Forget the usual restaurant dinner and the Secret Santa swap.

This year, give your team a celebration they’ll still be talking about next December: an afternoon of friendly rivalry, big cheers and something genuinely new. At Academie Duello, in downtown Vancouver, your team can trade laptops for longbows and coffee cups for swords.

We’ve been running team events for more than 20 years. Here’s how to plan a holiday party your people will actually remember.

A party people remember

There’s something special about learning a new skill together. The satisfying thunk of an axe hitting the target. The cheer when a colleague lands a bullseye. Two teammates squaring off in a playful duel.

Nobody has done this before, so everyone starts equal. Whether it’s your CEO’s first axe throw or your newest hire’s first bullseye, everyone gets a moment to shine, and the whole team leaves with stories to bring back to the office.

Choose your party format

Pick one activity, or combine several for a bigger event. Every session is coach-led and built for complete beginners, with all equipment provided.

Archery (1–2 hours, 5–40 people): calm, focused and surprisingly addictive. Once everyone has the basics, we turn up the fun with challenges and friendly competition.
Axe throwing (1–2 hours, 5–40 people): fast, loud and satisfying. Our coaches guide your group through safety and technique, plus a few tricks besides.
Swordplay (1–3 hours, 5–40 people): part history lesson, part action movie. Your team learns real technique with safe training swords, then tests it in light, controlled duels. Choose from The Cutter, The Duellist, The Warrior or The Tournament.
Medieval Festival (3–4 hours, 40–150+ people): a multi-station event for large groups, with everyone rotating through the activities.

Prefer to stay put? We can also bring archery, axe throwing and some swordplay experiences to your office or venue anywhere in Greater Vancouver.

See every option on our corporate team building page.

Group sizes

We host groups from 5 to 150+ people.

Up to 20 people: book online and pick your time.
21 people or more: tell us about your event and we’ll send a custom proposal, with dedicated event coordination.

Add Cafe Duello

Our in-house cafe turns an activity into a party. Between rounds, your team can relax with coffee, pastries and savoury bites, or settle in with one of our 80+ board games for a rematch of a different kind.

Catering: Cafe Duello offers catering packages for groups, and we can coordinate with outside catering partners for larger events.
Drinks: beer, wine and select cocktails are available on request for events at our venue. All activities finish before alcohol service begins.

Let us know what you have in mind when you ask for a quote.

December availability

Planning a December party? Start early. We recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks ahead, especially for larger groups. For groups of 20 or more, weekday afternoons usually have the best availability.

How to book

Choose your format and a rough headcount.
Small team, up to 20 people? Book online and pick your date and time.
Bigger group or a custom event? Send us the details through our quote form and we’ll create a proposal around your group, timeline and goals.

Questions? Call us at (604) 568-9907 or email bookings@academieduello.com.

Your team deserves more than another dinner out. Give them an adventure.

Get a quote for your holiday party