One of the first things we do when planning a trip is decide where to stay. We prefer vacation rentals (VRBO) over hotels, and we were excited to find accommodation in a heritage building in the character-laden West End.
The West End is on the peninsula of Vancouver with Stanley Park on one side and the downtown core on the other. It falls mainly within three streets—Davie, Denman, and Robson—with the fitting tagline of “Three great streets, one amazing neighborhood.”
The neighborhood is indeed amazing—altering between historic buildings on quiet streets with gorgeous landscaping, to whimsical parks, dynamic Davie Village, and a plethora of wonderful restaurants and cafes, not to mention Stanley Park and English Bay Beach, where it’s easy to get as much nature, or exercise, as you like.
We were delighted to find such unique character and quickly fell in love with this area. We will happily stay here again!
Here is a brief look at the different areas of the West End. More information can be found in the caption of each picture in the gallery (hit “i” on PC or button with 3 lines on ipad).
- Stanley Park: Stanley Park is the largest park in Vancouver (1000 acres [400 hectares]) and is surrounded by water on 3 sides. It’s most famous attraction is likely the seawall, a 13.6-mile (22km) walk and cycle path along the water, 5.5 mi (9km) of which are within Stanley Park. The Vancouver Aquarium is another popular site in the park (great for rainy days). There are a variety of trails throughout the park.
- Davie Street: Home to Davie Village, the gay area of town, where rainbow flags proudly line the streets. The area is filled with energy, great food, and a community garden that I fell in love with.
- Denman Street: Denman Street connects Davie to Robson with wonderful restaurants and shops lining the street. The West End Community Center, a hub for locals, is also located on Denman Street.
- English Bay Beach: On the corner of Davie and Denman, English Bay Beach is a wonderful place for West Enders and tourists to enjoy the beach, or jog or cycle onto the seawall.
- Robson Street: If you want to shop, look no further! Robson Street has no end of high fashion, malls, restaurants, and coffee shops. It’s an easy place to spend a day and your money…
- Neighborhood streets: Within the 3-street boundary, West Enders have kept the interior streets safe with a small town feel by limiting thru traffic, lining the streets with gorgeous flowering trees and perennials (taken care of mainly by the residents), establishing many parks, and having walk and cycle lanes that are safe for kids and adults alike.
We hope you enjoy these images of the eclectic and welcoming West End.
West End, Vancouver
Panorama of the West End
Panorama of the West End
As viewed from Kitsilano Beach, West End lies in the middle between Stanley Park to the left and the downtown core to the right.
Stanley Park Horse Drawn Carriage Ride
Stanley Park Horse Drawn Carriage Ride
A popular way to see the Park is by horse drawn carriage. We did so because it was raining. On a nice day, it would have been better to see the park by foot or bike. There are many places to rent bikes around the park.
The view of downtown Vancouver from Stanley Park
The view of downtown Vancouver from Stanley Park
The Totem Poles in Stanley Park
The Totem Poles in Stanley Park
Evidence of the First Nations Peoples is all around Vancouver and surrounds (including the drive up to Whistler).
The gardens at Stanley Park
The gardens at Stanley Park
Though not as gorgeous as the Butchart Gardens, the gardens at Stanley Park are a sight to behold. Lovely place to bring a picnic, blanket, and a good book to laze away an afternoon.
Girl in a Wetsuit
Girl in a Wetsuit
This art installation "Girl in a Wetsuit" was inspired by Copenhagen's Little Mermaid statue. The pile of sulfur in the background is a reminder that Vancouver Harbour is first and foremost a working port.
Prospect Point in Stanley Park
Prospect Point in Stanley Park
The highest point in Stanley Park, Prospect Point overlooks the Lion's Gate Bridge, which connects the West End to northern Vancouver. We enjoyed a lovely lunch of fish and chips at the restaurant at the point.
The Sea Wall in Stanley Park
The Sea Wall in Stanley Park
At any given time, there are hundreds of walkers, runners, or cyclists enjoying their time on the sea wall. Vancouver-ites are very active!
A huge old stump cut out to make a chair in Stanley Park
A huge old stump cut out to make a chair in Stanley Park
In the background is the pool at Second Beach (still closed for the winter).
Dolphins at Stanley Park Aquarium
Dolphins at Stanley Park Aquarium
You can't visit an aquarium without taking in a show!
Beluga Whales at Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park
Beluga Whales at Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park
Beluga whales live in the arctic region. Two of these whales unique-looking white whales live in the Vancouver aquarium.
Colorful birds at the Vancouver Aquarium
Colorful birds at the Vancouver Aquarium
The aquarium is home to many non-aquatic species too--namely the colorful birds and snakes of the Amazon. The anaconda was particularly revolting!
Tulips along English Bay Beach
Tulips along English Bay Beach
The sea wall is in the background.
I LOVE THIS PARK!
I LOVE THIS PARK!
Located on the corner of Denman and Davie, near English Bay Beach, this park's motto is: May this sculpture inspire laughter playfulness and joy in all who experience it. What a WONDERFUL sentiment!
People frolicking amidst the Whimsical Statues
People frolicking amidst the Whimsical Statues
It was funny to see as many adults enjoying the statues as kids!
Adults frolicking in the park
Adults frolicking in the park
In the back left behind the saying is the Raincity Grill, a well-known farm-to-table restaurant in the West End.
The heart of Davie Village
The heart of Davie Village
Rainbows galore in Davie Village, where acceptance and energy thrive. This pedestrian area comes alive at night.
A farmer's stand in Davie Village
A farmer's stand in Davie Village
The community garden at Davie Village
The community garden at Davie Village
Located in the heart of Davie Village, with downtown Vancouver as its backdrop.
The Greenhorn Cafe on Nicola Street
The Greenhorn Cafe on Nicola Street
The cafe culture is alive and well in the West End, even on the smaller side streets. I loved the way they did their menus. How creative!
Yum--coffee and breakfast at the Greenhorn Cafe
Yum--coffee and breakfast at the Greenhorn Cafe
Color and heritage amidst the West End side streets
Color and heritage amidst the West End side streets
We highly recommend the West End if you are looking for a place to stay in Vancouver. If you are thinking of staying here, one thing to keep in mind is whether or not you need a car.
If staying local to West End and downtown, the area is definitely walkable and a car can be more trouble than it’s worth (it’s pricey to park everywhere in Vancouver). That said, having a car is great for those looking to take day trips farther afield.
In our case, our wonderful VRBO owner got us a temporary parking permit that was good in the West End for the week. So if you have a car, check out this option—the parking permits are obtained through the West End Community Center on Denman. But remember, the later you get home at night, the harder it is to find a spot!
For those of you visiting Vancouver in the near future (and we know there are several of you), we hope you have a great time!!!!
Dear friends,
I appreciate your efforts with your beautiful travel blog !!!
Lovin it !!! all the best and enjoy life !!!! Antonio & Bobbi
Hey stranger!!! Glad you are enjoying the blog/travel diary. I wish we could travel and blog more! Hope you guys are doing well!!!