In many respects, Vancouver is the undisputed nightlife capital of Canada. The city has more bars and nightclubs per capita than anywhere else in the country, as well as party circuits and a dazzling LGBT+ scene. However, all of this fun comes with a hefty price tag.
Given that Vancouver is home to countless celebrities, socialites, and business magnates, combined with the fact that the average household net worth in the city is now more than $1 million, the cost of having a good time tends to be much higher than anywhere else in the country.
The average cost of a beer in this city is around $8, while a meal in a mid-range restaurant will typically set you back around $80 for two people. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. With the right amount of savvy and local know-how, you can have an unforgettable evening in Vancouver that won’t break the bank. Here’s how.
1. Hit Up The Cheap Bars
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Drinking in Vancouver does not have to be a bankruptcy-inducing experience. While there is no shortage of top-tier bars that will charge you an arm and a leg for a cocktail, there are also plenty of watering holes that will give you a good time and leave you some change from a twenty.
Head over to The Marquis in South Granville for $4 highball drinks in chic European surroundings. After that, stroll on over to The Cambie, a hostel-slash-bar-slash-club that specializes in cheesy 90s playlists and $4 pints of beer.
If the booze is starting to make you feel a little peckish, a visit to Gringo, a hole-in-the-wall establishment that serves up $3 beers alongside $2 tacos should always satisfy your cravings. If not, a trip to the popular Japanese pub Ebisu, with $12 beer pitchers and $1 chicken karaage, should definitely do the trick.
2. Hang Out in a Casino
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Another hot tip for people looking to party on a budget is to hit up one of Vancouver’s sleek and stylish casinos hotspots for a night of glamour. While this might not seem like the most obvious choice, casinos are always a reliable place to load up on cheap cocktails, as well as the best places to score a discount coupon for one of the on-site restaurants.
The River Rock Casino and The Grand Villa Casino both offer a fully loaded bar with affordable drinks, as well as regular offers on dining. In addition, if you’re in the mood for a game of blackjack while you’re there, your wallet will thank you if you learn the ropes of the game beforehand. To perfect your hand at single-deck blackjack, go online where you can play a free version of it here, and you can learn the rules and strategies of the game. It always pays to come prepared.
3. Explore the Night Markets
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Finally, if you want to do something that is quintessentially Vancouver whilst not spending unnecessary amounts of cash, then the city’s famed night markets are the place for you. Partly a result of Vancouver’s historic links with Cantonese communities, the city features a number of night markets where you can go to enjoy cheap food, cheaper beer, and relax in a vibrant atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Canada. There are tons to choose from, but anyone looking for true value for money should hit up the Richmond Night Market, or the slightly more hipstery Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver.
With these simple tips, you will be able to experience the very best of Vancouver’s legendary nightlife without breaking the bank. Remember to eat, drink, and play responsibly!
