Neighborhoods and Places of Interest

Downtown Vancouver and the West End

The downtown area of Vancouver is bounded by Beach Avenue and Pacific Boulevard in the South, Water Street in the North, Columbia Street in the east and Stanley Park in the west. It includes the financial and downtown shopping districts and the West End, a residential neighbourhood known for its dense population, who live, for the most part, in apartment condominiums.

The downtown core is constantly evolving, blending the historical, such as

the Marine Building on the corner of Burrard and Hastings Streets, with

the modern the World Trade Centre, with its much photographed five

sails.

 

The downtown area offers an abundance of discoveries, which are best

found on foot. Walk the streets of Vancouver - they're safe - for an close

up of city's natural beauty and distinct, and very multicultural personality.

 

Attractions

CN IMAX Theatre. This Canadian invention - a 5 storey screen,

coupled with IMAX Digital sound, and IMAX 3D films make you feel as

though you're right there in the film. Be prepared to close you eyes as you

orbit the earth or fly down a mountain, depending on what's featured the

day you attend. Canada Place. 682-4629.

Gastown. Major tourist attraction between downtown and the water-

front, includes historic buildings, many restaurants and shops. Water Street.

Stanley Park. This magnificent, urban 405 hectare (1,000 acre) park is

renowned world-wide for its breathtaking, natural wilderness setting.

Numerous features include a 10 kilometer walking/cycling/roller blading

sea wall route around the park's perimeter, many kilometers of

wilderness-like trails, an aquarium which has whales, a small zoo, a

children's zoo with historic railway which offers rides through a densely

forested area, "Lost Lagoon," an Edwardian rose garden, a pitch and

putt, several beaches, and an outdoor salt water public swimming pool.

Science World. Comprehensive hands-on exhibits for all ages. Includes

traveling exhibitions, and a 3D laser theatre. Popular with children for

exhibits such as "Backyard Monsters: the World of Insects." 1455

Quebec Street. Skytrain to Main Street Station and walk across the

Street. 268-6363.

Vancouver Aquarium. Exhibitions, unique Amazon

gallery complete with wildlife such as iguanas and colorful birds, a

children's area, and much more. In Stanley Park. 268-9900.

Vancouver Public Library. The "new" 300,000 square foot library,

designed by architect Moshe Safdie opened in 1995, and is considered a

Vancouver landmark. Unique Northwest Coast history collection. 350

West Georgia Street. 331-3600.

Yaletown. Newest trendy enclave for the young urban

professionals in search of loft living in refurbished heritage

buildings, as well as upscale restaurants and shops. Parking limited.

East of the old Expo lands from Hamilton to Pacific Blvd.

Art Galleries and Museums

Vancouver Museum (see Kitsilano).

Marion Scott Gallery. Specializes in Inuit Art. 481 Howe Street.

685-1934.

Potlatch Arts. Web page http://www.potlatch-arts.com

Owner Jean Joseph was the first Aboriginal woman in Western Canada

to graduate with an MLS. Her gallery/store, located on the lower level of

a modest row of shops in southeast Vancouver, is a must visit for anyone

interested in West Coast Aboriginal art. From gold and silver jewelry, to

silk-screened prints, to original paintings, to wood carvings, each item

comes from a rich tradition and heritage, which Jean will be happy to

explain. Plan to stay for hours in this outstanding gallery. Very

well hidden downstairs at 100-8161 Main Street. 321-5888.

Roedde House Museum. Located in the heart of West End apartment

buildings, this is one of 8 houses dating from 1890-1908, all preserved in

their original glory. Wonderful gardens too. By guided tour 2:00 p.m. on

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 1415 Barclay Street. 684-7040.

Vancouver Art Gallery housed in the old heritage Vancouver

Courthouse, offers changing exhibitions, as well as a permanent

collection which includes works by Emily Carr, a well known British

Columbian artist, born in Victoria. 750 Hornby Street Vancouver. 662-4719.

Hotels, including Wired, and Bed and Breakfasts

Budget

Note (w) denotes a "wired" hotel with modem access.

 

There are hundreds of hotels in the Vancouver area. Here are our picks

for where we would stay if we were out of town information professionals

looking for the best at bargain prices.

Barclay Hotel is a heritage hotel on one of Vancouver's most

popular

and trendiest streets, Robson Street, and just steps to many restaurants

and shops. It is a five minute walk from the heart of downtown. Barclay

Hotel offers affordable, rooms starting at $75. 1348 Robson Street,

Vancouver. V6E 1C5. 604-688-8850.

Buchan Hotel is a quiet little oasis in the heart of West End high rise

apartment buildings. Known for friendly, helpful staff, this gem offers

nicely appointed single rooms with basin and shared bathroom for as low

as $65 per night. Single rooms with bath start at $90. Just one block to

Stanley Park, and one block to shops and restaurants on Denman Street.

1906 Haro Street, Vancouver, V6G 1H7. 685-5354.

Green Gables Bed and Breakfast. In the heart of Vancouver's oldest

neighbourhood, Strathcona, in an area undergoing gentrification, just 20

minutes walk to downtown Vancouver or a 5 minute bus ride, Green

Gables offers 7 rooms, starting at $110 per night all in a unique heritage

house. 628 Union Street.

Sylvia Hotel on English Bay is just two blocks from Stanley Park, and a

15 minute walk or 5 minute bus/cab ride to the heart of the downtown

core. With an unobstructed view of English Bay, this Ivy-covered,

character building, is our top choice for visitors seeking a room with a

view at budget prices. Single/Double rooms start at $65. Suites with

kitchens start at $105. 1154 Gilford Street, Vancouver. V6G 2P6.

604-681-9321

YWCA Hotel, just blocks from the downtown core, close to

the new Vancouver Public Library, and across from B.C. Place Stadium and GM

Place, is a brand new hotel which offers single, twin, double, triple and

quint rooms on 11 floors. Private rooms start at $49 and include TVs and

bathrooms. 733 Beatty Street. 895-5830.

 

Mid Range to Expensive

 

If you're an information professional who has decided to splurge, here's

our pick of where you might consider staying. Remember: The first rate

that is quoted to you may not be the best they can do. Ask for specials,

corporate rates or "Is this the best you can do?"

 

(w) The Four Seasons provides remarkable luxury on 24 floors in the

heart of downtown Vancouver. Amenities include an indoor/outdoor

pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, the tranquil Garden Lounge which offers respite

from the financial district mania, and Chartwells, one of Vancouver's finer

restaurants. 791 Georgia Street, Vancouver, V6C 2T4. 604-689-9333.

(w) Hotel Vancouver, is a landmark hotel, built in 1928, with

its tremendous copper roof, stone exterior, and chateau style

architecture. Recent renovations, including the entire lobby, make it a

showpiece all round. With over 500 rooms, a health club including a

pool, Griffins Restaurant with it's extensive buffets (try the dessert

buffet) and a central location, this Canadian Pacific owned hotel, is

one of Vancouver's grandest hotels. 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver.

V6C 2W6. 604-684-3131.

(w) Listel O'Doul's Hotel offers 130 tastefully decorated deluxe rooms

complete with voice mail, and dataport telephones. Indoor pool,

whirlpool and fitness room. 1300 Robson Street. 684-8461.

(w) Metropolitan Hotel. In the heart of the financial district, this

independent, stylish and elegant hotel is well known for its warm,

personalized service. It is a member of the exclusive Preferred Hotels and

Resorts Worldwide. All rooms feature deluxe amenities as standard,

including suite-sized four piece marble bathrooms. It has a good health

club, and for travelers who need a breath of fresh air, most rooms come

with balconies. The Diva Restaurant features Pacific Northwest cuisine by

award winning chef Michael Noble, a member of Canada's Culinary

Olympics Team. 645 Howe Street, Vancouver, V6C 2Y9.

604-687-1122.

(w) Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver's only five star hotel, is part of

Canada Place, the complex which houses the Vancouver Convention

Centre under the much photographed five white sails. Service here is

always outstanding, as are the rooms, all of which have spectacular

views. The health club includes an outdoor lap pool, hot tub, running

track, racquetball, squash courts, and a masseuse. Restaurants include

the Five Sails, the Prow, and the Misaki. 999 Canada Place, Vancouver,

BC V6C 3B5 604-662-8111.

Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside is a hidden gem at the

edge of the financial district which offers balconies, views of

Stanley Park and Coal Harbour, a good cappuccino bar, one of Vancouver's

best

Chinese Restaurants, Dynasty, and a health club which includes a pool

and sauna 1133 Hastings Street, Vancouver. 604-689-9211.

(w) Rosedale on Robson, is an all suite hotel, kitty-corner to the new

Vancouver Public Library. Rooms are nicely furnished, and have

wonderful views. Good sized pool, health club, and great food at Rosie's,

an upscale New York deli type restaurant. 838 Hamilton Street,

Vancouver, BC 604-689-8033.

(w) Sutton Place (formerly Le Meridian). Perhaps Vancouver's most

elegant hotel. With floor to ceiling windows in rooms and suites, a spa

which includes indoor/outdoor pool, and a fitness and beauty centre,

twice daily maid service, the club-like Gerard Lounge, two restaurants

including Fleuri Restaurant which offers a chocolate buffet, and a location

right next to upscale Robson Street, Sutton Place is for those who want

only the best and are willing to pay for it. 845 Burrard Street, Vancouver.

604-682-5511.

West End Guest House, is a Victorian home which offers seven rooms

with baths, complete with antiques, breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening

sherry, all within a block of Robson Street or a leisurely 10 minute stroll

to downtown. Starting at $110 per night. 1362 Haro Street, Vancouver,

V6E 1G2. 604-681-2889.

 

Restaurants

Budget to Moderate

Andales. Hearty Mexican and Spanish cuisine is the specialty of this

casual restaurant in the heart of the people-watching West End. The

fajitas are the best in town. 1175 Davie Street.

Atomic Café. For some of the best breakfasts and sandwiches in town,

you can't beat this upbeat little deli style café, or it's endearing, very

humorous owner, who'll make you laugh no matter what. Try the rice

crispy squares. They're heaven! 1078 West Pender Street.

The Bon Ton Pastry and Confectionery. At one time (more than 20

years ago) the neighbourhood (theatre row) was upscale. Although it's

now being gentrified, it's still a bit squalid, although the purple haired

punkers are harmless. Since 1926, and for over 60 years in this location,

the Bon Ton has persisted and has served wonderful lunches of crusty

rolls and ham and cheese. But the reason you mustn't miss the Bon Ton is

the very best pastries and cakes in Vancouver. The chocolate cake,

sponge with chocolate butter cream, is a solid 10 out of 10. The

Diplomat cake, 3 layers of puff pastry, with sponge cake, butter cream

and rum, is so fabulous you'll want to get a large take-out for later.

There's also a card reader for those who are curious about the future.

Just a few blocks from the big department stores at 874 Granville Street.

The Bread Garden, a chain of 10 deli-style restaurants which have

mushroomed out of an original bakery-cafe, offers sophisticated

cafeteria-style ambiance, and pretty good food too. Try the cinnamon

twists for a jolt of high fat splendor. The muffins are also wonderful, as

are the casserole dishes. Open 24 hours. Bute at Robson Streets,

Denman and Comox Streets, and the original at West 1st at Cypress

Streets. No need for reservations.

The Chef and the Carpenter. If you want to go to a cozy little romantic

restaurant which offers low cost French cuisine, here it is. Reserve a

window seat and relax as the staff pamper you. 1745 Robson Street.

687-2700.

The Chili Club serves reasonably priced Thai food in an ideal location

overlooking False Creek across to Granville Island. 1018 Beach Avenue.

681-6000.

Delany's. If it's Vancouver's best cinnamon buns, oversized muffins,

fabulous latte's and friendly ambiance you're after, this is the place. Sit

outside and watch the world go by. 1105 Denman Street.

Dover Arms. If it's outstanding halibut and chips you're after, the Dover

Arms pub restaurant is where you'll find it. And it's one of the few places

around where you can smoke cigarettes. 961 Denman Street.

Hamburger Mary's. From the stick-to-your-ribs Yukon breakfast,

which will keep you full until dinner, to the terrific burgers and French

fries, no matter what you order, you'll like it. The small outdoor terrace is

ideal for people watching. 1202 Davie Street. 687-1293.

Le Veggie. $20 will get you a tasty, creative, set menu vegetarian meal

for 2 people (that's $10 each) that includes soup, main course and

dessert, all in a wonderful location for people watching. 1096 Denman

Street. 682-3885.

Noodle Express. Vancouver has many good noodle houses, This is a

favourite with office workers who line up at noon to cram into this tiny

gem. Try the #54 or #57 soups. For $7 you'll get a huge meal in a bowl -

seafood, vegetables and noodles, or chicken, vegetables and noodles

brimming in a delightfully "spicy as you want it" broth. The gyozas are

good too! 747 Thurlow Street.

0-Tooz: The Energie Bar. Not many years ago, "healthy" meant food

that tasted like sawdust, and healthy fast food meant a molasses muffin.

Enter O-Tooz. The audience is the downtown health conscious, from

young secretaries, to aging baby boomers running to close stock deals.

They line up for wraps (a whole wheat chapati filled with an assortment of

vegetables and salad fixings covered with tasty dressings) rice pots

(brown rice covered with salad fixings), as well as chilis, unusual juices,

and low fat goodies, all for under $7.00. Eight locations including Pacific

Centre, 777 Dunsmuir Street; Royal Centre, 1055 West Georgia Street;

and Waterfront Centre, 200 Burrard Street.

Poncho's. Mexican food comes alive in this cozy restaurant. From the

home made tortilla chips to Mexican favourites like the mouth watering

enchiladas, it's all divine, at low cost. Weekends if you're lucky, there's a

low key, unobtrusive mariachi band, beguiling audiences with tales of

broken corazons (hearts) . 825 Denman Street. 683-7236.

Quilicum West Coast Native Indian Restaurant. Outstanding west

coast Aboriginal cuisine in an atmosphere of quiet warmth. Culling

ingredients from west coast traditions results in a widely imaginative menu

which includes caribou, oolichans, and bannock all served on carved

traditional wooden dishes. The barbecued salmon is outstanding. 1724

Davie Street. 681-7044.

Richards. If it's Vancouver's best homemade muffins - huge and creative

with chunks of fruit, or hearty soups and sandwiches all at low cost

served deli style in an old narrow building with high ceilings, you can't

beat this little place in the heart of the financial district. 425 Howe Street.

Roscoe's. This tiny, undiscovered pearl serves home cooking, from

mountain high shrimp sandwiches to full course chicken dinners, at rock

bottom prices. 1635 Robson Street. 687-0945.

Royal Thai Seafood Restaurant serves authentic Thai food in a tiny,

elegant location right off Robson Street. The hot and sour soup is a jolt of

delicate flavours. The curries range from subtle to explosive. 770 Bute

Street. 604-602-0603.

Saigon. Gourmet Vietnamese cuisine at bargain prices. Great roll dips,

curried chicken and combination plates, in a simple setting. 1500 Robson

Street. 682-8020.

Scoozies. The lunch hour crowd flocks to this tiny spot which serves a

range of lunch time fare including great pizza and soups. In the summer,

customers crowd the street side tables amidst marvelous displays of

produce, all with the traffic rushing by. 808 West Hastings Street.

Ten-Sixty-Six Hastings. In the summer, sit outside if you can get a

table and watch the business crowd at surrounding tables in this popular

financial area restaurant. Guy Robertson, Vancouver's most adept

information professional and disaster planner has clinched more than a

few contracts here. Inside is a clubby atmosphere - and a wonderful

slightly dark bar area where they let customers smoke. Great sandwiches

- try the Tom Turkey Burger or anything with fresh salmon. 1066 West

Hastings Street. 689-1066.

Thai House. The exotic cuisine of Thailand is served in this popular

Vancouver Restaurant at 4 locations. The downtown one is at 1116

Robson Street. 683-3383.

Tsunami Sushi. Vancouver's only floating sushi bar, offers quality in the

surfeit of local sushi bars. Owner Gary Nakatsuru, raised in the southern

Vancouver fishing village of Steveston, was a fisherman before becoming

a restaurateur. His knowledge of fish and its preparation make this casual

restaurant, and its melt-in-your-mouth creations, the place to go.

#238-1025 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC 687-8744.

Vina. A little gourmet Vietnamese restaurant which offers a full range of

low cost specials from crunchy roll dip, to good soups and combination

plates. 851 Denman Street, Vancouver. 688-3232.

Expensive

Chartwell. One of Vancouver's best restaurants combines a traditional,

English men's club decor with a menu that offers a full range of continental

dishes. One of the most creative vegetarian menus in the city. Four

Seasons Hotel at 791 West Georgia Street. 689-9333.

Le Crocodile, is revered for its quality Franco-Germanic cuisine served

to perfection in a European atmosphere. 100-909 Burrard Street.

669-4298

CinCin is a favourite with locals who seek upscale Italian fare with a

flare. Noodles are made fresh each day, the bread is outstanding and the

desserts, sublime. Try the crab cakes. 1154 Robson Street. 688-7338.

Diva Restaurant features Pacific Northwest cuisine by award winning

chef, Michael Noble, a member of Canada's Culinary Olympics Team.

Selected as the Best New Restaurant of 1996 in the Vancouver

Magazine's critic's poll. 645 Howe Street, Vancouver, V6C 2Y9.

604-687-1122.

Le Gavroche. A popular, romantic restaurant, it's French without an

attitude. Housed on the second floor of an old house, it's intimate and

friendly with impeccable service. The Central Vancouver Librarians

Group still remembers its wonderful party here more than a decade ago.

1616 Alberni Street. 685-3024.

Piccolo Monde Ristorante. Co-owner Michele Geris upholds a family

history of four generations in the hotel and restaurant world of Northern

Italy and the Cote D'Azur. Husband and partner George Baugh fosters a

4,000 bottle wine cellar that recently received a Wine Spectator Award

of Excellence. Two Star Michelin chef Stephane Meyer creates classic

and modern versions of Northern Italian food using fresh local

ingredients. 850 Thurlow Street, Vancouver. 688-1633.

The William Tell in the Georgian Court Hotel offers continental food as

elegant as the setting. Information Professionals who want to splurge

shouldn't miss the Sunday evening "Farmers" buffet, where a modest

$27.50 will get you an outstanding meal. Reputed to have the best wine

cellar in town. Make certain you leave room for the dessert buffet.

Located in the Georgian Court at 765 Beatty Street. 688-3504.

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