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Vancouver is a beautiful place, but not every neighbourhood is right for every visitor to the city. It can be hard to know which area holds your ideal accommodation - there's a lot to take into account, such as the proximity to tourist attractions, restaurants & transit hubs, as well as the safety and costs of each area. I've lived all over the city so I've written this Vancouver neighbourhood guide to help you decide which popular area might be best suited to your needs.
City Center
Vancouver’s City Center holds most of the hotels and main tourist spots. Though this area is the center of business and finance in the city, it’s also a great place to eat, shop, and explore some great museums and galleries. Most accommodation and restaurants can be quite expensive in Vancouver, but there are some options for smaller budgets here as well.
Popular sights around Vancouver's City Center:
Stanley Park, Vancouver Art Gallery, Science World, Gastown, Vancouver Aquarium
Average price range:
Around $140+ for a hotel room, $35+ for a hostel.
Pros:
Great location for walking to the major attractions within the city. Also easy to catch transit to locations outside the downtown core. Tons of dining & shopping options for every budget. Good nightlife on Granville Street.
Cons:
Hotels can be quite expensive. Places on Granville Street (especially hostels) can get a lot of noise from the bars and clubs.
Distance from YVR airport:
Around 30 minutes by car, 25+ minutes by public transit.
Recommended Hotels in Vancouver's City Centre:
Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
This boutique hotel is located across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery and features elegantly styled rooms with private balconies. Each room offers complimentary Nespresso coffee and L’Occitane bath products.
The Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver
The Shangri-La Hotel offers 119 large, luxurious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can enjoy the spa and 24-hour health club, or grab a meal at the in-house restaurant owned by a three-star Michelin chef.
EXchange Hotel Vancouver
This new boutique hotel is located near Waterfront Centre in a gorgeous heritage building that used to house the Vancouver Stock Exchange. Renovated using eco-friendly materials, the EXchange Hotel offers luxury amenities for its guests as well as a bar, cafe, restaurant and an on-site gallery.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
The Rosewood Hotel has been one of Vancouver's top luxury hotels since 1927. Over the years, it's taken care of guests including John Wayne, Marlene Dietrich, Sir Laurence Olivier, Errol Flynn and Katharine Hepburn, who first introduced late-night dining to the hotel.
West End
Vancouver's West End is a beautiful residential area beside the city center. Apartments, condos and heritage houses sit quietly on tree-lined streets, though main roads like Davie and Denman are always buzzing with activity. It’s one of the most densely populated and sought-after Vancouver neighbourhoods, and for good reason - the downtown area is a short walk away, as are the lovely West End Beaches that stretch into beautiful Stanley Park.
Popular sights in the West End:
Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, West End Beaches, Davie Village
Average price range:
Around $100-400 for a hotel, $40-100 for a hostel.
Pros:
Close to beaches and the natural beauty of Stanley Park. Good nightlife along Davie Street. Quieter than the City Center. This area has lots of bike lanes, so cycling is a great way to get around.
Cons:
No Skytrain stations in this area and busses usually only run along main roads. Traffic, particularly along Denman Street, can be slow at peak hours. Many of the buildings here are older, and some may not be well-maintained.
Distance from YVR airport:
Around 35 minutes by car, 25+ minutes by public transit.
Recommended Hotels in Vancouver's West End:
The Listel
This boutique hotel is located on bustling Robson Street, which is lined with trendy shops and restaurants. The Listel's 100% smoke-free rooms feature original artwork, unlimited long-distance calls to Canada & USA and high-speed wifi. Guests can enjoy the daily wine reception and on-site fitness center, and during summertime the hotel offers the use of their electric bikes.
The Sutton Place Hotel
The Sutton Place is ranked on the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List, as well as Travel and Leisure’s Top 500. This pet-friendly hotel offers luxury bath amenities from Gilchrist & Soames and the in-house health club features a bright indoor heated pool & hot tub. The hotel's La Grande Residence also offers fully equipped 1- and 2-bedroom suites with kitchens, ideal for long-term stays.
The Sylvia Hotel
Housed in a heritage building originally constructed in 1912, the Sylvia Hotel is located right across the street from English Bay Beach and is only a short walk from Stanley Park. The hotel offers both standard rooms, which feature free wifi and flat-screen TVs, and one-bedroom suites, which come equipped with a kitchen and sofa bed.
Carmana Plaza
The Carmana Plaza Hotel is located on the lovely tree-lined Alberni Street and offers both standard guest rooms as well as residences for long-term visits. This boutique hotel also offers guests the option of a dry-cleaning service and a self-service laundry room. Floors are securely accessed with room cards and each room has complimentary wifi.
Coal Harbour
Coal Harbour is a lovely escape from the city, right in the city center. Located on the edge of the Burrard Inlet, it’s a beautiful place to take a stroll along the seawall and admire the views of Stanley Park and North Vancouver across the water. The area is still relatively new, with most residential construction having started in the early 1990’s. It has several restaurants, many with waterfront patios, as well as close proximity to the cruise ship terminal, seaplane terminal, SkyTrain to airport and SeaBus to North Vancouver.
Popular sights around Coal Harbour:
Stanley Park, Vancouver Convention Center, Harbour Air Seaplane Terminal, Vancouver Aquarium
Average price range:
$230-1000+ for a hotel room.
Pros:
Beautiful part of the city close to Stanley Park. Within walking distance of most downtown attractions as well as skytrain & seabus stations. Busses run along Georgia Street to North Vancouver.
Cons:
Accommodation can be quite expensive here.
Distance from YVR airport:
Around 35 minutes by car, 25 minutes by skytrain to Waterfront Station.
Recommended Coal Harbour Hotels:
Fairmont Pacific Rim
One of Vancouver's top luxury hotels, the Fairmont Pacific Rim offers spacious rooms with views of the City, Coal Harbour or Stanley Park. The hotel features a rooftop pool with a hot tub and outdoor fire pits as well as a 2100 sq ft fitness center and they can arrange a complimentary BMW service to take you wherever you need to go in the city.
The Westin Bayshore
This beautiful pet-friendly hotel is located on the Coal Harbour waterfront, within walking distance from the Stanley Park seawall and the Convention Center. The property has both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a spa and fitness studio. Many of the rooms feature balconies with city or harbour views.
Coast Coal Harbour Hotel
The Coast Coal Harbour Hotel by APA is a trendy hotel with bright rooms which feature in-room climate control, 55" flat-screen TVs, complimentary local calling and electric bidet toilet seats. The hotel is pet-friendly and eco-friendly, with an innovative Zero Waste recycling system.
The Pan Pacific Vancouver
The luxurious Pan Pacific Vancouver, opened for the 1986 World Expo, is connected to the Canada Place Convention Centre. Most of its pet-friendly rooms offer stunning views of the harbour and North Shore mountains. The hotel also features a spa, fitness center and heated outdoor pool.
Gastown
Gastown, located east of the City Center, is the oldest of Vancouver's neighbourhoods. It was the center of the city's rebuild after the Great Vancouver Fire destroyed most of the city in 1886. Though it may seem a bit rough around the edges, it's easy to find Gastown's charm in its cobblestone streets, trendy cafes and beautiful boutique shops.
Popular sights around Gastown:
Gastown Steam Clock, Vancouver Lookout, Police Museum, Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Average price range:
Around $135-550 for a hotel, $35-75 for a hostel.
Pros:
Trendy historic area with lots of bars, cafes and good nightlife. Convenient location for visiting downtown attractions and close Waterfront seabus & skytrain stations. Lots of history - walking tours around this area are recommended.
Cons:
You may feel uncomfortable walking around at night, especially in areas close to Main Street (see 'Downtown Eastside' section below). Dining and shopping here can be quite expensive. Hostels are cheaper but less clean than others within the city center or West End.
Distance from YVR airport:
Around 35 minutes by car, 25 minutes by skytrain to Waterfront Station.
Recommended Gastown Hotels:
Skwachàys Lodge
Skwachàys Lodge (pronounced sqwatch-eyes) is a boutique hotel which also operates as a shelter for Indigenous people. Each suite is beautifully designed with Canadian aboriginal artwork and is perfect for those wanting a cultural experience while also helping to make a positive change.
The Victorian Hotel
Housed in two renovated brick buildings which date back more than 100 years, The Victorian Hotel combines history and elegance at the edge of the Gastown district. Each room includes high-speed wifi, locally-crafted bath amenities, luxurious bathrobes and flatscreen TVs.
Downtown Eastside
I recommend using extreme caution with any accommodation in this area. As mentioned elsewhere in this post, Vancouver's Downtown Eastside isn't necessarily a dangerous area, but it's not a pleasant part of the city to stay. There is a lot of drug use here, and many buildings are dirty and badly maintained. Homelessness and prostitution are also visible in this neighbourhood. Though it has some unique shops and restaurants that help support the area's less fortunate residents, making it an interesting part of the city to explore for those who are comfortable, I suggest avoiding any accommodation within the Downtown Eastside.
Yaletown
This Vancouver neighbourhood was merely a warehouse district until its transformation as the center of the 1986 World Expo. Many of the old warehouses still stand, now converted into trendy shops and condos. There are many great boutiques and cafes here, and visitors can enjoy lovely views of South Vancouver from the False Creek Seawall and David Lam Park.
Popular sights near Yaletown:
False Creek Seawall, Rogers Arena, BC Place Stadium
Average price range:
Around $340-950.
Pros:
Great food options for health-conscious people. Easy to take a ferry across False Creek or to the West End, and the skytrain to Waterfront station or the Airport.
Cons:
Not an ideal area to stay if you’re on a budget.
Distance from YVR airport:
Around 30 minutes by car, 22 minutes by skytrain to Yaletown/Roundhouse Station.
Recommended Yaletown Hotels:
The DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection
Located next to Vancouver's only downtown casino, the Douglas features a modern, minimalist design inspired by nature. Guests can choose between the hotel's stylish standard rooms and its exquisite two-level luxury suites. The building also features a 30,000 sq ft park, spa, rooftop hot tub and a fitness center.
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
Part of the Parq Vancouver entertainment complex, the 329-room JW Marriott Parq features a 24-hour fitness center, a spa and Vancouver's largest ballroom. Each spacious, smoke-free room offers free bottled water, 12pm check-out and individual climate control. Marriott Rewards members also have access to the Executive Lounge, with its daily breakfast buffet and refreshments.
Hotel BLU
The stylish Hotel BLU is located beside the popular Robson Street, which is well-known for its shops and restaurants. This pet-friendly hotel features an indoor pool & sauna, as well as a 24-hour fitness center, onsite parking and complimentary bike rentals and shuttles. Guest rooms include toiletries from the UK's luxurious Elemis skincare line.
Opus Hotel
This trendy boutique hotel is nestled in the heart of Vancouver's Yaletown district and has been featured on the Condé Nast Readers' Choice Awards 'Top 25 Canadian Hotels' list for three years in a row. All 96 brightly-coloured rooms feature heated bathroom floors and iPads pre-loaded with music and GPS to take exploring.
Fairview
This large neighbourhood located on False Creek's south shore stretches from the Burrard Bridge all the way to Cambie Street. Many of its quiet tree-lined streets are home to rows of beautiful heritage houses, and its larger roads such as Granville and Broadway are home to great restaurants, shops and bars. Transit to Downtown and YVR Airport is easy from areas close its two Canada Line skytrain stations, and water taxis stop at multiple locations along the creek.
Popular sights near Fairview:
Olympic Village, False Creek, Granville Island, VanDusen Botanical Garden
Average price range:
$150-250
Pros:
Affordable location close to the downtown area. Easy to catch a bus to Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant or Commercial Drive, or take the skytrain to the City Center & YVR Airport. Many affordable places to eat & drink nearby.
Cons:
Busses along Broadway can be very busy due to students & commuters during peak hours. May be a bit difficult to get to North Shore attractions such as Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mountain.
Distance from YVR airport:
Around 25 minutes by car, 20 minutes by skytrain to Broadway-City Hall Station.
Recommended Hotels in Fairview:
Park Inn & Suites by Radisson
The Park Inn & Suites is located four blocks from the Broadway-City Hall Skytrain station and features a laundry room and fitness center. Each of its comfortable rooms offers guests free wifi & local calls, a microwave and a balcony.
Holiday Inn Vancouver - Centre (Broadway)
Located just two blocks from the Canada Line Skytrain and up the hill from Granville Island, this hotel provides guests with a heated indoor pool, gym, laundry facilities and 24-hour business center.
Douglas Guest House
This cozy bed & breakfast sits in a gorgeous Edwardian heritage house on a quiet tree-lined street. It's located only a few blocks from the Canada Line Skytrain station and its rooms feature with private bathrooms and separate entrances.
Cambie Lodge
The Cambie Lodge bed & breakfast is located in a beautiful Edwardian home right next door to the Douglas Guest House. Each room has a TV and daily housekeeping and guests can opt to enjoy breakfast in the dining room or on the bright patio.
Granville Island
Technically part of Vancouver's Fairview neighbourhood, this area under the Granville Bridge is more of a sandspit than a true island, making it easy to access by foot, car, bike or bus. What was once an industrial area is now a hub for tourists and art-lovers, loaded with galleries, studios, theaters and a lively Public Market. Ferries run throughout the day to shuttle guests across False Creek to several points around the city.
Popular sights around Granville Island:
Granville Island Market, The Arts Club Granville Island Stage, False Creek
Average price range:
$210-430 at the Granville Island Hotel.
Pros:
Great location for families and art lovers. Water taxis run frequently to Yaletown, West End, Kitsilano and Olympic Village. Lots of small theaters on the island where you can watch plays, musicals & live bands.
Cons:
Food & drinks can be quite expensive due to limited options. Transit to the airport may be difficult unless taking a car or taxi.
Distance from YVR airport:
Around 30 minutes by car, 45 minutes by public transit.
Recommended Granville Island Accommodation:
The Granville Island Hotel
The Granville Island Hotel is located in a beautiful spot on the edge of False Creek and is the only accommodation on Granville Island. The hotel offers pet-friendly rooms, as well as a business center, jacuzzi and fitness center. Guests can also enjoy the Dockside restaurant, with a patio that the Georgia Straight Golden Plate Awards rated the best in Vancouver.
Kitsilano & Point Grey
Kitsilano and Point Grey are two neighbourhoods located on Vancouver's West Side, separated from the city center by English Bay. The main streets here are home to yoga studios, health food stores and some of the city's best restaurants; beyond them are quiet roads lined with low-rise residential buildings and Victorian-style heritage houses. There are also several beaches and parks along English Bay from Kitsilano to the University of British Columbia in Point Grey.
Popular sights in Point Grey & Kitsilano:
Museum of Vancouver, Maritime Museum, HR MacMillan Space Centre, Kitsilano Beach, UBC Botanical Gardens, Museum of Anthropology
Average price range:
Around $115+ for a serviced apartment at UBC, $30 for a dorm at HI-Jericho Beach Hostel, $100+ for a B&B.
Pros:
Lovely residential area with beaches, parks, shopping and many food & drink options. Water taxis to downtown, Granville Island & False Creek from Vanier Park.
Cons:
Busses run frequently, but transit to the airport, city center & North Shore can be time-consuming, especially from Point Grey. There are limited options for accommodation in this area.
Distance from YVR airport:
Depends on location. Usually around 30-45 minutes by car, 45+ minutes by public transit.
Recommended Hotels in Kitsilano and Point Grey:
The Carey Centre at UBC
Located on the spacious University of British Columbia campus, the Carey Centre offers accommodation to both short- and long-term visitors featuring both standard rooms and fully-equipped one- and two-bedroom apartments.
West Coast Suites at UBC
Also located on the UBC Campus, the West Coast Suites features affordable one-bedroom suites ideal for longer stays. Each suite has modern furnishing and a full kitchen and living area. Rooms offer a king bed, sofa bed, and free wifi.
Maple Beach B&B
Maple Beach Bed & Breakfast is located in a beautiful Victorian heritage home in quiet Kitsilano, just one block from Kitsilano Beach. All rooms feature cable TV, wifi, a mini fridge and private bathrooms.
HI Vancouver Jericho Beach
This popular backpackers hostel sits just steps away from Kitsilano's Jericho Beach. The hostel provides guests with a large shared kitchen, laundry room, TV room and sports equipment rentals. Free wifi is available in each room.
East Village
The East Village is an up-and-coming Vancouver neighbourhood made up of two areas previously known as Hastings-Sunrise and Grandview-Woodland. This ethnically diverse location east of the city is home to many cheap but delicious restaurants, cafes and breweries.
Closest sights to the East Village:
Pacific National Exhibition/Playland, Pacific Coliseum, Hastings Racecourse
Average price range:
$100-200
Pros:
Fairly close to city center. Transit to North Vancouver via Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. Plenty of food & drink options along main roads.
Cons:
Transit into the city may take you through the Downtown Eastside, which may make people uncomfortable due to visible homelessness and drug use.
Distance from YVR airport:
Around 30 minutes by car, 50+ minutes by public transit.
Recommended Hotels in Vancouver's East Village:
Atrium Inn
The pet-friendly Atrium Inn is an elegantly furnished boutique hotel which offers its guests free underground parking, a complimentary breakfast buffet, shuttle service and a fitness center complete with dry sauna.
Hotel at the Waldorf
This Vancouver landmark features colourful rooms with free wifi, cable TV, complimentary local calling and free parking. The on-site Tiki Bar is a popular Vancouver institution that's been entertaining guests since the 1940's.
North Vancouver
North Vancouver is the best Vancouver neighbourhood for anyone who loves outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. Main streets like Lonsdale Avenue have plenty of shopping & dining options, and the three North Shore mountains offer skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. Transit to the City Center is easy via the Lions Gate Bridge, Ironworkers Memorial Bridge and the Lonsdale Quay Seabus.
Popular sights in North Vancouver:
Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, Lynn Canyon Park, Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal
Average price range:
$150-350 for hotels near Lower Lonsdale.
$80-175 for hotels near Capilano Road.
Pros:
Seabus to downtown Vancouver from Lonsdale Quay takes 15 minutes. Lots of food & drink options for all budgets on Lonsdale Avenue. Great base for those who want to head up to Squamish or Whistler, and those planning to take the ferry to Vancouver Island or the Sunshine Coast.
Cons:
Furthest area from airport. Traffic can often be slow getting in and out of the city via the two bridges.
Distance from YVR airport:
Depends on location. Can take 50+ minutes by car and public transit.
Recommended North Vancouver Hotels:
Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier
Just one block up the road from the Lonsdale Quay Seabus station and bus terminal, the Pinnacle Hotel offers beautifully-furnished rooms with private balconies, as well as free bike rentals, high-speed wifi and a 25-meter pool.
The Lonsdale Quay Hotel
This hotel is located on the top floor of the Lonsdale Quay Market and is just steps away from the Seabus terminal and North Shore busses. All guestrooms offer free wifi and many have views of downtown Vancouver and Coal Harbour.
Best Western Capilano Inn & Suites
The Best Western Capilano Inn sits at the foot of Capilano Road, just a short drive or bus ride from the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool, 24-hour reception and free parking.
Holiday Inn North Vancouver
The Holiday Inn is located near the forests and trails of North Vancouver's spectacular Lynn Valley, and offers easy access to the three North Shore mountains. The hotel features a heated indoor pool, a bright fitness center and free in-room wifi.
Richmond
Home to the Vancouver International Airport, Richmond is the most culturally diverse area in Greater Vancouver. Around 60% of the population is of Asian decent, and it really is the best part of Vancouver to indulge in some amazing Chinese, Japanese and Korean food. The Canada Line Skytrain makes it easy to get to the airport and downtown Vancouver, and busses run to historic Steveston Village, Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and Lulu Island Winery.
Popular sights in Richmond:
Richmond Olympic Experience, Richmond Night Market, Steveston Village, River Rock Casino, Britannia Shipyards
Average price range:
$150+
Pros:
Closest hotels to Vancouver International Airport. Most accommodation is cheaper than central Vancouver. Only 30 minutes to downtown Vancouver via the Canada Line Skytrain. Many affordable food & drink options and shopping malls. Lots of great Asian cuisine.
Cons:
Far from North Vancouver attractions; downtown attractions can be difficult to get to if accommodation is not near a skytrain station.
Distance from YVR airport:
Depends on location. Fairmont is located at the airport. Most other hotels are within 10-15 minutes by car, 10-35 minutes by skytrain/bus.
Recommended Hotels in Richmond:
Fairmont Vancouver Airport
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is located inside the Vancouver International Airport, and has continually been voted the Best Airport Hotel in North America by the Skytrax World Airport Awards. It offers day-use rooms for short stays, as well as standard rooms and suites, all soundproofed for the comfort of guests.
The River Rock Casino Resort
The Hotel at the River Rock is located at the stylish River Rock Casino Resort. The hotel features a spectacular indoor pool with waterslide and jacuzzi, and has direct access to the Canada Line Skytrain and busses to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. The hotel also offers complimentary parking, free wifi and toiletries from Gilchrist & Soames.
The Westin Wall Centre Vancouver Airport
Just a few minutes' drive from the Vancouver International Airport and a short walk from the Skytrain, The Westin Wall Centre has a heated indoor pool, complimentary airport shuttle, and 188 comfortable, guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling views of Richmond and South Vancouver.
Sheraton Vancouver Airport
Conveniently located near the Canada Line Skytrain, the Sheraton Vancouver Airport features a 24-hour fitness room, an on-site Starbucks Coffee and an outdoor heated pool with a bright patio. All rooms have a balcony, free in-room wifi and comfortable bathrobes. The hotel also provides a free airport shuttle.
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