Vancouver's Top Meeting and Event Venues for a Staff Party

There’s no better way to celebrate your team’s accomplishments than with an annual staff party. The first step? Picking the venue. From elegant heritage buildings to chic waterfront destinations, Vancouver is home to many unique venues, so you can’t go wrong when swapping a day in the office for an afternoon or evening at one of these stunning spaces.

Check out a few of our venue recommendations for an epic staff party that will keep your office buzzing for months to come.

The Permanent

Built in 1907, the Permanent is the definition of classical elegance. Originally home to the first Western branch of The Bank of Canada, this historic venue has been fully renovated and restored to its neo-classical splendor, making it the perfect spot for a gala-esque celebration. A beautiful mix of old and new, the Permanent boasts a full banquet hall with stained glass details, bronze chandeliers, and a heritage sixteen-foot-bar that is sure to make any event a memorable one.

With updated facilities and a complimentary on-site coordinator, this highly-acclaimed venue is fully equipped with kitchens, bar tools, and dining furniture for events of up to 130 seated guests, and plentiful space for up to 250 guests to mingle.

​​John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse

Located in Richmond, BC, the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse is a floating escape from everyday office life. The banquet hall is bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that fill the space with natural light, while its simple, minimal design allows the surrounding coastal scenery to take centre stage.

A unique locale for weddings, private parties, and corporate events, the two-storey waterfront property, complete with an expansive dock space, offers flexible floorplans that can be rearranged to accommodate anywhere from 20 to 150 guests for seated functions and up to 185 guests for stand-up cocktail receptions.

The Pipe Shop

Located in the heart of Lonsdale in North Vancouver, the Pipe Shop is 7,900 square feet of industrial beauty. Originally built in the 1940s, this newly restored, historic venue boasts all the things we love about mid-1900s architecture – original wooden beams, high vaulted ceilings, and expansive glass windows that bathe the space with natural light. Its simple structure invites the space to be transformed completely, whether for a wedding, corporate party, or community event, and to top it off, guests are treated to a picture-perfect view of Vancouver’s city skyline across the water.

With the addition of several new building features over the last few years, the Pipe Shop has quickly become one of BC’s most sought after, modern venues for events up to 350 guests.

Photo credit: Shari + Mike

The Polygon

If you’re looking for a contemporary space with city views of Downtown Vancouver, the Polygon checks all the boxes. Designed by Governor General’s Award-winning Patkau Architects, this two-storey event venue in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District is home to the Seaspan Pavilion, an upstairs banquet area adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, thirteen-foot ceilings, modern detailings, and access to a private balcony that overlooks the Burrard Inlet. Meanwhile, the Main Floor Gallery is 3,050 square feet of versatile space that can be easily transformed to bring your modern vision to life.

With the ability to accommodate up to 180 guests for a seated dinner, or up to 800 guests for a two-floor reception, the Polygon Gallery offers both full-sized and micro-event packages to best serve your staff party needs.

Photo credit: Shari + Mike

Rocky Mountaineer Station

A functioning train station, iconic landmark, and blank canvas that allows for limitless possibilities, Rocky Mountaineer Station is truly one of Vancouver’s most exciting event spaces. Located in False Creek, Rocky Mountaineer Station offers 20,000 square feet of historic charm and modern amenities with stunning 34-foot-high vaulted ceilings and striking West Coast details, like exposed brick, metal beams, timber accents, and dramatic glass windows that let in plenty of bright, natural light.

Large-scale events work very well at the Rocky Mountaineer Station as the space can be set up for multiple purposes at once without having to do a room flip, plus separate areas can be closed off and opened when desired for dramatic effect.

Photo courtesy of BC Event Management

The Ellis Building

Built nearly 110 years ago, the Ellis Building has undergone several transformations within its decades-long history. A true reflection of its East Vancouver surrounding neighbourhood, this space proudly holds onto its priceless character, and today, is home to The Library, an intimate and eclectic speakeasy.

Complete with exposed wood and brick, this two-storey historic space offers a versatile layout that can accommodate an intimate gathering of 50 in the mezzanine or up to 250 guests throughout the events space.

Photo courtesy of The Ellis Building

Of course, every great staff party needs an equally exciting menu. Whether your upcoming event is in need of a few passed canapés, action stations, or a full buffet, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today at info@savourycity.com to book a consultation.

Emma Simons