Vancouver

Yaletown

Overview

Yaletown was once the Western terminus for the Canadian Pacific Railway, but the area’s more recent reinvention dates back to 1986 when the waterfront along the north of False Creek was host to many of the venues when Vancouver hosted the World’s Fair. Since then that land, along with the warehouse district adjoining it have been transformed into one of the city’s chicest neighbourhoods, filled with residential loft spaces, sidewalk cafes, cool restaurants, unique shopping, and leafy parks. Sitting along the south side of the downtown Vancouver peninsula, Yaletown is bordered by Homer Street, Robson Street and False Creek.

 

 

Seeing and Doing

The waterfront parks are a big draw in Yaletown. The city’s seawall runs right along the water, connecting two of the biggest green spaces: David Lam Park and George Wainborn Park. Walk, jog, bike or inline skate along the Seawall and you’ll find plenty of locals doing the same and enjoying the excellent public art sprinkled along the waterfront. The neighbourhood’s historical roots are also evident in the form of Engine 374, pulled the first transcontinental passenger train into the city in 1887, on display at the Roundhouse Community Centre.

Taste of Yaletown: Provence Marinaside

Photo: Cindy Nguyen

Eating and Drinking

Yaletown’s old redbrick warehouses were built to include exterior platforms to allow for easy loading of textiles onto trains to be sent back east. Those same platforms are now repurposed as sunny, urban patios for the perfect brunch, afternoon drinks and summertime dinners. Yaletown is a great place for a celebratory seafood dinner, a relaxed bistro meal, or a family-friendly feast; there are lots of dining options making it easy to stroll the area first before choosing a restaurant. Just make sure you allow some time to explore the area’s cocktail scene and nightlife afterward—with luxe lounges, lively neighbourhood pubs and dancefloor-filling clubs, this is an excellent place to spend the evening.

Shopping in Yaletown

Photo: Britney Gill

Shopping and Souvenirs

Yaletown offers noteworthy local shopping options, and even window shoppers will love the cool boutiques, friendly service and unique items that the mostly locally-owned stores offer. From fashion to designer homewares, the stores in this neighbourhood are quirky, stylish and a lot of fun – think designer dog clothing, modern bathtubs, and historic hats.

For more information, visit the Yaletown Business Improvement Association.