Where to See Hilarious Improv and Stand-Up Comedy in Vancouver

Vancouverites are a fun loving bunch, enjoying a laid-back lifestyle that includes hearty laughs.

And let’s be honest, these days we all need a chuckle, the kind that has you clutching your belly after you hear a one-liner. Fortunately, there’s an abundance of venues for stand-up comedy in Vancouver where you can meet locals while getting your funnybone tickled. Whether you want to see famous comedians or test out your own jokes on amateur night (just no Dad jokes, please), Vancouver has a stand-up night for you.

The Improv Centre

From your stay at the Granville Island Hotel, it’s a short stroll to The Improv Centre, a long-running destination for unscripted laughs.

Table seats closer to the stage give the best view and a higher chance of participating in the hilarity. It’s all part of the fun, since audience involvement is the name of the game here. Get ready to offer suggestions for scenes or even volunteer to act with the comedians.

The Improv Centre features many different shows to choose from, from classic Theatresports nights where the audience gets to judge who made them chuckle more, to themed performances centred on blockbuster movies. Tickets are available here.

And since no one likes to laugh on an empty stomach, fuel up before the show at one of the many delicious eateries on Granville Island, like Tap & Barrel-Bridges.

Comedy After Dark

When the sun sets, the comedians display their wit. Comedy After Dark is part eatery, part venue for stand-up comedy in Vancouver. Found on the outskirts of historic Gastown, this place features a sleek room, dominated by a long side bar where you can order their “cheeky mojito.”

Snack on comfort eats like a fried chicken poutine while the anticipation builds for the show. Friday and Saturdays are for pros, with “Late Night Laughs” going into the wee hours of the morning. Other evenings give the stage to newbies with fresh material while Taco Tuesdays spotlight all-female comedians. Clearly, women rule the comedy world.

Chill Pill Comedy

Take the advice of Chill Pill Comedy, and destress through humour. This women-owned venue is located in Mount Pleasant, home to plenty of neighbourhood bars and breweries for hanging out before the show. Local favourite 33 Acres Brewing Company, just a few minutes away, is a friendly spot for chatting with locals over their classic amber lager.

After enjoying some drinks, head to Chill Pill for some stand-up comedy in Vancouver. Chill Pill holds their events in a cozy, dimly lit room with a stage at front and a small bar on the side. Tickets are available for a variety of shows, such as candlelight stand-up and saucy x-rated nights.

Little Mountain Gallery

Looking for an indie community vibe for stand-up comedy in Vancouver? For nearly a decade, Little Mountain Gallery (LMG) Comedy, a non-profit, has been nurturing local talent by putting on regular stand-up and improv events for established and emerging comics.

As the name suggests, the company used to be located in the Little Mountain (also called Riley Park) neighbourhood but they’re now happily at a new Gastown location. That means you’re close to some of the best establishments in town, like Pourhouse, for pre-show eating and drinking.

After a cocktail (or two), make your way to LMG, housed in a two-level intimate space decorated with sparkly lights and their mascot, a large stuffed raccoon. Staff at the bar have no shortage of quirky quips that match the humour on stage. Whether it’s WikiProv, exploring the bizarro world of Wikipedia, or Bloodfeud, where stand-up goes head-to-head with improv, you’re sure to laugh yourself off your high-top seat. See their calendar for tickets.

The Comedy Department

If you’re in the mood for wickedly funny improv in Vancouver, The Comedy Department in the West End will fit the bill. The company was founded by Denise Jones and David Milchard, who spent years honing their craft in the city’s lively improv scene.

The dynamic comedy duo now puts on regular shows at The Show Cellar. Go into The Park Pub in the Best Western Sands Hotel, head past everyone watching the game, and go downstairs to a secret comedy location (shhhh).

This speakeasy venue hosts two Saturday night shows, during which Jones and Milchard and their funny pals unleash themselves in a big way. Comedians contort their bodies and get noisy in wildly unexpected scenes. Their zany energy is so infectious you’ll leave grinning from ear to ear after the comics have left the stage. Make sure to snag tickets ahead of time.

After taking in some improv and stand-up comedy in Vancouver, you’ll quickly learn that laughs here are as abundant as artisan coffee and fancy pilates wear.