Queen Elizabeth Theatre & Vancouver Playhouse

Home to the Vancouver Opera and Ballet BC, this complex has been a cornerstone of Vancouver's performing arts scene since 1959.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Queen Elizabeth Theatre cc licensed photo by *_*

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre is one of Vancouver's premier performing arts venues. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II herself in 1959, this spacious theatre and its more intimate adjoining partner, the Vancouver Playhouse, host a huge variety of world-class performances. From grand opera and elegant ballet to blockbuster Broadway shows and international music acts, it's a central hub for arts and culture in the city.

Why Visit the Queen Elizabeth Theatre?

  • World-Class Performances: As the home of Vancouver Opera and Ballet BC, you can see stunning, large-scale productions.
  • Broadway on Tour: The theatre is the main Vancouver venue for major touring Broadway shows.
  • Two Venues in One: The complex includes the grand 2,765-seat main theatre and the intimate 668-seat Vancouver Playhouse, offering a wide range of experiences.
  • Central Location: Situated downtown, it's easily accessible by SkyTrain and surrounded by restaurants for a perfect pre-show dinner.

What to See & Do

  • See an Opera or Ballet: Experience the magic of a full-scale production by one of the resident professional companies.
  • Catch a Broadway Show: Check the schedule for the latest hit musicals and plays on tour.
  • Enjoy an Intimate Performance: The Vancouver Playhouse hosts a variety of chamber music, recitals, and contemporary dance performances.
  • Admire the Architecture: The theatre's mid-century modern design, with its grand, glass-fronted lobby, is a notable piece of Vancouver's architectural history.

Food & Drink Options

  • Theatre Bars: Concession bars are located on various levels of the lobby, offering drinks and snacks before the show and during intermission.
  • Nearby Restaurants: The theatre is located on the edge of Yaletown and the downtown core, with hundreds of dining options within a short walk.

Pro Tips & Local Insights

  • Book Tickets in Advance: For popular shows like Broadway hits or classic operas, it's essential to book your tickets well in advance.
  • Arrive Early: The lobby is a great place for people-watching. Arrive early to enjoy a drink and soak in the pre-show atmosphere.
  • Check Both Schedules: Remember to check the event calendars for both the main Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the smaller Vancouver Playhouse, as they host different events.

Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes. See the official website for information about tickets and events.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Vancouver Playhouse Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Address: 630 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5N6, Canada

Phone: (604) 665-2193

Official Website: Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Vancouver Playhouse

Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Vancouver Playhouse Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Today, I had a wonderful experience volunteering at the convocation ceremony. It was truly inspiring to see the pride in parents’ eyes and the power of dreams becoming reality as students celebrated their achievements in a new country. I was also impressed by how the team and faculty supported and encouraged the graduates, offering their best wishes for a bright future. Every moment of the ceremony felt meaningful—I didn’t lose focus even for a second. The happiness of the students, the pride of their families, and the Chancellor’s warm wishes made this a memorable and uplifting experience. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to be part of such a special day.
Kiran Jot - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating Queen Elizabeth Theatre is one of the best venues in Vancouver for concerts. I went here last month for Alireza Ghorbani’s concert and honestly the whole experience was amazing. I was sitting in the balcony (Row 25), left side, and the view was still really good, plus the sound quality was clear and powerful without being overwhelming. The atmosphere inside was super classy and the crowd was respectful, which made the night feel even more special. Everything was organized, seating was comfortable, and the staff were helpful. I’m uploading a couple videos from the concert because the vibe and acoustics were seriously next level. Definitely recommended if you’re going to a live performance in Vancouver.
Arash Khalaj - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating I had the privilege of attending Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s “Sitar for Mental Health” performance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and it was an absolutely transformative evening.  From the moment the lights dimmed, the soothing resonance of the sitar filled the space with a calming energy. Rishab is not just a virtuoso sitarist — he’s a true mental health advocate, and the way he weaves meditation, breathing exercises, and heartfelt reflection into his performance creates a deeply immersive, healing experience.  A few highlights that stood out: • Musical Mastery: He is a disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, and his playing carries that lineage beautifully — technically powerful, but also deeply emotional.  • Mindfulness & Healing: The show opened with grounding breathwork, then followed with slow, meditative ragas. It felt more like a guided journey inward than a traditional concert.  • Connection: He spoke honestly about mental health, his own struggles, and why music matters. It wasn’t just performance — it was a space to feel seen, to reflect, and to heal.  • Venue: The Queen Elizabeth Theatre was a perfect setting — acoustically warm and intimate enough that you could feel every vibration as if it were resonating inside you. Overall, if you ever get a chance to see Rishab perform, do it. This isn’t just a concert — it’s a powerful reminder of how sound, tradition, and vulnerability can come together to bring calm, joy, and meaning. Thank you, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, for hosting such a soul-nourishing event. I’ll definitely be back for more.
Amit Thakur - 4 months ago

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2 Star Rating Being a theater buff I was disappointed in this theater having gone to multiple theaters in Seattle, New York, and Chicago. While beautiful, they allowed drinks and food in the theater. Listening to people knock cans over and eat popcorn (not to mention choke on it was distracting) and just took away from the enjoyment of the production. Moulin Rouge was spectacular but the smell of spilled beer and food was disgusting. The gender neutral bathroom was also disconcerting.
Jessica McLellan - 2 months ago

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4 Star Rating QET is a welcoming open space with a medium sized theater that makes the concerts and performances that you attend here approachable. The space has interesting chandeliers and a warm view. I enjoyed the Rishab Sharma concert. Nitpick: the lighting during the concert was harsh and intrusive.
maddiee S - 4 months ago

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Directions

SkyTrain Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Expo LineStadium Station3 Minutes

How to get to Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Vancouver Playhouse by SkyTrain

No Buses Needed. From Stadium Station take the Beatty Street exit. Cross Beatty and walk (west) along Dunsmuir for 2 blocks to Hamilton Street. The entrance to the Playhouse is on the corner of Hamilton and Dunsmuir. The Queen Elizabeth Theatre is just a few steps further south on Hamilton Street.

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