Hollywood actress Cobie Smulders is back in her hometown of Vancouver this week, and she’s bringing plenty of love and hometown pride with her. Known to fans worldwide for her role as Robin Scherbatsky in the long-running comedy series How I Met Your Mother, Smulders is once again in the spotlight—this time, not on screen, but at a local celebration.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Smulders made a name for herself in both television and film. While many Canadians move to Los Angeles for their careers, she hasn’t forgotten where she comes from. This week, her return is tied to a local cocktail company marking a major milestone: its first anniversary.
Smulders has teamed up with the Vancouver-based brand as its new ambassador. She’s set to appear at two events, giving fans a chance to meet her in person. The first is a celebration at the brand’s tasting room, where guests can enjoy craft drinks and chat with the star herself. Smulders says the tasting room is one of her top places to enjoy a cocktail when she’s in the city.
Her second appearance will be at a pop-up tasting event in Olympic Village. Set for Friday, August 9, from 3 to 5 p.m., it gives even more fans the chance to meet her and sample locally made cocktails.
Smulders says she’s proud to support a local business that believes in sourcing ingredients from Vancouver and promoting homegrown talent. “I love made-in-Vancouver success stories,” she says. “It’s exciting to return to one of my favorite cities and celebrate something special with a team that’s passionate about what they do.”
This is far from her first time showing love for her Canadian roots. On How I Met Your Mother, her character’s nationality was a running theme. Robin Scherbatsky, like Smulders herself, was proudly Canadian and often talked about her love for hockey and her home country. That subtle humor gave viewers a glimpse of how Smulders embraced her background, both on and off screen.
After the show ended, Smulders continued to build a strong acting career. She took on the role of Maria Hill in the Marvel film universe, appearing alongside stars like Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Evans. Despite her international success, her connection to Vancouver has never faded.
When asked what she misses most about her hometown, Smulders is quick to mention the nature and friendly faces. “I miss the mountains and the fresh air,” she says. “And, of course, the people. There’s something comforting about being around Vancouverites. It always feels like home.”
Smulders’ visit is more than just a quick stop. It’s a chance to reconnect with her roots, support a growing business, and spend time with the people and places she loves. Fans who attend either event can expect a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere, along with some great cocktails.
For those in Vancouver this week, it’s a rare and welcome chance to see one of the city’s most famous stars up close. Smulders’ return is a reminder that even after achieving global fame, some stars never forget where they started.