Vancouver Highlights Guidebook
Sightseeing
Great for all seasons with world-class skiing, hiking, biking, zip-lining,
Over two million people visit Whistler annually, primarily for alpine skiing and snowboarding and, in summer, mountain biking at Whistler Blackcomb. Its pedestrian village has won numerous design awards and Whistler has been voted among the top destinations in North America by major ski magazines since the mid-1990s. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler hosted most of the alpine, Nordic, luge, skeleton, and bobsled events.
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Whistler
Great for all seasons with world-class skiing, hiking, biking, zip-lining,
Over two million people visit Whistler annually, primarily for alpine skiing and snowboarding and, in summer, mountain biking at Whistler Blackcomb. Its pedestrian village has won numerous design awards and Whistler has been voted among the top destinations in North America by major ski magazines since the mid-1990s. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler hosted most of the alpine, Nordic, luge, skeleton, and bobsled events.
The most majestic park with mesmerizing views of mountains, water, chidren's swimming pool, totem poles, horse carriage tours
Ideally situated on a peninsula at the northwestern edge of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park is one of the city's main tourist destinations, attracting approximately 8 million visitors each year. Featuring lovely beaches, miles of well-maintained paved and dirt trails, Canada's largest aquarium and an array of can't-miss kid-friendly spots (including a pool, water park, miniature railway and more), this 400-hectare (1,000-acre) haven is recognized as one of the greatest urban parks in the world.
As Vancouver's first park, with its ever-blooming gardens, pristine coastal areas and roughly 500,000 cedar, fir and hemlock trees, Stanley Park has continued to live up to its "greenspace" designation for almost 130 years. For these reasons and more, this tranquil oasis is the perfect city escape.
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Stanley Park
610 Pipeline RdThe most majestic park with mesmerizing views of mountains, water, chidren's swimming pool, totem poles, horse carriage tours
Ideally situated on a peninsula at the northwestern edge of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park is one of the city's main tourist destinations, attracting approximately 8 million visitors each year. Featuring lovely beaches, miles of well-maintained paved and dirt trails, Canada's largest aquarium and an array of can't-miss kid-friendly spots (including a pool, water park, miniature railway and more), this 400-hectare (1,000-acre) haven is recognized as one of the greatest urban parks in the world.
As Vancouver's first park, with its ever-blooming gardens, pristine coastal areas and roughly 500,000 cedar, fir and hemlock trees, Stanley Park has continued to live up to its "greenspace" designation for almost 130 years. For these reasons and more, this tranquil oasis is the perfect city escape.
Early in the morning, the first ferry of the day putters across False Creek, heading towards Granville Island. The morning sun might have barely risen, still blinking sleepily on the horizon. The sounds of the island, too, are likely beginning to stir. Fruit-filled crates destined for the Public Market slap against the ground and the cries of resident seagulls echo against the water. Somewhere in all of this is the mysterious secret of Granville Island, which draws some 10.5 million people each year. Rumours have it that there's some magic recipe that makes visitors long to return to the island.
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Granville Island
Early in the morning, the first ferry of the day putters across False Creek, heading towards Granville Island. The morning sun might have barely risen, still blinking sleepily on the horizon. The sounds of the island, too, are likely beginning to stir. Fruit-filled crates destined for the Public Market slap against the ground and the cries of resident seagulls echo against the water. Somewhere in all of this is the mysterious secret of Granville Island, which draws some 10.5 million people each year. Rumours have it that there's some magic recipe that makes visitors long to return to the island.
Located in the heart of Vancouver, Granville Street is where you'll find Vancouver's main downtown entertainment district. Countless restaurants, bars and nightclubs make this a popular late-night hangout, particularly on the weekends. Stretching from the start of Granville Street by Waterfront Station, south to the Granville Street Bridge, the downtown portion this street is fairly sleepy by day, but buzzing at night. Many of the city’s bus lines transit through Granville, making it a main thoroughfare for the city.
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Granville Street
Granville StreetLocated in the heart of Vancouver, Granville Street is where you'll find Vancouver's main downtown entertainment district. Countless restaurants, bars and nightclubs make this a popular late-night hangout, particularly on the weekends. Stretching from the start of Granville Street by Waterfront Station, south to the Granville Street Bridge, the downtown portion this street is fairly sleepy by day, but buzzing at night. Many of the city’s bus lines transit through Granville, making it a main thoroughfare for the city.
Neighbourhoods
Beaches, shopping and restaurants on W 4th
In the 1960s, beachside Kitsilano was Vancouver's hippy hangout, drawing comparisons to San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury. Today, Kitsilano still has plenty of culture, but its apartments and houses are now occupied by young urban professionals and families who enjoy a modern version of that relaxed atmosphere – this is the birthplace of global yoga brand, lululemon athletica. Just over the Burrard Bridge from the downtown peninsula, the neighbourhood brings together a collection of attractions, beach and parks, residential streets, and a couple of main commercial districts. “Kits,” as it’s known locally, is bordered by the waterfront to the north and West 16th Ave to the south; Burrard Street to the east and Alma Street to the west. Most of the commercial activity is along West 4th Avenue and West Broadway, but you’ll also find shops and restaurants in the areas close to the beach.
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Kitsilano
Beaches, shopping and restaurants on W 4th
In the 1960s, beachside Kitsilano was Vancouver's hippy hangout, drawing comparisons to San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury. Today, Kitsilano still has plenty of culture, but its apartments and houses are now occupied by young urban professionals and families who enjoy a modern version of that relaxed atmosphere – this is the birthplace of global yoga brand, lululemon athletica. Just over the Burrard Bridge from the downtown peninsula, the neighbourhood brings together a collection of attractions, beach and parks, residential streets, and a couple of main commercial districts. “Kits,” as it’s known locally, is bordered by the waterfront to the north and West 16th Ave to the south; Burrard Street to the east and Alma Street to the west. Most of the commercial activity is along West 4th Avenue and West Broadway, but you’ll also find shops and restaurants in the areas close to the beach.
Shopping at Pacific Centre, Robson Street, Alberni Street, Burrard Street
Restaurants: sushi, Hawksworth, CinCin, Earls, Cactus Club
With BC Place Stadium at one end, Stanley Park at the other, and the city’s best-known shopping precinct in between, Robson Street is a must-stroll for most visitors to Vancouver. One of Vancouver’s oldest commercial streets, it was once known as Robsonstrasse for the sheer number of German and European stores that opened up after the Second World War. The international character of the street still exists. Being right in the heart of the downtown core, you’ll find yourself walking right alongside locals on their way to the office, sports fans heading to the game, and Asian students lining up outside noodle shops.
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Downtown Vancouver
Shopping at Pacific Centre, Robson Street, Alberni Street, Burrard Street
Restaurants: sushi, Hawksworth, CinCin, Earls, Cactus Club
With BC Place Stadium at one end, Stanley Park at the other, and the city’s best-known shopping precinct in between, Robson Street is a must-stroll for most visitors to Vancouver. One of Vancouver’s oldest commercial streets, it was once known as Robsonstrasse for the sheer number of German and European stores that opened up after the Second World War. The international character of the street still exists. Being right in the heart of the downtown core, you’ll find yourself walking right alongside locals on their way to the office, sports fans heading to the game, and Asian students lining up outside noodle shops.
A culturally rich and authentic neighbourhood, Commercial Drive - also known as The Drive - is one of the best and most colourful shopping, dining and nightlife districts you will find in the city; and boasts home to Vancouver’s own 8 block officially designated Little Italy, representing more than 60 years of Italian heritage. Day or evening, The Drive offers 22 full blocks to explore with over 300 distinct merchants, including quaint boutiques, an eclectic collection of restaurants, a vibrant live music and bar scene, dinner and dancing, theatres, coffee houses, specialty food stores and bakeries. A one of a kind experience. Welcome to The Drive.
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Commercial Drive
Commercial DriveA culturally rich and authentic neighbourhood, Commercial Drive - also known as The Drive - is one of the best and most colourful shopping, dining and nightlife districts you will find in the city; and boasts home to Vancouver’s own 8 block officially designated Little Italy, representing more than 60 years of Italian heritage. Day or evening, The Drive offers 22 full blocks to explore with over 300 distinct merchants, including quaint boutiques, an eclectic collection of restaurants, a vibrant live music and bar scene, dinner and dancing, theatres, coffee houses, specialty food stores and bakeries. A one of a kind experience. Welcome to The Drive.
Yaletown was once the Western terminus for the Canadian Pacific Railway, but the area’s more recent reinvention dates back to 1986 when the waterfront along the north of False Creek was host to many of the venues when Vancouver hosted the World’s Fair. Since then that land, along with the warehouse district adjoining it have been transformed into one of the city’s chicest neighbourhoods, filled with residential loft spaces, sidewalk cafes, cool restaurants, unique shopping, and leafy parks. Sitting along the south side of the downtown Vancouver peninsula, Yaletown is bordered by Homer Street, Robson Street and False Creek.
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Coal Harbour Seawalk
Coal Harbour SeawalkYaletown was once the Western terminus for the Canadian Pacific Railway, but the area’s more recent reinvention dates back to 1986 when the waterfront along the north of False Creek was host to many of the venues when Vancouver hosted the World’s Fair. Since then that land, along with the warehouse district adjoining it have been transformed into one of the city’s chicest neighbourhoods, filled with residential loft spaces, sidewalk cafes, cool restaurants, unique shopping, and leafy parks. Sitting along the south side of the downtown Vancouver peninsula, Yaletown is bordered by Homer Street, Robson Street and False Creek.
Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.
You’ll find plenty of classic Asian specialty stores, with their wares piled by the sidewalk for perusing, as well as dim sum restaurants, apothecaries, and quiet oases offering calm respite from the bustle. While there are many traditional finds in Chinatown, you’ll also see a burst of modern retail thanks to some young entrepreneurs who have set up shop in the neighbourhood, especially along Pender between Columbia and Main streets.
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Chinatown
Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.
You’ll find plenty of classic Asian specialty stores, with their wares piled by the sidewalk for perusing, as well as dim sum restaurants, apothecaries, and quiet oases offering calm respite from the bustle. While there are many traditional finds in Chinatown, you’ll also see a burst of modern retail thanks to some young entrepreneurs who have set up shop in the neighbourhood, especially along Pender between Columbia and Main streets.
Rainbow flags and sunburst banners adorn the lampposts in this lively neighbourhood in the heart of downtown's dense West End. Known internationally for its thriving community of gay and lesbian residents, Davie Village is offers a chilled-out vibe for people watching during the day, and thumping clubs, pubs and street life at night. “Davie Village” refers to the stretch of Davie Street between Burrard and Jervis Streets, but make sure you poke your head around the corner onto some of the side streets which are also home to some gems.
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Davie Village
Rainbow flags and sunburst banners adorn the lampposts in this lively neighbourhood in the heart of downtown's dense West End. Known internationally for its thriving community of gay and lesbian residents, Davie Village is offers a chilled-out vibe for people watching during the day, and thumping clubs, pubs and street life at night. “Davie Village” refers to the stretch of Davie Street between Burrard and Jervis Streets, but make sure you poke your head around the corner onto some of the side streets which are also home to some gems.
Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, Gastown grew from a single tavern founded by John ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton back in 1867. Today, the district retains its historic charm and independent spirit. Victorian architecture houses a thriving fashion scene, impeccably curated décor boutiques, one-of-a-kind galleries and some of the best culinary fare in Vancouver. It’s a gathering place for stylish locals and an ideal neighbourhood to explore on foot. Gastown lies along the north of the downtown Vancouver peninsula, from Richards east to Main Street, and south to Hastings Street.
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Gastown
Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, Gastown grew from a single tavern founded by John ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton back in 1867. Today, the district retains its historic charm and independent spirit. Victorian architecture houses a thriving fashion scene, impeccably curated décor boutiques, one-of-a-kind galleries and some of the best culinary fare in Vancouver. It’s a gathering place for stylish locals and an ideal neighbourhood to explore on foot. Gastown lies along the north of the downtown Vancouver peninsula, from Richards east to Main Street, and south to Hastings Street.
As the cultural focal point of the City of Vancouver's Indo-Canadian population, the Punjabi Market is a five-block stretch along Main Street, between about East 49th and East 54th Avenues. Here you’ll find new immigrants along with grandparents bringing the second-generation grandkids for a taste of their homeland.
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Punjabi Market
As the cultural focal point of the City of Vancouver's Indo-Canadian population, the Punjabi Market is a five-block stretch along Main Street, between about East 49th and East 54th Avenues. Here you’ll find new immigrants along with grandparents bringing the second-generation grandkids for a taste of their homeland.
South Granville's Shaughnessy neighbourhood is one of Vancouver’s toniest residential areas, with some of the city’s oldest mansions and largest lots. It was originally developed by the Canadian Pacific Railways as an area for the elite to live back in 1907, and many of the grand estates can still be glimpsed past tall hedges at the end of long driveways. The area is bordered by West 16th Avenue to the north and West 41st Avenue to the south, with Arbutus Street to the west and Oak Street to the east. Running right through the centre is Granville Street, one of Vancouver’s main thoroughfares. The section between Granville Bridge and West 16th Avenue is known as South Granville. The strip caters to the well-heeled local residents with excellent restaurants and some of Vancouver’s best high-end shopping.
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South Granville
South Granville's Shaughnessy neighbourhood is one of Vancouver’s toniest residential areas, with some of the city’s oldest mansions and largest lots. It was originally developed by the Canadian Pacific Railways as an area for the elite to live back in 1907, and many of the grand estates can still be glimpsed past tall hedges at the end of long driveways. The area is bordered by West 16th Avenue to the north and West 41st Avenue to the south, with Arbutus Street to the west and Oak Street to the east. Running right through the centre is Granville Street, one of Vancouver’s main thoroughfares. The section between Granville Bridge and West 16th Avenue is known as South Granville. The strip caters to the well-heeled local residents with excellent restaurants and some of Vancouver’s best high-end shopping.
Tucked up tightly against the city’s downtown core, the West End is one of the easiest neighbourhoods for visitors to explore, getting a real taste of how real Vancouverites live. A gateway to Stanley Park, the neighbourhood is bordered by the park on one side, as well as English Bay, Granville and Robson Streets. In 1862, the area was heavily forested when three gentlemen, known as the Three Greenhorns, each purchased 73 hectares (180 acres) of land with the purpose of establishing a brickworks. That plan soon changed, and the area instead became the city’s first upscale neighbourhood. These days, it’s an incredibly diverse area, home to the city’s gay community (centred around Davie Village), heritage homes, and around 40,000 people living in high-rise apartments. The parks and beaches are the main attractions, but the people-watching and dining come in close behind.
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West End
Tucked up tightly against the city’s downtown core, the West End is one of the easiest neighbourhoods for visitors to explore, getting a real taste of how real Vancouverites live. A gateway to Stanley Park, the neighbourhood is bordered by the park on one side, as well as English Bay, Granville and Robson Streets. In 1862, the area was heavily forested when three gentlemen, known as the Three Greenhorns, each purchased 73 hectares (180 acres) of land with the purpose of establishing a brickworks. That plan soon changed, and the area instead became the city’s first upscale neighbourhood. These days, it’s an incredibly diverse area, home to the city’s gay community (centred around Davie Village), heritage homes, and around 40,000 people living in high-rise apartments. The parks and beaches are the main attractions, but the people-watching and dining come in close behind.
Yaletown was once the Western terminus for the Canadian Pacific Railway, but the area’s more recent reinvention dates back to 1986 when the waterfront along the north of False Creek was host to many of the venues when Vancouver hosted the World’s Fair. Since then that land, along with the warehouse district adjoining it have been transformed into one of the city’s chicest neighbourhoods, filled with residential loft spaces, sidewalk cafes, cool restaurants, unique shopping, and leafy parks. Sitting along the south side of the downtown Vancouver peninsula, Yaletown is bordered by Homer Street, Robson Street and False Creek.
483 místní doporučují
Yaletown
Yaletown was once the Western terminus for the Canadian Pacific Railway, but the area’s more recent reinvention dates back to 1986 when the waterfront along the north of False Creek was host to many of the venues when Vancouver hosted the World’s Fair. Since then that land, along with the warehouse district adjoining it have been transformed into one of the city’s chicest neighbourhoods, filled with residential loft spaces, sidewalk cafes, cool restaurants, unique shopping, and leafy parks. Sitting along the south side of the downtown Vancouver peninsula, Yaletown is bordered by Homer Street, Robson Street and False Creek.