Downtown Vancouver

The Basics

With so much to see here, many visitors to Vancouver devote the majority of their time to downtown. Join sightseeing tours of downtown, or delve deeper with walking tours of specific downtown neighborhoods, such as Victorian-era Gastown or the hip waterfront enclave of Yaletown. Downtown biking tours typically follow routes around Stanley Park’s scenic seawall, while many boat tours cruise around Vancouver Harbour, False Creek, and English Bay, offering front-row views of the downtown skyline.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Downtown Vancouver is a must for first-time visitors.

• You’ll never be far from a restaurant in downtown Vancouver, with lots of dining options at all price points, including an abundance of Asian eateries.

• Navigating downtown Vancouver is easy, with an interlinked transit network that includes the SkyTrain, buses, and the SeaBus passenger ferry.

How to Get There

From the airport, take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Yaletown–Roundhouse, Vancouver City Centre, or Waterfront station. Cruise ship passengers disembark at Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, on downtown Vancouver’s waterfront .

When to Get There

Downtown Vancouver sees the warmest weather from mid-June through mid-September, and this is the best time for outdoor activities such as biking around Stanley Park or kayaking in False Creek. Avoid driving into or out of downtown during rush hours (7am–10am and 4pm–7pm).

Top Sights in Downtown Vancouver

Many of Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks and well-known attractions are situated in the downtown area. View the city from on high at the Vancouver Lookout observation deck, admire the sail-shaped forms of Canada Place, hear the Gastown steam clock chime, and explore Stanley Park, home to the Brockton Point Totem Poles and the Vancouver Aquarium.

Ways to explore

Visitors flock downtown for the shopping, sightseeing, and dining. From the beautifully curated Vancouver Art Gallery to Michelin-star sushi restaurants, you’ll have no problem finding things to see and do. Depending on your interests, you could spend anywhere from an hour to a whole afternoon exploring the area. It’s a compact downtown core compared to many other major cities, and very walkable. Food tours of the city typically focus on Chinatown and Gastown, while architectural walking tours will often take visitors into the Coal Harbour area.

Accessibility

Most of downtown is wheelchair accessible; however, the streets do get steeper as they slope down toward the waterfront of Coal Harbour.

Age limits

There are no age limits, but the streets and sidewalks can get busy.

What to pack

Cash, credit card, water, camera, shopping bags

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for walking, casual clothes (athleisure is the favored style for most Vancouverites)

Not allowed

If you’ve rented a bike to explore, make sure you stay in the bike lanes and don’t go on the walking path.

Amenities

Drinking fountains, visitors’ center

Address

There’s a decent amount of street and underground parking available downtown, but be aware that it can get expensive. Thankfully, public transit is easily accessible, and most major bus routes will pass through the downtown core.

Driving

Three bridges—the Cambie, Burrard, and Granville Street bridges—will take you from the other side of False Creek directly into downtown. Cambie turns into Smithe Street, which you can take until Howe Street, then park wherever you can find a spot.

Public transportation

Both the Canada and the Expo Lines of the SkyTrain reach downtown, both terminating at Waterfront Station. This is a good place to begin your day, and it also gives you an excuse to admire the picturesque exterior of the station.

Best times to visit

Visit in the afternoon and evening for all the hustle and bustle of city life—whether you’re catching a show at the Commodore Ballroom, or heading to Miku for dinner with a view followed by a waterfront stroll.

Best days to visit

If you’re looking to experience the nightlife, Friday and Saturday are your best options. Otherwise, weekdays tend to be quieter if you’re interested in shopping or checking out the art gallery.

Best months to visit

Spring and early summer—April to June—bring warmer, sunnier days, blossoming cherry trees, and patio season.

Special events

Plenty of festivals are held downtown, from the annual Pride Parade at the start of August, to the Christmas Market which runs through December.