About Vancouver
Vancouver is an exciting city situated in the southwestern corner of Canada. Filled with stunning natural beauty and a vibrant cultural scene, it's no wonder why Vancouver is one of the most sought-after cities in the world. It boasts breathtaking mountain and ocean views, a mild climate, and easy access to outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and sailing.
At the heart of any great city is its waterfront, which is especially true in Vancouver. As Canada’s busiest port and third largest metropolis, Vancouver boasts over thirty kilometers of spectacular shoreline along English Bay and Burrard Inlet. With beautiful parks, promenades, marinas, beaches, cafes, and restaurants all located alongside the waterfront, there are plenty of activities to enjoy year-round.
Those looking to host an event can book one-of-a-kind venues, from luxurious boats to stunning gardens overlooking the water, perfect for weddings or corporate events. Vancouver's waterfront setting provides event planners with an inspirational backdrop for any occasion imaginable.
Waterfront Event Options in Vancouver
- Event Planner
An event planner helps coordinate the logistics of your event and provides valuable insight and advice on themes, menu selection, budgeting, and more. They will assess the event's needs, develop a timeline, and coordinate with all other service providers to create an effortless experience for the guests.
- Photographer
Hiring a Vancouver photographer for an event on a waterfront is essential for capturing memories that can be cherished forever. A skilled photographer will have the expertise to capture stunning shots of the venue and its surroundings, framing it in an artistic way that showcases its natural beauty. They can also document any special moments during your event with creativity and style.
- Decorations
Decorations bring together all elements of your venue into one cohesive vision. From colorful balloons to vibrant floral arrangements, decorations can turn a mundane space into something awe-inspiring. There are also photo booths and custom signage that can give your celebration that extra "wow" factor.
Waterfront Event Vendors in Vancouver
- This Is It Studios
Isabella Sarmiento founded This Is It Studios to bring her creative style and passion for photography to life. Although her professional career began many years ago from an interest in film photography, today's This Is It Studios has transformed into a business catering to any occasion or event, from capturing precious memories at intimate birthday parties to documenting the excitement of larger-scale corporate events. The studio is also experienced in creating marketing materials and photographs perfect for commercial businesses, creatives, and small businesses that require branding.
- Filosophi Events
Filosophi Events is an award-winning Wedding and Event Planning firm founded in 2010. It is based in Vancouver and Kelowna but is available for destination work worldwide. They have crafted over 600 weddings and special events of all shapes and sizes, each uniquely tailored to reflect the atmosphere desired by the client. Whether it be embracing a particular cultural heritage, planning a corporate event, or celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or bridal shower, they make sure no detail is overlooked. Their packages are widely customizable to any event's needs, leaving their clients with memories that last a lifetime.
- Koncept Event Design
Koncept Event Design is a full-service event design company dedicated to helping clients create custom and memorable experiences. From full-scale designs to rentals and floral arrangements, the team has a range of services and an eye for innovation that leads to cutting-edge solutions. With an extensive inventory of furniture, decor items, and flower options offered by their in-house designers, Koncept ensures you're getting what you want every time. For over 20 years, the company has consistently delivered high-quality events aligning with clients’ unique visions.
Pros and Cons of Waterfront Events in Vancouver
Holding an event in a waterfront venue in Vancouver allows you to take advantage of the natural beauty of the city and its many attractions. However, like any setting, waterfront event venues also come with their set of benefits and drawbacks, such as:
Advantages
- Hosting an event with access to Vancouver’s beautiful waterfront affords guests stunning views of mountains, oceans, and the city that will leave a lasting impression on guests.
- With its breathtaking views, a waterfront venue provides guests with plenty of picture-perfect photo opportunities.
- Waterfront venues often have ample space for various activities, from boat rides and beach volleyball to simply lounging alongside a peaceful bay.
Disadvantages
- Depending on where your chosen waterfront venue is located, guests may have difficulty accessing it due to limited transportation options or other logistical issues.
- Unfortunately, you never know what weather Mother Nature has in store for you when planning an outdoor event. Sudden rain showers and wind gusts could easily put a damper on your plans.
- Security needs must be taken into account when planning any kind of outdoor event near a body of water.
Tips on How to Organize Waterfront Events in Vancouver
Organizing a waterfront event in Vancouver, BC, is an exciting and challenging prospect. With the stunning natural beauty of its seascapes, the city offers a variety of venues for special occasions, such as weddings, corporate events, or galas. To ensure your event runs smoothly, here are some tips to keep in mind for success:
- Do your research: Conduct thorough research on different waterfront venues in the area and explore their amenities to see which one best meets your needs. Consider parking availability, accessibility options for guests with limited mobility, and whether or not the venue has an outdoor space for activities.
- Assemble a team of experienced professionals: It may include staff members who can handle organizing decorations and catering services, setting up audio/visual equipment, ensuring that all safety regulations are being met, and more.
- Choose entertainment: Carefully select entertainment that suits the theme of your event while also captivating attendees and keeping them engaged throughout the night. You might want to hire local musicians or DJs for live music that reflects the atmosphere of an outdoor waterfront event in Vancouver.
- Prepare for bad weather: If you plan an outdoor ceremony or reception at a waterfront venue, consider what Mother Nature may have in store. Be prepared by researching weather patterns during the time of year you're hosting your event and looking into what backup plans may be necessary should bad weather occur (i.e., renting tents).
- Create memorable mementos: These could be personalized keepsakes or thank-you cards with photos from local photographers or videographers who specialize in filming near water sources like oceanside cliffs or beaches with beautiful sunsets. Not only will this ensure long-lasting memories, but it will also serve as an excellent marketing strategy if shared online afterward!
Famous Locations in Vancouver
- Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery gives art lovers plenty to admire. It boasts an impressive collection featuring masterpieces like Emily Carr's paintings and eclectic art pieces from local and international painters, photographers, sculptors, and textile artists. It’s proud to be the largest public art museum in Western Canada, with changing exhibitions to give visitors a different experience each time they visit. It also regularly hosts events and programs suitable for anyone, whether or not you love art.
- Pam Rocks
Pam Rocks is a small group of rocks in the middle of Howe Sound, home to one of the most active coastal colonies of seals around Vancouver. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely kayak or snorkeling adventure with friends. During your trip, keep an eye out for some iconic wildlife – you may even be lucky enough to see bald eagles swooping around. Not only is it a great way to spend the day, but it’s educational, offering opportunities to learn about Vancouver's fascinating marine environment from the experts.
- Canada Place
Canada Place is Vancouver's iconic landmark with impressive architecture. Its unique design resembles a huge sailing vessel and houses a convention center, hotel, and sightseeing tour buses. If you want to venture outside the building, Waterfront Station is right next door, with ferries departing to Lonsdale Quay. You’re also close to Stanley Park and a scenic waterfront walk, plus a chance to spot some seaplanes taking off and landing along the way.