Downtown Vancouver Information For Vacation Planning

When you're planning your vacation to Vancouver make sure to allow at least one day or more for exploring downtown Vancouver. Downtown Vancouver represents the heart of the city where the central business district is located. Much of the activities and tourist attractions are conveniently located in downtown Vancouver. The area also offers a rich assortment of restaurants, hotels and shops. If you're planning your visit to Vancouver and you enjoy staying in the heart of the city then we suggest that you book your hotel stay in one of the hotels located in downtown Vancouver. Generally speaking, the closer to downtown Vancouver the more expensive the hotel. Some of the best hotels are located along Coal Harbour as these hotels offer spectacular views of the harbour and Stanley Park. My favorite hotel in downtown Vancouver is the Pan Pacific Hotel. If you stay near or visit Coal Harbour then be sure to take a leisurely stroll along the seawall which leads to Stanley Park. The view from the seawall is unforgettable.

Downtown Vancouver offers too many activities, restaurants and attractions to mention everything all in one short article, indeed, our entire website is dedicated to Vancouver. This article serves to highlight key notes of interest as well as providing links to more detailed web pages.

Downtown Vancouver Activities

Other activities which we recommend while visiting downtown are taking a scenic seaplane ride from Coal Harbour, renting roller blades or bicycles at English Bay or Coal Harbour to ride along the seawall or taking a cruise from Coal Harbour. You can find bike / roller blade rental stores on Denman Street. If you drive or walk to Stanley Park then be sure to visit the Aquarium as well as enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour which will take you around the park. Stanley Park is the largest park within a downtown core of any city.

If you prefer a fun day at the beach then walk along Denman Street heading south until you reach the water. This area is called English Bay. English Bay offers a very nice beach where you can relax or take a long stroll to Stanely Park. For the adventurous kayaking rentals and lessons are available at the beach. For those who prefer land bike rentals and roller blade rentals are available on Denman Street. Denman Street also offers a large selection of dining choices such as westcoast seafood, japanese sushi, greek food, mediterranean food, mexican and burgers. The dessert shops on Denman street are fantastic, I particularly recommend the gelato ice cream parlour and the cupcake store. You can plan a whole day at the beach and Denman street sightseeing then enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.

For sightseeing and shopping visit Gastown and Robson Street. Please refer to our city maps. Gastown is located on Cordova Street and is one block north of Hastings Street. Public transport such as the skytrain, seabus or buses can let you travel to downtown Vancouver. Gastown is located a block away from Waterfront station. Robson Street is located a few blocks away from Burrard station. For more shopping be sure to visit Pacific Center mall. Pacific Center mall is very large and has many entrances including on Granville Street and Robson Street.

If you're traveling with children and would like to spend some quality family time then highly recommend a trip to Science World. The easiest way to reach Science World is to hop on at any downtown skytrain station and take an Eastbound train to Science World station. Science World is located just a block away from the skytrain station.

Downtown Vancouver Places of Interest

For more detailed information on attractions, sightseeing, tours, restaurants and shopping please select below: