MUST-SEE NEIGHBOURHOODS
Each with its own character and community, Vancouver's distinct
neighbourhoods invite visitors to come explore
Robson Street
A renowned destination for diehard shoppers, Robson Street is
Vancouver's leading shopping and strolling thoroughfare. High-fashion
boutiques are mixed in with beauty-product shops, bookstores and much
more – including more than 90 shops in this shopping district alone.
Restaurants, bars and coffee shops provide a place to recharge or simply
watch the crowds go by. robsonstreet.ca
Yaletown
Historically a fashion and warehouse district, Yaletown has enjoyed a
renaissance with old warehouses converted into unique galleries, highend apparel marts, lofts, cafés, studios, designer showrooms, ultra-hip
clothing stores, and restaurants, bars and sun-drenched patios perfect for
mid-afternoon cocktails. If your clients are into sleek and modern, this is
the place to send them for a shopping spree. yaletowninfo.com
West Fourth Avenue
Granville Street
English Bay
Gastown
The birthplace of Vancouver, Gastown still shows evidence of the
city's origins in preserved Victorian buildings and cobblestone streets.
Officially designated a historic area, this renovated district is full of shops
and restaurants and adorned with antique street lamps, as well as the
Gastown Steam Clock, the world's first steam-operated clock. This is
one of the best areas in the city to shop local designers and independent
boutiques for unique fashion finds. gastown.org
Chinatown
Vancouver is home to Canada's largest Chinese population, thanks to
Chinese immigration dating back to the railroad construction of the
1800s. The city's vibrant Chinatown reflects an authenticity of Chinese
culture, food, architecture and festivities. Be sure to have your clients
visit the Chinatown Night Market, a summertime bazaar that comes
alive with the sights, sounds and smells of a Chinese market on weekend
evenings from May through September. vancouver-chinatown.com
14 WELCOME TO VANCOUVER
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Granville Street is the
city's main entertainment district. With countless restaurants, bars and
nightclubs in the area, this is a popular late-night hangout, particularly on
weekends. In the daytime, send visitors to the Pacific Centre shopping
mall for the latest fashions and popular brands, or to Holt Renfrew, a
vast department store for high-end shopping.
West End
"Young," "hip" and "happening" describe this densely populated area of
downtown Vancouver, adjacent to Stanley Park. The ever-popular English
Bay beach, with its sandy stretches and waterfront promenade, makes a
natural people-watching spot. The West End is also the heart of Vancouver's
gay community and is the location of the annual Pride Parade and many
Gay Pride Week festivities in late July/early August. westendbia.com
South Granville
Located just south of downtown, South Granville is a great place to
explore on foot. This 10-block area offers an eclectic mix of coffee
shops, fashion boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, interior design
stores and purveyors of items handcrafted by First Nations artists.
southgranville.org
TVan photos: Clayton Perry; Canadian Tourism Commission