Downtown Vancouver Travel Guides

Downtown Vancouver

Amble along the waterfront at Vancouver Harbour and visit theaters, shopping avenues and museums in the heart of one of Canada’s largest cities.

Downtown Vancouver is a vibrant and intriguing area with bright lights, skyscrapers and an eclectic port area. Many of the city’s main attractions and cultural highlights line the shores of the Vancouver Harbour and False Creek, which borders the city center. Experience the country’s diverse terrain with the FlyOver Canada simulator at Canada Place.

Arrive in the downtown area via the historic Waterfront Station, an example of the city’s impressive architecture. Admire its neoclassical style, red-brick façade and white columns. A few blocks southeast is Gastown, the oldest part of Vancouver’s downtown area. Enjoy the romantic ambiance here as you stroll down cobbled streets lined with Victorian houses.

For a more modern part of downtown Vancouver, visit the iconic shopping avenue of Robson Street. Browse upscale boutiques and immerse yourself in the fashionable setting. Dine in style at a sushi restaurant or enjoy an abundance of international cuisine along the street.

Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery to discover local artists and established international names. Peruse its collection of landscape paintings and modern photo exhibits. Another artistic highlight is the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, which hosts the Vancouver Opera and Ballet British Columbia. Watch a performance in the auditorium, which seats almost 3,000 people.

Spend some time in Chinatown to see the Sam Kee Building, which is known as the world’s narrowest commercial edifice. Visit the Chinese Cultural Centre and enjoy Chinese food from one of the many restaurants. Relax in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden for some peace and quiet in the middle of the bustling city.

Downtown Vancouver is the sports hub of the city, with stadiums home to many of the city’s most popular teams. Attend an ice hockey match at Rogers Arena, where the Vancouver Canucks play. Watch Canadian football and soccer matches at BC Place Stadium.

Immediately north of the downtown area is one of the city’s highlights, Stanley Park. Follow nature trails for views of the mountains that surround the city, the expansive English Bay and dense forests.

Downtown Vancouver is a major transport hub for British Columbia and can be easily reached by bus, SkyTrain and on foot from surrounding Vancouver neighborhoods.

Explore the best attractions in Downtown Vancouver

Vancouver Art Gallery

Join a guided tour of Vancouver’s major art institution to see modernist landscapes and photo exhibits. Learn about the region’s important art movements along the way.

English Bay Inukshuk

Take a delicious dip in the sea before sinking your toes into the soft sand and watching the passing boats from the shorefront of this urban beach paradise.

Gassy Jack Statue

Towns and cities often have founders with military backgrounds. Vancouver, however, has one with more colorful beginnings and an unusual name.

Steam Clock

Visit Gastown and see this unique fixture that adds a nostalgic bit of novelty to the historic area with delights for three senses.

Where to stay in Downtown Vancouver

The Sutton Place Hotel - Vancouver

Just 1 block from trendy Robson Street shops, this well-equipped 21-floor hotel is 2 blocks from the business district; Gastown is within a mile, and Stanley Park is 2 miles away.

845 Burrard St

Guest Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Empire Landmark Hotel

Located on Robson Street, famed for shopping and dining, this 42-story downtown Vancouver hotel is 1 km (a half-mi) from Stanley Park and within 3 km (2 mi) of Granville Island.

1400 Robson St

Guest Rating: 3.6 out of 5

Century Plaza Hotel & Spa

This all-suite downtown hotel rises 30 stories into the Vancouver skyline, 3 blocks from both the Vancouver Art Gallery and trendy Robson Street, 4 blocks from the Pacific Centre Shopping Mall, and less than 2 km (1 mi) from Stanley Park.

1015 Burrard St

Guest Rating: 4.1 out of 5

Comfort Inn Downtown Vancouver

Comfort Inn Downtown Vancouver places guests a 6-minute walk from Vancouver Art Gallery and just a little farther from the city's bustling Chinatown, the largest in Canada. Stanley Park is 2 km (1.2 miles) away, and Granville Island a 20-minute walk from the hotel.

654 Nelson St

Guest Rating: 3.9 out of 5

Pan Pacific Vancouver

This downtown hotel on Burrard Inlet shares Canada Place with the Alaska cruise ship terminal and Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. Waterfront dining, shopping, and entertainment are 2 blocks away.

999 Canada Pl

Guest Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Moda Hotel

In the heart of the arts and entertainment district, this Vancouver hotel is half-block from the Orpheum Theatre, 1 block from Robson Street shopping, and 0.5 km (0.3 mi) from BC Place Stadium.

900 Seymour St

Guest Rating: 3.8 out of 5

Hyatt Regency Vancouver

Bed and Breakfast
Book a stay in a Bed & Breakfast rate category and receive the following:- Breakfast for 2 - 1 PM late check-out (subject to availability)

All hotel reservations are subject to availability and must be made in advance. Offer is not valid with groups/conventions and may not be combined with other promotional offers. Rate is per room per night; based on double occupancy. Room tax not included. Additional charges apply to room-type upgrades. Additional guests may be subject to additional hotel charges. No refunds for any unused portion of package. Promotional blackout periods may apply due to seasonal periods or special events, and normal arrival/departure restrictions apply. Hyatt reserves the right to alter or withdraw this program at any time without notice.

655 Burrard St

Guest Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

This centrally located hotel is in the heart of downtown, 2 blocks from Robson Street shops, 4 blocks from the business district, and less than 2 km (1 mi) from the convention center and Stanley Park. Additional nearby attractions include Rogers Arena and the Vancouver Art Gallery. The hotel offers a first come, first serve complimentary shuttle directly to the Vancouver Convention Centre outside of the Pan Pacific.

1088 Burrard St

Guest Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver

Overlooking Pacific Centre mall, this downtown Vancouver luxury hotel is 2 blocks from Robson Street's chic shops, 3 blocks from the theater district, and 7 blocks from Gastown.

645 Howe St.

Guest Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre

This contemporary downtown Vancouver hotel with atrium pool is in the entertainment district, 1 block from BC Place and Rogers Arena, and 4 blocks from historic Gastown.

180 W Georgia St

Guest Rating: 3.6 out of 5

Executive Hotel Vintage Park

Just 2 blocks from the cafés and shops on Davie Street, Executive Hotel Vintage Park is a 12-minute walk from the Granville Island shopping district. It's a 6-minute drive to Gastown, Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, now a buzzing retail and nightlife hub.

1379 Howe St

Guest Rating: 3.9 out of 5

Rosedale On Robson Suite Hotel

Located in Yaletown, this eco-friendly hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Queen Elizabeth Theatre, BC Place Stadium, and Canada Place. Granville Island Public Market and Stanley Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

838 Hamilton Street

Guest Rating: 4.1 out of 5

Downtown Vancouver