6 Must-See Vancouver Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Cobblestone streets wind through Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, where history blends with art galleries, restaurants, and great shopping. Since it’s so compact, Gastown is a popular destination for walking tours exploring everything from local ghosts to cutting-edge gastronomy.

English Bay, Stanley Park, and the Vancouver Aquarium might be the headlining attractions in the West End, but there are plenty of reasons to linger in this energetic neighborhood. Make a stop at the Vancouver Art Gallery, stroll the Stanley Park Seawall, then spot the trademark rainbow crosswalks in Davie Village, the center of Vancouver’s LGBTQ community and the home of the Vancouver Pride Parade.

Converted warehouses and designer boutiques make Yaletown one of Vancouver’s trendiest spots, and it’s a great starting point for walking, cycling, or running on the nearby seawall. The neighborhood’s David Lam Park features outdoor sculptures, while the Yaletown Farmers Market is among the city’s best for picking up local products.

Easy to reach from the Vancouver cruise terminal, Coal Harbour has a prime waterfront location and—much like the West End—it’s a starting point for visiting Stanley Park. Waterfront restaurants are ideal for dining on sunny days, there are great coffee shops, and Jack Poole Plaza is a favorite gathering place. There, find the outdoor cauldron that was built for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Find stylish cafés and boutiques in this seaside neighborhood, whose beach is among the city’s most popular hangouts on sunny days, when the sand is packed from the water to the volleyball courts. That’s not all—you can also explore the Museum of Vancouver or the Vancouver Maritime Museum even when it’s raining. 

Breweries, brunch spots, and ultrastylish barbershops cement Mount Pleasant’s hipster credentials, but there’s a lot to do even after you’ve satisfied your craft beer cravings. The Science World museum is a favorite with families, and you’ll find great views from hilltop Queen Elizabeth Park. In the nearby Olympic Village, check out the impressive facilities built for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.