Photo: The Lighthouse Pub in Sechelt. Source: Tim Davis via Flickr.
The Vancouver Canucks are in the playoffs and everyone has Canucks fever. So we wondered “Where are the best places in the region to watch the game?” and we wanted to base our blog post on that. Sure, we’d all love to watch the Canucks at Rogers Arena, but if you can’t do that, where would you go? We asked for your input on Twitter and Facebook and here’s what you suggested (in absolutely no order whatsoever)…
1. Lighthouse Pub – Sechelt:
It seemed like everyone was eagerly recommending the Lighthouse Pub in Sechelt. Whistler Foodie, Landsea Tours, Sunshine Coast Tourism are all fans. When we went to their website, we could see why – they’ve got beautiful multi-tiered patios and a stunning view of Porpoise Bay. But what about watching the Canucks? According to their website it says they have “Satellite coverage for Sports Events with 13 Plasma and LCD TVs throughout the premises. Everyone has a great seat for NHL, NFL, and Payperview Eve.”
2. The Watershed Grill – Brackendale:
If you find yourself in the Squamish area, seek out the Watershed Grill in nearby Brackendale. Frequent Squamish visitor @Erin_Hanson tweeted this great recommendation. She said the Watershed Grill has an “amazing patio, views of the river, and eagles – AND the game. Almost don’t wanna share the secret.” But share she did and we couldn’t help ourselves but pass on the info to you.
3. Old Settler Pub – Harrison Hot Springs:
It was Fraser Canyon guru @TravelTheCanyon who recommended this gem of a pub. “The Old Settler Pub in Harrison is one heck of a clean and friendly pub with lots of HD big screen TV’s. Perfect for playoffs.” Tuscany expat Liza recently ventured there in her attempt to discover more of the Vancouver region. She writes, “To complete our rustic day, we thought we would eat locally. Unfortunately, it was pretty dead everywhere in Hope at 7pm Saturday night. So off, we go again on our small road trip. We decide to go to Harrison Hot Springs. Still sticking to “rustic” we go to the Old Settler Pub. It is a nice change to go to a place where it’s not a “Donelly or Mark James” type. We both have a “stick to you ribs” food – meat, potatoes and beer — very authentic.” Read the rest of her blog post here.
4. Kane’s Sports Bistro – Powell River:
Kane’s Sports Bistro in Powell River was suggested to us by Sunshine Coast Tourism. Although there’s not a lot of info about them online, the reviews have been favourable on TripAdvisor. Lissygirl62 writes in her review, “Always had great food and great service here. The price are reasonable and there is something on the menu for everyone. Although it is set up like a sports bar, kids are welcome and there is lots to choose from on the menu. They even accommodate young sports teams in large groups – advisable to reserve for this beforehand. Very accommodating restaurant.”
5. Shinglemill Pub – Powell River:
The Shinglemill Pub was also recommended to us by Sunshine Coast Tourism. They’ve been advertising all kinds of Canucks specials on their Facebook page. Just this past Tuesday they wrote a very hopeful, “GO CANUCKS GO! Come and watch the game tonight! We got east Indian Buffet only $19.95… Don’t forget to wear your Canucks gear!” I wonder what their special’s going to be tonight?
6. Blackfish Pub – Gibsons:
Thanks to Sunshine Coast Tourism for recommending the Blackfish Pub in Gibsons. They advertise on their website that they offer traditional and west coast contemporary cuisine and eight large HD TVs. They’ve also have Canucks ticket contests and will show the games live on the big screen.
7. Gramma’s Pub – Gibsons:
Now you gotta love a pub that has such intense Canucks fever that they name all their menu items after the players! There’s the “#6 Sami Salo – Chicken and Prawn Chow Mein guaranteed not to injure” or the “#14 Burrows Poutine – our version of fries, gruyere and gravy to mix it up in the corners”. What about the “#15 Tanner Glass of Beer $3.79 everyday”. You gotta love it! It says on their website, “The spectacular view, high definition big screen TV’s, a wide-selection of drafts beers, and a creative and tasty menu with fresh food options and prices that leave you smiling! Come on in and enjoy the marine harbour view or some live sports action. Tell ‘em Gramma sent you!” Thanks to Sunshine Coast Tourism who initially told us about Gramma’s Pub and for Charlene SanJenko who suggested their yam fries.
8. Garden Bay Pub – Pender Harbour:
This is another Sunshine Coast Tourism recommendation. As it says on their website, “The pub, including the scenic garden deck, provides a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere for a summer drink or a taste from our extensive pub menu. Daily specials are prepared by our featured chefs. As the day eases into night the bay comes to life to the strains of some of the best musical acts to be seen in such a remote location.”
9. Back Eddy Pub – Egmont:
Head to the Egmont’s Back Eddy Pub if you want to enjoy craft beers and 100 mile diet inspired meals while watching the Canucks. Says their website, “We’re open from Wednesday to Sunday from noon until close (closed Monday and Tuesday until the May long weekend). The kitchen is open until 8 PM midweek and 9 PM Friday and Saturday. We’re also open for all of the Canucks hockey games so come on out and cheer on our team!” A sincere thanks to Sunshine Coast Tourism for all your advice!
10. Market by Jean-Georges – Vancouver:
If you want to class it up a little, head over to
Market by Jean-Georges at the Shangri-La Hotel. They just introduced their “Neighbourhood Menu” from 5-7 pm that features 9 different appies for $9 each and $5 Craft Beers.
@bgreenslade tweeted her approval on Tuesday: “TV’s and a $9 dollar menu! Classiest place in town to watch the Canucks game at tonight for sure!” People were still enjoying it after Tuesday’s embarrassing loss. Local foodie
@JohnathonV tweeted his thanks to Market for a wonderful evening. He said, “Terrible hockey result but food n drink were superb! Cheers!”
11. Original Joe’s – Abbotsford:
Thanks to Tourism Abbotsford for letting us know about this fantastic hot spot! They tell us, “
Original Joe’s, our newest restaurant, has an awesome, casual, trendy atmosphere with lots of screens and Canuck night specials! Then there is Finnegans Pub, Duke of Dublins Pub and Baron Bar & Grill who are all quite new to Abbotsford and have the perfect atmosphere for big groups of fans! They all have killer drink and food specials!”
12. Schanks Sports Bar – New Westminster:
Thanks to Tourism New Westminster for this great suggestion. They say, “New West is home to the largest sports bar in BC – Schanks! We also have some amazing neighbourhood pubs such as Rivers Reach, Terminal Pub and Dublin Castle to name a few! Go Canucks Go!” We looked on Schanks’ Facebook page and noticed that they have a $4 Molson special for the game . And according to their website, they’re “more than just a sports bar, offering a multitude of sporting options such as mini golf, virtual golf, billiards, video games, NTN trivia, and off track betting.” Sounds fun to us!
13. Hog Shack – Richmond:
The Hog Shack BBQ & Cookhouse in Steveston is so Canucks crazy that they changed their Twitter avatar to this! In fact, half of what they tweet is about the Canucks! Earlier last week they even tweeted that if you tell your server that you follow them on Twitter (and you should, really, be following them on Twitter before you tell your server!), they’ll give you free “moinks” to start off the game. What are moinks? We weren’t sure either, but they look strangely alluring in this photo! Thanks to Allan Yeo for recommending this to us on the Richmond BC Facebook page.
14. Jimmy’s Pub and Grill – Agassiz:
Thanks to the Agassiz Visitor Information Centre & Museum for providing us with this suggestion! Unfortunately we don’t have much info about Jimmy’s Pub and Grill but would love to hear about it if you’ve visited, or better yet, watched the Canucks at Jimmy’s!
15. Sasquatch Inn Pub – Harrison Mills:
The Sasquatch Inn Pub definitely has Canucks fever! They have great game day specials – pound of wings for $6.95 and pint of Canadian for $6.95. website, “Why not watch your favourite sporting event on our HD 8′ big screen? Watch the game with us and enter for your chance to win nightly prizes.” Thanks again to the Agassiz Visitor Information Centre & Museum for this suggestion.
16. The Blue Moose – Hope:
There’s more to the Blue Moose than coffee, sandwiches, and muffins! Our favourite Hope cafe serves nachos, wings, and beer – a perfect combo while watching the Canucks! They’re open until 9pm every day. Thanks to Brian McKinney for this suggestion, but also thanks to the Hope Standard for giving us additional suggestions if you’re in Hope. They said, “There are lots of good options for watching Canucks playoff games. King Pin Lounge, Gold Rush Pub, the Royal Canadian legion bar, Eagles Hall, as well as most restaurants in town have the game on: Driftwynd Bistro, Joe’s Restaurant, and Papandreas are the one we know of.”
17. The Keg – Langley:
Thanks to Tourism Langley for this suggestion. They said, “Lot’s of great pubs and restaurants in Langley… The Keg was a great spot on Friday night!”
18. The Fort Pub – Fort Langley:
We’ve had several meals at this scenic Fort Langley riverside pub and have always left as happy campers. We can totally imagine it being a great place to watch the game. They say on their website, “We have a cozy, rustic appearance with a fireplace and ample seating for small or big groups alike. Our menu features many fresh and local offerings, enough to satisfy any pallet. We offer outside catering for groups visiting the Fort Langley area as well as locals hosting that special event. Our eight T.V.’s and huge big screen offer great viewing for all sports enthusiasts whether it be a Canucks Pay Per View game or a U.F.C. bout.” Thanks again to Tourism Langley for this suggestion.
19. Central City Brewing – Surrey:
Surrey’s Central City Brewing is a pub for serious craft beer aficionados. Michael J of Kirkland Washington wrote in his Yelp review, “This place is worth it for the beer alone; seven delicious varieties and a seasonal on tap. Loved the IPA, would pass on the lager personally, but no doubt that all eight are expertly brewed. Food was good; well prepared mussels, great burger too! Service was very friendly, if intermittent. Ample viewing for hockey; projector screens come down for major games.” Thanks to Tourism Surrey for this suggestion.
20. Brown’s Socialhouse (Panorama) – Surrey:
Brown’s Socialhouse recently opened up a location Surrey’s Panorama and it was recommended to us by Not Quite South Surrey. Think of it like a hybrid of a sports bar pub and a swanky lounge – they’re definitely a great place to watch the game. Sounds like they’re also offering Canucks specials. Their latest tweet says, “How good does Burger & a Beer sound?… For $11.95! Come cheer the Canucks on with us and chow down. #blackhawksdown!” That’s the spirit!
21. Big Ridge Brewing Co. – Surrey:
Big Ridge Brewing Co. has been a favourite in Surrey since it opened in 1999. Chris R of London UK wrote in his Yelp review, “Big Ridge is one of only two brewpubs in Surrey and surely the one with the best atmosphere. For what it is, a brewpub/restaurant with good pub food, it is the best place for a beer in the Fraser Valley. Big Ridge is divided in two, there is a casual restaurant side and a sports bar side featuring many HD TV’s showing sporting events, which is a great place to watch a Canucks game.” Better yet, they’ve been announcing Canucks specials on their Facebook page with the recent one being, “4 highballs, $4.50 sleeves and the Canucks thumping the Blackhawks…what a great start to the weekend!” Once again, big thanks to Not Quite South Surrey for this recommendation!
Note: We realize that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Do you have additional suggestions? We’d love to hear about them – leave us a comment!
