Most of Vancouver's gay bars and nightlife are in the West End; sadly, Vancouver's only lesbian bar closed in 2006 and no replacement has opened. But there are options for lesbian-centred nightlife, too!
Use this Guide to Vancouver's Best Gay and Lesbian Nightlife to find the most popular queer night spots and nightlife events in Vancouver.
1. Celebrities Nightclub
The most famous and largest gay dance club in Vancouver, Celebrities is a hot spot for dancing, shows, and (relatively) cheap drinks. The crowd here is mixed, but the focus remains of its gay and lesbian clientele. Big-name celebrities drop in from time to time, so keep your eyes peeled for Ru Paul and Boy George!
Celebrities Nightclub
1022 Davie St., Vancouver
604-681-6180
2. Numbers Cabaret Nightclub
Another gay nightclub that's become an institution, Numbers offers a wide variety of dance and DJs seven nights a week. It's also one of the more notorious cruising spots for men; be prepared to get ogled--and do your own ogling--at this flirty "meat market."
Numbers Cabaret Nightclub
1042 Davie Street, Vancouver
604-685-4077
3. Score on Davie
Vancouver's only gay sports bar, Score caters to the LGBT crowd that, like most Vancouverites, likes to watch the Canucks, et al, while noshing on traditional pub fare.
Score on Davie
1167 Davie Street, Vancouver
604-632-1646
4. Pumpjack Pub
A casual pub, Pumpjack is best known for its week-day clientele of awesome leather men and bears, but weekends attract a mixed crowd. If you don't mind the line-up, check out their hugely-popular Sunday-afternoon keggers.
Pumpjack Pub
1167 Davie Street, Vancouver
604-685-3417
5. Oasis Ultra Lounge
One of the West End's most popular lounges, Oasis offers tapas, innovative cocktails, and a chance to cosy up to your date in a swank atmosphere. Not a spot for meeting and mingling.
Oasis Ultra Lounge
1240 Thurlow Street, Vancouver
604-685-1724
6. 1181
Nestled in the heart of Davie Village, 1181 is a boutique lounge with lots of spaces for socializing. Ideally situated for drinks and cocktails before hitting the clubs.
1181
1181 Davie Street, Vancouver
604-687-3991
7. The Fountainhead Pub
Welcoming to a wide range of queer people, The Fountainhead serves up traditional pub fare in a tongue-and-cheek (no pun intended) atmosphere (check out the painting of big genitals scattered amongst the pool tables and dart boards). Great place for Sunday brunch.
The Fountainhead Pub
1025 Davie Street, Vancouver
604-687-2222
8. Lesbian Nightlife & Events
As mentioned above, Vancouver's only lesbian bar (Lick) closed in 2006. While lesbians and queer women are welcomed at all of the bars and nightclubs above, there are event production companies that cater to lesbians and queer women by hosting special events at Vancouver clubs and dance spots. Check out these sites for ladies' queer dance parties and more:
There's also a Vancouver-based lesbian speed dating service: