Yaletown Travel Guide

Vancouver

Photo provided by Caroline West
Yaletown featuring dining out, a city and street scenes
Photo provided by Tourism BC/Albert Normandin
Yaletown featuring a city, street scenes and a bar
Photo provided by Tourism BC/Dannielle Hayes
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

OPUS Hotel Vancouver

OPUS Hotel Vancouver

4 out of 5
322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹22,442 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹22,442
₹27,681 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,014 reviews)
Fab stay - amazing staff
"Great hotel - location is fun n funky, opposite train station. Room product outstanding. Front desk staff brilliant - they make this hotel. One of the best hotel stays for me in 2025. Free E bikes a must. 5 out 5 stars"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

OPUS Hotel Vancouver
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

4 out of 5
3500 Cessna Dr, Richmond, BC
The price is ₹17,199 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹17,199
₹20,150 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,275 reviews)
"Everything is amazing except that only one elevator is available."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
River Rock Casino Resort

River Rock Casino Resort

4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is ₹12,777 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹12,777
₹16,422 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Richmond. Enjoy a full-service spa, 5 restaurants and a marina. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9,314 reviews)
"Was perfect for a easy trip especially with the train so close"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

River Rock Casino Resort
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹21,931 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹21,931
₹26,466 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,926 reviews)
Great Location!!
"Great place to stay for pre-cruise. We had a harbor view room and could watch sea planes, boats and ships go by. The room was very comfortable. The hotel restaurant was very good. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
YWCA Hotel

YWCA Hotel

2.5 out of 5
733 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is ₹10,322 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹10,322
₹12,456 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,565 reviews)
"Pros: downtown Vancouver walking distance to shopping, BC Place, restaurants, and many other retail shops. Cons: traffic all day and night, limited parking spaces, no gas stations nearby"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

YWCA Hotel
Hyatt Regency Vancouver

Hyatt Regency Vancouver

4.5 out of 5
655 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
The price is ₹25,878 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹25,878
₹31,228 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,394 reviews)
"Good hotel, excellent staff. Hellish expensive."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Hyatt Regency Vancouver
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 outdoor art, a statue or sculpture and a city

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 Rogers Arena 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
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Crosstown

While you're in Crosstown, take in top sights like Island View Family Golf Centre and jump on the metro at Stadium-Chinatown Station to see more of the city.

Crosstown
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 Robson Street or Sunset Beach 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 Main Street.

Gastown

Yaletown Travel Guide