The Area - In The Neighbourhood

Whether it’s people watching or window shopping, Vancouver’s many locales offer what you’re looking for.

By Rebecca Philps and Steven Schelling
Photo By Jeremy Maude

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.

Chinatown »
Shop in a different world, stop in a magical garden.

Coal Harbour »
Seeing is believing when it comes to this view.

Commercial Drive »
Funky and fun, it pretty much defines diversity.

Downtown »
This city centre’s as lively after hours as it is during the day.

False Creek »
A creek that isn'’t centres a neighbourhood that is…

Gastown »
Founded in the 19th century; ready for the 21st.

Kitsilano »
Then: hippies. Now: the young and hip.

The North Shore »
The real estate is pricey for good reason.

Richmond »
Fishing and farming meet shopping and eating.

South Granville »
Here’s your Uptown, home to galleries and exclusive shops.

South Main »
Emerging local chefs and designers are energizing a neighbourhood on the make.

West End »
Cheap eateries — and free beaches and spirits.

Yaletown »
The train doesn’t stop here anymore, but you should.