Buck the expensive plane ticket and catch a “flight” at one of these spots if you’re looking to imbibe in the finest whiskies from around the globe. From sophisticated lounges to laid-back bars, Metro Vancouver has something to offer anyone seeking a sip of whisky—whether that’s a rare find, a creative cocktail, or a familiar dram.
Let’s explore.
Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge
Housed in the former Central City Taphouse spot, Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge draws inspiration from Scotland’s Isle of Skye—which is known for its rich whisky culture. Here, you can find elevated and contemporary Canadian cuisine (think high-end burgers, wagyu beef carpaccio, truffle fries, and more) along with a diverse selection of whiskies from around the globe. On “Whisky Wednesdays,” you can find a selection of whisky flights ranging from $25 to $200, and a few whisky-based cocktails for $10 each. We think the Penicillin is worth a shot: made with Naked Malt whisky, Talisker Storm whisky, lemon juice and a honey-ginger syrup.
Address: 13450 102 Avenue, Unit 190, Surrey
How to get here on transit: Take the SkyTrain Expo Line to Surrey Central Station, and walk to the lounge in the Surrey Central Mall.
Mainland Whisky (Distillery & Cocktail Lounge)
Located in Surrey, Mainland Whisky embraces traditional moonshine practices at their craft distillery and tasting lounge. The spot crafts small-batch American-style whisky and whisky liqueurs, each made with organic corn and malted barley. The lounge is a relaxed and unpretentious haunt that regularly hosts musical acts, movies, and arcade games, which you can enjoy all while sipping on a Mainland Craft Cocktail. Try Shrek the Musical, made with corn whisky, matcha, lemon, sugar, egg white, and aromatic bitters; the Smokey Bear, with corn whisky, amaro, brown sugar, pineapple, angostura bitters, and hickory smoke.
Address: 3425 189 Street, Unit 107, Surrey
How to get here on transit: Take the SkyTrain Expo Line to Surrey Central Station, then grab the 503 bus to Langley Centre bus loop. At Langley Centre, transfer to the 531 towards White Rock Centre, and ride 17 stops to 192 Street at 34A Avenue. Walk 12 minutes to Mainland Whisky.
Cask Whisky Vault
At Club Versante in Richmond, Cask Whisky Vault beckons patrons into an intimate sanctuary of style and sophistication. This refined spot pairs an extensive selection of single malts, bourbons, and blended whiskies alongside Izakaya-style bites. Within its elegant ambiance, you’ll be able to retreat to far off shores as far as whisky goes—as the menu provides whiskies from Canada and the US, to Ireland and Scotland, and as far as Japan.
Address: 8400 West Road, Suite 105, Richmond
How to get here on transit: Take the Canada Line to Bridgeport Station, and catch the 407 bus (Gilbert via Vulcan). Exit at Westbound Bridgeport Road at Smith Street, and walk for seven minutes to Cask Whisky Vault at the Club Versante.
Sons of Vancouver
Over on Vancouver’s North Shore, Sons of Vancouver’s tasting room experience is for whisky aficionados who prefer to sip local, small batch spirits. Sample hand-crafted cocktails featuring in-house distilled spirits—like the Vito Corleone, a strong, whisky-forward smokey drink that gives a nod to The Godfather—alongside burritos from the neighbouring Don Chendo Mexican Market. Here, Tuesdays are the official whisky nights, in which cheap drams, breakeven bottles, and whisky cocktails are offered every Tuesday night. Best of all? You get a free cocktail when you purchase a bottle of the craft-made spirits.
Address: 1431 Crown Street, North Vancouver
How to get here on transit: Arrive at the SeaBus in North Vancouver and take the R2 bus (Marine Drive to Phibbs Exchange). Ride four stops to Phibbs Exchange, and walk eight minutes to 1431 Crown Street.
The Woods Spirit Co (The Woods Bar)
Under new ownership in North Vancouver, The Woods Bar continues its tradition of providing a laid-back atmosphere paired with exceptional libations. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails—like the Wake-Up Call, made with Irish whisky, barrel-aged Nocino, fresh brewed coffee, and cream—alongside snackable bites like pizza and olives. Head distiller Andy Davidson will soon be starting a whisky-maturation program.
Address: 1450 Rupert St, North Vancouver
How to get here on transit: Take the R2 bus from the SeaBus terminal in North Vancouver, ride for four stops to Phibbs Exchange, and walk 600 metres to The Woods Spirit Co.
Article by: Kristi Alexandra
Comments are closed.