Places Where You're Most Likely Able To Spot Celebrities In Vancouver
Vancouver is often referred to as "Hollywood North" thanks to the multitude of movies and TV shows filmed in the city every year. A-list actors are constantly dropping into the city for work and play. Musicians, athletes, and even royalty also come for the spectacular Vancouver scenery and cosmopolitan vibes. It should come as no surprise then that celebrity sightings are a regular occurrence in the city.
Just like other visitors to Vancouver, celebrities love to get out and shop, dine, and see the sights. There are plenty of places around "Van" that are known for their star appeal, from sophisticated dining destinations that pull out all the stops to laid-back locales where celebrities can go low-key. Many stars who know the city well have their favorite spots that they return to time after time.
Although Vancouver is the most filmed city in Canada, the city is a bit more chill than other celebrity hotspots like Los Angeles and New York, though the same rules apply when it comes to star sightings. In general, it's always good to keep your cool and be respectful. After all, celebrities value their personal space and privacy just as much as the next person. That being said, if you want to catch sight of some A-listers, these are some of the top places where you're most likely to spot celebrities in Vancouver.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
The Rosewood Hotel Georgia is a name that has become synonymous with luxury in Vancouver. The hotel first opened its doors in 1927 as the Hotel Georgia, and right off the bat, it attracted the rich and famous. Prince Edward VIII and his brother George were among the first guests to stay at the hotel. A slew of celebrities would follow over the years, including Katharine Hepburn, Elvis Presley, and Nat King Cole.
From 2007 to 2011, the hotel underwent a major $120 million restoration and reopened as the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. The revamped hotel now features larger rooms (the smallest is 300 square feet), a zen-inspired spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and numerous dining and drinking venues. Art Deco touches can be found throughout, alongside modern artworks and original features like stained glass and antique elevator dials.
Nearly a century on, the luxury hotel is still a favorite with headliners and high rollers. If you want to catch sight of a celebrity guest, your best bet is to book a table at the hotel's Hawksworth Restaurant. The fine dining restaurant has three gorgeous rooms including a cocktail bar and lounge. The 1927 Lobby Lounge is another classy spot that celebrities have been known to frequent.
Maenam
It's no secret that Seth Rogan loves Thai restaurant Maenam. He publicly recommended it on X, formerly known as Twitter, to Questlove and later to Chrissy Tiegan. Kate Winslet and Owen Wilson have also dined at this Kitsilano spot. And celebrities aren't the only ones who love Maenam. Chef Angus An's star-worthy dishes have earned the restaurant a spot on "Canada's 100 Best Restaurants" list and a recommendation in Michelin's Vancouver Guide.
Chef An fell in love with Thai flavors while working at Nahm in London under esteemed chef David Thompson. He opened Maenam in 2009 and it's been drawing in crowds ever since. The focus is on modern Thai dishes made with local, sustainable ingredients. All the curries and sauces are made in-house, and the menu is updated regularly to reflect what's in season.
The vibe inside the restaurant is cozy with comfy booths and wooden tables. You'll need a reservation to eat in the dining room and to sample the much-lauded chef's tasting menu. However, if you want to swing by for some a la carte bites, the bar and lounge area is open for walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of Vancouver's biggest attractions, so it should come as no surprise that numerous celebrities have wandered its trails. The park spans 988 acres and features tons of attractions including gardens, beaches, and the Vancouver Aquarium. You never know who you might see out for an early-morning jog or a sunset stroll.
The Stanley Park Seawall is one of the main draws to the park, and it's easy to see why. The trail runs around the perimeter of the park and offers spectacular views of the ocean, mountains, and Vancouver skyline. Celebrities spotted along the trail include Shia LaBeouf, Cole Sprouse, and Camila Mendes.
When not whale watching in Vancouver, hit up the Vancouver Aquarium for some family fun and a possible star sighting. The aquarium is the largest in Canada and home to a huge range of aquatic animals. Famous fans include Neil Patrick Harris, who visited with husband David Burtka and their twin daughters. NPH later commented on Instagram, "The Vancouver Aquarium is stellar! Loved it! The kids learned all kinds of new things!"
Richmond Night Market
Lauded by the New York Times as having 'the best Asian food in North America', the Richmond Night Market attracts celebrities and civilians alike. In fact, this is the biggest night market on the continent, attracting over 1 million people per year. Set on 18 acres, the market has an outdoor festival atmosphere with food stalls, fun rides for kids, retail vendors, and more.
It's not uncommon to see the odd celeb or two perusing the Richmond Night Market for tasty bites. After all, the market is renowned as a foodie haven with over 100 food booths and food trucks serving a wide array of cuisines. Vancouver native Seth Rogan stated on X, "I love the Richmond night market and have been going there for years. It's my favorite food to eat."
The Richmond Night Market is only open on weekend evenings during the summer months. It kicks off at the end of April and closes in the second week of October. The market is pretty massive, so you'll have to keep your eyes peeled for any stars in the mix. You never know though — you might just run into someone famous at that next chicken karaage or boba tea stand.
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Joe Fortes has been serving up succulent seafood and steaks to celebrities and civilians alike since 1985. Famous fans of the restaurant include Tom Cruise, Bon Jovi, Jeff Bridges, and Justin Hartley. WWE wrestler John Cena called the spot his favorite restaurant in Canada in a video he posted on Instagram.
The super fresh seafood is what draws guests in and keeps them coming back. The restaurant receives daily deliveries of Pacific Northwest products like oysters, prawns, and salmon. Popular menu items include the seafood tower and the New York striploin with truffle parmesan fries. Drizzle your entree with the house lobster oil and you have a meal fit for a star.
The mezzanine is one of the best spots for people watching because it looks down on the bustling dining room. When the weather is good, the rooftop patio is also a prime spot for seeing and being seen. Reservations are highly recommended, as the place tends to pack out, especially on holidays and weekends.
Granville Island
Granville Island is beloved by locals, tourists, and visiting celebrities alike. The massive public market is a foodie's dream, and the theaters and galleries attract artsy types. You might see someone famous performing at one of the island's many festivals or run into a celebrity shopping for artisan goods in the market.
Peruse the food stalls at the Granville Island Public Market and you'll find everything from small-production cheeses to handmade sausages and smoked salmon. Lee's Donuts is one of Seth Rogan's favorite spots. It was one of the first places he brought chef David Chang on Chang's Netflix special "Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner." Cobie Smulders has been photographed shopping at Hobbs Pickles.
If you get tired of battling the crowds in the market, there are several restaurants on Granville Island where you can relax on a patio and do some stationary star spotting. The Sandbar has a covered patio on the second floor with great views of the water. The Tap & Barrel is another great option with a patio overlooking False Creek. The patio is heated in the cooler months so that guests can enjoy al fresco dining year-round.
Minerva's
Stop by Minerva's in the Kerrisdale neighborhood and you could find yourself seated next to Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. In a Netflix interview with director Shawn Levy to promote the movie "The Adam Project," Reynolds stated, "My favorite restaurant in the world is Minerva's. It's a Greek restaurant. It's incredible." With its cozy vibes and comforting Mediterranean classics, it's easy to see why the actor has a soft spot for the eatery.
Established in 1975, Minerva's is a family-run restaurant located on a quiet street on Vancouver's west side. The interior is warm and inviting, and the menu is unpretentious with Greek dishes like calamari and souvlaki. You can also grab mains like pizzas, pasta, and steaks. During the summer months, they offer al fresco dining on the patio. The laid-back atmosphere makes it precisely the type of spot a celebrity might want to duck into to escape the crowds and tuck into some hearty fare.
Reynolds told CBC News that while he was filming the first two "Deadpool" movies in Vancouver, he and Blake would eat at Minerva's three times a week. That's a pretty solid testament to just how much the couple love the spot. The owners of Minerva also opened Loula's on Commercial Drive, so there's a good chance you might catch the celeb duo there as well.
Shangri-La Vancouver
Located amid high-end shops, restaurants, and art galleries, the Shangri-La Vancouver offers five-star accommodation for stars who want to be at the center of all the action. The hotel occupies the first 15 floors of the tallest skyscraper in Vancouver. You may recognize its sleek exterior as the fictional Encom Tower in the movie "Tron: Legacy".
The Shangri-La Vancouver is renowned for being tastefully discreet, making it the perfect place for well-known figures to retire to after a day of filming, performing, or having meetings. Tom Cruise rented the penthouse while he was in town filming "Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol". Dwayne Johnson, Oprah, and George Clooney have also stayed at the hotel.
If you don't spot any celebs milling around the lobby, you can always try Carlino, the hotel's fine-dining Italian restaurant. Carlino was added to the Michelin Vancouver Guide with a nod to its freshly made pasta and use of seasonal ingredients from local farms. You can book a table in the dining room or drop by the lounge where walk-ins are welcome.
Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca
Chef Giuseppe "Pino" Posteraro has served more than his fair share of famous people at his award-winning Italian restaurant, Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca. Celebrities who have dined here include Al Pacino, Jennifer Aniston, Jason Momoa, and Jon Voight. A-listers can't seem to get enough of chef Posteraro's pasta, risottos, and local seafood.
The restaurant was one of the first upscale spots to open in what is now the ultra-trendy Yaletown neighborhood. Grab a spot on the patio if the weather permits or head indoors to the softly lit dining room. There are also private rooms for special events and VIP guests who want to eat their pasta in peace away from prying eyes.
Not sure what to order? If you want something simple but supremely flavorful, the Michelin Guide recommends the gnocchi cacio e pepe. Food critics also rave about the prosciutto aged for 24 months and the lasagna with duck ragu. Keep an eye out for specials that incorporate seasonal ingredients at their peak.
Rogers Arena
There's always a star-studded event happening at Rogers Arena, whether it's a hockey game, a stand-up act, or a live concert featuring a big-name musician. Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Kendrick Lamar have all performed at the arena. With events taking place nearly every week, you're guaranteed to see someone famous — although it may be from a distance.
The Vancouver Canucks play their home games at the Rogers Arena, so it's a great spot to see some of the best players in the NHL. Celebrities sometimes make appearances at games to cheer on their favorite teams. Michael Bublé, Cobie Smulders, and John Travolta have all been spotted in the stands.
Keep in mind that tickets can sell out fast for concerts and shows, particularly if the performer has superstar status. You can usually buy tickets for Canucks games up to and on the day of the game in the regular season. However, in the lead-up to the Stanley Cup playoffs, your chances of scoring a seat seriously dwindle. If you want to ensure you snag a spot at a game or a show, it's best to plan ahead.
Tojo's
Chef Hidekazu Tojo has built a solid following of stars at his iconic sushi restaurant Tojo's. In fact, the chef is somewhat of a star himself. He was the first chef to introduce omakase dining to Vancouver and claims to be the inventor of the California roll and the B.C. roll. He's also appeared on numerous television shows including "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations."
Many celebrities have graced the seats of Tojo's over the 35 years the restaurant has been in business. Famous patrons include Johnny Depp, Morgan Freeman, Martha Stewart, Harrison Ford, and Ed Sheeran. Those in the know sit at the omakase bar and let chef Tojo choose the courses. There are also comfortable booths and intimate tables in the dining room.
Chef Tojo earned his accolades for using only the best local ingredients in his creations like fresh sea urchin and Dungeness crab. Each dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail and showcased so that the natural flavors shine through. If toro is on the menu, you're in for a treat. After sampling some of chef Tojo's tuna belly with homemade wasabi, Anthony Bourdain remarked, "That's unbelievable. That's a religious experience," according to the Vancouver Sun.
Gastown
Vancouver's oldest neighborhood is also one of its trendiest. Gastown was established in 1867 when "Gassy" Jack Deighton built a tavern on the site. Today, the neighborhood features cobblestone streets and historic brick buildings that house boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. Celebrities like Cole Sprouse, Ed Sheeran, and Danielle Panabaker have been spotted in Gastown.
Gastown is one of Hollywood North's top filming locations, so you may get a sense of déjà vu as you explore the streets. Movies filmed in the area include "Fifty Shades of Grey", "Paycheck", and "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus". Finch's Tea House was used for a scene in the TV show "Yellowjackets," and the historic Hotel Europe made an appearance in "Legends of the Fall."
After dark, the bars and nightclubs in Gastown attract all types including famous figures. The Clough Club and L'Abattoir are popular spots for actors and filmmakers during the Vancouver International Film Festival. Also, if you happen to be in town during the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, check out the 2nd Floor Gastown, which offers live music every night of the week and is a popular venue during the festival.
Gotham Steakhouse & Bar
With its swanky interior and sublime menu offerings, Gotham Steakhouse & Bar has long been a favorite haunt of A-listers. Step inside and you'll feel like a celebrity yourself as you take in the soaring ceilings, Art Deco decor, and opulent mahogany accents. The intimate booths and private dining rooms are perfect for those looking for a discreet dining experience.
Former guests of Gotham Steakhouse & Bar have included George Clooney, Halle Berry, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Management told the Vancouver Sun that the restaurant's popularity with celebs is mainly due to its low-key vibes, genuine service, and commitment to never cut corners. It also might have something to do with their outstanding menu featuring premium cuts of meat and fresh seafood. That and their award-winning wine list.
A meal at Gotham won't be cheap, but it's worth the splurge for the luxurious setting and divine eats. Plus, if you're lucky, you may find yourself in the presence of some big names that you've previously only seen on the screen or in magazines. At the very least, you can count yourself among the elite who have dined at this iconic Vancouver dining destination.