Happy hour in Vancouver, BC

In close proximity to one of the nation’s best wine regions, it’s no surprise that Kits is home to numerous restaurants catering to wine lovers. Whether you’re enjoying the work of an artisanal chef or just relaxing with friends after work, here are several spots to fill your glass in Kits. [Photo courtesy of Bishop's]

Locals and tourists alike love Gastown, and for good reason. This neighbourhood has the Old World charm of Montreal, and is chock full of independent retailers, bars and restaurants. Enjoying the neighbourhood can come, however, with a hefty price tag. So for those looking for a quick post-work pint, or a steal of a deal while out on pub crawl with friends, check out these Happy Hour specials! [Image courtesy of Six Acres]

Vancouver’s natural beauty is one of her strongest selling points, so fantastic views abound in our glorious city. In the rainy winter months, though, it’s easy to choose finding shelter over stopping to take it all in. Sitting on any of these heated patios precludes having to make such a choice, allowing locals to remain warm – and dry – while getting a small taste of the outdoors. [Image courtesy of Dockside Restaurant]

What better way to stay cool on a summer day than with a refreshing, crisp and refined cocktail from Great Britain? These Vancouver bars and restaurants offer the finest Pimm’s Cups in the city. Pinkies up ladies and gents! [Image courtesy of Cactus Club Cafe]

Do you like piña coladas, and getting caught in the rain? Thankfully you can do both in Vancouver where tropical cocktails are a year-round affair. From alcohol-soaked pineapple sippers to multi-coloured bellini slushies, there’s no shortage of icy drinks in this city. So get ready for a boozy brain freeze at these local bars where the Tiki trend is in full force. [Photo courtesy of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts]

If Vancouver’s bar scene is too social or slick for your night-out requirements, these cozy nooks offer a relaxing alternative, and they’re the closest you can come to a true European pub experience on this side of the Atlantic. Check out these laid-back locals for a solo pint or a low-key get-together with friends. [Photo credit: iStock.com/gpointstudio]

Things can get chilly above the 49th parallel. Thankfully, Vancouver’s restaurants and bars are heating up with flavourful cocktails inspired by South American tradition: think Cuba libres, pisco sours, caipirinhas and classic margaritas. Here are a few local venues that serve up drinks with Latin liquors and tasty food from below the equator. [Photo courtesy of Cuchillo]

Izakayas first arrived in Vancouver in the early 90s and the lively Japanese-style pubs have been a staple in the city ever since. Some joints stick to tradition, while local chains such as Guu and Hapa Izakaya serve up dishes influenced by the West Coast culinary scene. These Vancouver izakayas will have you shouting “Mou Hitotsu!” (one more!) thanks to their crowd-pleasing food and drinks. [Photo credit: everydayAnalog]

Back in the 1920s during Prohibition, Americans had to sneak into speakeasies if they wanted a drink. While the speakeasy-style bars on this list may be similarly low profile, it’s now for show rather than out of necessity. Find your way into one of these semi-secret Vancouver establishments today and you’ll be free to enjoy some standout cocktails without the threat of being arrested. [Image credit: iStock.com/luckyraccoon]

From cultural centers to traditional English pubs to Belgian beer parlours and Aussie hangouts, many local businesses will show the Olympic Games this summer. So, choose your favourite team, and head to one of these eight locations over the next couple of weeks. Not only will you meet fellow fans, but you’ll also enjoy drinks, food, and atmosphere as you cheer. [Image credit: iStock.com/andresr]

Marpole may be a bit removed from the rest of Vancouver’s busy nightlife scene, but there’s still plenty of action happening down by the Fraser River. From brewery-fresh ales to breathtaking waterfront views, here’s just a sampling of what you can catch down in the Southside. [Photo credit: iStock/piskunov]

Whether you call it Hastings-Sunrise or the East Village, you can find plenty of nighttime fun in the neighbourhood right beside the PNE. Whether it’s hoisting a mug when the house plays your favourite metal jam or swigging cheap suds between bites from a footlong, here are some top spots to grab a beer the next time you’re deep in the Eastside. [Photo credit: iStock/izuesek]