Yaletown Travel Guide

Vancouver
Yaletown featuring dining out, a city and street scenes
This trendy residential neighbourhood and nightlife destination on the False Creek waterfront was once a neglected warehouse district. 

Yaletown—bordered by False Creek to the south, Homer Street to the west and Pacific Boulevard to the east— was largely abandoned for years before the ‘80s. Once a gritty industrial district home to warehouses and rail yards, the area is now a hub of activity with restaurants, cafes, bars and desirable loft-style apartments.  

Yaletown was first settled by the Canadian Pacific Railroad workers in the late 19th century, when the area was the hub of the bustling rail yards. Many of these workers had come to Vancouver from a town called Yale, about 110 miles (180km) away and brought their hometown name to their new neighbourhood. When the railroads died out in the ‘40s, Yaletown became a rough, poor part of town. It was revitalized for the 1986 World’s Fair (Expo ‘86). 

This area is now one of the most popular spots in the city. There are plenty of patio cafes and rooftop bars to people watch and be seen. Not only is it a much desired waterfront residential area with plenty of green open spaces, but it’s also a haven of sidewalk cafes, local designer boutiques, galleries, bars and high-end restaurants. Though little original housing from the 19th century remains, many businesses and retail outlets have taken up residency and renovated the old brick buildings. 

The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre is a great little diversion for train buffs, loaded with railroad history. It was once a Canadian Pacific Railroad repair shed, and now houses the preserved steam engine (Engine No. 374) which brought the first passenger train into Vancouver in 1887.

As the sun sets, sip a beer at the award winning Yaletown Brewing Company or enjoy a cocktail at one of the many bars. 

This trendy upscale neighbourhood is an easy walk from downtown Vancouver, or a quick ferry ride from Granville Island.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Yaletown

Rosedale Condominiums
Rosedale Condominiums
3.5 out of 5
838 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is ₹16,485 per night from 15 May to 16 May
₹16,485
per night
15 May - 16 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a health club and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,432 reviews)
"I would stay again"

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Rosedale Condominiums
OPUS Hotel Vancouver
OPUS Hotel Vancouver
4 out of 5
322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC
The price is ₹24,366 per night from 20 May to 21 May
₹24,366
per night
20 May - 21 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"I liked the uniqueness and cleanliness of the place. The staff was next level helpful and courteous. Only wish my stay wasn’t so brief, would have liked to spend a few days there."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

OPUS Hotel Vancouver
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is ₹19,731 per night from 16 May to 17 May
₹19,731
per night
16 May - 17 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,666 reviews)
"Clean and quiet. Nice harbour view from the side we were on. Staff were pleasant and competent, we had a lovely stay."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹21,557 per night from 19 May to 20 May
₹21,557
per night
19 May - 20 May
Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,274 reviews)
"Classy hotel It was full That gives you the idea Used the pool and jacuzzis Excellent staff from doorman to porter to desk staff"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Pan Pacific Vancouver
Pan Pacific Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC
The price is ₹23,578 per night from 20 May to 21 May
₹23,578
per night
20 May - 21 May
Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,221 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay at the Pan Pacific. Staff were very friendly. Hotel restaurant was nice. Decor a bit outdated but the hotel is clean and has a nice feel to it. Very convenient for shopping and dining. Outside area in front of the hotel can get a bit chaotic with all the cruise ships but they keep ..."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Pan Pacific Vancouver
River Rock Casino Resort
River Rock Casino Resort
4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is ₹16,983 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹16,983
per night
12 May - 13 May
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8/10 Very Good! (5,087 reviews)
"Very spacious and nice environment. Perfect location for Sky train Beautiful view. Good chinese restaurant right in the hotel."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

River Rock Casino Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Yaletown

Gastown showing street scenes, a city and outdoor eating

Central Vancouver

3/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Central Vancouver, check out sights like Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal or Port of Vancouver and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Granville Station or Vancouver City Center Station.

Central Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver showing a city, a high-rise building and modern architecture

Downtown Vancouver

4.5/5(354 area reviews)

Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and BC Place Stadium are a few top attractions in Downtown Vancouver. Hop around the city on the metro at Vancouver City Center Station or Granville Station and check out the area's captivating waterfront views, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

Downtown Vancouver
Granville Island featuring a bay or harbour, a high-rise building and a city

Granville Island

5/5(5 area reviews)

Granville Island is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Granville Island Public Market and False Creek while in the area.

Granville Island
West End featuring signage, a city and street scenes

West End

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of West End. Make a stop by Stanley Park or Robson Street while you're exploring the area.

West End
Gastown which includes a city, café lifestyle and street scenes

Gastown

3.5/5(11 area reviews)

Gastown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Gastown Steam Clock or Hotel Europe.

Gastown
Granville Island showing a bay or harbour and a city as well as a small group of people

Fairview

4/5(8 area reviews)

While you're in Fairview, take in top sights like Granville Island Public Market or False Creek, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Olympic Village Station or Broadway-City Hall Station.

Fairview

Yaletown Travel Guide