Everywhere you turn in Vancouver the views are beautiful. Snowcapped peaks are reflected in the mirrored glass on one side of a skyscraper and the peaceful bay with its beautiful beaches on the other. Then there’s the city itself with glittering glass and green space. It won’t surprise you that our Guru’s recommendations for the best places to stay in Vancouver have some outstanding views. Because there’s so much to do here, and so many reasons to visit, it follows that there’s plenty of choice when it comes to the best places to stay in Vancouver, from simple guesthouses and B&Bs ideal for short stops for adventure travellers, to luxurious, waterfront properties with all the trimmings.
But Vancouver is a lot more than just a pretty face. The magnificent terrain surrounding the city is ripe for skiing, biking, walking, sailing, kayaking… and the list continues. And all over this city the food is sensational — definitely try the Asian dining scene. Vancouver’s vibrant cultural life is rich with art, music, theatre and public art.
If you’re not sure which part of Vancouver you want to stay in then check out our recommendations below, but many of the best places to stay in Vancouver can be found in the Downtown area. It’s a small, walk-able city, but even within this small area there are still a few different neighbourhoods to choose from. Robson Street is the main street, lined with shops and major buildings, so this is about as central as it gets if you think the best places to stay in Vancouver will be the most central.
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Where to stay in Vancouver? Which neighbourhood?
- Gastown is the oldest part of town, and is known for its excellent restaurants — and for its iconic steam clock! But it’s also known for its numerous bars and cafes. Gastown boasts some elegant brick buildings with wonderful original details, some of which have been converted into boutique accommodation. We like the boutique and antique shopping too, and you’re just a short stroll from Granville Street and the Waterfront.
- The West End is another great place to stay if you want to eat and drink out, and mingle with the locals. It’s a diverse part of Vancouver, with a cosmopolitan nightlife scene, but also some beautiful natural spaces, including Stanley Park and the sandy beaches of English Bay. If you’re here to eat visit Denmam Street for the global cuisine, and if you’re here for an adventure try paddle boarding at English Bay. The West End is the kind of place you can see a lot of on a bike, and it’s easy to hire them round here too. Davie Village is the heart of nightlife in the West End, and of Vancouver’s LGBT community.
- The Waterfront area, between Canada Place and Stanley Park overlooking and including Coal Harbour, is a relaxed, laid-back place to stay, and lovely to stroll around of an evening, plus it’s well located for the cruise terminal. You’re right by the seawall and the hop-on hop-off buses stop here, or you can just walk into the shopping district or to the rest of Downtown’s highlights. And of course there’s the marina. And Stanley Park. And you might even spot a seal.
- Hip, well-to-do Yaletown is on the other waterfront, overlooking False Creek and the ocean, and it has a picturesque stretch of seawall to view it from. If you stay in Yaletown you’ll be close to the Skytrain, and the ferry to Granville Island, and surrounded by trendy restaurants, cool shopping streets, green squares and waterfront parks. Yaletown is another good choice if you want to eat out. A great base for first-timers to the city.
- Granville Street, which is Vancouver’s entertainment district is beautifully lit up of an evening with a rainbow of neon lights, apparently second only in scale to Shanghai. Just under the Granville Bridge is Granville Island, not technically an island, but a notable district for visitors because it’s packed with cultural attractions. Stay here if you want to be in the thick of the nightlife.
- Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, and still very much looks the part, with old buildings, red lampposts and traditional Chinese businesses. And of course it’s where you’ll find some of the best Chinese food in town, and probably in Canada. Chinatown is an historic, and very central place to stay, and great if you’re looking for a city break hotel with a little something extra.
- If you’re coming to Vancouver as a gateway to an adventure in Canada you should consider staying in North Vancouver. It’s closest to the mountains, and there are numerous parks and green spaces, and walking trails. Because you’re not in Vancouver proper you have a great view of the city skyline, including the Capilano Suspension Bridge. North Vancouver also has a great public market.
- Kitsilano has been recommended by one of our Gurus as being the best place to stay in Vancouver for families. It’s a stylish, family-friendly neighbourhood just south of the Downtown area, with tree-lined residential streets, some beautiful public parks, sandy beaches and public pools. It’s got a relaxed, almost hippyish vibe that has sprung from the many ‘flower children’ who settled here, and now translates to a popularity amongst young families and fashionable young professionals.
This city is an incredibly popular year round destination with both business and leisure travellers. So if you want to ensure your room in one of the best places to stay in Vancouver, we strongly advise you book well ahead.
