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City centre in British Columbia, Canada
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Shaund at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The City Centre, also known as the Central Business District, is the heart of Vancouver's downtown and contains the city's Financial District, the Granville Entertainment district, and many of its hotels, clubs and historical buildings. For the visitor, it's a good base from which to explore Vancouver because of its easy access to public transit, shops and restaurants. And if you want to sample Vancouver's cuisine or nightlife, or take in the mountains and harbour, it's a great place to be.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The Gallery showcases the permanent collection of acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid (1920–1998) and changing exhibitions of contemporary Northwest Coast Art. Gallery highlights include over 40 pieces of Bill Reid’s gold and silver jewelry, Reid’s bronze masterpiece Mythic Messengers, several of Reid’s works that were featured on the Canadian $20 bill and a full-scale totem pole, carved by James Hart of Haida Gwaii.
Olympic Cauldron
Brick-paved plaza with good views of the North Shore mountains, Stanley Park and Coal Harbour. It is also the home of the Olympic Cauldron.
The modern and attractive central branch of the City of Vancouver's Public Library is located in an architecturally interesting building, designed by Moshe Safdie. Constructed as a 'square within a circle', this building is reminiscent of a modern Roman Colosseum. Its design was chosen in a public competition. There are large public spaces around the building and a nice atrium space in the lobby. Guest internet access is available at VPL and visitors can also obtain guest wireless privileges from the library. If you prefer not to obtain a guest login, there are a few terminals that allow access to selected resources (bus schedules, government pages, etc.) without logging in.
Both an office building and public space designed by Vancouver architect Arthur Erikson, it houses the Provincial Courts and a satellite UBC campus. The building, which was built to represent a skyscraper on its side, is noted for its use of water and greenery and is mostly underground. The public space features a skating rink underneath Robson Street, which is the only outdoor rink in Vancouver.
You can see and learn a lot about Emily Carr in the permanent collection, but the rest of the gallery varies in quality depending on what they have been able to attract as special exhibits. Take advantage of admission by donation on Tuesday (5-9PM) and sample what is there before paying the full admission.
Located on the top floor of the Harbour Centre, the Lookout offers a full 360-degree panoramic view of the city from 130 m up. You'll see the downtown area, Stanley Park, the North Shore mountains and even the skyline of nearby Burnaby. The ticket is good for two trips during the day, so you can see it in the daytime and return for the sunset view.
Built for Expo 86 as Canada's exhibit, today the building serves as a cruise ship terminal and the eastern building of Vancouver Convention Centre. It is also the site of an IMAX theatre and the luxurious Pan Pacific Hotel. Walk around the unique sailed structure and take in views of the building itself, Coal Harbour, and the North Shore. It uses white colour with a roof of funky "sails" or "waves", which is a curved triangular shape, that has made it a modern gem.
Vancouver's oldest surviving church was completed in 1889. Often in the shadow of its neighbour, the 23-storey Cathedral Place, you should visit in the afternoon to see the sun shining through the stained glass windows.
This 22-storey Art Deco office tower was completed in 1930. Because of the Great Depression, only four floors were occupied for the first several years. Note the attention to detail on both the exterior, and in the lobby.
The third such hotel in this spot, the Hotel Vancouver was built over 11 years and completed in 1939. As with all Canadian Pacific hotels in Canada, the chateau-style is truly impressive. It was the tallest building in Vancouver until 1972. The hotel's first guests were King George and Queen Elizabeth. Bring binoculars for a close-up view of the building's many gargoyles.
Sheraton Wall Centre
Voted the world's best new skyscraper in 2001 by Emporis.
Glass office building with a distinct outside that contains 4 storey gardens.
A neo-futurist residential skyscraper with 49 floors. Its base is a triangle, that gradually changes into a rectangle - giving it a very uncanny/slim shape from some angles.
Offers world-class performances from some of the world's best composers. The listed address is the ticket office, which is not in Vancouver's downtown. Most performances take place at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, which hosts a variety of entertainment performances in the downtown area.
A great night out at reasonable prices. Students can purchase $10 tickets with the VSO Access Pass. Concerts generally take place at the Orpheum at the noted address.
A craft distillery of vodkas, gins, and other spirits, many of which bubble in the back room. Free tastings are offered on a 14-foot recovered-tree "long table" in the front room. If your only experience of gin and vodka comes from uninspiring mass-market pap, you are in for a treat. The friendly staff love explaining the finer points of which aromatics go in which chamber of their gleaming, copper 300-litre still. On Friday evenings 4-6PM, they park a food truck out front and hold a gin and tonic happy hour. Follow the buzz at #TGIGNT on Twitter.
On April 20th people congregate at the Vancouver Art Gallery to smoke marijuana and celebrate this unofficial holiday, a reflection of BC's relaxed attitudes towards cannabis.
A large, engaging, though somewhat corporate celebration of Canada's national holiday. The citizenship ceremony can be moving. There are usually several bands, fun activities for the kids, and exhibits of Canadian Forces and other bits of Canadiana.
There is a fireworks display after dark on Canada Day.
Usually either in the summer or near Halloween, anyone can choose to dress up and act as the living dead during this parade through Downtown. Although this has only been in Vancouver for about 2 years, thousands of people have already participated, and at least 500 people each year join in on this zombie walk. It is free, and mostly for plain fun, and is also an unofficial event. Each year, there is a set meeting spot. Everyone then walks throughout Downtown and up streets and parks all in one large group.
Open 24/7 at all 7 locations, with 4 located downtown. Very large, very fresh selection of baked goods. All made locally, and then baked on site. Add-ons like oat, almond, soy milk and flavour shots are free. Limited selection of gluten-free and vegan options. All downtown locations are lively: limited seating during peak hours. Fanciest interior is at the newest location on Hastings St.
Excellent coffee shop featuring "latte art," but it's still great. IntelligentsiA coffee available. Great espresso. This small chain has a total of four locations in this district, plus other locations in the Lower Mainland and Calgary.
They modestly claim the title of "best donuts in Vancouver". They certainly have some of the most interesting flavours. Try the "whiskey bacon" donut. Also coffee and tea, served with a friendly smile in a hip setting.
An organic crêpes café, which also sells various freshly-baked breads of organic wheat, rye, spelt, and other grains. Well set up for a light breakfast, lunch, or snack. Free wifi.
This restaurant boasts what one of the best poutines in town. The curds are imported from Quebec. The garlic lover's mayo is fantastic too. Cleverly located next to the local Fitness World. $5 for a medium. Open until the wee hours in the morning, frequented by nightclubbers. Regularly wins local awards for fries.
A Vancouver street food icon that now has its own shop. It's a twist on the traditional hot dog with your choice of pork, turkey or bratwurst smothered in Japanese flavours and toppings like seaweed, miso glaze, Japanese chilli and teriyaki sauce. There are also several Japadog carts around downtown, some with a kobe beef option. Look for the carts on Burrard St and in front of Waterfront Station.
The coffee is strong, the hot chocolate is rich and the chocolate is plentiful. Dairy-free available. Waffles and fruit parfaits. The chocolate fondue with pound cake and seasonal fruit for dipping is excellent (just make sure there's at least two of you to share!). As a chocolate maker, they use their own chocolate in everything. Large selection of house-made chocolate bars, bonbons, & confections for retail.
The usual falafels, souvlakis, shawarmas and Greek plates, but very well executed.
A coffeehouse featuring carefully selected, 100% certified organic, coffee. Justifiably proud of its reaaaally good cheesecake. This is the flagship of a small local chain; there are other locations in Yaletown, Gastown and Richmond.
The cafeteria is run by the culinary arts program so you get gourmet food at cafeteria prices. Usually have a large seafood selection. Don't miss the Asian Food program which has a separate service area. As you would expect from students, the quality can vary. However, it is hard to complain when you get a fancy meal for less than $8.
This is the Japanese restaurant to which you can bring your homesick Japanese business partners. Excellently prepared, professional-grade sushi, rice dishes, kushiyaki, and cooked-at-the-table sukiyaki. An authentic Japanese atmosphere, from the irasshaimase greeting to the pretty pictures in the bilingual menus to the serene decor. Tucked above a Tiffany's store on the second floor, you look out over the crowds on Georgia and Burrard, or inside at the chefs in the glass-walled kitchen. Another branch is on W Broadway in Kits.
Menu includes Moroccan-influenced dishes, fricasse (fried eggs with braised short ribs) and Belgian waffles with a choice of unusual sauces like milk chocolate lavender and white chocolate pistachio rosewater, plus many other breakfast and lunch concoctions. It seats about 75 or so, but lineups and long waits are still normal, especially for brunch on weekends.
A Japanese and Korean BBQ House specializing in a large all-you-can-eat menu. Fun part of eating here is that you can order raw meat and cook it yourself on the grill installed at the table. There is another location in South Granville.
Fresh seafood from coastal regions throughout the world. Try the Chef's Community Table, where the chef prepares the food for up to 14 diners right at the table.
The most amazing service in Vancouver. Classy steakhouse that has been serving Vancouver for some fifty years. Charcoal steaks are the house specialty, but the menu also includes local cuisine like Pacific Salmon and Ahi Tuna. The servers do an incredible job and the food is excellent.
Open daily for lunch and dinner; reservations strongly recommended. Usually mentioned amongst the top 5 restaurants in Vancouver, here you will find great food and great service. In the lavishly decorated open space, you may even catch a glimpse of a celebrity as you savour the oysters that are a specialty here.
Japanese restaurant that specializes in aburi (seared on the outside while raw inside). There's also a small bar at the entrance.
This is a large venue frequent location for live concerts. Has a large famous 'sprung' dance floor. Capacity is 900 people. On most nights, tickets are required to get in.
Popular bar that frequently features live music. The crowd is a mix of ages, although probably more over 30. It's not a big place, so it gets packed easily. There are more tables at the other end of the long bar if you want to sit down and talk.
Long-time Vancouver club which features top 40 rock. The house band, Loaded/Fully Loaded, covers some of the best of the recent pop and rock M-Sa, with country music on Sunday.
A boutique-style hotel with single, twin, double and queen rooms. Washrooms are shared (per floor) but are private upon entry.
Hostel with modern amenities and decorated by bright splashes of colours on the wall.
Rooms and suites with tea/coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator. Exterior of building is unattractive, but rooms are pleasant. Surrounding area still in the process of being gentrified.
Old motor inn remodelled to go for the funky factor. Some of the rooms are small and its age still shows in spots, but there's lots of character, free wifi, new beds and mini-fridges and espresso machines in each room.
It's an old building so some of the rooms are small and noisy. Otherwise, a typical Days Inn - clean, simple rooms, but not many extras. Free wireless Internet available.
Mix of rooms with single queen, single king, two double beds or two queen beds.
Single rooms have a 3/4 double bed and shared washroom facilities. Twin and double rooms have their own washrooms. Comes with a free continental breakfast.
Boutique-style hotel in a condo tower. Room options range from "Boutique" rooms that have a queen or king-size bed to one and two bedroom suites for extended stays. Amenities include a fitness room, heated outdoor saltwater pool and complementary wifi.
Accommodation includes full hot breakfast, adjacent fitness centre, business centre, guest laundry/dry cleaning service, 24-hr concierge, complimentary wifi and baggage storage. The hotel is pet-friendly and also has an on-site bar and lounge. Some rooms have kitchenettes.
One of Vancouver's first guest houses, the hotel retains a lot of its original woodwork and Victorian-era details. Economy rooms have one or two beds and a sink, with a shared bathroom. Luxury rooms have one to three beds and full bathroom. There is complementary continental breakfast and wifi; secure parking is available for a fee.
Ideally located in Vancouver’s East Village, right across from the PNE, our hotel offers newly renovated, cozy rooms designed for comfort and value. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and free parking, all just an 8-minute walk from the Coliseum—perfect for catching concerts and games. With quick, easy access to downtown, it's your affordable home base for exploring the city.
Opened in 2018 in the former stock exchange building.
Vancouver's grand old hotel. Beautifully decorated and a firmly established part of Vancouver's history. The lounge is noted for its traditional afternoon tea.
A 5-star hotel with a stunning view wherever there's a window. Across from Canada Place.
Suites and guestrooms with luxury touches like marble bathrooms and unique artwork and decor from local artisans and the Old World. Rated "One of the Top 100 Hotels in the World" - by Resorts & Great Hotels Magazine.
Has the modern look and feel with earthy tones, deep soaker tubs and a yoga studio. There's also a 24 hour fitness centre and free bike rentals. The floor to ceiling windows provide good harbour or city views (depending on which way your room faces).
A good weddings and meetings hotel steps away from the harbour and cruise ship terminal. Fitness centre, indoor lap pool and whirlpool.
Luxury hotel featuring marble washrooms and soaker tubs.
This modern hotel consists of an array of modern furnished luxury rooms and suites.
A historic Vancouver hotel where the rich and the royal have stayed in the past. Those guests have moved on but the hotel retains a mix of elegant rooms and suites. Amenities include a fitness centre and indoor saltwater pool.
A luxury hotel located in the tallest building in Vancouver with 119 guest rooms, executive suites and space for meetings and events. Rooms include marble bathrooms, PVRs and floor to ceiling windows to take in the marvellous view. Other amenities include a 24 hour health club, outdoor pool and access to the Chi spa. The hotel also offers MARKET by Jean-Georges, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Canadian debut.
Classic-styled luxury hotel with spa, gym, concierge and the usual room amenities. Reviewers like the ambiance, the friendly staff and the location, but find the WiFi signal weak and thought some of the furnishings looked a bit dated.
European-style boutique hotel listed on Conde Nast's gold list. The decor isn't modern but reviewers like the elegance and class of the hotel and found the rooms well appointed and comfortable. Amenities include a spa and fitness centre and business centre for internet access (no wifi in rooms).
Has more than 150 shops, restaurants and services if you want to walk in an underground shopping centre. The shopping centre begins at its north end at Robson Street, and stretches all the way to Pender Street. There are many floors in the mall depending on where you are, and notable merchants include Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen, Gap, H&M and Apple Store; the mall is connected to Vancouver Centre (a small mall mainly consisting of a lotto centre, London Drugs, and a food court underneath Scotiabank).
Main shopping district downtown, it includes some of the most high-end shops in the region.
Hidden on the second floor is a large grocery store featuring a wide range of high-quality, primarily Korean groceries. Part of a North American chain of Korean stores. The food court offers a number of good lunch choices, too.
The BCMP "Bookstore" is a centre of the marijuana subculture of Vancouver. It is the party headquarters for the provincial marijuana party as well as a store and lounge. Proceeds from the BCMP go towards the party and the legal battle against the extradition of the party leader who faces life in prison in the USA. The front half of the store is taken up by display shelves of bongs, pipes, rolling papers and pretty much anything you could imagine. The lounge costs $5 to go into but it has a very relaxing atmosphere and you're able to use the Volcano Vaporizers.
The Amsterdam
The New Amsterdam Café, directly next door to the BCMP Bookstore, permits the smoking of marijuana. The Amsterdam offers a friendly environment to meet new people and to exercise some of the more unique freedoms that Vancouver offers. While it is not, however, generally permitted to buy or sell marijuana on or near the premises, it is not policed or enforced, so long as it in the spirit of sharing, within reason. They also sell a smaller number (but more impressive) selection of pipes, bongs, busters, rolling papers, and other marijuana-related items, including clothing. Of note are the array of specialist pipes, bongs, and busters, with the unusual titanium Space-Case also on sale.
Their fashionable designs with motifs of beavers, maple leaves, and canoes gave rise to what has been called "Roots nationalism", a kind of branded Canadian pride. There are several stores for this brand of clothing, bags and shoes in Vancouver, but if you're looking for a Canadian souvenir that is less obviously touristy, or are from the part of the world where the word "roots" with a picture of a beaver is a double entendre, this outlet store will probably be your best bet.
A large variety of clothes and household items for cheap. They donate their proceeds to local charities.
By boat
Cruise ships travelling from Alaska, Washington, California, and Mexico, arrive at Canada Place (see listing under Architecture section), which is adjacent to Waterfront station.
By car
Driving into and around downtown isn't usually a problem outside of rush hour, but it can be a nuisance (particularly parking), so your best bet is to leave your car outside of the city centre to…
By public transit
Passengers can pay for fares using Compass Cards ($6 refundable deposit), Compass Tickets, or tap-to-pay using contactless credit cards (only American Express, Mastercard or Visa) or mobile wallets.
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