When I first visited Vancouver, I was headed to the city for a work event. I anticipated a hectic few days of business travel, but what I didn’t expect was the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the city. From there, I ventured out into the wilds of Canada’s Pacific Coast with a trip to Vancouver Island and Tofino. I have returned — for work and pleasure — many times since over the years. I found that first trip nothing short of perfect, which is unsurprising considering Vancouver has established itself as an alluring and unique destination for MICE tourism. Vancouver offers sustainability and versatility for business travelers and hosts more than 500 major domestic and international conventions, tradeshows and more.

Vancouver, a vibrant seaport along Canada’s west coast, is the most populous city in British Columbia. A cultural hub, the city boasts a rich First Nations heritage and a flourishing art and fine-dining scene. But what makes Vancouver so unique is the blend of urban sophistication and excitement combined withthe raw beauty of Canada’s Pacific Coast. Old-growth forests, coastal islands and dramatic mountain ranges surround Vancouver, offering breathtaking views and endless opportunities for adventure pre- or post-MICE gathering.

This emphasis on natural beauty and preserving the pristine wilderness of Canada’s west coast imbues Vancouver’s MICE ethos. Vancouver has a reputation for bearing a gold standard for sustainability. In fact, Tourism Vancouver was the first destination marketing organization in North America to designate a sustainable destination specialist. Take advantage of the green MICE options for your next business visit by booking one of many eco-conscious venues in the city. One of the largest convention centers in Canada (and the largest in Vancouver), Vancouver Convention Centre sports 466,500 square feet of meeting and exhibition space. The harbor-front locale features stunning views of the Pacific and surrounding mountains. It is the world’s first double LEED Platinum-certified convention venue and features a 6-acre living green roof.

© Shangri-La Vancouver

Other options include Parq Vancouver, a mixed-use, downtown MICE destination. The venue features three towers containing two hotels: JW Marriott (329 rooms and suites) and The DOUGLAS (188 rooms). Guests enjoy access to Vancouver’s only casino as well as a 30,000-square-foot elevated park. The destination offers 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space including Parq Grand Ballroom, the largest ballroom in Vancouver at 15,000 square feet.

Or consider reserving a group event at the 557-room Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, offering 63,000 square feet of meeting space in a sophisticated environment featuring top-notch hospitality and service.

Of course, considering Vancouver’s astounding beauty, why not focus on hosting your next meeting in a venue that takes advantage of the mountainous majesty of your surroundings? Adventurous MICE travelers should consider reserving an event at Sea to Sky Gondola Summit Lodge. Just 45 minutes from Vancouver, this destination accommodates MICE meetings of up to about 100 people and boasts skiing, biking, hiking and rock climbing as well. We recommend reserving a private function in Diamond Head Room. The lodge has 52 rooms and offers a corporate discount for groups — all the more incentive to venture into the wild.

Unique Venues

Vancouver’s spectacular natural beauty is a key draw differentiating the city from other MICE destinations in Western Canada and beyond. Capitalize on the peninsula’s natural wonder with an event at Grouse Mountain, a location that, at 3,600 feet above the city, is truly the peak of Vancouver. Located just 15 minutes from downtown and one of Vancouver’s top attractions, Grouse Mountain delights visitors with panoramic views of the alpine lodge aboard the picturesque Skyride. One of the North Shore Mountains in the Pacific Ranges, Grouse Mountain offers various outdoor activities alongside extensive MICE offerings. Nine venues serve parties ranging from the intimate (20-plus) to the expansive (500-plus), and mountain team- building offerings include outdoor activities and a First Nations Art experience.

© Shangri-La Vancouver

Chic and stylish event spaces also await at Shangri-La Vancouver. This Asian hotel group’s offering in Western Canada befits the luxury and first-class hospitality that has become its signature over the past 50 years. The 119-room property boasts spaces curated to meet your individual needs — from private screening rooms to chic banquet spaces. Standout options include Barnard, Library and a glass-enclosed terrace. And in keeping with the Vancouver ethos of eco-friendly offerings, Shangri-La Group remains dedicated to maintaining a gold standard of sustainability.