station and steps from major hotels, shopping, and dining, Hyatt Regency Vancouver is especially well suited for multi-day conferences that require seamless logistics, attendee flow, and integrated event technology.

👉 Book an event at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House – Classic Vancouver seafood
• Coast – Upscale seafood and oysters
• Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar – Refined West Coast dining
• Cactus Club Café Coal Harbour – Casual upscale dining

The hotel’s downtown location offers easy access to Robson Street shopping, Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, and direct transit connections via the Canada Line and SkyTrain, making it convenient for both local and out-of-town attendees.

Fairmont Pacific Rim

For events with unobstructed harbor and mountain views, Fairmont Pacific Rim offers 15,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting space. This contemporary luxury hotel features award-winning dining, a rooftop pool, and modern event capabilities. With 377 rooms including spacious suites, it offers an intimate yet upscale feel while maintaining world-class standards and is perfectly positioned in Coal Harbour.

👉 Book an event at the Fairmont Pacific Rim

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• The Lobby Lounge & RawBar – On-site modern Japanese cuisine and award-winning cocktails
• Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar – Fine dining at nearby Sutton Place
• CinCin Ristorante – Italian with wood-fired oven
• Bacaro – Venetian-style wine bar with cicchetti on-site

The venue's Coal Harbour location puts attendees near the waterfront seawall, Canada Place, FlyOver Canada, and offers stunning views of Vancouver's harbour and North Shore mountains.

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

With 60,000 square feet of well-appointed, flexible meeting and event space, this modern luxury hotel in downtown Vancouver offers space for large conferences and expos alongside 329 rooms and five restaurants. The venue's contemporary design and sustainable features make it ideal for forward-thinking organizations hosting conferences and corporate events.

👉 Book an event at the Fairmont Pacific Rim

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• Victor – On-site contemporary dining
• The Lobby Lounge – Casual all-day dining and cocktails
• Honey Salt – Farm-to-table American cuisine on-site
• Tap & Barrel – Nearby brewpub with patio

Located near BC Place Stadium, attendees have access to downtown shopping on Granville Street, Science World via a short walk, and the False Creek seawall for scenic breaks between sessions.

Hidden Gems

Granville Island Hotel

A boutique waterfront hotel offering unique event spaces with unparalleled views of False Creek. The Dockside Restaurant venue features floor-to-ceiling windows and can accommodate up to 200 for seated dinners or 300 for receptions. The outdoor patio with cabana-style tents and gas fireplace provides a destination-wedding feel without leaving the city. Located on the culturally vibrant Granville Island, this venue combines intimacy with spectacular urban scenery.

👉 Book an event at the Granville Island Hotel

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• Dockside Restaurant – On-site waterfront dining
• Alimentaria Mexicana – Modern Mexican cantina with regional fare
• The Sandbar – Seafood with patio overlooking boats
• Tony’s Fish & Oyster Cafe – Casual seafood restaurant with beer/wine options

Attendees can explore the famous Granville Island Public Market, numerous artisan studios and galleries, live theatres including the Arts Club, and take water taxis across False Creek to downtown or Yaletown.

Vancouver Rowing Club

For an unbeatable Coal Harbour view, Vancouver Rowing Club offers three distinct event rooms with balcony and deck access. This heritage building dating back to 1911 adds historical character to any corporate event or conference. The waterfront location provides stunning natural backdrops for photography, while the intimate spaces create an exclusive atmosphere for gatherings of up to 250 guests.

👉 Book an event at the Vancouver Rowing Club

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• Yasma – Middle Eastern Restaurant featuring menu options prepared with halal meats
• Beach Bay Cafe – Harbourfront casual fare
• Lift Bar Grill View – Upscale waterfront dining
• The Teahouse in Stanley Park – Fine dining with forest and ocean views

Located on the Stanley Park seawall, attendees can walk to Stanley Park trails, the Vancouver Aquarium, Coal Harbour marina, and downtown attractions via the scenic waterfront path.

Performance Works on Granville Island

A flexible and beautiful performance space featuring wooden floors, impressive wooden beams, and large roll-up doors that showcase the surrounding scenery. This multifunctional venue includes a bar service area, large outdoor patio, and outdoor performance space adjacent to Ron Basford Park. Perfect for creative conferences, networking events, and corporate celebrations that want an artistic atmosphere.

👉 Book an event at Performance Works on Granville Island

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• The Backstage Lounge – Waterfront casual dining and bar
• Bon Macaron Patisserie – Deserts shop featuring macarons along with dedicated workshops
• The Flying Pig – Comfort food on nearby Cambie Street
• The Liberty Distillery – Craft distillery with tastings

The venue's Granville Island location provides access to the Public Market, artisan studios, theatres, water taxi services, and the scenic False Creek seawall connecting to downtown and Olympic Village.

Arts Club Granville Island Stage

A 440-seat theatre venue on historic Granville Island with a full fly system, convenient loading bay, and recently renovated Upper Lobby featuring False Creek views. This professional theatre space includes full bar service and is ideal for conferences featuring keynote presentations, film screenings, product launches, or corporate events combining presentations with elegant pre/post-gathering spaces for up to 200 in the lobby areas.

👉 Book an event at the Arts Club Granville Island Stage

Nearby Restaurants & Attractions:

• Granville Island Brewing – Brewery with taproom and tours
• Railtown Cafe – Casual bistro on nearby Railtown
• The Sandbar – Seafood overlooking the water
• The Vancouver Fish Company – Seafood restaurant sourcing cuisine from the west coast

Surrounded by Granville Island's thriving arts community and across from the Public Market, attendees can access theatres, galleries, artisan studios, and water taxis while being steps from downtown via the Granville Street Bridge.

Factors to Consider When Making Your Venue Selection

When choosing from Vancouver's incredible venue options, consider these key factors:

Accessibility: How easily can attendees reach the venue via public transit (SkyTrain, SeaBus, bus), ride-sharing, or car? Is parking available? What about proximity to Vancouver International Airport?

Technical Capabilities: Does the venue have the AV infrastructure your event requires? Are there reliable internet connections? What about staging and lighting capabilities?

Catering and F&B: What are the venue's catering policies? Can you bring in outside vendors, or must you use in-house services? Are there quality nearby dining options showcasing Vancouver's renowned culinary scene?

Attendee Experience: Beyond the meeting rooms, what's the overall vibe? Will the venue's character align with your event brand? What nearby attractions can attendees explore during downtime?

Flexibility: How adaptable is the space for different configurations? Can you create breakout areas? Is there outdoor space available for networking or fresh air breaks?

Support Services: What level of event planning support does the venue provide? Are there dedicated event managers? What about technical support staff?

Seasonal Considerations

Vancouver's mild climate and four distinct seasons offer unique opportunities and considerations for event planning:

Winter (December-March): While rainy, Vancouver's temperatures remain mild. Indoor venues like the Vancouver Convention Centre and hotel ballrooms shine during this season. The holiday season brings festive energy to Gastown and Yaletown venues. Many hotels offer competitive rates during slower winter months outside holiday periods.

Spring (April-May): As cherry blossoms bloom throughout the city, venues with outdoor components become increasingly attractive. This is prime conference season in Vancouver, particularly for tech and environmental conferences, so book early. The mild weather makes waterfront venues particularly appealing.

Summer (June-August): Vancouver's most picturesque season with warm, dry weather perfect for events. Venues with outdoor spaces like Science World's Green Roof, waterfront hotels, and Granville Island locations command premium pricing but offer unbeatable experiences. Book well in advance as this is peak season.

Fall (September-November): Many planners consider this ideal for Vancouver events. Comfortable temperatures, beautiful autumn colors, and the energy of the new business season make it perfect for conferences. The Vancouver International Film Festival in September brings added excitement to downtown venues.

Final Thoughts

Alongside natural beauty, Vancouver's venue diversity is one of its greatest strengths as an event destination. From waterfront elegance to the innovative atmosphere of Science World and the historic charm of Gastown's heritage spaces, there's truly a perfect space for every event type and budget.

The key to success lies in thoughtful matching between your event's needs and a venue's unique offerings. Consider not just the obvious factors like capacity and location, but also the intangible elements – atmosphere, character, and the overall experience you want to create for your attendees, enhanced by Vancouver's stunning natural setting between mountains and ocean.

Vancouver continues to invest in its event infrastructure, with venues renovating and new spaces opening to meet evolving expectations. This ongoing evolution ensures that whether you're planning your first Vancouver event or your twentieth, you'll always find fresh options that can help create memorable experiences against one of the world's most beautiful urban backdrops.

By leveraging the insights from this comprehensive venue guide, you're now equipped with an insider's perspective on Vancouver's best event spaces. Remember that successful events come from aligning the right venue with strategic planning, thoughtful attendee experience design, and leveraging the city's remarkable natural attractions, diverse culinary scene, and vibrant cultural offerings to create a complete, compelling event experience.

Ready to plan your next Vancouver event? These venues await, each offering unique opportunities to create something extraordinary in one of North America's most spectacular cities.