Neighbourhoods

Vancouver is Canada's fastest-growing metropolis, and a city of magical contradictions - from rough-and-tumble Hastings Street, where timeworn brickwork still exudes a wild, beer-for-a-dime, seaport-town atmosphere, to trendy Robson Street, with its futuristic Japanese noodle houses and haute couture. Vancouver has long touted itself as Canada's gateway to the Pacific Rim, and for decades, waves of immigrants have broken on its shore.

The downtown area is generally considered to be bounded by Burrard Inlet to the north, Stanley Park and the West End to the west, False Creek to the south, and the Downtown Eastside to the east. Most sources include the full downtown peninsula (adding the West End neighbourhood and Stanley Park) as downtown Vancouver, but the City of Vancouver defines them as separate neighbourhoods.

Gastown is a national historic site located in Vancouver, British Columbia, located at the northeast end of Downtown adjacent to the Downtown Eastside.

Established the same year that Canada became a nation, Gastown grew into Canada’s third largest city and one of its most cosmopolitan. But the Gastown district today retains its historic charm, independent spirit and distinctiveness. There’s no mistaking Gastown for any other area of Vancouver, or of Canada for that matter.

astown is totally integrated into the fabric of Vancouver activity and attractions. It is within walking distance of most downtown hotels, shops and attractions. Also within its boundaries is a transportation hub for the Lower Mainland at the old CPR Station on Cordova Street. It is here that many thousands of local residents connect with buses, ferries, light rapid transit and trains. This contributes to a daily flow of activity that is almost 24 hours a day.
As well as being an important tourist attraction with many retail and hospitality outlets, Gastown is home to many local businesses in the fields of entertainment, media, achitecture and consulting that serve not only the local market but also the world.

If you go to Gastown, you must take a closer look at world's only steam powered clock. It will puff clouds as it sounds the Westminister Chimes when it hits every hour. The clock is unique as it was designed in 1875 but was actually created in 1977 by a local chorologist by the name of Raymond L.Saunders. He is responsible for the restoration of the post office clock at Sinclair Centre.

A gateway to Stanley Park, the West End neighbourhood is organized around Denman Street between Robson and Davie streets and bordered to the south by English Bay. Primarily a residential area, this is one of the most densely populated areas in all of Canada, with 40,000 people living in high-rise condominiums and apartments. Coffee shops, fine-dining restaurants and plenty of shopping will keep you entertained in this area, with several beautiful parks and beaches perfect for taking a leisurely stroll after an evening meal.

The West End is bordered by downtown on the one side, Stanley Park on the other and by water on two. The West End is home to a mixed population, old and young, of Canadians, immigrants and international transient residents. Like other downtown neighbourhoods, the West End is very densely populated. It is adjacent to the downtown core business and financial districts, with traffic calmed streets punctuated by concrete islands, sidewalk barricades, and mini-parks and many residential heritage buildings including The Manhattan, The Beaconsfield, The Beverly and The Queen Charlotte.

The West End is also home to the gay village called Davie Village, centred primarily on Davie Street between Burrard and Bute, with a substantial gay population living throughout the West End.

Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb welcomed the world in 2010 as a host venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

You have read the articles in the magazines, seen glimpses in the ski and snowboard movies, heard all about it from your friends. Now it is your turn to experience the magic of Whistler. Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime!

Whistler is a friendly ski town located in British Columbia, Canada and is home to almost 10,000 residents. One of the many things that makes Whistler so special is two unbelievable mountains - Whistler and Blackcomb. Side by side, they represent over 8000 acres of skiable terrain, rising a mile above the valley of Whistler.

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains offer unforgettable skiing, snowboarding, and unlimited winter activities and summer activities. Find something for everyone year round.

Yaletown Known to many as Vancouver's little Soho, Yaletown has experienced a revival in the past several years to emerge as downtown's trendiest residential neighbourhood for urban professionals. Impeccably hip, Yaletown is brimming with quality restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. It is a neighbourhood to see-and-be-seen.

Vancouver has the fastest-growing residential downtown in North America: nearly 40,000 people have moved downtown in the last 10 years. Nowhere is this urban renaissance more apparent than in the densely packed high-rise condos and converted warehouses of Yaletown.

Once an industrial district, today Yaletown is one of Vancouver’s hottest neighbourhoods. It’s home to many of the city’s trendiest restaurants, bars and night spots, hip shopping boutiques, and celebrity haunts.

Yaletown Boundaries:

Yaletown is situated in the southeastern portion of Downtown, bordered by Homer St. to the west, Beatty St. to the east, Smithe St. to the north and Drake St. to the south.

Yaletown People:

While the majority of Yaletown residents are young professionals between 20 and 40, wealthy penthouse dwellers, families, and a growing number of empty-nesters factor into the mix.

Whoever they are, there are certain traits all Yaletown locals share: they love their gyms, their yoga, their weekends in Whistler, their easy access to the area’s gourmet food and hip nightlife, and their dogs. Little dogs are de rigueur.

To see the locals in action, head over to the neighbourhood’s favorite gourmet market, Urban Fare--Yaletown’s daytime hub--where you can eat breakfast and lunch or bring home dinner.

Yaletown Restaurants and Nightlife:

Hamilton Street and Mainland Street are two of the busiest streets for nightlife in Vancouver. Both streets have a collection of bars and restaurants—including Yaletown Brewing Company, Cactus Club, Section (3), and Bar None—that makes bar-hopping easy. If one spot’s too crowded—and these places get very crowded on weekends—just try next door.