Photo: JFL Vancouver
Prepare for the Just For Laughs (JFL) Vancouver comedy festival when it returns from February 15 to 24. To get you through those winter January blues, plan some unforgettable activities around your chosen comedy shows to enhance your JFL experience. There are some fantastic weekday offers across the city to help maximize your entertainment value.
Aquabus, Photo: Rick Chung/YVArcade
Visit Granville Island
Before heading downtown for a show in February, make a day of it by visiting the world-famous Granville Island for its many walkable entertainment options, including the Public Market, a selection of restaurants (try Alimentaria Mexicana, The Sandbar, Tap & Barrel Bridges, Vancouver Fish Company, or Dockside Restaurant), artisanal shops to browse, and gorgeous views overlooking False Creek for a nice walk or a ride on the Aquabus.
Granville Street, Photo: Rick Chung/YVArcade
Walk the Granville Strip
With many of JFL’s events hosted at the Vogue Theatre and The Pearl located in the heart of the Granville Entertainment District or at the nearby Orpheum Theatre and Queen Elizabeth Theatre, hitting up one of the many bars and restaurants on Granville Street makes it extra convenient for a night out meeting up with friends before a show.
Fun options for groups include GoodCo Bar, The Living Room at Hotel Belmont, Cinema Public House, Granville Room, The Yale Saloon, or playing some indoor mini-golf at Par-Tee Putt.
Vinyl Records, Photo: Rick Chung/YVArcade
Tour Historic Gastown
For those going to China Cloud, The Portside Pub, The Red Room, or Rogers Arena, strolling Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood of Gastown for some shopping, drinks, or dinner is a fine way to begin a full evening of entertainment.
To start, browse some vintage LPs at Vinyl Records, grab a snack at the new Lee’s Donuts location, share a plate of nachos at Tacofino Taco Bar, enjoy some authentic Italian food at Di Beppe, or drink many beers at the Alibi Room. You can’t go wrong with so many cool shops and stops surrounding each other.
Brewhall, Photo: Rick Chung/YVArcade
Happy Hours
There are also some great midweek happy hour specials, especially on Tuesdays, on food and drinks at restaurants and bars all over Vancouver to enjoy before or after any show.
Photo: JFL Vancouver
Activities & Attractions
During JFL Vancouver, take the opportunity to experience the huge variety of attractions and activities throughout the city before catching a comedy show.
To browse the full lineup and purchase tickets, visit JFL Vancouver’s website.