51 (amazing) ideas and venues for a staff party.
The definitive list of places to hold a staff party or corporate event in Vancouver.
Booking a team social made easy with our 51 ideas for staff parties and corporate events.
Corporate events, or staff parties are the best way to celebrate your business. Whether it be drinks and dinner, or a pot luck by the lake, a great venue is your #1 concern. To help in your quest for the ultimate office party, we’ve compiled a list of corporate party ideas for Vancouver offices.
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For team building and employee appreciation, every business needs a staff social, we think there is no better celebration than a business milestone.
From small intimate drinks with the team, to lavish balls with all the bells and whistles, we hope our list of Vancouver venues helps you decide where to hold your next corporate event.
Bars
1. The Belmont
Slap bang in the middle of the entertainment district, The Belmont Bar is one Granville Street’s hottest venues. With a wide selection of craft beer, speciality cocktails, wine on tap, fresh food, a unique blend of live music and DJs, The Belmont can accommodate groups of up to 200 people for cocktail parties, plated dinners or a buffet. The venue also features a state of the art A/V system that can accommodate a wide variety of entertainment, this allows them to transform the room from a restaurant/lounge style setup, to a nightclub or concert venue throughout the evening. They can also provide a range of musicians and DJs to fit any budget.
2. Hello Goodbye Bar
Through an unmarked door and down a hidden stair-well lies a buzzing cocktail bar and drinking den. This underground basement bar features seasonal cocktail menus, Hon’s dumplings, VIP table service, live music and DJs for late night revelry. The artful design of ‘Hello Goodbye’ creates a comfortable and intimate escape from
the ordinary.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
3. Opus Bar
Opus Bar delivers a dedicated focus on product variety, cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere in the morning and at night. The diverse wine list and cocktail program pairs well with evening entertainment consisting of live music and DJs making it the perfect pre or post-dinner destination in Yaletown.
4. Bar None
The iconic Bar None nightclub has proudly served as Yaletown’s only dance club for over 20 years. In a converted warehouse highlighted by exposed wood beams and brick, Bar None has consistently been on the forefront of Vancouver nightlife. From live performances by Prince and Drake to DJ sets by Premier, Ty Dolla$ and Vancouver’s best talent, this legendary locale has and always will be about the party. The venue features an elevated private VIP room with its own bar access and plenty of comfortable VIP booths, high-tables and a central view of the dance floor. Why not finish off your office party on the dance floor of Bar None!
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5. Elephant & Castle
British themed pub in down town Vancouver’s most beautiful office building. You can reserve a table for six or more of your favourite chaps, or book the entire pub for a brilliant bash. With custom menus and buffets and what have you, the Elephant & Castle is a smashing place for office drinks!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
6. Darby’s
Located in the coolest part of the city on the very edge of Gastown, Darby’s is a craft beer destination with floor to ceiling sheet glass windows overlooking the bustle of the down town core. You can arrange to host your next event with the bar for your very own private tasting session.
7. Brown’s Crafthouse
This sparkling new bar with floor to ceiling glass windows right in the middle of the financial district is Brown’s Crafthouse; Vancouver’s newest hang out. Perfect for office socials, and featuring a plethora of Canadian craft beers, there’s an outdoor ‘European-style ‘patio for summer-time drinking. We love the huge Greyhound bus mural and the eclectic food and drinks menu – ‘Ernesto’s Caesar’ anyone? See their menu here.
8. Shark Club
Get out of the boardroom and into the spirited atmosphere at the Shark Club. From corporate events, Christmas parties, fundraisers, or team building celebrations, Shark Club is happy to accommodate any sized party. Full buy-out options are available with the following features available for corporate functions:
- 2 private rooms
- 72 TVs and LED media wall
- 400-person capacity
- Customizable sports ticker
- DJ/Live music set-up available
9. Per Se Social Corner
The Per Se Social Corner is a great place for drinks and well to be social! With the blending of cultures that inspire the non-traditional mix of New and Old World culture, Per Se Social Corner is a hybrid of the classic Italian Kitchen and modern Spanish and Latin American Tapas Bar. Highlighted by local and international music, accented with a clean and modern decor; the Per Se Social Corner is the place where the fashionable come to play.
10. The Charles Bar
The Charles Bar supports the ground floor of the famous Woodward’s building. The room’s airy, modern design and unique V-shape allows for various group pursuits.
Guests can crowd the bar watching an NBA or NFL game on the 9′ HD screen, while around the corner others can quietly enjoy well-crafted food, craft beer or cocktails. The Charles Bar has a lively and friendly reputation and is perfectly situated on the edge of Gastown.
Restaurants
11. The Yaletown Brewing Company
With a 160-seat Restaurant and a lively Pub with TVs, pool table and a fireplace, the Yaletown Brewing Company has become a one-stop destination for everything from large corporate events to quick after-work beers with the regulars. The huge patios are Yaletown’s best spot to sit, eat and take in the neighbourhood atmosphere throughout the spring and summer and the cozy open concept restaurant and pub make a for the perfect holiday party.
Book the Yaletown Brewing Company’s venue at www.mjg.ca/yaletown or call 604-681-2739.
12. The Distillery + Bar Kitchen
The Distillery Bar + Kitchen in Yaletown, Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhood, is ideal for a seated dinner party on their restaurant side with capacity for up to 92 guests, or a standing cocktail reception on the bar side for groups of all sizes from 20 to 200. Italian-American fare, boozy cocktails, speakeasy atmosphere and the glow of a vintage chandelier offer a casual elegance to any event. Exclusive private parties are also available with custom banquet menus, AV capabilities, dedicated service team and bartenders mixing up signature Yaletown spirits into beautifully proportioned cocktails.
Book The Distillery + Bar Kitchen at www.mjg.ca/distillery-bar-and-
13. The Dark Table
Already a hit in major cities like London, Paris, New York, L.A. and Montreal, blind dining is finally coming to Vancouver, offering a unique opportunity to experience dining in a whole new way—in the dark. An evening at Dark table will take you on a culinary journey through uncharted territory, where the familiar—food, drink and friends—becomes a wonder to be explored and discovered, as if for the first time.
Without the sense of sight, the senses of touch, taste, hearing and smell are intensified, allowing a new perception of reality. Dark Table is open now in Kitsilano, at 2611 W4th, offering Vancouver exceptional cuisine, superb service and a voyage to the unknown.
14. Vancouver Alpen Club
You can also book one of their function rooms for your private gathering, banquet, meeting, or fundraiser. They can even customize your event to suit your needs. Book your event in the month of Oktober and get an Oktoberfest theme package upgrade for free. Feel free to give them a call 604 684-3811 or email at [email protected] or check out our website www.vacbc.ca
15. The Yew
While YEW seafood + bar is in the full swing of summer, it won’t be long until evenings turn crisp and cool, inspiring an appetite for hearty bites featuring premium sustainable seafood and seasonal ingredients. From irresistible lounge bites and well-balanced cocktails to well-paired wines and plates of salmon, sablefish and featured catches, YEW’s menu will make all guests happy. Hungry? Don’t wait. Book your next event at YEW now and organizers will enjoy a gift card up to $150 to enjoy YEW Seafood & Bar.*T&C’s apply. Visit yewseafood.com for menu and details.
16. Fanny Bay Oyster Bar
The Fanny Bay Oyster Bar, in the heart of downtown Vancouver, is a great spot to ‘slurp’ up the freshest shellfish in the city along with some of the best wine and beer pairings from British Columbia. Book the whole bar or keep it to a casual lunch, their team has you covered for any size of celebration! Customize your group dining meals, pass canapés, or book an oyster shucking class with their world-class shucking crew for your next big event. They even have a mobile oyster bar to cater fresh oysters for your holiday staff parties.
Book by emailing [email protected].
17. Chinatown Asian Fusion – Sai Woo
Known for its delicious food, sumptuous space, and excellent service, Sai Woo features casual Asian fusion food prepared in an “East-meets-West” kitchen using the best fresh locally sourced ingredients. The original Sai Woo opened its doors in 1925 and thrived for decades as a local favourite. Today’s Sai Woo features the best of modern design set against the backdrop of the historic Chinatown building and neighbourhood.
18. Yagger’s
19. Gotham Steakhouse – Exclusive & Elegant
20. Lupo Italian Restaurant
In a delightful turn of the century heritage house, tucked in the heart of down town lies the Lupo Italian restaurant. The menu is rooted in familiar dishes, and Italian favourites but has a sense of adventure and extravagance.
Themed Parties
21. The 6 Pack Indoor Beach
13180 Mitchell Rd #115, Richmond
Never worry about the weather when you book your event with 6 Pack Indoor Beach. No rain-outs, no sunburns! The 6 Pack Indoor Beach space offers an array of beach activities including Archery Tag, Beach Volleyball, Soccer Dart, Bouncy Castle, Sand Sculpting and more!
They can customize any activity package based on your vision and needs for groups of 8 to 150 people.
“It is important to us to get everyone engaged at your unique event no matter their age or physical ability. With the right activities we believe that games challenge people to work together building better workplace relationships that benefit the companies processes and goals.”
Let them know how many people are in your group, tell them a bit about your team, and book your corporate team building day at 6 Pack Indoor Beach! Contact: Lisa Tam – [email protected] – 604-321-6800.
22. Chinatown Historic Tour
Judy Lam Maxwell (the Chinatown girl), specializes in the history of the Chinese in Canada, and the Chinese Diaspora, plus she is a dumpling expert. Judy offers enlightening and educational tours of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood (the largest Chinatown in Canada), plus she is available for dumpling making lessons through airbnb experiences. Judy comes highly recommended and holds a Master’s degree in Chinese Canadian History, she is the only guide who can take people into the heritage buildings. Judy donates 30% of what she makes to the Chinese associations for the upkeep and renovations of the heritage buildings. She also make the elders her famous dumplings for lunch every two weeks to show her appreciation and respect. Judy’s tours will take you into numerous clan and county association buildings, to a herbal store, to Sai Woo (the only place in Chinatown where there’s been a restaurant for over 100 years), and on a cultural adventure that will open your eyes to Vancouver’s past. With Vancouver being such a diverse city, it’s definitely worth educating your staff about the contributions of our forefathers, and with many of Vancouver’s trendiest bars and eateries located in the neighbourhood, it could make for a fantastic cultural office party.
23. Indoor Climbing
The Hive indoor climbing centre is a great place to book your office Party!!
This dynamic, fun environment provides a great combination of socializing and activity. Get people together in a relaxed atmosphere, trying something new with the guidance of an experienced climbing instructor!
Email [email protected] to book at Vancouver or jurga@hiveclimbing to book at the North Shore
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
24. Vancouver Mysteries
Meet up in Down Town Vancouver
Vancouver Mysteries has helped social committees, office managers, and conference organizers give their team a highly engaging two hours of fun and games in downtown Vancouver. Their themed mystery games ‘Crime in Downtown’, ‘Secret Mission’, and ‘Heroes & Villains,’ give teams the chance to adventure throughout the downtown finding clues, figuring out puzzles, and solving a mystery. What better way to take a break from Power point slides and conference room seminars? They can even start the event at your location. Nothing beats having your activity organizer come to YOUR office to start your experience. That way you don’t need to mess about finding the start location and trying to herd a large group. Let ‘Vancouver Mysteries’ make your corporate event easier by starting your game at any of the central downtown offices – at no extra charge.
Easy booking online at vancouvermysteries.com or call them on 778-707-1962.
25. Pirate Ship Adventure
1820 Mast Tower Ln, Granville Island
The Pirate Ship Adventure tour company offer team building cruises specially designed to foster a working relationship between co-workers through a competitive series of fun challenges. After all, pirates invented team building! Their laid back, non-threatening environment often brings out strengths not typically realized in the traditional work environment. Have a great time with dinner at one of Granville Island’s wonderful eateries, followed by one of their Pirate adventure sails — it’s all fun maties, and they can tailor a package to your staff’s needs.
26. The Dropzone
The Easter Seals Drop Zone is a knee-shaking, heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping fundraising adventure that encourages you to get out of your comfort zone and face your fears by rappelling from the top of a towering high-rise building in the heart of Vancouver – all in support of Canadians living with disabilities. By fundraising a minimum of $1,500, ordinary office workers can become superheroes for the day as they challenge themselves and change lives.
27. WildPlay in Maple Ridge
23485 Fern Crescent, Maple Ridge
Little platforms way, way above your head. Dozens of zip lines whizzing everywhere. A gravity-powered jump that makes your palms sweat. More suspended ladders, bridges, nets, and obstacle games than you can count. The swing so giant and fast that it makes your vision blur. Some call it crazy, or thrilling – kinda terrifying, or surprisingly intense, others call it WildPlay. Wildplay action and adventure playland will help your company have fun and overcome some obstacles. Adventures are arranged to include everyone – from the curious to the courageous.
Put their handy group booking for businesses pdf into your boss’ inbox, and get away from the grind.
28. Big Red Bike
Fun group bike ride around down town Vancouver
It’s a heart-pumping, cheer-thumping, crazy big, fun ride!
For 20 minutes, 29 riders power one Big Bike. On event day, one of their drivers will accompany you as you pedal through your community and celebrate your accomplishments. While you pedal, you literally stop traffic to support critical heart disease and stroke research, so you’ll feel good, while doing good. But be warned: The minute you stop, you’ll want to climb right back on. It’s that much fun!
29. Time Escape
The next generation of real-life escape games is waiting for your team in Richmond, ‘Time Escape’ offers a fun, exciting, and entertaining adventure that is suitable for all ages. Players will be placed in a room to experience an alternative universe while being tested on their teamwork, intellect, and creativity. There are four uniquely-themed rooms available for everyone to enjoy. Each group will have 50 minutes to play the ‘escape game’. In addition to that, each game is exclusive to your group, which means the whole game is only for your group to play! What are you waiting for? Feel free to send them an email or give them a call for more information or questions.
www.timeescape.ca 604.232.9775
30. Tall Order – Culinary Team Building
Tall Orders popular, ‘Too Many Cooks’ program is a three hour, hands-on cooking experience. Whatever your objective, the outcome is how food and social interaction can reveal much about the ‘self’ and ‘team’. Cooking together is a playground for often a much needed downtime to play, collaborate and celebrate. If you’re a novice cook or a seasoned gourmet, your contribution will never go unnoticed. You may be shocked to find your colleague is a seasoned baker and drives a motorcycle. So, if you’re a novice cook or a fearless gourmet, your contribution counts. Someone has to crack the eggs! The program starts with our ‘Who am I?’ as a food ingredient icebreaker. Then, with much enthusiasm, the race to cook is in full throttle. A three course meal and fresh baked bread are prepared by your team and celebrated at the table. A recipe for success by all. Contact the wonderful Julie for your bookings at [email protected] and have a look at their website at www.tallorder.ca for an unforgettable corporate cooking event.
31. Charter a Magic Yacht
Magic Yacht Charters’ fleet is spectacularly located at the Westin Bayshore Marina in Coal Harbour and the Plaza of Nations Marina in False Creek; and all four of the sleek, updated and well-appointed luxury yachts are uniquely suited to hosting an event that leaves a lasting impression. Magic Yacht Charters have four yachts, and can host groups of 10 to 400. They are easily able to customize an event to suit your needs. From stand-up receptions, sit-down dinners, to networking events, conferences or presentations. This extraordinary venue is a great way to say thank-you to your clients and colleagues.
D.I.Y. Party Ideas
32. Trout Lake BBQ and Picnic
John Hendry Park 3300 Victoria Drive
If the weather is nice, there is no better place to be than by a lake with some grilled meat. Trout Lake in East Vancouver (also known as John Hendry Park), is such a popular destination; tranquil Trout Lake has a wide range of active and passive recreation opportunities and is an exceptional setting for your office party. The beach area and wildlife habitat around the lake can almost make one forget that that the park is in the city, especially when illuminated with glowing lights at the annual lantern festival. Bring the team over to East Van and make use of the many covered BBQ’s – you can even bring your swimwear for a quick dip in the lake!
33. Walk around the Seawall and Drinks
Start at the Convention Centre 1055 Canada place
Gather your staff at Canada Place and enjoy a walk to English Bay taking in the beauty of the North Shore and Third Beach. Gather the troops in a bar or restaurant to finish off the day – The Three Brits Pub right at the finish line!
34. Corporate Nature Retreat
14500 Silver Valley Road, Maple Ridge
Loon Lake Lodge and Retreat Centre is a natural venue for fresh starts, re-alignment and team building. They work with every group/client to provide an experience that is designed around their unique needs and interests. Boardrooms, classrooms, break-out rooms, accommodation and private dining rooms, they have everything you need for your next company retreat.
35. Your own scavenger hunt
Put the thinking cap on and solve clues to find the next destination in the city. Have your management team man each checkpoint where they can hand out the next clue, and keep an eye on the team building!
Can you solve the clues below:
36. Daytrip to Bowen Island
Hop on a ferry and sail across to Bowen Island. Just a 20-minute ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, this idyllic island with its pristine beauty and tranquil shores is the perfect getaway. Take the team on a hike to Dorman Point and take in the tranquillity and beauty of Island life.
37. Hike up Burnaby Mountain
Located east of downtown Vancouver and home to Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain has several trails that are popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The majority of the trails are on the east side of the mountain, just off of North Road near the Coquitlam boundary and they have different ratings according to their difficulty. Gather the team for a hike, finish up with a picnic at the top or visit Horizon Restaurant for drinks and dinner.
38. Coach trip to Whistler and Shannon Falls
The Sea to Sky to Highway is a driving adventure that embraces the true west coast lifestyle. Enjoy stunning view points including Shannon Falls, The Sea to Sky Gondola, endless mountain ranges, an ancient glacial fjord, and the second largest granite monolith in the world, before arriving in the world class skiing destination. Perimeter Charters are available to move any corporate group, and with their large fleet of executive-style transportation, they can connect your party with any venue in the lower mainland.
[bctt tweet=”Just curious if attending the office staff party counts as working overtime?” username=””]
39. Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
3690 Park Road, North Vancouver
40. Sea Kayaking
2156 Banbury Rd, North Vancouver
- Employee reward and incentive programs
- Client entertainment
- Annual picnics
- Conference free-time activities
Large Corporate Venues
41. The Permanent
The Permanent is a Vancouver event space available for private and public bookings. The space is an ideal venue for corporate cocktail & gala events, and private parties.
Erected a century ago, the venue is named after the BC Permanent & Loan Company, which first opened its’ doors in 1907. In 1935, the Bank of Canada called this place home, leaving it’s mark for decades to come. Recently, The Permanent was completely restored, bringing a landmark, heritage space back to the community.
The original Bank of Canada vault door still stands tall at the head of the main hall, with the beautiful stained glass atrium over head. Other neo-classical elements are adorned through out – in the crown mouldings, the bronze chandeliers, and the many tile mosaics. State of the art equipment has been installed through out as well as a custom 16 foot heritage bar.
42. The Rocky Mountaineer Train Station
The Rocky Mountaineer Train Station is a great place to hold a large corporate event. The space can be booked through Bright Ideas Event Coordinators. The space at the train station is a blank canvas where the team at ‘Bright Ideas’ is able to create your perfect corporate event. 24 foot custom-built Eifel Tower? No problem! Indian, Greek, and Thai caterers all at once? Too easy!! And the huge parking lot is great for guests who drive, or for pitching ‘outdoor event tents’ of any size!
43. Museum of Anthropology
Those who love the Museum of Anthropology love it dearly! It offers both indoor and outdoor spaces filled with stunning reminders of our human ancestry that guests can peruse during their private event. But it’s the sense of utter exclusivity and privacy that juxtapose with the most incredible, expansive view Vancouver has to offer. The Museum is best booked through Bright Ideas again who offer full event support or a consultation with a 30 year events veteran, Bright Ideas will find your company the perfect venue for any office party! Feel free to see some of the events that Bright Ideas have created across Vancouver here.
44. Heritage Hall
The Heritage Hall on Main Street is a beautiful large hall that is perfect for corporate events. The elegant 3,300 square foot main floor ballroom has a rich cream and taupe colour scheme, stained glass chandeliers, high ceilings, and large windows. With a portable stage, sound system and a portable screen for rent at reasonable prices, renters can choose their own caterers and run their own bar!
45. The Scandinavian Community Centre
Featuring a large Banquet Hall, a Fireside Lounge and an industrial kitchen, the Scandinavian Centre offers a great event space rental. All rental spaces can be set up to your specifications, and there is a full bar available upon request.
Perfect for corporate events; in the summer the ‘Fireside Lounge’ opens up to a fully covered deck! The is a kitchen which is available for rent too in conjunction with the hall and/or the lounge, and they have lots of parking. Set up the dance hall, set up a stage, and bring the whole corporation for a night of partying from northern Europe!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
46. Famee Furlane of Vancouver
The elegant and sophisticated Famee Furlane comes replete with the ambience of an era long gone. With its extra-high ceilings, chandeliers, wall sconces, tall curtained windows on the east and west walls, a stage, a balcony area, an elegant hardwood dance floor and a bar, this East Vancouver venue is a little bit special. A panoramic view of the downtown Vancouver landscape from the windows located on the west wall enhances the atmosphere of the occasion. The main hall is ideal for larger functions. This hall can easily accommodate the maximum capacity of 180 people for a sit down dinner, leaving an adequate space for a dance floor. It is air-conditioned for your comfort and is equipped with a state of the art, audio visual system with a large 90”x 160” screen and ceiling speakers. The newly renovated bar, located just off the main hall entrance, can provide full bar service and is equipped with a wine and beer cooler.
47. Riverside Banquet Halls
Riverside Banquet Halls are Richmond and Surrey’s largest group of event rental facilities. With five separate reception halls and over 400 functions per year, they are experts in making your special event come off beautifully and flawlessly.
Their professional team of event planners, chefs, servers, bartenders and technicians work together to ensure that your event meets the needs of your guests and your personal preferences.
48. Science World
Science World at TELUS World of Science offers a unique venue unlike any other in the city. With the ability to accommodate from 20 to 1,400 guests, you’ll be able to host any type of event. Enjoy a fun evening for employees and clients, or a sit-down formal dinner, buffet or cocktail reception. In addition to built-in fun, you can enjoy outdoor spaces, hands-on galleries and theatres that can seat up to 400.
49. West Side Grand
If your looking to host a party in art Gallery or a small party room rental, the Westside Grand used to be just that. The intimate 3000 sq. ft event space is located in beautiful Kitsilano. With catering and entertainment available, this reasonable hall space might just be what you’ve been looking for.
Featuring 16ft exposed industrial ceilings, state of the art sound technology and a stage for performances, this beautiful venue is perfect for office gatherings.
50. Penthouse Event Space
Off the clock and looking for a place to unwind with associates, family, or friends? The Penthouse Event Suite can accommodate all your special event needs with their rooftop party venue. Ther 2000 Sq. Ft interior space and 5000 Sq. FT outdoor terrace provides a unique & versatile space that allows them to customize & separate the venue to suit your needs. With a breath taking view of the Vancouver Sky-line & beautiful contemporary design touches, the Penthouse Event Space is sure to make a lasting impression on your employees.
51. Vancouver Aquarium
Whether you’re planning a holiday party, meeting or company retreat, the Vancouver Aquarium can help you meet all of your corporate event needs. Voted one of Canada’s best loved attractions, the Aquarium is an intriguing and unforgettable venue to hold your next special event. Who knew the Aquarium was a private party venue? From formal dining with majestic beluga whales to business breakfasts and cocktail receptions in living art gallery-style settings, the Vancouver Aquarium offers stunning backdrops and contemporary West Coast menus for 50 to 1,200 guests.
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