Stanley Park at sunset, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver, frequently celebrated as one of the world’s most picturesque cities, offers a stunning blend of natural splendor and urban vibrancy. Nestled amid majestic mountains and sparkling waters, its scenic beauty is simply breathtaking. Beyond its visual appeal, Vancouver is a bustling metropolis, alive with an eclectic mix of attractions and amenities that cater to every taste and interest.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Vancouver, why not host an event? There are many unique venues within the city, and each one offers its own special charm. We’ve compiled a list of the top 15 Vancouver hidden gems that work for private parties, weddings, or corporate events. Let’s go!
Arts Club Theatre Company
- Guest Count: 620
The Arts Club actually has three Unique Venues across Vancouver, and each one is expertly suited to make your party as memorable as possible. In addition to the theater spaces, you get access to onsite catering, a full bar, and customizable seating arrangements. In addition to theaters for event rentals, the Arts Club Theatre Company has rehearsal space for shows and dance routines.
BC Place Stadium
- Guest Count: 60,000
There’s nothing quite like renting out an entire stadium for an event. BC Place Stadium is the premier entertainment destination in Vancouver, hosting football (soccer) games, live concerts, and even royal visits. Whether you’re hosting a massive corporate conference or a youth camp, the stadium offers unique amenities and accommodations you can’t get anywhere else. There are also multiple types of meeting rooms available, allowing you can coordinate your event however you see fit.
Biltmore Cabaret
- Guest Count: 300
As a concert venue and lounge, the Biltmore Cabaret hosts live music and events regularly throughout the year. The space feels both spacious and intimate, and there’s more than enough room to accommodate up to 300 guests. When booking the Biltmore for a private occasion, you can utilize the stage and dance floor or section off different parts for dining and other types of entertainment (i.e., casino tables). This space is flexible and adaptable to suit your needs.
British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Guest Count: 250
Educational facilities like those at the British Columbia Institute of Technology are excellent for many different types of events. Whether you’re hosting a corporate conference, a private celebration, or a festival-type event, BCIT has some of the most unique venue spaces around. Best of all, BCIT is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, making it easy to find and allowing your guests to explore more of the city before or after your event.
Deeley Exhibition
- Guest Count: 50
If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you’ll love the Deeley Exhibition. This modern motorcycle museum is open to the public five days a week, but it’s available for private parties as well. You can book four or eight-hour time increments, which is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or even small corporate gatherings. The venue boasts natural sunlight, free parking, and access to the motorcycle exhibits, so you can marvel at their pristine construction. This is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Vancouver, and we’re sure it will be perfect for your event.
Diamond Ballroom and Catering
- Guest Count: 500
If you want to host a memorable event, there’s something special about having a rooftop deck. Since Vancouver has such a unique and vibrant skyline, the views from the Diamond Ballroom are incredible and one-of-a-kind. Whether your event is during the day or at night (or both), your guests will love having such a stunning backdrop for photo opportunities. In addition, there’s a ballroom, a banquet hall, and over 5,000 square feet of customizable space.
Emily Carr University of Art+Design
- Guest Count: 380
Since Emily Carr University focuses on art and design, the space is a modern marvel. As a LEED-certified building, you can experience a wide array of sustainable and eco-friendly elements, such as high windows for natural light, green spaces, and modern decor. The university has multiple rooms available, from conference rooms for intimate meetings to an atrium that holds up to 380 guests. While this venue is ideal for corporate events and conferences, it can also work well for holiday celebrations or private parties and exhibitions.
FlyOver Canada
- Guest Count: 100
If you’re looking for a venue that combines accommodation and entertainment, look no further than FlyOver Canada. This unique space includes a suspended viewing area for an eight-minute aerial journey across Canada’s gorgeous natural landscape. Once your guests are thoroughly impressed and inspired, you can relax in the rest of the venue space, which is customizable to suit the needs of your event. This venue is perfect for private parties and celebrations.
The Gallery at Pavilion
- Guest Count: 220
As a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Mount Pleasant, The Gallery at Pavilion is uniquely designed to accommodate a wide array of events. Holiday celebrations and corporate conferences will never be the same, thanks to the high-tech functionality of the space combined with elegant views of downtown Vancouver from the roof deck patio. You can utilize the entire 5,200 square-foot space, or section off different areas for a smaller event.
Museum of Vancouver
- Guest Count: 300
Hosting your event at a museum is always a one-of-a-kind experience, and the Museum of Vancouver is a hidden gem with a lot of personality and excitement. Part of what makes this venue so accommodating is that it has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, making it ideal for events throughout the year. In addition, you get access to the current exhibits, so you and your guests will be able to appreciate stunning displays along with having fun and creating lasting memories.
PAL Studio Theater
- Guest Count: 150
Situated next to Vancouver Harbour, the PAL Studio Theater is a fantastic event venue that works well for virtually any kind of party. Whether you’re hosting a birthday, a bridal shower, or a holiday celebration, the PAL Studio is accommodating and luxurious. One of the highlights of this venue is the rooftop garden, which serves as an excellent backdrop for any photo opportunities. Plus, you can see the harbor on a clear day, so your guests will want to spend as much time in the garden as possible.
The Portside Pub
- Guest Count: 265
If you’re looking to host a chic event, few places are as well-equipped for the occasion as the Portside Pub. This venue is in the heart of one of Vancouver’s oldest and trendiest neighborhoods, Gastown. Portside offers three levels of entertainment, including bar service, pool tables, vintage arcade games, and more. However, if you’re having a smaller party, don’t worry. The Portside can accommodate events of all sizes to meet your needs and your budget.
Vancouver Aquarium
- Guest Count: 2,000
Hosting your next event at the Vancouver Aquarium offers an unforgettable undersea adventure. Imagine being surrounded by mesmerizing marine life, creating a captivating backdrop for your guests. The aquarium grants full access to its diverse exhibits, ensuring entertainment is effortlessly covered. This unique setting is perfect for capturing stunning photographs, making your event truly memorable. Additionally, the opportunity to engage in close-up encounters with jellyfish, otters, sea lions, sharks, and penguins adds an extra layer of excitement to your special occasion.
Vancouver Art Gallery
- Guest Count: 500
The Vancouver Art Gallery, while renowned for its diverse art exhibitions, is also an architectural gem housed in a former provincial courthouse. This setting imbues the space with historical charm and aesthetic appeal. The striking rotunda serves as a captivating centerpiece, ideal for photo opportunities or presentations. Guests can delve into the building’s past, exploring original courthouse features like vintage seating and the judge’s chambers. This unique blend of art and history makes the Vancouver Art Gallery a splendid choice for both corporate events and holiday celebrations.
Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Guest Count: 3,000
Situated on the banks of Vancouver Harbour, the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre is perfect for parties both large and small. The exhibition halls can accommodate up to 3,000 guests easily, while there are many different meeting rooms and banquet spaces for smaller events. The Centre also has outdoor venue spaces so you and your guests can look at the water or enjoy the balmy Vancouver weather. No matter what kind of event you’re hosting, you can make it magical here.
Host Your Next Event in Vancouver, BC With Unique Venues
As you can see, there’s no shortage of unique things to do in Vancouver, BC. Unique Venues is here to help you plan your next party or gathering in style. With so many venue options available, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. However, our extensive collection helps ensure you find the right venue for your event that will make it as spectacular as possible.