The Area - Welcome to Vancouver!

Every neighbourhood in Vancouver is as unique as the people who live there. Take a stroll around a few: it’s the best way to see the heart of the city and the people who love it.

As any seasoned globetrotter will tell you, the best way to experience a new place is to immerse yourself in the day-to-day habits and activities of the people who live there: eat where they eat, shop where they shop, and you’ll return home with more than just a guidebook description. You’ll have lived it.

The good news is we’ve done the legwork for you: here, a cheat sheet on Vancouver’s villages, along with the best places to drink in the culture and observe the locals in their natural environment. Do yourself a favour: ask the shopkeepers and residents what they love about their neighbourhood, and they’ll be quick to tell you why their square of the city is the only place in Vancouver to live. After all, Vancouver’s handsome landscape may vie for attention, but it’s the community shops, eateries and the residents themselves that give each neighbourhood its own distinct flavour.

Chinatown »
The largest Chinatown in Canada, Vancouver’s is a ‘hood with history

Coal Harbour »
With killer views and square footage to match, Coal Harbour is dreamhome central for many a retiree

Commercial Drive »
Counterculture meets old-world charm on the east side

Downtown »
Anything you want, you got it: this is where the arts meet shopping and nightlife

False Creek »
To market: a waterfront community is born

Gastown »
Returning to the city? This isn’t the same Gastown you left behind

Kitsilano »
Life’s a beach in “Kits” (It’s yoga headquarters, too)

North Shore »
From outdoor adventure to boutique shopping, the communities of the North Shore offer the ultimate daytrip

Richmond »
A historic village intersects with a modern metropolis

South Granville »
Hot shops, cool galleries and fusion food: this neighbourhood was made for window shopping

South Main »
It’s the place for fashion, art and funky cafés. But don’t dare call it SoMa

West End »
Leafy streets and beach paths meet urban living in downtown Vancouver’s West End

Yaletown »
Celeb alert! Find a streetside patio seat and stargaze