In April 2026, North America’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, returns to Vancouver for its fifth edition. The awards ceremony is on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
After debuting as a host city in 2025, Vancouver returns as a host city in the North American bar world. For three days, the event brings together industry leaders from the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, highlighting the city’s growing role in the cocktail scene.
Vancouver’s bar scene is built on collaboration and creativity. Local bars use thoughtful techniques, seasonal ingredients, and an openness that encourages exchange. That approach stood out during last year’s event and helped establish Vancouver as a home for the awards.
“Following our first-ever celebration in Canada last year, we are thrilled to return to Vancouver,” says Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America’s 50 Best Bars. “The city’s hospitality community showcased Canada’s growing impact on the bar industry and we’re excited to recognize the individuals and destinations shaping North America’s role in the global cocktail conversation.”
The 2026 program starts with the Bartenders’ Feast, followed by the awards ceremony on April 22. The evening ends with the announcement of The Best Bar in North America 2026 and other honours. The extended 51–100 list will also return.
For Vancouver, this is more than hosting; it is validation. “This event confirms Vancouver’s growing place in cocktail culture,” says Royce Chwin, President and CEO of Destination Vancouver. “It’s driven by bold ideas, diverse influences, and a strong sense of place. It’s a chance to recognize local talent and welcome guests from across North America.”
Before the ceremony, several awards will be announced, including Michter’s Art of Hospitality and Altos Bartenders’ Bartender. For those not attending, the countdown will stream on YouTube.
How the List Comes Together
The North America’s 50 Best Bars ranking isn’t decided by numbers alone, it’s shaped by experience. The list is compiled from the votes of over 300 anonymous industry experts across the continent, including bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers and cocktail specialists, all balanced by gender and region. Votes are adjudicated by Deloitte, and bars cannot apply or campaign.
Each voter chooses the seven bars where they’ve had their most memorable experiences over the past 18 months. There’s no strict checklist; what matters most is the overall impression: drinks, atmosphere, service, and that hard-to-define magic that makes a bar worth returning to.
It’s an anonymous voting process without sponsor influence. The result is less about rigid scoring and more about storytelling, highlighting the bars that push boundaries, shape the culture, and provide memorable experiences for a great night out in North America.
Here are some scenes from last year’s North America’s 50 Best Bars Gala
Read about last year’s winners.
Shaking it up at North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 Awards. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Shaking it up at North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 Awards. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Shaking it up at North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 Awards. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
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Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
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She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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