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Neighbourhood in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Shaund at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The West End of Vancouver is one of the most popular places to hang out in the city. Located on the western half of the downtown peninsula, the compact, mostly residential area is surrounded by a string of beaches and the beloved Stanley Park, and bustling with tonnes of shops and eateries on its main streets.
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At the southern end of English Bay is this inukshuk statue facing out to sea. It's not the inukshuk statue for the Olympics; this statue was made for the city as part of Expo 86.
In Stanley Park near its eastern edge. Be sure to visit the Amazon River section for some truly unusual and extraordinary animals. The last weekend in April, there is a salmon release event where you can learn about the Aquarium's new salmon breeding program and get to release and name your own fish.
Stanley Park Railway
Who doesn't like to ride a miniature railway? At Christmas, there is a very popular light display for the miniature railway.
At the north tip of Stanley Park, Prospect Point affords stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge and First Narrows. There is a concession and bathrooms here, and sometimes you may spot a large contingent of raccoons begging for food. Please don't feed them.
At the north-east tip of Stanley Park, Brockton Point affords stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge, the North Shore, and Burrard Inlet.
Built so that mariners could set their chronometers. This gun has marked 9PM every night since 1894. Also a great place to take a picture of downtown Vancouver.
Near Brockton Point is this collection of eight totem poles, colourfully painted and intricately detailed.
The place in the park to see birds, including Canada Geese, white swans, and ducks. Walking around the lagoon is a relaxing 1.8 km along paths that travel mostly near the edge of the lagoon. Feeding wildlife is no longer allowed in the park.
This green coloured Vancouver landmark links the city with the North Shore across Burrard Inlet. Similar in style to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, it was built in 1937-38 in large part to help develop land owned by the Guinness family (of beer fame) in West Vancouver. Although the family sold their land in the 1950s, a link remains in the decorative lighting they donated for the bridge in 1986. The bridge is three lanes with sidewalks on either side for walking or cycling. The centre lane is controlled by traffic signals, so it alternates direction depending on the traffic conditions.
A paved path that begins at Canada Place in Vancouver's City Centre and follows the coast around Stanley Park through the West End and around False Creek to Granville Island and Kitsilano. It's very popular to rent bikes or rollerblades and ride/skate the piece around Stanley Park (about 9 km in length).
A very large heated outdoor swimming pool. Alternatively you could swim at the beach or use the spray park near Lumberman's arch for no charge. There are lifeguards at both Second Beach and Third Beach.
18-hole course set amid rhododendron gardens. Holes range in length from 40 - 100 yards.
Offers top quality bikes at discounted prices including cruisers, city hybrids and tandem bikes in all sizes. Helmets and locks are complimentary with each rental. Children's bikes, training wheels, roller blades and dog trailers are also available. Convenient location offers easy access to the Stanley Park sea wall, Granville Island, False Creek and Science World. Call ahead to book for large groups at a discounted rate. Weekly and monthly rentals are available on request.
Offers bike rentals and guided bike tours from a fantastic location on the doorstep of Stanley Park. Various styles of bikes for adults and children, plus helmets and locks. Weekly and monthly rates also available.
Seen one fireworks show, seen them all? Think again. Most Vancouverites come out to this event to enjoy the beach, the breeze and the hundreds of thousands of people who turn out. The fireworks themselves are just the excuse. Four shows, late July/early August. Make sure you take public transit; streets are closed and crowds are heavy.
Takes place on the Sunday before the first Monday in August. The parade runs along Robson Street to Denman Street to Beach Avenue, with the festival happening at Sunset Beach. This is the largest celebration of its kind in Western Canada. Parties, arts and cultural events lead up to this colourful parade and beachside festival.
A Greek restaurant in downtown Vancouver, famous for long lines of customers waiting for a table, hungry for Stepho's abundant and delicious platters of Greek favourites.
Self service take away or eat in. A great place for vegetarians and vegans. Food is charged by weight.
Authentic Japanese ramen shop. Often it's crowded and there's a lineup but it moves fast. Close to Stanley Park and the bike/roller-blade rental shops on the end of Denman St.
Serves home style Korean food and is frequented by the local Korean students. The restaurant almost looks run-down, but it serves excellent food. Try the short ribs.
Delicious tacos, the size of the palm of your hand, topped by a variety of vegetarian or meaty options. 4-6 are usually a good meal. Bright colours and welcoming service, but only a few stools to perch on in the small space. Similar to the formula of La Pinche Taqueria in town, but cheaper.
Well known for having huge portions for small prices. It also has fresher sushi than some more expensive places. During meal times, it can be very difficult to get a seat. In the summer, it can be nice to get take out and walk down to Sunset Beach (4 blocks southwest on Thurlow, ~20 min). Be sure to try their toro (fatty tuna), and salmon sushi/sashimi. Stay away from their tuna sushi/sashimi because it tends to be too frozen. There are other locations at Cambie Street and 43rd Ave in South Vancouver, and on Fraser Street in East Van.
Malaysian food is a vibrant mingling of Chinese, Indian, Thai, Indonesian, and Malay, and it springs to life at Banana Leaf with rich flavours beautifully presented, yet in an efficient, low-key atmosphere. Many dishes can be prepared vegetarian. Other locations are on West Broadway (Mt Pleasant and Kits), Robson, and Denman. In location which used to be "Kam's Place", which also served southeast Asian food.
Traditional izakaya dishes with a modern, fusion twist, in a decor which feels at once traditional Japanese, down-to-earth friendly, and cutting-edge. Vegetarian options available.
Vividly spiced vegetarian and vegan Israeli food. Including vegan and gluten-free takes on shawarma (in pita, as a lunch sandwich) and shakshuka (with vegan sausage, and chickpeas and spinach in place of eggs).
Another Greek taverna with long lines. A good overflow alternative to Stepho's down the block.
A small Japanese restaurant that specializes in Japanese skewered meats. It would be a good idea to make a reservation.
Hamburger Mary's
Mary’s on Davie (aka Hamburger Mary's) has been a fabulous food and drink destination for locals and visitors alike since 1979. Part upscale neighbourhood diner, part sassy brunch spot, and 100% part of the community, Mary’s on Davie is a place where everyone’s a little bit Mary.
One of Vancouver's largest clubs with varied music (DJs, house, 80s) depending on the night. Stereotype Fridays are very popular and sometimes feature international DJs. Generally a gay bar, but the crowd tends to be more mixed on Tu and F Sa.
The Mill
Serves a variety of finger food, burgers, pizzas and salads with Guinness and some local brews on tap. It's a bit overpriced, but the patio (on the park looking at the harbour) is hard to beat.
A location of the Hostelling International chain, this is a rather nice and very clean hostel. Games room, a spacious kitchen, TV room, internet access, free breakfast. It's a little far from downtown walking-wise, but located on a very nice, quiet street near the waterfront.
B&B style hotel in a West End residential area. Some rooms have private baths while others have shared facilities. No parking available if you have a car.
Boutique hotel with an arts twist -- a number of the rooms and floors have been decorated by local museums or artists.
Hotel in a heritage building across the street from English Bay Beach. Mixture of standard rooms and suites, some rooms have a kitchen.
Apartment-style suites with a full kitchen, DVD, washer/dryer and fireplace. A little pricey, but for the location (literally two blocks from Lost Lagoon, and two blocks to shopping on Robson Street) it's worth it.
Luxury resort next to the Stanley Park with 510 rooms and stunning views of Coal Harbour and mountains.
Main shopping district downtown, Includes some of the most high-end shops in the region.
Cottonmouth
This headshop has a vibe all unto its own. The staff and customers tend to be eccentric individuals. There is a selection of pipes, bongs and hookah equipment and supplies.
By car
If you are driving, it is best to park your car and explore the area by foot.
By bicycle
The Seawall is the main bike route in and around the West End (including Stanley Park).
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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