Vancouver 
Credit: Johann Wall
If you are lucky enough to spend time in Vancouver, you must pick the neighborhood that suits you best to make the most of the time. Vancouver’s a wonderful city, easy to get around with beautiful properties scattered around the many neighborhoods. Each corner of the city has unique offering and offer a totally different vibe, so we have made it easier for you to choose. Here is a quick look at what to do at each neighbourhoods in Vancouver.
- Must See Places and Attractions in Vancouver
- Trip to Vancouver: Optional 1, 2, 3 or 4 Day Trip Itinerary
1. West Point Grey
West point grey is tucked peacefully out of the busyness of downtown and is an affluent residential area with lovely green space. It is within very close proximity to Jericho and Spanish Banks beaches and the seawall and bike paths that go all the way to downtown. Staying here would be a great choice for families wishing to lovely outdoor space, quiet streets and convivence. It is also located close to UBC campus, which is awesome to explore.
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To do:
1. Jericho Beach – A lovely destination for winter seaside walks or summer swims. There are also tennis courts available and a sailing club!
2. West 4th Avenue– Be sure to visit West 4th avenue for top shopping in the city, with unique and modern local shops and boutiques.
3. Visit UBC Campus – a top university in all of Canada has many shops, museums, galleries and a wonderful park.
4. Moksha Yoga – a wonderful hot yoga studio that you can work out at to feel like a real Vancouverite.
5. True Confections – for an indulgent desert, head to True Confections for a delicious treat.
6. Burgoo – A great neighborhood eatery offering traditional comfort food in a comfortable atmosphere.
7. SunSushi – Sun Sushi has an extensive list of fresh delicious rolls that will you in awe of the fabulous sea food in the city has to offer.
2. Kitsilano
Kitsilano is a top place to visit for young people – it is known for being a super active neighbor with trendy gyms, health stores and delicious restaurants. It has chilled out vibes and beautiful views. It is near the beach and has great vibes all around. It’s a nice destination for families, or couples young and old!
To do:
1. Sophies Cosmic Café – a trendy and funky all-day breakfast joint with massive helpings and funky décor.
2. Kitsilano Beach
3. Zulu Records – hit up the local’s favorite record shop for the perfect souvenir
4. HR MacMillian Space Centre– a wonderful and interactive museum for the space lovers!
5. The Nook – For authentic Italian eats, the Nook is a cozy family owned joint in the heart of Kitsiliano for tasty pizza, pastas paired with wonderful wines and aperol spritz
6. Rain or Shine – Just like the name, regardless of the weather you can count on tantalizing desserts from Rain or Shine, a staple in Kits. Mix your favourite flavors or have a flight of a mix.
7. Tennis – Work up a sweat one of the many courts adjacent to the sea. Tennis with a view!
8. Corduroy – A bit tucked away, this local jaunt serves up local brews, crafted cocktails and a fantastic schedule of live music, open mics all paired with a creative menu.
9. West 4th Shopping – West 4th Avenue is a paradise of outdoor shops with something for everyone from sports shops, gift shops and trendy clothing shops.
10. Cross fits Kits– Stay on top of you fitness, like a local, while in Vancouver at a new-er addition to the Kitsilano neighbourhood, the crossfit gym on west 8th!
3. Granville Island
Credit: Granville Island
A tourist highlight for every trip is easily Granville Island. It’s a hub for boat, pedestrian and bike traffic and is one of the cities number one cultural hub with museums, galleries and craft studios. Granville Island would be a nice choice of anyone, young, old or family!
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To do:
1. Granville Island Public Market – Stroll around the interesting stalls offering artisan arts, interesting baked goods, one of a kind gifts, coffee stalls and food trucks.
2. Kayaking – Rent a bike and head to the ocean where you’ll have the chance to see the city from a unique angle.
3. Granville Island Brewery – One of the city’s top breweries is in Granville Island – Granville Island Brewery where you can taste the cities top beers and tour how its made!
4. Made – One of the quirkiest shops is Made, a funky souvenir shop and unique gifts destination. You can pick blank t-shirts, hats, pillows and more to get them engraved and sewed on with designs of your choice.
5. The Broom Shop – This funky shop is totally one of a kind – here you can see how they are made, using a variety of foods and tools.
6. Granville Arts Theatre – this professional venue has an array of changing shows that rotate on the regular from plays to musicals.
7. The Kids Market – The Kids Market is heaven for little ones – from magic shows, to juggling to a water park – there is endless entertainments!
8. Walk the Seawall – Granville Island is located in a convenient area connecting Kitsilano to Olympic Village.
9. Theatre Sports – Offering hilarious improv with a range of topic and themes, Theatre Sports is a unique theatre showcasing some of the funniest people in Vancouver!
10. Edible Canada at the Market -A top choice for foodies, Edible Canada offers fresh, local cuisine with a creative flair.
4. Gastown
Credit: Jiri Saftar
Gastown offers really pretty European vibes with cobbled roads, romantic streets and fancy, beautiful shops, restaurants and bars. Its fun to explore by day and by night and is probably best suited for young professionals who aren’t afraid to spend a pretty penny for one of the fanciest neighborhoods in the city.
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To do:
1. Guilt and co – for top curated cocktails paired with live music and super cozy vibes, head to Guilt and co. This romantic jaunt is super lively any night of the week.
2. Shopping – Gastown has the perfect mix of high-end boutique shops and funky curated vintage shops. Something for everyone
3. Steam clock – on Water street, you will see picture perfect old buildings paired with the steam clock that goes off every hour – the perfect photo op
4. Vancouver LookOut – Get a bird’s eye view of the area from the Vancouver Lookout, which rises 548-feet to see a 360˚ panorama of the city.
5. The Alibi Room – The Alibi is a two-story eatery and bar that offers rotating taps of local beers and fresh eats. The menu changes on a regular basis so you know you’re in for a real thoughtful treat.
6. Inuit Gallery of Vancouver – a wonderful showcase of Northwest coast art.
7. Steamworks – Looking for a delicious drink after a day of exploring? Steam works offers a wide selection of delicious drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
8. Public Piano – Go on a hunt in Gastown to find the public piano where you can either listen to someone musical take the stage or impress others with your tunes.
9. Crab Park – Lovely green space
10. Revolver Coffee – Vancouver is renowned around the world for its delicious coffee and Revolver Coffee is not one to miss.
5. Davie Street
Colorful rainbow flags adorn the lively street in this fun neighborhood in the centre of Vancouver’s West End. Davie Street is known for its thriving LGBTQ+ community offering a relaxed vibe for people watching during the day, and thumping clubs, pubs and street life at night. It’s a great destination for young people!
To do:
1. English Bay – Acquainted close on the sea wall for a lovely walk or job, this lovely beach is a total hotspot in the city. Local often lounge on the grassed area with a lunch of coffee or go for a swim!
2. Score on Davie – Go for a Canadian classic – the Caesar, the Canadian version of bloody marys with a twist. Score offers Ceasars with entire meals on as the garnish including mini burgers, sandwiches and more
3. The village– when youre ready for a late-night boogie, the village is a fun spot to listen to the music and meet new people
4. Rainbow cross rock – be sure to appreciate the sweet rainbow crosswalk for a perfect photo op
5. Little Sisters book shop – Visit Little Sisters book shop to see the famous adult shop which sells all sorts of adult related gear!
6. Celebrities night club – Celebrities is a renowned music venue with top djs who tour on a nightly basis.
7. Pho Goodness – for delicious Vietnamese food, head to the casual Pho Goodness!
8. Fritz European Fry house – Youre on holiday, so word is, calories don’t count. This late night comfort food serves fries, hot dogs and poutine until 3 am.
9. Red Umbrella – Be sure to get there when they open if youre wanting to get a seat to one of the top brunch spots in the city. It’s a cozy spot with limited seating, but always worth the wait.
10. Fountainhead pub – a large pub with a cozy patio and large indoor space with rotating taps of local beers!
6. Yaletown
Yaletown is by far one of the chicest neighborhoods in the city. Yaletown boasts some of the nicest restaurants, cafes, shopping’s and spa experiences in the city. It’s a wonderfully central space, easily accessible to all spots in the city. This would be a great destination for young couples or friends, keen for a good time.
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To do:
1. David Lam Park – a stunning green space for a jog or walk
2. Meet in Yaletown – this vegetarian heaven has been growing popularity in locations across the city the last few years has recently opened in Yaletown. The servings are huge and they focus on comfort food, mainly with generous portions.
3. Yaletown brewing company
4. BC place – Bc place hosts all sorts of sports, live entertainment and live exhibitions in the heart of Yaletown. It is also home to bc lions football club and Vancouver whitecaps. It has the largest retractable roof in the world!
5. Engine 375 pavilion – the pavilion is open 7 days a week year-round and if a funky stage for a variety of activities. It is designed to be used in both summer and winter and is a cool spot to hang out, even if nothing is going on
6. Flying Pig Yaletown – For a happening happy hour after work hours, head to the Flying Pig in Yaletown, a casual spot for modern Canadian cuisine and delicious drinks
7. Blue Water Café – One of the more high-end eating destinations in Vancouver, Blue Water Café offers sustainable seafood with modern flair in beautiful surroundings.
8. Small Victories Café – This high end café offers a luxurious feel while you sip on perfectly created drinks and tasty pastries.
9. Pierre’s Champagne Lounge – Justin Bieber put this swanky champagne bar on the map in 2017 with this spontaneous visit and it remains a top spot for people looking to slash the cash on a night out.
7. Main Street
Credit: Main Street Brewing
A spunky area of town, Main Street is popular among young people and has a very authentic and creative vibe. Its regarded as a top place to spend time in while in Vancouver. There are many interesting cafes, restaurants and fun bars. It’s a great spot for young, old and especially the creative souls.
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To do:
1. Street Art – Main street is a canvas. Many walls and streets are adorned with beautiful artwork created by the city’s creative folk!
2. Main Street Brewery – A cozy and popular spot, this brewery serves up an array of tasty craft beer served up by the pint or as a flight
3. Science World – Science world is a fantastic way to spend the day, learning though interactive displays and fun activities.
4. The Wall Flower – a delicious restaurant with a creative menu making both vegans and meat eaters singings its praise.
5. The Fox Night Club – a funky night club that has live music, dj sets and comedy shows on a weekly basis
6. 33 Acres – A local favorite brewery but be sure to arrive early if you want a seat. 33 acres creative brews took Vancouver by storm and has not stopped impressing since.
7. The Acorn – A high end tasting menu offering creative vegan fare
8. General Public – A funky setting with memorable sushi paired with delicious drinks you won’t soon forget
9. The Shameful Tiki Room – Transport yourself to the wonderful Caribbean vibes with a visit to The Shameful Tiki Room, a fun bar with live cabaret and fruity drinks.
8. West End
Credit: Vancouver Art Gallery
West End is a carefree and easygoing atmosphere, ready to welcome guests from anywhere! There is much to do from shopping, to eating and it is very accessible to the ocean and seawall. West End is pretty residential but is well groomed and enjoyable to stroll through in any season. It would be great for couples, families or older people.
To do:
1. The A-maze-ing Laughter Sculpture – This public art fixture is a must see, it features 14 cast-bronze figures
2. Three Brits Pub – the perfect place to grab a drink, the Three Brits Pubs offers beautiful views of the city and ocean.
3. Stanley Park – This stunning 404 hectare park is breathtaking. There are unparrelled panorama views of the sea, the city and the mountain ranges.
4. Vancouver Art Gallery – offering striking local art, contemporary selections and rotating exhibitions, it’s worth the visit when in the city.
5. Breka Bakery and Café – a 24-hour bakery with fresh offerings from savory to sweet.
9. Coal Harbour
Coal Harbour is a stunning downtown area known for its marina, mountain views, and mix of casual and upscale waterside eateries. From Coal Harbour you have uncompromising views of the landscape and can even watch the sea plans as they take off and land. Coal Harbour is an extremely affluent area, so it is most suited to couples or friends.
To do:
1. Olympic Flames Statue – As a tribute to the 2010 Winter Olympics when Vancouver hosted.
2. Cactus Club Café – A popular eatery for happy hour and casual – upscale dining, Cactus Club is a nice spot with terrific ocean views
3. Digital Orca – a 2009 sculpture of a killer whale by Douglas Coupland, this pixelated sculpture is one of kind and a must see.
4. Aquarium – In addition to be an impressive tourist attraction, the aquarium is host for marine research, conservation and marine animal rehabilitation.
5. Coal Harbour – Interested in seeing a yacht, or ten? A stroll around Coal Harbour is a treat for boat lovers
