Do you want to move to Vancouver or spend a holiday in this gorgeous Canadian city? Then you’ll want to know about the best Vancouver neighbourhoods.
Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, and it’s divided into 22 distinct areas. Each has something unique to offer whether you prefer the bustle of the city centre or a chilled West Coast vibe.
I’m a Vancouver local and I’ll overview the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver. This article covers some of the most livable places in the city. But bookmark my guide on where to stay in Vancouver for hotel recommendations and visitor-friendly areas.
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9 Best Neighbourhoods in Vancouver
The West End
A spirited neighbourhood with unique restaurants, leafy streets, and breathtaking waterfront views.
📍 Google Maps | City of Vancouver Website | School District: School District #39 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip:Blue Horizon Hotel
The West End is a downtown neighbourhood bordered on three sides by water. Stanley Park and English Bay make this one of the most desirable areas to live in the city of Vancouver.
This neighbourhood has been the heart of the LGBT community for decades. Davie Village is a hub of shopping and dining that caters to the gay community. Boutique stores and restaurants also line Denman and Robson streets.
The West End is all about the high-rise. And the neighbourhood is home to working professionals, international students and seniors. However, it’s not the best for families due to the lack of open space.
Pros of the West End
- Great access to Stanley Park and beaches
- Everything is close and convenient
- A perfect mix of quiet and lively
Cons of the West End
- Densely-populated
- Not much green space
Downtown Vancouver
The city centre is home to amazing restaurants, pulsating nightlife, and some of Vancouver’s top attractions.
📍 Google Maps | City of Vancouver Website | School District: School District #39 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip:Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver is the neighbourhood where every young new arrival wants to be. For us locals, living here in our youth is a rite of passage. And why not? This is where all the action happens and where you’ll find some of the top things to do in Vancouver.
Glass skyscrapers line every street of the Downtown core. Many of them are office buildings. The rest are expensive hotels and condominiums. But this is the place to call home if you love to be near nightclubs, bars and shopping.
Popular landmarks like the Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Street and the Granville Entertainment District are located here. Coal Harbour, Gastown and the West End are all a short walk away.
Pros of Downtown Vancouver
- The best shopping and dining in the city
- Vibrant and safe with great transportation
- Near the top tourist sights
Cons of Downtown Vancouver
- Noisy
- Too many temptations to spend money
Yaletown
Hip shops and restaurants line the cobblestone streets of this former warehousing district.
📍 Google Maps | Yaletown Business Improvement Association Website | School District: School District #39 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip:L’Hermitage Hotel
Yaletown was once Vancouver’s rough-and-tumble warehouse district. But the Expo ‘86 World Fair spurred the regeneration of this neighbourhood. Today, those old warehouses are home to trendy boutiques and restaurants.
You won’t find the top attractions in this area. But the seawall and David Lam Park are popular neighbourhood spots. Go for a scenic walk or have brunch overlooking the marina. I always enjoy OEB Breakfast Co.
Yaletown is great for single and coupled professionals. Although there is a school and plenty of green space, the small apartments aren’t ideal for children.
Pros of Yaletown
- Lots of trendy restaurants and nightlife
- Vancouver Seawall and Quayside Marina
- Central with great transit options
- Easy access to the Downtown core, Gastown and stadiums
Cons of Yaletown
- Not much of a community feel
- Noisy, especially on weekends
Kitsilano
Heritage buildings, tree-lined streets and the best beach in the city make up this former hippie enclave.
📍 Google Maps | City of Vancouver Website | School District: School District #39 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip:Granville Island Hotel
Kitsilano, or “Kits” for short, always tops the list of the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver. The streets of this affluent neighbourhood are dotted with quaint cafes and shops. The neighbourhood’s Vanier Park is home to the Museum of Vancouver, the Planetarium, and the Maritime Museum. Nearby West 4th Avenue is the main shopping district.
But Kitsilano’s main draw is Kits Beach, with its spectacular views and laid-back vibe. Families also love the pool overlooking the beach and the North Shore mountains.
This west side neighbourhood has tons of shopping, parks, and schools. So, it’s a great place for singles, couples and young families. The streets of this neighbourhood are full of single homes and apartments. But the cost of living is on the higher side.
Pros of Kitsilano
- Vancouver’s best beaches are nearby
- Laid-back and safe
- Great coffee shops and restaurants
- Perfect for walking and cycling
Cons of Kitsilano
- No SkyTrain
- Not much to do in winter
Grandview-Woodland
Community spirit reigns in this culturally diverse East Vancouver neighbourhood.
📍 Google Maps | City of Vancouver Website | School District: School District #39 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip:The Ivy on Parker Guest House
Grandview-Woodland is in East Vancouver, which is full of cool, ethnically diverse neighbourhoods. And there is a strong sense of community in these family-friendly areas.
Grandview-Woodland is famous for its main drag, Commercial Drive. This is where you’ll find plenty of funky boutiques and eateries. But “The Drive” is best known for being the epicentre of the Italian community. Watch the world go by at Cafe Calabria, the oldest Italian coffee house in the city.
Grandview-Woodland has a bohemian vibe and is a mecca for creatives. It is also a great place to raise children. There are schools, parks, and community centres all around the neighbourhood.
Pros of Grandview-Woodland
- Close to SkyTrain and bus transportation
- Lots of great dining options on Commercial Drive
- Diverse and creative community
Cons of Grandview-Woodland
- Drug use and petty crime near Commercial and Broadway
- Property crime is prevalent
👉 Local Tip: Want a glimpse into the studios of Vancouver’s best artists? Don’t miss the Eastside Culture Crawl, which happens every November.
Mount Pleasant
Artsy shops, eclectic restaurants, and striking murals make this the coolest neighbourhood in the city.
📍 Google Maps | City of Vancouver Website | School Districts: School District #39 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip:Windsor Guest House
Mount Pleasant is a primarily residential neighbourhood, full of diverse communities. A good mix of single homes and apartments means that everyone will fit in here.
Mount Pleasant was once a run-down neighbourhood but is now bursting with life. Specialty design boutiques and funky eateries line Main Street. Vivid murals brighten up the buildings. There are year-round community events and farmers markets all over the neighbourhood.
South Main Street is home to a large Indo-Canadian population and the Punjabi Market. Admire the colourful saris in the shop windows and eat some of the best curries in town. Sula Indian Restaurant is a favourite.
Pros of Mount Pleasant
- Artsy vibe and tight communities
- Lots of eclectic cafes and boutiques
- Great for walking, cycling and public transportation
Cons of Mount Pleasant
- Vancouver’s social problems affect some areas
- Becoming increasingly developed
Strathcona
Colourful heritage buildings and fascinating history are everywhere in one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods.
📍 Google Maps | City of Vancouver Website | School District: School District #39 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip:EXchange Hotel Vancouver
Strathcona is the city’s oldest residential neighbourhood. Historically, the Canadian Pacific Railway employed many new immigrants. They lived in Strathcona due to its proximity to their work and low cost of living. In recent years, it has become more affluent, but a tight-knit community remains.
Historic homes and rooming houses have been restored and painted in beautiful colours. And cozy cafes, galleries and shops have popped up all over. Strathcona is my favourite Vancouver neighbourhood during the autumn months. Its tree-lined streets are absolutely stunning.
Strathcona’s location is also ideal. Chinatown is a few blocks away for history or foodie excursions. Gastown and Downtown are nearby for shopping and services.
Pros of Strathcona
- Creative and artistic
- Strong sense of community
- Steeped in history
- Close to the city centre, Chinatown and Gastown
Cons of Strathcona
- Close proximity to the Downtown Eastside
Marpole
A more affordable, up-and-coming neighbourhood in South Vancouver.
📍 Google Maps | City of Vancouver Website | School District: School District #39 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip:Best Western Plus Vancouver Airport Hotel
Marpole and other neighbourhoods in the city’s south end are some of the more affordable ones in Vancouver. Although they are further from the city centre, they are still good options.
Marpole is a residential neighbourhood near the airport and the suburb of Richmond, one of the best day trips from Vancouver. Marpole consists of low-rise apartment buildings, single homes and a few high-rise towers.
Marine Gateway and the River District have injected new life into this industrial neighbourhood. Modern condo developments line the waterfront. This has brought many shopping, dining and entertainment options to the neighbourhood. There are also many tranquil walking paths along the Fraser River.
Pros of Marpole
- Close to Vancouver International Airport
- Restaurants and movie theatres at Marine Gateway
- Quiet
- Near the Canada Line SkyTrain on SW Marine Drive
Cons of Marpole
- Not much to do
- Further from centre
- Apartments can be a little bit run-down
Fairview
📍 Google Maps | City of Vancouver Website | School District #39 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip:Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre (Broadway)
The neighbourhood of Fairview is across the Granville Street Bridge from Downtown. Quiet streets and the Vancouver General Hospital surround the main thoroughfare, West Broadway.
Fairview is home to the city of Vancouver’s famous Granville Island Public Market. And you’ll find shops, theatres and dining in South Granville and Cambie Village. Be sure to visit the breweries in the nearby Olympic Village if you love beer.
Apartments and single homes make up the neighbourhood of Fairview. And everyone is sure to love one of Vancouver’s most central areas. Fairview is tucked up against False Creek with views of the North Shore mountains. There are plenty of options for scenic walking and cycling.
Pros of Fairview
- Close to Downtown
- Lots of shopping and entertainment
- Walking and cycling options
- Granville Island and the seawall are here
Cons of Fairview
- Terrible traffic and parking is difficult
- Some drug use and homelessness
FAQs About Vancouver Neighbourhoods
What are some affordable neighbourhoods to live in Vancouver?
Some affordable neighbourhoods to live in Vancouver are Grandview-Woodland,Marpole and Strathcona.
What are family-friendly neighbourhoods in Vancouver?
Family-friendly neighbourhoods in Vancouver include Grandview-Woodland,Mount Pleasant, and the neighbourhoods of South Vancouver.
What’s the nicest area in Vancouver?
The nicest area in Vancouver is Kitsilano. Its laid-back vibe and popular beach make it one of the city’s best areas.
Is it expensive to live in Vancouver?
Yes, it is expensive to live in Vancouver. All Greater Vancouver neighbourhoods have a very high cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2500 – $3000 per month.
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These are some of Vancouver’s best neighbourhoods. Are you also interested in learning about the safest areas in Vancouver before you visit? We’ve got you covered. Check out my comprehensive guide to Vancouver safety next. Happy exploring!
