How to Choose Where to Stay in Vancouver (A Former Resident’s Guide)

The primary time we visited Vancouver, BC, we did what loads of first-timers do. We discovered a fantastic deal exterior the core, shut sufficient to the skyline to tease us, and booked it. We thought we had been being intelligent.

The truth was that we spent half our journey crossing bridges and ready for buses, watching the West Coast mountains via a windshield as an alternative of from the Seawall. By the point we reached the locations we truly needed to be, it was time to show round.

On our subsequent go to, we stayed in a small place within the West Finish, a couple of blocks from Stanley Park. Mornings began with a lap alongside the Seawall and a espresso on Denman Road. Evenings ended with sandy ft at Kitsilano Seaside, market snacks, and a gradual stroll residence on quiet aspect streets. The whole lot clicked.

Not lengthy after, we truly moved to Vancouver. Dwelling there gave us an insider’s perspective to the town. We realized which blocks really feel vigorous late, which of them keep calm, how lengthy it actually takes to get from Canada Place cruise port to Kits, and why a resort beside Waterfront Station can save your complete day. We additionally realized {that a} harbour view is gorgeous, however a wise base is best.

This information is our first-hand tackle the place to remain in Vancouver. It isn’t an inventory of each resort. It’s clear, experience-based recommendation that can assist you choose the fitting residence base on your model, with trustworthy professionals and cons and resort picks we might guide once more.

The Finest Areas to Keep in Vancouver at a Look

For a fast abstract, listed below are our prime neighbourhood picks for many guests, primarily based on our expertise residing in and exploring the town.

• Downtown: Finest for first-timers and sightseeing.
• Yaletown: Finest for a hip, upscale vibe and eating.
• Gastown: Finest for historical past, boutiques, and nightlife.
• Kitsilano: Finest for seashores and a laid-back really feel.
• West Finish: Finest for Stanley Park and an area neighbourhood vibe.
• Coal Harbour: Finest for cruise departures and harbour views.

Should you select nicely, you spend much less time commuting throughout bridges and extra time doing the great things: biking the Seawall, grabbing market snacks on Granville Island, catching sundown over English Bay, and waking up excited to do all of it once more.

The Finest Neighbourhoods to Keep in Vancouver (Our First-Hand Expertise)

Downtown: Finest for first-timers and sightseeing

The Vibe

Downtown is Vancouver in fast-forward. Glass towers catch the sunshine off the harbour, Robson Road hums from morning espresso to late-night ramen, and Canada Place anchors the waterfront with seaplanes and cruise ships rolling in. You’re a brief stroll to Waterfront Station, the town’s essential practice station interchange, and a straightforward base for Stanley Park, Gastown, and the Seawall. For a primary go to, Downtown is the plain selection with a central location within the downtown core.

Our Private Take

Once we are on a decent filming schedule, we keep Downtown. We are going to shoot dawn on the harbour, seize a croissant on Granville Road, and nonetheless be again on the resort to vary earlier than a journey across the park. It isn’t the quietest selection, however the comfort is unbeatable and most sights are inside strolling distance.

Professionals & Cons

Professionals: Central and walkable, a great deal of Vancouver lodges to select from, best for first-timers.
Cons: Summer season costs chunk, metropolis noise on essential streets, free parking is uncommon within the downtown space.

Resort Suggestions in Downtown

• Fairmont Waterfront – Steps from Canada Place and Waterfront Station; waterfront views, trendy facilities, and a fantastic location.
• Pan Pacific Vancouver – On prime of the cruise port with direct elevator entry; the best embarkation morning.
• EXchange Resort Vancouver – Heritage conversion within the outdated inventory change; a straightforward stroll to the waterfront and Gastown; comfy rooms in a superb location.
• Carmana Resort & Suites – Large suites with full kitchens close to Robson and Alberni; best if you would like house and clear rooms in a central location.
• Resort BLU – Modern boutique possibility near Granville Road’s leisure district; useful for reveals with trendy facilities.
• Days Inn by Wyndham Vancouver Downtown – Stable funds choose close to the harbour; primary however good location for walkers.

Yaletown: Finest for a stylish, upscale vibe

The Vibe

Yaletown blends brick and glass in a method that feels polished with out dropping its warehouse roots. Patios spill onto Hamilton and Mainland, the Seawall curves alongside False Creek, and David Lam Park is the place locals deliver a blanket at golden hour. The Canada Line stops proper within the neighbourhood, so airport days are simple. You’re inside strolling distance of the leisure district and among the metropolis’s nice meals.

Our Private Take

Our favorite evenings in Vancouver typically finish right here. We share small plates, wander previous twinkle lights alongside the water, then stroll residence with the sound of boat masts clicking within the breeze. Within the morning we like a straightforward jog on the Seawall earlier than the town wakes up.

Professionals & Cons

Professionals: Incredible eating places and bars, very walkable, fast practice to and from YVR.
Cons: Weekend charges climb, vigorous blocks can echo late.

Resort Suggestions in Yaletown

• OPUS Vancouver – Playful boutique proper by Yaletown–Roundhouse Station; best for dinners and late walks residence. WE have stayed right here many occasions.
• Hilton Vancouver Downtown – Suite-style rooms; useful to Yaletown and the arenas; trendy facilities and cozy rooms.
• The Parker Resort & Rooftop – Modern rooms and a sunset-ready rooftop close to the Seaside District; near nice meals and the Seawall.

Occasion tip: Right here for a recreation or live performance? JW Marriott Parq or the DOUGLAS put you beside BC Place and near Rogers Area within the leisure district.

Gastown: Finest for historical past, meals, and nightlife

The Vibe

Gastown is Vancouver’s previous with a pulse. Cobblestone streets, brick facades, and the Steam Clock draw the cameras by day. At night time the lights heat up, the cocktail bars fill, reside music drifts from doorways, and you’ll really feel that inventive vitality that retains folks right here longer than they deliberate.

Our Private Take

We come for design outlets and at all times keep for dinner. Our ritual is a gradual lap down Water Road, a cease for one thing new at a bar we now have been eyeing, then a late stroll to the waterfront. Once we keep close by, we choose a spot nearer to Waterfront Station for a straightforward journey anyplace.

Professionals & Cons

Professionals: Character buildings, vacation spot eating, near transit and the harbour.
Cons: Weekends may be noisy, edges towards the Downtown Eastside really feel intense late, so select location fastidiously.

Resort Suggestions in or close to Gastown

• Delta Vancouver Downtown Suites – All-suite; bridges the waterfront and Gastown; personal rest room in each suite and house to unfold out.
• The St. Regis Resort – Impartial, central, and breakfast included; a fantastic location for walkers and meals lovers.
• Skwachàys Lodge – Indigenous-run boutique and artist residence between Gastown and Chinatown; an area really feel with coronary heart.

Kitsilano: Finest for seashores and a laid-back really feel

The Vibe

Kits is salt in your pores and skin and market luggage in your arm. Kitsilano Seaside and the outside saltwater pool set the tempo, West 4th brings yoga studios and impartial outlets, and sunsets soften throughout English Bay. Life is slower on this aspect of the water in the easiest way.

Our Private Take

Once we wish to exhale, we base in Kits. Morning swim, espresso in hand, a lazy stroll via the market on Granville Island, then a picnic dinner on the seaside. Getting downtown is a fast bus journey or an Aquabus hop in case you are feeling playful.

Professionals & Cons

Professionals: Seashores and family-friendly parks, good meals and markets, restful nights.
Cons: Fewer resort choices, you’ll cross a bridge or water to succeed in downtown sights.

Resort and House Picks in Kits

• Granville Island Resort – Waterfront boutique with the market in your doorstep; nice location for meals lovers.
• Alma Seaside Suites – Kitchens and residing rooms in a quiet residential pocket; best for longer stays and households who desire a native really feel and personal rest room.
• Good alternate options: Character B&Bs and short-term residences are extra frequent than huge lodges right here.

West Finish: Finest for park lovers and a neighbourhood really feel

The Vibe

The place we truly lived inside steps of the icons. The Seawall rings Stanley Park, English Bay curves with sand and volleyball nets, and Denman Road and Davie deliver ramen, sushi, and late-night snacks. It’s calm on aspect streets, vigorous on the primary ones, and at all times near water. Many stays listed below are pet pleasant lodges, so your furry pal can be part of.

Our Private Take

Once we lived right here, our mornings began with a Seawall lap and a Denman espresso. If pals ask the place to remain on a primary go to, we ship them right here. The steadiness of inexperienced house and metropolis is spot on, and you continue to really feel near the town heart (metropolis centre) with out the push.

Professionals & Cons

Professionals: Walkable to seashores and Stanley Park, glorious worth for the house you get, relaxed at night time.
Cons: No SkyTrain stations contained in the neighbourhood, buses are frequent however slower, not many ultra-luxury decisions.

Resort Suggestions within the West Finish

• Occasions Sq. Suites – All-suite close to Stanley Park with kitchens and laundry; family-friendly and a nice location for the park.
• Blue Horizon – Giant nook rooms with step-out balconies on Robson; many with mountain views and cozy rooms.
• The Sylvia Resort – Ivy-clad heritage on English Bay; basic lounge and seaside throughout the street; waterfront views at a good room fee for the world.

Coal Harbour: Finest for views and cruise mornings

The Vibe

Harbour paths, seaplanes revving up, and North Shore mountain views that change with the sunshine. The inexperienced roof of the conference centre attracts your eye on walks, and the Seawall carries you straight into Stanley Park. Evenings are quiet, mornings are magic, and the waterfront views make espresso style higher.

Our Private Take

Once we filmed cruise departures, we moved right here the night time earlier than to make the morning painless. On non-cruise journeys we nonetheless love an early run alongside the water and a gradual breakfast because the harbour wakes up.

Professionals & Cons

Professionals: Harbour views and calm nights, simple to Canada Place and Waterfront Station.
Cons: Upscale eating over indie eats, summer season charges mirror the view.

Resort Suggestions in Coal Harbour

• Fairmont Waterfront – Throughout from the terminal and the harbour paths; logistics made easy and a nice location for walkers.
• Pan Pacific Vancouver – On prime of Canada Place; elevators right down to the ships; considered one of Vancouver’s prime lodges for cruise days.
• EXchange Resort – Design-forward rooms in a landmark constructing close to the waterfront; trendy facilities and a superb location.

A Be aware on North Vancouver

North Vancouver is for individuals who plan their days across the mountains. Lonsdale Quay and the Shipyards district make a useful base for Capilano, Grouse Mountain, and the North Shore mountaineering trails, and the SeaBus turns the crossing right into a small journey. For a primary journey centered on downtown museums and the Seawall, the additional crossing every day provides time. For hikers and repeat guests, it’s a pleasure and reveals off how Vancouver can really feel like two cities in at some point.

Parq District – Stadiums: Finest for live shows and video games

The Vibe

Fashionable towers wrap round BC Place and Rogers Area. Earlier than a present, the plaza fills with jerseys and pre-game buzz. After, it empties quick and sleeps quiet. You’re nonetheless a brief stroll to Yaletown eating places and the Seawall within the wider leisure district.

Our Private Take

Once we are available in only for a live performance, we base right here. We seize dinner in Yaletown, stroll to the venue in ten minutes, and skip the post-show transit shuffle. Mornings begin with a espresso by the water earlier than the town wakes.

Professionals & Cons

Professionals: Stroll to each arenas, central for occasions, easy accessibility to eating and reside music.
Cons: Feels business-like between occasions, charges leap on huge present nights.

Resort Suggestions within the Parq District

Finest Resorts close to Canada Place for Cruise Departures

• Pan Pacific Vancouver – On prime of the cruise port; roll your bag to check-in.
• Fairmont Waterfront – Throughout the road with harbour rooms; simple embarkation morning and waterfront views.
• EXchange Resort Vancouver – Fashionable, a couple of blocks from the harbour and Gastown; central location for sightseeing.

The place to Keep away from Staying in Vancouver

Whereas most of Vancouver is secure and welcoming, some areas are lower than best for a first-time customer’s residence base, both resulting from social challenges or easy inconvenience.

• The Downtown Eastside (DTES): This neighbourhood helps a susceptible neighborhood dealing with vital challenges. The blocks round East Hastings Road can really feel intense, particularly at night time. Should you love Gastown’s historic vibe however desire a calmer base, select a resort nearer to Waterfront Station and keep away from wandering east of Abbott Road late at night time.
• Far-Flung Suburbs (e.g., Richmond, Burnaby): Whereas these are nice communities, staying this removed from the downtown core isn’t best for a brief journey. You’ll spend a major quantity of your worthwhile trip time commuting on the SkyTrain or in visitors simply to get to sights like Stanley Park and Granville Island.
• Close to the Airport (YVR): Except you’ve got a really early morning flight to catch, there’s no cause to remain close to the airport in Richmond. The Canada Line is so quick and environment friendly that you just’re a lot better off staying within the metropolis to maximise your time.

Easy methods to Get Round Vancouver

Vancouver’s core is compact and really simple to navigate with out a automobile. Many of the neighbourhoods we suggest are walkable, and the transit system is great for connecting the dots.

• From the Airport (YVR): One of the best ways into the town is the Canada Line SkyTrain. It’s luggage-friendly, frequent, and will get you to Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver in about 25 minutes.
• Use a DayPass: Should you plan on a busy day of sightseeing between totally different neighbourhoods like Kitsilano, Gastown, and North Vancouver, a DayPass is a superb worth. It offers you limitless journey on the SkyTrain, buses, and the SeaBus.
• Journey the SeaBus: This can be a fast and scenic ferry that connects Waterfront Station in Downtown to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. It’s a enjoyable journey and the best approach to get to the North Shore.
• Hire a Bike: Our favorite approach to spend a morning is using the Seawall loop round Stanley Park. Vancouver is a really bike-friendly metropolis with devoted lanes.
• Strolling is Key: When you’re in a neighbourhood like Downtown or the West Finish, strolling is the easiest way to discover. Earlier than you guide your resort, it’s at all times a good suggestion to drop a pin on Google Maps to substantiate the strolling distance to the closest SkyTrain station and the Seawall.

Ultimate Suggestions for Reserving Your Keep in Vancouver

• Ebook Forward for Peak Season: July to September, particularly in the course of the cruise season, fills up quick. For your best option and worth close to Canada Place, lock in your reserving 3–6 months upfront. Control the live performance and sports activities schedules, as huge occasions may also trigger charges to spike.
• Examine the Map: Downtown is compact, however a fast map examine is crucial. Verify the strolling time to the Seawall, Stanley Park, and the closest SkyTrain station earlier than you guide to save lots of your self from surprising detours.
• Learn the Latest Evaluations: A resort’s general rating doesn’t inform the entire story. Skim the final 3–5 opinions for latest notes on noise, development, or renovations. Vancouver modifications shortly, and the newest suggestions is essentially the most worthwhile.
• Don’t Overpay for a View: A wise residence base with easy accessibility to transit and the Seawall offers you a greater journey than a far-flung room with a view. You’ll see loads of the gorgeous harbour in your walks and bike rides.
• Keep Beside Canada Place if Cruising: Make your embarkation morning easy. The Pan Pacific and Fairmont Waterfront are the highest decisions. In the event that they’re full, choose one other resort inside a 10-minute stroll.
• Plan for Rain: Vancouver is gorgeous however famously moist. Ask in case your resort has a lined entrance or a spot to hold moist jackets. Should you plan to cycle, ask about bike storage. Just a little planning for the climate goes a great distance.

FAQ about locations to remain in Vancouver

Listed here are the solutions to a couple frequent questions we get about selecting a spot to remain within the metropolis.

Your Good Vancouver Trip

Decide a neighbourhood that matches your model and the journey slows down. If you would like parks and Seawall mornings, base within the West Finish. For eating places and late nights, go Yaletown or Gastown. Cruises and views name for Coal Harbour. Planning a present or recreation, keep at Parq. When you’ve got questions, drop them within the feedback and we are going to aid you select.