Conan O'Brien Reminisces About His Epic Vancouver Adventure at Expo 86 with Greg Daniels

In a recent episode of the podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Conan O’Brien—a comedian and late-night host—shared a clear memory from Expo 86 in Vancouver. He recalled this moment with Greg Daniels, a TV writer whose work on The Simpsons, The Office, and Parks and Recreation is well known. Their bond, which began at Harvard, grew through shared adventures.

Greg Daniels humorously mixed up the expo years. He confused Expo 86 with Expo 87. This small error sparked their focus on the pop-cultural weight the event carried.

Conan remembered news reports about Princess Diana and Prince Charles visiting Vancouver during the world fair. This royal detail sparked their desire to see the event firsthand. After flying to Seattle and renting a Hyundai, they drove north to Vancouver.

Their timing, however, was off. The expo had ended, leaving little to explore. Instead, they discovered a Canadian TV series in their motel room called The Beachcombers. This comedy-drama, which aired from the 1970s to the 1990s, centered on a log salvager in British Columbia.

Intrigued by the show, Conan and Greg set out to meet one of its actors. Their search led them to Gibsons, a charming coastal town in B.C. They worked with a local fishing boat captain, who sped their trip—“traveling faster than a ferry.” At Gibsons, they knocked on several doors until they found the actor, who was visibly surprised by these unexpected guests.

Conan reflected on the day with affection and humor. Their journey showed that the trip, with all its spontaneous detours, can be more meaningful than the original goal. Although they missed the expo, their adventure captured the spirit of youthful exploration.

This delightful Vancouver tale, shared candidly on Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, highlights the power of friendship and the joy in unexpected moments. It blends history, pop culture, and comedy into one memorable journey.

For fans interested in the full recount, the Vancouver segment is timestamped and available to listen, giving a firsthand glimpse into Conan and Greg’s shared past.

This story not only entertains but also shows how cultural moments and serendipitous journeys leave lasting marks—resonating with anyone who values adventure, friendship, and life’s surprising turns.