Vancouver is expensive. According to WOWA.ca, the benchmark home price in Greater Vancouver in June 2024 was $1,207,100, which was more than Toronto’s benchmark home price of $1,110,600. However, if you’ve decided to live in Lotusland but are unsure which neighborhood is best suited, we’re here to help.
We’ve picked the 10 best neighbourhoods in Vancouver based on quality of life and amenities. Many neighbourhoods didn’t make our list (sorry, West Point Grey), but they’re definitely worth a look. We also stuck to the City of Vancouver, so we’re not including the incredible neighbourhoods on the North Shore (Deep Cove!), in Burnaby, Richmond and the rest of Metro Vancouver.
And regardless of the neighbourhood, you’ll always have easy access to the ocean and the mountains. Here are our top 10.
Commercial Drive (The Drive)
Commercial Drive, known locally as The Drive, is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that covers 22 blocks close to the downtown core (transit is a breeze). With over 300 merchants, it’s one of Vancouver’s best neighborhoods for the arts, shopping, dining and nightlife. The Drive is home to Little Italy, where you’ll find authentic Italian coffee shops, bakeries and delis. The tree-lined side-streets are dotted with historic Queen Anne-style homes, adding to the area’s charm. The Drive has a bohemian/hip vibe, with regular events taking place in Grandview Park. At the south end of The Drive is tranquil John Hendry Park and Trout Lake. It’s big enough that you’ll totally forget you’re in the big city — perfect for a family day out. On Saturdays (April-October), there’s a large farmers’ market.
Mount Pleasant/South Main
Mount Pleasant is located just south of the downtown core. The area has a Brooklyn vibe, attracting creatives with galleries, breweries and boutiques. The area offers a diverse range of attractions and activities. You can stroll through the area with locally roasted coffee, relax in “Dude Chilling Park,” or attend outdoor yoga sessions and farmers’ markets. The culinary scene features a mix of world cuisines and some of the city’s best Asian food. Mount Pleasant is a craft beer lover’s paradise, with several brewery tasting rooms, all within walking distance. You’ll also find a collection of independent stores offering vintage clothing, used records and antiques.
West End
Vancouver’s West End offers a blend of urban living and natural beauty. Nestled between Vancouver’s downtown business towers and the beaches of English Bay, it provides immediate access to Stanley Park. Renowned for its diversity and colourful Davie Village, the centre of Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ community, the West End welcomes everyone. With a mix of heritage homes and high-rises, there are plenty of housing options. Davie and Denman streets are packed with restaurants of all kinds, from casual to upscale. You’ll find countless shops, cafes and pubs, too. It’s the perfect spot for those with an active lifestyle: Biking, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding and more are just steps away. There’s plenty of public art and all the city services you’d expect.
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Yaletown
Vancouver’s Yaletown is a hip neighbourhood that blends the city’s working-class past with modern amenities. Originally a hub for the Canadian Pacific Railway, it has transformed into a trendy area with residential lofts and towers, sidewalk cafes, hot restaurants and outstanding shopping. The neighbourhood is bordered by gorgeous waterfront parks like David Lam Park and George Wainborn Park, connected by the city’s Seawall, making it perfect for family activities. For those working downtown, the office is just steps away.
Coal Harbour
Like the West End, Coal Harbour is one of Vancouver’s best neighborhoods due to its prime downtown location and picturesque setting across from Stanley Park. This area, once a shipyard, has transformed into a bustling hub with Vancouver landmarks like Canada Place, the Vancouver Convention Centre and Jack Poole Plaza. You’ll find Instagram-worthy views of Burrard Inlet and easy access to the Seawall, a popular spot for walking and cycling. Condo towers loom over the streets below, packed with shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. There’s always something going on at the busy float plane terminal, marinas and rowing clubs. The cruise ship terminal brings a constant stream of wide-eyed visitors from around the globe. Residents and guests alike can enjoy a variety of shopping options and you might even spot a seal sunning itself.
Related: What I Learned Moving from Saskatchewan to Toronto and Now Vancouver
South Granville
South Granville is located close to downtown and offers a blend of urban convenience and upscale living. The affluent area boasts a walkable shopping district with stylish boutiques, shops and art galleries. There are over 30 restaurants and eateries, ranging from cozy cafes to bustling patios. The historic Stanley Theatre anchors the neighbourhood’s cultural scene. South Granville’s tree-lined residential streets add to its charm. The shops of Granville Island are close by, transit services are excellent and you can walk or bike downtown in no time.
Chinatown
Vancouver’s Chinatown, established in 1885, is a historic district just east of downtown the downtown core. It’s the third-largest Chinatown in North America and home to the Sam Kee Building, the narrowest commercial building in the world. As you would expect, the neighborhood offers a rich mixture of culture, history and food. Distinctive architecture tells the story of the neighbourhood and countless restaurants serve up some of the city’s best Asian fare. You’ll be hard-pressed not to sample all the treats from all the Chinese bakeries. Not surprisingly, the streets are lined with Asian specialty stores, seafood markets, and bulk goods shops. There’s also plenty of eclectic retail, from skate shops to vintage clothing stores. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden provides a tranquil escape with its exquisite landscape design. Chinatown has a unique atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in Vancouver.
Gastown
Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, offers a unique blend of the old and new, making it an exciting place to live. In the middle of downtown, you’ll find Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, the iconic Steam Clock and an exciting arts scene with funky shops, clothing boutiques and First Nations galleries. Some of Vancouver’s hottest restaurants and cocktail bars are located in Gastown, making it a prime spot for food and entertainment lovers. The neighbourhood is very walkable, and new rules restricting traffic have opened up more areas for gathering and dining outside. Gastown is an excellent choice for those seeking an up-tempo urban lifestyle in a historic setting.
Related: A Guide to Canada’s Most Notable Architectural Styles by City
False Creek South
Real estate and rentals in False Creek South are in high demand thanks to the neighbourhood’s exceptional location. Situated along the waterfront across from downtown Vancouver, it offers residents natural beauty and convenience. The area features a mix of mid-rise condos and townhouses, many of which were built for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Residents enjoy easy access to the Seawall, which is perfect for walking, running or cycling. There are numerous parks and recreational facilities as well. A variety of restaurants, shops and services are all close by. Public transit, including Skytrain and the False Creek Ferries, makes popping downtown simple — although it’s just a short walk or bike ride.
Kitsilano
Kitsilano, or simply “Kits,” is one of Vancouver’s most desirable neighbourhoods, and it’s easy to see why. Located across the Burrard Bridge from downtown, it combines the best of city life with a relaxed beachside atmosphere. Kits Beach is a stunning ribbon of sand along English Bay. You can swim in the shallow waters or do your daily laps at the huge outdoor saltwater pool. For cultural attractions, you can’t go wrong with the ever-changing Museum of Vancouver or the flying saucer-shaped H.R. MacMillan Space Centre in Vanier Park. There’s also a seaside dog beach for your pup to cool off in. West 4th Avenue and West Broadway feature excellent dining and shopping. The neigbourhood is a good fit for those with an active, healthy lifestyle. In addition to being vegetarian- and yoga-friendly (hello, Lululemon flagship store), there are numerous outdoor activities, like Bard on the Beach, that everyone can enjoy. With its ocean and mountain views, laid-back vibe and summer festivals, Kits is hard to beat.
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