Spend a day in Vancouver’s West End

by Megan Jones

Stretching from beautiful Stanley Park to bustling Burrard Street – and with stunning views of the North Shore Mountains no matter where you stand – Vancouver’s West End is at once bucolic and urban, and brimming with local history. The neighbourhood attracts an eclectic mix of people including the LGBTQ community, artists and writers, young families, seniors and – perhaps its most vocal residents – a large population of Canadian geese. Bordering North America’s largest natural city park, the West End offers a range of activities for visitors – from cycling the Seawall to shopping on Robson Street to strolling through tree-lined residential streets. Read on for an essential guide to this beloved Vancouver neighbourhood. [Photo credit: The Sylvia Hotel]

• Sylvia Hotel – Constructed in 1912, this ivy-adorned heritage hotel at the edge of Stanley Park offers a cheerful atmosphere with unrivaled views of English Bay. Friendly concierges happily share stories from the hotel’s rich history – including one about a famous stray cat – and suites are downright lovely, with antique fixtures and cozy sitting rooms.
• West End Guest House – Experience life inside a Victorian home at this gorgeous B&B, built by the Edwards family in 1906, back when Vancouver was a mere 20 years young! Highlights include gourmet breakfasts, antique rooms, framed photographs of Victorian Vancouver, and sightings of resident ghost Melora Edwards.
• Coast Plaza Hotel ­– This classic plaza-style hotel is just a short walk from English Bay, Stanley Park, and Vancouver’s waterfront, which makes it an excellent home-base for those who wish to see all the sights in a short amount of time.

• Greenhorn Cafe – Enjoy European-style eats and coffee at this charming neighbourhood haunt. A true hidden gem, the café is situated off the beaten track on one of the West End’s prettiest residential roads, Nicola Street.
• JJ Bean Bidwell – The West End wouldn’t be part of Vancouver if it weren’t home to at least one JJ Bean, the city’s oldest and best-loved coffee chain offering a full deli case of sandwiches and baked treats plus top-notch espresso in a laid-back atmosphere.
• The Bubble Tea Shop – Japanese bubble tea is a staple in the diet of most West Enders. Get your fill at this fashionable, clean-lined shop, where dozens of flavours suit sippers of all walks of life.

• Bike, walk or rollerblade the Seawall – You’ll see three beaches, local wildlife, a lighthouse, active waterways, and even the underside of the Lions Gate Bridge along this paved path around the perimeter of Stanley Park. Don’t have wheels? Not to fear: bikes and rollerblades can be rented at one of many shops on Denman Street.
• Stanley Park Miniature Train – Got little ones?  Take a ride on this darling miniature train, which tours Stanley Park. Be sure to check the Vancouver Park Board website before you go, as the train is not open every day.
• Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre – Visit this globally recognized aquarium for interactive exhibits about our marine world. Highlights include whale and porpoise shows, a B.C. ecosystem tank, touch pools, and much, much more.

• Robson Street – Vancouver’s bustling downtown shopping street offers something for everyone. Canadian brands like Roots and Aritzia mingle with grand department stores such as Nordstrom, and a myriad of street vendors and food trucks offering everything from artisan jewellery to Japadog’s famous hot dogs.
• Chocolate Mousse Kitchenware – Locals adore this one-of-a-kind kitchen shop, which specializes in helping customers swap bulky appliances and tools for compact versions.
• Denman Place Mall – Feeling nostalgic for the 70s? Head to this winsome shopping mall built by former Winnipegger J.A. “Sandy” Reid in 1966. The retro shopping centre features 30 shops, including long-serving locals West End Senior Network Clothes and Collectibles, Denman Beer, Wine & Spirits, and English Bay Jewellers.

• Teahouse Restaurant – Stanley Park’s charming teahouse offers traditional tea services in your choice of cozy settings: an airy solarium, a sitting room with brightly burning hearth, or a patio for watching the sunset over the North Shore Mountains.
• Guu ­– The West End is known for its diverse selection of Japanese restaurants, and Guu is one of the best. The lively Izakaya serves up Asian fusion dishes such as okonomiyaki, tuna tataki, and thin-sliced rare beef in Ponzu sauce. Tapas-style plates are best shared among friends in this intimate and delightfully noisy restaurant.
• Kingyo – Another top-rated Izakaya, Kingyo specializes in sushi made with rare cuts of fish of the highest quality. Tip: make a reservation, as this hot spot fills quickly most days of the week.

• Score on Davie – Everyone knows that Vancouverites love hockey, and the West End is no different. On game night, hunker down at this notorious sports bar famous for its friendly service and creative Caesars, which may come garnished with fried shrimp, chicken strips, sliders, or all of the above.
• Happy Hour at Sylvia Hotel – Home to Vancouver’s very first cocktail bar (and a raucous one at that) the Sylvia Hotel’s classic lounge offers stunning views and an excellent happy hour from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.
• Cactus Club on Beach Ave – Vancouver’s most notable restaurant chain delivers true West Coast hospitality. This particular Cactus Club location offers the best view of English Bay out of any restaurant in the area. In addition to the scenic views, highlights include fancy cocktails, an extensive food menu and plenty of space to lock up your bike.
• The Blind Sparrow – This contemporary bar is a favourite among West End artists and hipsters. Picture muted lighting, polished wood paneling, and 12 rotating taps of local craft beer – an ideal spot for a low key date night.

Fitness enthusiasts, foodies and families all flock to Vancouver’s West End for its laid-back vibe and stunning scenery. If you’re looking for outdoorsy attractions, eclectic shopping and delicious dining destinations, this is the ’hood for you!