Robert WebbTop 5 Best Banquet Halls in Vancouver
No matter what event you’re having, we understand why you’re here. We all need all the help we can get when it comes to planning these things. Sometimes the space is too small, or too big that the other half of the room feels empty.
The catering is late, the host is frantically trying to fix everything, and the decorations are not what’s expected. It can be stressful, but we’re here to tell you to take a breather, as we’ve scoured the city to find the best banquet halls in Vancouver.
Vancouver’s Best Banquet Halls
Banquet halls are event spaces that are used for special occasions, so it’s important to pick a space that meets your specific needs and requirements.
When choosing a banquet hall, consider factors such as the capacity of the venue, its location, the amenities offered, and many more. Here are the following criteria we used to assess these banquet halls:
1. Arras Banquet & Events
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| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Location | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Features | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ambiance and Decor | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Guest Capacity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Flexibility | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Responsiveness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Located in South Granville, the Arras Banquet houses three distinct spaces: a rooftop, a ballroom, and a piano café. These spaces can host from 50 to 350 guests, and they have quite a number of amenities that impressed us.
First is the gorgeous custom chandelier we’ve seen hanging above their atrium. We were fascinated by the fact that it was made and designed by a local artist, Matthew McCormick.
We also liked their classy full-size bar with granite countertops and smoked glass mirrors, which we thought added a touch of elegance to the space.
From what we’ve seen, we’re very impressed to see the wide set of inclusions that the venue offers, as we think this makes it less stressful for clients, knowing that everything they may need is readily available.
Some of the inclusions that we think are worth noting include wedding planning staff, an in-house chef and full service staff, customized floor plans, a built-in dance floor, and a two-bedroom rental suite.
Moreover, most of their previous clients that we’ve spoken with praise how accommodating they were during the entire planning process, from initial consultations to the day of the event.
Overall, we’re pretty happy with what we’ve seen and we highly recommend the Arras Banquet Hall for your formal events.
Pros
- Wide set of inclusions
- Accessible location
- Elegant space
Cons
- Can only accommodate up to 350 guests
Client Reviews
Beautiful space and responsive staff
“We used the Arras building for a full day event. The space is beautiful and very new. Lucy was super responsive and detailed when assisting with planning.”
-Becky C.
Spectacular rooftop view
“The view is spectacular on the roof top, and the banquet facility is one of the best in the city. Perfect for a wedding or a corporate event. 5 star.”
-Sean T.
2. Terminal City Club
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| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Location | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Features | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ambiance and Decor | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Guest Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Flexibility | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Responsiveness | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
This exclusive event space is one of the most sought-after venues in downtown. Founded in 1892, the Terminal City Club is quite a charming space for weddings and corporate events.
Their metropolitan and terrace ballrooms can accommodate up to 700 guests, which is impressive for a downtown venue. We also liked that they have venues for smaller events of 50 to 260 people.
We were stunned by vintage chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, a hardwood dance floor, and red drapes hanging gorgeously in the ballrooms.
Now, in order to rent a space from the Terminal City Club, you’d have to apply for a membership, which we thought was unique. Although this is both a pro and a con, as it adds exclusivity but may limit accessibility for some individuals or organizations.
Nevertheless, we found it remarkable that members get access to numerous amenities and services offered by the club, such as fitness facilities, dining options, and networking opportunities.
We also liked that their hosting services include in-house catering, a professional banquet team, audiovisual equipment, and event planning assistance.
Ultimately, they’re a solid choice for clients searching for a banquet hall that’s suited for business meetings and conferences.
Pros
- Ideal for corporate clients
- Can accommodate up to 700 guests
- Has in-house catering
Cons
- Member’s only venue
Client Reviews
Very elegant and quiet space
“This is very elegant and quiet place suitable for small group gathering or party. My friend hold charity party here. Service people is nice and professional…”
-Melissa M.
Impressive decor and gorgeous staircase
“Amazing service. Large ballroom for events and several rooms available for smaller events as well. I’m always impressed with the decor at this venue and the staircase is beautiful.”
-D S.
3. Stanley Park Pavilion
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| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Location | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Features | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ambiance and Decor | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Guest Capacity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Flexibility | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Responsiveness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Stanley Park Pavilion is another option worth considering. This historic building, nestled in the park’s rose gardens, was built in 1991 and is the park’s oldest property still standing.
From what we’ve seen, their biggest draw is the stunning views of the park and the outdoor ceremony space, which can accommodate up to 200 guests. This space is gorgeously adorned with lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
For weddings, the Stanley Park Pavilion has an in-house wedding coordinator and event planning team that will handle all the details and logistics of your special day, which we absolutely love.
Aside from that, they also offer catering services, customizable buffet menus, and a full-service bar. We also liked that their facilities are wheelchair accessible, making them inclusive for all guests.
The pavilion also offers a variety of event spaces, including indoor and outdoor options, making it suitable for any occasion.
Overall, we’re happy with what we’ve seen, as far as venue space and decor. We’re just a bit iffy that they have relatively higher rates. However, we think this is reasonable given the inclusions and services they offer.
All in all, we think Stanley Park Pavilion is one of the best banquet halls in Vancouver if you prefer a venue surrounded by nature.
Pros
- Transparent pricing
- Wheelchair accessible facilities
- Variety of indoor and outdoor spaces
Cons
- Frequently booked
Client Reviews
Charming and historic venue
“The Stanley Park Pavilion is a charming and historic venue located in the heart of Stanley Park. The building itself is stunning and features a beautifully restored ballroom and restaurant…”
-Kishan G.
Gorgeous garden and classy ballroom
“The venue itself is absolutely stunning! The garden where the ceremony is held is gorgeous! The tearoom and ballroom is renovated and so classy!.”
-Elena P.
4. Fraserview Banquet Hall
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Location | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Features | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Ambiance and Decor | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Guest Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Flexibility | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Responsiveness | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Fraserview Banquet Hall’s versatility is what makes it stand out, as the space can be decorated to suit any type of event or theme. Built in 1961, this well-known venue can accommodate up to 1,500 guests.
Our favorite feature of this banquet hall is the spacious raised stage up front, as we think it adds a touch of grandeur to any event, much like a theater or opera house.
The banquet hall also has plenty of space for socializing, including a full-length dance floor, a fully equipped bar and lounge, and several seating areas for guests to relax and mingle.
It’s also convenient that they offer full-service catering, where they combine East Indian cuisine with local ingredients. We appreciate how transparent they are with their catering prices, with rates starting at $40 per person.
The venue is also equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound systems, and video equipment, which only strengthened the positive impression they left on us. It’s also impressive that they have an in-house DJ who can provide music and entertainment.
If you’re looking for one of the best banquet halls in Vancouver, we think Fraserview Banquet Hall is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Versatile banquet hall
- Numerous social spaces
- Has an in-house DJ
Cons
- Some complaints about responsiveness
Client Reviews
Great venue
“Great venue. Recently saw AMA 40 there, for events search for fights at fraserview. There’s kickboxing and indian food; what else do you want in life?.”
-Tom S.
Amazing food
“My favorite hall! With recent renovations the hall has been majorly upgraded. Food is always amazing. The OG hall of Vancouver!.”
-Anisha W.
5. Vancouver Convention Center
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Location | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Features | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ambiance and Decor | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Guest Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Flexibility | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Responsiveness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
With a harbor front view of downtown, the Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) is undoubtedly one of the best venues you can get, with a stunning mountain backdrop.
It’s very impressive that the VCC has over 466,500 square feet of function spaces that can be customized to meet the needs of a wide variety of events.
We know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t the Vancouver Convention Center always booked because it’s a famous venue?”. Well, the VCC actually offers 72 rooms suitable for banquets, so don’t worry; there’s enough for everyone to host their event.
We also found it quite accommodating that they offer comprehensive event services, including event planning, audiovisual equipment rental, catering services, and on-site technical support.
But we’d like to highlight how impressed we were with their catering services, as they offer a wide range of menus according to your tastes and needs. They also have an extensive wine list of British Columbia’s finest to complement your meal choices.
They also have plenty of parking spaces, with more than 1,190 stalls that are accessible 24/7. With all this in mind, there’s a reason why the Vancouver Convention Center remains as one of the best event spaces in the city.
Pros
- Over 72 banquet rooms
- Comprehensive event services
- Plenty of parking spaces
Cons
- Relatively higher rates
Client Reviews
Modern and breathtaking venue
“It is a modern venue with the highest environmental green grades. There are endless possibilities for running different conference activities. The views from its waterfront side are no less than breathtaking.”
-Erez Y.
Spacious event space
“Huge space has the ability to flow thousands through seamlessly. Super aesthetic on the harbour with mountain views…”
-Kevin G.
FAQs about Banquet Halls in Vancouver
Now that you got your venue on lock, there’s still lots to do! Of course, another important factor to a successful event is having it documented and here are a few articles that may come in handy:
