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Vancouver to Host North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025: A Milestone for Canada’s Cocktail Scene

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Bartender preparing a cocktail at one of Vancouver’s top bars, celebrating the 2025 North America’s 50 Best Bars event. — Vancouver takes centre stage as it hosts North America's 50 Best Bars 2025, showcasing Canada’s cocktail excellence.

Vancouver rises as the official host city for the 50 Best Bars 2025 awards, showcasing Canada’s growing influence in the cocktail world. This reinforces the notion that Vancouver has some of the best bars.

A Toast to Vancouver’s Big Win

For the first time, Vancouver will host the prestigious 50 Best Bars in North America awards on May 22, 2025. This milestone event brings together the industry’s top bartenders, bar owners, and mixology experts. The award show will unfold inside the elegant Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, celebrating excellence in cocktail culture. Attendees will experience some of the Vancouver 50 best bars during the event.

The globally recognized 50 Best organization chose Vancouver after hosting the event in other major cities like New York and Toronto. By making this choice, they’ve signaled a shift in attention toward Canada’s dynamic bar scene — especially Vancouver’s west coast flair.

Why Vancouver, and Why Now?

Over the past decade, Vancouver’s bar scene has skyrocketed in global rankings. Innovative establishments like The Keefer and Botanist have earned international acclaim. Thanks to their creativity and focus on local ingredients, these bars positioned the city as a leader in cocktail artistry, making it fit to host the Vancouver 50 Best Bars event.

According to Daily Hive, the selection reflects more than popularity — it honors the city’s influence, culture, and craftsmanship. Vancouver didn’t just impress the judges; it inspired them.

Tourism leaders at Destination Canada see the event as an opportunity to attract global visitors. With vibrant local experiences and events like Dine Out Vancouver, the city continues to evolve into a world-class culinary destination.

The Impact: What This Means for the Industry and the City

The benefits extend well beyond the hospitality sector. First of all, the event will drive increased tourism, filling hotels, restaurants, and local bars. As visitors arrive from across the globe, local businesses will gain invaluable exposure and economic momentum. More people will get to experience the Vancouver 50 Best Bars.

Secondly, the recognition provides career-building opportunities for bartenders and mixologists throughout Canada. It may also boost funding and support for hospitality education and innovation.

From a national standpoint, this further cements Canada’s place on the global food and beverage map. While Toronto hosted the 2023 edition, Vancouver’s turn reflects a broader shift toward the West Coast’s growing influence. Without a doubt, this is a turning point for Vancouver and its 50 Best Bars.

What’s Next for Vancouver?

In the lead-up to the event, many bars across Vancouver will launch special menus, pop-up events, and global collaborations. Moreover, tourism campaigns are expected to promote cocktail-centric experiences throughout the city, highlighting the Vancouver 50 Best Bars.

Looking ahead, this could inspire similar international events to take place in Vancouver, turning the city into a global hub for food and drink culture. In the meantime, locals and visitors alike have the perfect excuse to discover (or rediscover) the city’s vibrant bar scene.

Why this matters:
Ultimately, this event is not just about drinks. It’s about recognition, growth, and community pride. As Vancouver prepares to welcome the world, it’s also celebrating the talent, creativity, and resilience that brought it here, putting Vancouver 50 Best Bars in the spotlight.