The primary time we visited Vancouver, BC, we did what a whole lot of first-timers do. We discovered an ideal deal exterior the core, shut sufficient to the skyline to tease us, and booked it. We thought we have been being intelligent.
The fact was that we spent half our journey crossing bridges and ready for buses, watching the West Coast mountains via a windshield as an alternative of from the Seawall. By the point we reached the locations we really needed to be, it was time to show round.
On our subsequent go to, we stayed in a small place within the West Finish, a couple of blocks from Stanley Park. Mornings began with a lap alongside the Seawall and a espresso on Denman Road. Evenings ended with sandy ft at Kitsilano Seaside, market snacks, and a sluggish stroll house on quiet facet streets. Every part clicked.
Not lengthy after, we really moved to Vancouver. Residing there gave us an insider’s perspective to town. We discovered which blocks really feel energetic late, which of them keep calm, how lengthy it actually takes to get from Canada Place cruise port to Kits, and why a resort beside Waterfront Station can save your complete day. We additionally discovered {that a} harbour view is beautiful, however a wise base is best.
This information is our first-hand tackle the place to remain in Vancouver. It isn’t a listing of each resort. It’s clear, experience-based recommendation that can assist you choose the appropriate house base to your model, with sincere execs and cons and resort picks we might e book once more.
The Greatest Areas to Keep in Vancouver at a Look
For a fast abstract, listed below are our high neighbourhood picks for many guests, based mostly on our expertise dwelling in and exploring town.
- Downtown: Greatest for first-timers and sightseeing.
- Yaletown: Greatest for a hip, upscale vibe and eating.
- Gastown: Greatest for historical past, boutiques, and nightlife.
- Kitsilano: Greatest for seashores and a laid-back really feel.
- West Finish: Greatest for Stanley Park and an area neighbourhood vibe.
- Coal Harbour: Greatest for cruise departures and harbour views.
Should you select properly, you spend much less time commuting throughout bridges and extra time doing the good things: biking the Seawall, grabbing market snacks on Granville Island, catching sundown over English Bay, and waking up excited to do all of it once more.
The Greatest Neighbourhoods to Keep in Vancouver (Our First-Hand Expertise)
Downtown: Greatest for first-timers and sightseeing
The Vibe
Downtown is Vancouver in fast-forward. Glass towers catch the sunshine off the harbour, Robson Road hums from morning espresso to late-night ramen, and Canada Place anchors the waterfront with seaplanes and cruise ships rolling in. You’re a quick stroll to Waterfront Station, town’s predominant practice station interchange, and a simple base for Stanley Park, Gastown, and the Seawall. For a primary go to, Downtown is the apparent selection with a central location within the downtown core.
Our Private Take
Once we are on a decent filming schedule, we keep Downtown. We are going to shoot dawn on the harbour, seize a croissant on Granville Road, and nonetheless be again on the resort to vary earlier than a experience across the park. It isn’t the quietest selection, however the comfort is unbeatable and most sights are inside strolling distance.
Professionals & Cons
Professionals: Central and walkable, a great deal of Vancouver inns to select from, best for first-timers.
Cons: Summer season costs chew, metropolis noise on predominant streets, free parking is uncommon within the downtown space.
Resort Suggestions in Downtown
- Fairmont Waterfront – Steps from Canada Place and Waterfront Station; waterfront views, trendy facilities, and an ideal location.
- Pan Pacific Vancouver – On high of the cruise port with direct elevator entry; the only embarkation morning.
- EXchange Resort Vancouver – Heritage conversion within the outdated inventory trade; a simple stroll to the waterfront and Gastown; comfy rooms in a great location.
- Carmana Resort & Suites – Huge suites with full kitchens close to Robson and Alberni; splendid if you would like area and clear rooms in a central location.
- Resort BLU – Modern boutique possibility near Granville Road’s leisure district; useful for exhibits with trendy facilities.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Vancouver Downtown – Strong funds choose close to the harbour; primary however good location for walkers.
Yaletown: Greatest for a classy, upscale vibe
The Vibe
Yaletown blends brick and glass in a means that feels polished with out shedding its warehouse roots. Patios spill onto Hamilton and Mainland, the Seawall curves alongside False Creek, and David Lam Park is the place locals carry a blanket at golden hour. The Canada Line stops proper within the neighbourhood, so airport days are straightforward. You might be inside strolling distance of the leisure district and a number of the metropolis’s nice meals.
Our Private Take
Our favorite evenings in Vancouver typically finish right here. We share small plates, wander previous twinkle lights alongside the water, then stroll house with the sound of boat masts clicking within the breeze. Within the morning we like a simple jog on the Seawall earlier than town wakes up.
Professionals & Cons
Professionals: Incredible eating places and bars, very walkable, fast practice to and from YVR.
Cons: Weekend charges climb, energetic blocks can echo late.
Resort Suggestions in Yaletown
- OPUS Vancouver – Playful boutique proper by Yaletown–Roundhouse Station; splendid for dinners and late walks house. WE have stayed right here many occasions.
- Hilton Vancouver Downtown – Suite-style rooms; useful to Yaletown and the arenas; trendy facilities and cozy rooms.
- The Parker Resort & Rooftop – Modern rooms and a sunset-ready rooftop close to the Seaside District; near nice meals and the Seawall.
Occasion tip: Right here for a recreation or live performance? JW Marriott Parq or the DOUGLAS put you beside BC Place and near Rogers Enviornment within the leisure district.
Gastown: Greatest for historical past, meals, and nightlife
The Vibe
Gastown is Vancouver’s previous with a pulse. Cobblestone streets, brick facades, and the Steam Clock draw the cameras by day. At night time the lights heat up, the cocktail bars fill, reside music drifts from doorways, and you may really feel that artistic vitality that retains individuals right here longer than they deliberate.
Our Private Take
We come for design retailers and all the time keep for dinner. Our ritual is a sluggish lap down Water Road, a cease for one thing new at a bar now we have been eyeing, then a late stroll to the waterfront. Once we keep close by, we choose a spot nearer to Waterfront Station for a simple experience wherever.
Professionals & Cons
Professionals: Character buildings, vacation spot eating, near transit and the harbour.
Cons: Weekends will be noisy, edges towards the Downtown Eastside really feel intense late, so select location rigorously.
Resort Suggestions in or close to Gastown
- Delta Vancouver Downtown Suites – All-suite; bridges the waterfront and Gastown; non-public lavatory in each suite and area to unfold out.
- The St. Regis Resort – Impartial, central, and breakfast included; an ideal location for walkers and meals lovers.
- Skwachàys Lodge – Indigenous-run boutique and artist residence between Gastown and Chinatown; an area really feel with coronary heart.
Kitsilano: Greatest for seashores and a laid-back really feel
The Vibe
Kits is salt in your pores and skin and market baggage in your arm. Kitsilano Seaside and the outside saltwater pool set the tempo, West 4th brings yoga studios and impartial retailers, and sunsets soften throughout English Bay. Life is slower on this facet of the water in one of the simplest ways.
Our Private Take
Once we need to exhale, we base in Kits. Morning swim, espresso in hand, a lazy stroll via the market on Granville Island, then a picnic dinner on the seaside. Getting downtown is a fast bus experience or an Aquabus hop if you’re feeling playful.
Professionals & Cons
Professionals: Seashores and family-friendly parks, good meals and markets, restful nights.
Cons: Fewer resort choices, you’ll cross a bridge or water to achieve downtown sights.
Resort and Condominium Picks in Kits
- Granville Island Resort – Waterfront boutique with the market in your doorstep; nice location for meals lovers.
- Alma Seaside Suites – Kitchens and dwelling rooms in a quiet residential pocket; splendid for longer stays and households who need a native really feel and personal lavatory.
- Good options: Character B&Bs and short-term flats are extra widespread than large inns right here.
West Finish: Greatest for park lovers and a neighbourhood really feel
The Vibe
The place we really lived inside steps of the icons. The Seawall rings Stanley Park, English Bay curves with sand and volleyball nets, and Denman Road and Davie carry ramen, sushi, and late-night snacks. It’s calm on facet streets, energetic on the primary ones, and all the time near water. Many stays listed below are pet pleasant inns, so your furry buddy can be part of.
Our Private Take
Once we lived right here, our mornings began with a Seawall lap and a Denman espresso. If pals ask the place to remain on a primary go to, we ship them right here. The steadiness of inexperienced area and metropolis is spot on, and you continue to really feel near town heart (metropolis centre) with out the push.
Professionals & Cons
Professionals: Walkable to seashores and Stanley Park, glorious worth for the area you get, relaxed at night time.
Cons: No SkyTrain stations contained in the neighbourhood, buses are frequent however slower, not many ultra-luxury decisions.
Resort Suggestions within the West Finish
- Instances Sq. Suites – All-suite close to Stanley Park with kitchens and laundry; family-friendly and a nice location for the park.
- Blue Horizon – Giant nook rooms with step-out balconies on Robson; many with mountain views and cozy rooms.
- The Sylvia Resort – Ivy-clad heritage on English Bay; basic lounge and seaside throughout the street; waterfront views at a good room charge for the realm.
Coal Harbour: Greatest for views and cruise mornings
The Vibe
Harbour paths, seaplanes revving up, and North Shore mountain views that change with the sunshine. The inexperienced roof of the conference centre attracts your eye on walks, and the Seawall carries you straight into Stanley Park. Evenings are quiet, mornings are magic, and the waterfront views make espresso style higher.
Our Private Take
Once we filmed cruise departures, we moved right here the night time earlier than to make the morning painless. On non-cruise journeys we nonetheless love an early run alongside the water and a sluggish breakfast because the harbour wakes up.
Professionals & Cons
Professionals: Harbour views and calm nights, straightforward to Canada Place and Waterfront Station.
Cons: Upscale eating over indie eats, summer season charges mirror the view.
Resort Suggestions in Coal Harbour
- Fairmont Waterfront – Throughout from the terminal and the harbour paths; logistics made easy and a nice location for walkers.
- Pan Pacific Vancouver – On high of Canada Place; elevators right down to the ships; certainly one of Vancouver’s high inns for cruise days.
- EXchange Resort – Design-forward rooms in a landmark constructing close to the waterfront; trendy facilities and a great location.
A Observe on North Vancouver
North Vancouver is for individuals who plan their days across the mountains. Lonsdale Quay and the Shipyards district make a useful base for Capilano, Grouse Mountain, and the North Shore mountain climbing trails, and the SeaBus turns the crossing right into a small journey. For a primary journey targeted on downtown museums and the Seawall, the additional crossing every day provides time. For hikers and repeat guests, it’s a pleasure and exhibits off how Vancouver can really feel like two cities in at some point.
Parq District – Stadiums: Greatest for concert events and video games
The Vibe
Trendy towers wrap round BC Place and Rogers Enviornment. Earlier than a present, the plaza fills with jerseys and pre-game buzz. After, it empties quick and sleeps quiet. You might be nonetheless a brief stroll to Yaletown eating places and the Seawall within the wider leisure district.
Our Private Take
Once we are available in only for a live performance, we base right here. We seize dinner in Yaletown, stroll to the venue in ten minutes, and skip the post-show transit shuffle. Mornings begin with a espresso by the water earlier than town wakes.
Professionals & Cons
Professionals: Stroll to each arenas, central for occasions, quick access to eating and reside music.
Cons: Feels business-like between occasions, charges soar on large present nights.
Resort Suggestions within the Parq District
Greatest Resorts close to Canada Place for Cruise Departures
- Pan Pacific Vancouver – On high of the cruise port; roll your bag to check-in.
- Fairmont Waterfront – Throughout the road with harbour rooms; straightforward embarkation morning and waterfront views.
- EXchange Resort Vancouver – Fashionable, a couple of blocks from the harbour and Gastown; central location for sightseeing.
The place to Keep away from Staying in Vancouver
Whereas most of Vancouver is secure and welcoming, some areas are lower than splendid for a first-time customer’s house base, both attributable to social challenges or easy inconvenience.
- The Downtown Eastside (DTES): This neighbourhood helps a susceptible neighborhood going through vital challenges. The blocks round East Hastings Road can really feel intense, particularly at night time. Should you love Gastown’s historic vibe however need a calmer base, select a resort nearer to Waterfront Station and keep away from wandering east of Abbott Road late at night time.
- Far-Flung Suburbs (e.g., Richmond, Burnaby): Whereas these are nice communities, staying this removed from the downtown core isn’t splendid for a brief journey. You’ll spend a major quantity of your priceless trip time commuting on the SkyTrain or in site visitors simply to get to sights like Stanley Park and Granville Island.
- Close to the Airport (YVR): Until you could have a really early morning flight to catch, there’s no purpose to remain close to the airport in Richmond. The Canada Line is so quick and environment friendly that you just’re significantly better off staying within the metropolis to maximise your time.
The best way to Get Round Vancouver
Vancouver’s core is compact and really straightforward to navigate and not using a automotive. A lot of the neighbourhoods we suggest are walkable, and the transit system is great for connecting the dots.
- From the Airport (YVR): One of the simplest ways into town is the Canada Line SkyTrain. It’s luggage-friendly, frequent, and will get you to Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver in about 25 minutes.
- Use a DayPass: Should you plan on a busy day of sightseeing between totally different neighbourhoods like Kitsilano, Gastown, and North Vancouver, a DayPass is a superb worth. It provides you limitless journey on the SkyTrain, buses, and the SeaBus.
- Experience the SeaBus: This can be a fast and scenic ferry that connects Waterfront Station in Downtown to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. It’s a enjoyable journey and the best method to get to the North Shore.
- Hire a Bike: Our favorite method to spend a morning is using the Seawall loop round Stanley Park. Vancouver is a really bike-friendly metropolis with devoted lanes.
- Strolling is Key: When you’re in a neighbourhood like Downtown or the West Finish, strolling is one of the simplest ways to discover. Earlier than you e book your resort, it’s all the time a good suggestion to drop a pin on Google Maps to substantiate the strolling distance to the closest SkyTrain station and the Seawall.
Ultimate Suggestions for Reserving Your Keep in Vancouver
- Ebook Forward for Peak Season: July to September, particularly in the course of the cruise season, fills up quick. For the only option and worth close to Canada Place, lock in your reserving 3–6 months upfront. Regulate the live performance and sports activities schedules, as large occasions can even trigger charges to spike.
- Test the Map: Downtown is compact, however a fast map verify is crucial. Verify the strolling time to the Seawall, Stanley Park, and the closest SkyTrain station earlier than you e book to save lots of your self from sudden detours.
- Learn the Latest Evaluations: A resort’s general rating doesn’t inform the entire story. Skim the final 3–5 opinions for current notes on noise, development, or renovations. Vancouver adjustments rapidly, and the most recent suggestions is essentially the most priceless.
- Don’t Overpay for a View: A wise house base with quick access to transit and the Seawall will provide you with a greater journey than a far-flung room with a view. You’ll see loads of the gorgeous harbour in your walks and bike rides.
- Keep Beside Canada Place if Cruising: Make your embarkation morning easy. The Pan Pacific and Fairmont Waterfront are the highest decisions. In the event that they’re full, choose one other resort inside a 10-minute stroll.
- Plan for Rain: Vancouver is gorgeous however famously moist. Ask in case your resort has a lined entrance or a spot to hold moist jackets. Should you plan to cycle, ask about bike storage. A little bit planning for the climate goes a great distance.
FAQ about locations to remain in Vancouver
Listed here are the solutions to a couple widespread questions we get about selecting a spot to remain within the metropolis.
Downtown or the West Finish. You may be near the waterfront, Stanley Park, and transit, with a lot of resort selection and an apparent selection for an ideal location.
Downtown or the West Finish. You may be near the waterfront, Stanley Park, and transit, with a lot of resort selection and an apparent selection for an ideal location.
Sure. SkyTrain, buses, and the SeaBus cowl the core, and most sights are walkable as soon as you’re downtown.
Most central neighbourhoods really feel comfy with regular metropolis consciousness. The West Finish, Coal Harbour, and Yaletown are relaxed at night time. Should you base close to Gastown, choose a location near Waterfront Station and keep away from wandering alongside East Hastings late.
Proper by Canada Place. Pan Pacific sits on high of the terminal, and Fairmont Waterfront is throughout the road. Each supply waterfront views and a central location.
The Parq District. JW Marriott Parq and the DOUGLAS are beside BC Place and near Rogers Enviornment within the leisure district. You possibly can stroll to each.
Your Excellent Vancouver Trip
Decide a neighbourhood that matches your model and the journey slows down. If you’d like parks and Seawall mornings, base within the West Finish. For eating places and late nights, go Yaletown or Gastown. Cruises and views name for Coal Harbour. Planning a present or recreation, keep at Parq. When you’ve got questions, drop them within the feedback and we’ll aid you select.
