If you love music, there aren’t many experiences that rival hitting the road and travelling to see one of your favourite artists perform live. Vancouver, with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene, offers an ideal destination and backdrop for a concert getaway. Whether it’s attending one of Taylor Swift's final Eras Tour dates or another concert worth travelling for, this guide provides a blueprint for an unforgettable night, seamlessly blending luxury accommodations, exquisite dining, and the thrill of live music. While we focus on Taylor Swift's long-anticipated second-to-last Eras Tour concert as an example, this itinerary can be used for any concert-focused visit to the city.

Stay in Style: The Fairmont Pacific Rim

Kick-off your experience by checking into the Fairmont Pacific Rim, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown Vancouver's Coal Harbour neighbourhood. This multiple award-winning property offers guests breathtaking views of the city’s mountains, harbour, and city skyline. Inside, the contemporary design is complemented by curated art installations, creating a sophisticated ambiance of modern elegance. Rooms come with harbour, city, or Stanley Park views and offer unique options like a Japanese deep soaker Ofuro jetted tub. Guests can indulge in the rooftop pool, unwind at the Nordic Spa, or enjoy live music in the Lobby Lounge. Its central location provides easy access to shopping on Robson Street, spectacular nature at nearby Stanley Park and many vibrant dining options. It is also a short walk or SkyTrain ride to reach major concert venues like BC Place and Rogers Arena, as well as smaller ones like the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Orpheum and Commodore Ballroom, making it a convenient choice for concert-goers.

Daylight Adventures: Explore the Seawall and Beyond

During the day leading up to the main event, get immersed in Vancouver's natural beauty with a leisurely walk or bike ride along the iconic Stanley Park Seawall. This scenic pathway offers stunning views of the harbour, mountains, beaches and city skyline, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and sightseeing. Starting from Coal Harbour, you can loop around Stanley Park, passing landmarks like Siwash Rock and Brockton Point Lighthouse. Alternatively, visit the Vancouver Art Gallery to explore its diverse exhibitions, adding a cultural touch to your day, and bookend that stop with some shopping and a quick bite on Robson Street.

Great Eats: An Abundance of Choice

Vancouver is home to an array of diverse cuisines and culinary experiences, from elevated casual to indulgent meals – you can’t go wrong. Whether you’re in the mood for a Pacific Northwest-inspired meal at Botanist, sushi by the water at Miku, Italian-Japanese cuisine at Kissa Tanto or classic Cantonese flavours at Chinatown BBQ, there are a variety of options to choose from.

The Main Event: A Concert to Remember

Concerts in Vancouver are always special, but Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour transformed a regular Saturday night into an unforgettable experience. As one of the most talked-about global tours in recent memory, the Eras Tour has spanned 21 months and five continents, celebrating Swift’s evolution as an artist through her different albums. On the penultimate night of this record-breaking musical journey, Vancouver’s BC Place hosted an evening that instantly became the stuff of legend: an almost three-and-a-half-hour, 45-song journey through Swift’s career.

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The buzz in the air was palpable – so positive and uplifting. Concert-goers were all decked out in bedazzled outfits, sporting friendship bracelets, sequins, and sparkles. We even traded a few friendship bracelets with fellow fans along the way. (Later in the evening, Swift notes friendship bracelets have now become synonymous with the Eras Tour.) Gracie Abrams opened the evening with a beautiful and sweet performance - what a talent to watch. People were singing along loudly to her popular ballad, “Free Now.”

Then, onto the main event. Wow. Even after going in with a pretty good idea of what to expect after watching the concert film, Swift brought it, and then some. As the night went on, it became clear that her stamina is unmatched. She put on a concert for the ages. Perhaps most notable was Swift’s uncanny ability to create an atmosphere that feels intimate despite BC Place’s gargantuan size.

From the whimsical nostalgia of "You Belong With Me" in the “Fearless” set, the raw emotion of "All Too Well (10-Minute Version)" from “Red”, the very Vancouver cabin set from “Cardigan”, and the upbeat anthem about resiliency “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart” from her newest album, “The Tortured Poets Department”, each era was brought to life with cinematic visuals, dazzling outfit changes, pyrotechnics, stunning choreography, and Swift’s signature storytelling.

Swift’s connection to her audience elevated the concert beyond the music. The crowd’s energy was electric throughout, with the 60,000 plus fans singing along to every word, waving LED bracelets that pulsed in time with the music, and erupting into deafening cheers and roars (including a four-minute standing ovation after “Champagne Problems”). During the acoustic portion of the show, she invited Abrams to duet with her one last time, singing a mash-up of Abram’s “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and Swift’s “Last Kiss”. She followed that with special piano performances of “The Tortured Poets Department” and “Maroon” from “Midnights”.

For concert-goers in Vancouver, this wasn't just a night of live music—it was a cultural event. Whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie or a casual listener, the Eras Tour offered a masterclass in performance art and a celebration of music’s power to unite people. “Karma” was a fitting way to end the night. The energy within the stadium was nothing short of magical, ensuring everyone left with memories they’ll cherish for years to come, us included.

Post-Concert Wind Down: Cocktails and Bites

After the concert, as the adrenaline from the show slowly wears off (or in our case if you’re still buzzing from the raw energy of a three-plus hour concert), visit a cozy lounge for a drink and a bite or two. You can return to the Fairmont Pacific Rim and unwind at the Lobby Lounge & RawBar, known for its stylish ambiance and live music, or visit Vancouver Chinatown’s award-winning The Keefer Bar, currently on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, or the neighbourhood’s newest cocktail destination, Meo.

A Night to Remember

A concert night in Vancouver is more than just attending a show; it's an immersive experience that combines luxury, culture, and entertainment. Whether you've ended up there for Taylor Swift or another great artist, this guide offers a framework for a night that will leave you with lasting memories of the city's charm and the magic of live music.