Where To Stay In Vancouver For First Time: Best Areas

Being born and raised in Vancouver, I know the city like the back of my hand and know about every area and neighbourhood in Vancouver.

Vancouver’s geographic location contributes to why tourists and you would probably want to visit this beautiful city. Vancouver has everything from the mountains to the ocean, or an hour away until you hit the edge of the forest.

Whether you’re travelling to Vancouver with family, as a couple or on a solo trip, this blog post will help you navigate the best areas and neighbourhoods on where to stay in Vancouver without a car, tourist spots, nightlife, shopping, and restaurants.

Where To Stay In Vancouver For First Time

I’ll be breaking down the areas and neighbourhoods of where to stay and where not to stay, where the most convenient locations are, and which areas are more expensive or affordable.

Also, I’m going to be honest: Vancouver is very expensive, and there’s not much to get around that with accommodations.

1. Downtown Vancouver – For Everyone

Since this is your first time in Vancouver, being in Downtown Vancouver is by far the best area to stay in Vancouver for the first time if you’re a tourist.

Also, it’s the best area to stay in Vancouver without a car because it’s accessible to local public transit. Plus it’s within walking distance of a lot of Downtown tourist attractions, restaurants, and retail stores.

While Downtown Vancouver is the best area and caters to everyone, it’s also not the cheapest place to stay. However, since you’re travelling here for the first time, I highly recommend staying somewhere downtown for the whole experience of Vancouver.

Hotel Recommendations

💎 Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Originating in the 1920s, the upscaled Rosewood Hotel Georgia is luxurious. Its location puts the hotel right in the middle of downtown Vancouver on the corner of Howe and West Georgia, which is the most convenient location for everybody.

While the outside looks outdated, don’t let that fool you; the inside always counts, right? Luxe suites with contemporary-inspired decoration and bathrooms with amenities such as a pool, spa, gym, and more.

⚖️ The St Regis Hotel

The St Regis Hotel is an excellent spot if you want to be in the middle of Downtown and close to transit. You’re right beside the Granville Skytrain Station. In contrast, it may not have all the amenities like a pool, spa and gym.

However, there are other pluses, for example, complimentary breakfast for two, water bottles that get replenished daily, and free umbrellas for those rainy days in Vancouver.

Things To Do In Downtown Vancouver

Robson Street

Downtown Vancouver is home to the famous Robson Street, which has many restaurants, retail stores, and other shops. It’s a highly popular tourist strip. During the winter, Robson Square opens the Robson Square Ice Rink to the public.

Granville Street

Granville Street is another famous strip of downtown Vancouver, with multiple restaurants, things to do at night, and retail stores. From Friday to Sunday every week, Granville Street is closed off to transit for nightlife activities.

Along Granville Street, Pacific Centre, is a small mall with a food court and retail stores if you want to go shopping indoors.

The Vancouver Art Gallery is also nearby and an excellent place to check out if you’re interested in galleries or love art.

2. Yaletown – For Couples & Young Adults

Yaletown is a trendy location that has hip restaurants and cocktail lounges. While it’s a small, dense area, you can find patio seating at almost every restaurant, making Yaletown a popular spot during the summer.

Yaletown will be an excellent location if you’re as a young couple, as it caters to a younger crowd. Or if you happen to be watching a sports game as it’s not far away from Rogers Arena and BC Place.

Location for transit-wise, Yaletown Roundhouse is a stop along the Canada Line. It’s one stop away from Granville Street Station which takes you into the heart of Downtown.

Hotel Recommendations

💎 JW Marriot Parq Vancouver

The J.W. Marriot Parq Vancouver Hotel is also a casino. You will have beautiful city views from your rooms, and you can expect your surroundings to be immersed in luxury. A prime location in Yaletown as you’re right next to B.C. Place and transit.

⚖️ Hotel BLU

Hotel BLU may not be a well-known hotel in Vancouver; however, don’t let that stop you from staying at this underrated modern hotel.

Hotel BLU’s location is just outside Yaletown, but easy enough for you to get to the centre of downtown Vancouver. It also has a small indoor pool which is always a plus.

💡 Note: Compared to most locations, Yaletown tends to be around the same price for hotels.

Things To Do In Yaletown

David Lam Park

Yaletown is only a few steps from David Lam Park, which sits right on the edge of the inlet and part of the seawall.

Waterfront Views

Yaletown is off the waterfront, so you can walk along the Seawall during sunset or enjoy an evening walk.

I’m going to be honest: there’s not much to do entertainment-wise in Yaletown other than eating at restaurants.

3. West End – For Everyone

Next up is the West End. Just to let you know, West Vancouver, West Side, and West End are different locations around the city; this is West End.

While the West End will be less busy than the central location of Downtown, its location is the best if you’re staying with family and kids. In addition, transit is relatively easy to access, as many buses run along the main streets.

Hotel Recommendations

💎 Shangri-La

The Shangri-La Hotel is on top of the list as one of Vancouver’s most expensive and luxurious hotels. I think the best words to describe the Shangri-La are posh and sophisticated. Everything is top-notch quality, down to the small details.

Of course, the Shangri-La has all the amenities you can think of because it’s a high-end hotel. The hotel is located right on the corner of West Georgia Street.

It’s an easy few blocks away walk from the centre of downtown, so you don’t have to rely on transit as much.

⚖️ Best Western Plus Sands

Now the Best Western Plus Sands is much further away from the centre of downtown. However, it’s a mid-range, budget-friendlier option. And it’s only a three-minute walk away from the beach.

Now it’s on Davie Street, so you’re in luck transit-wise! Unfortunately, there’s no pool or spa, but there’s a fitness centre.

Things To Do In West End

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s biggest tourist attractions. It’s a beautiful 405-hectare public park where you can walk around on the Seawall or throughout the park, enjoy the greenery, watch ships and seaplanes, bike, and walk on the rocks during low tide.

The famous Nine O’clock Cannon goes off daily at 9 PM, initially used to warn fishermen of the Sunday close of fishing. Later, it was used as a time signal to the general population and ships to set their chronometers (clocks).

Other attractions in and around Stanely Park include Lost Lagoon, Stanely Park Pitch and Put, The Stanely Park Rose Garden, and Stanely Park Railway.

There are also points of interest as you walk along the seawall, such as Brockton Point Lighthouse, Girl in a Wetsuit (a statue on a rock of a girl in a wetsuit), S.S. Empress of Japan Figurehead Replica, and Siwash Rock.

Prospect Point is a beautiful lookout point located in Stanely Park. To your left, you’ll see West Vancouver, and to your right, the Lions Gate Bridge.

One of the best Vancouver sunset spots is from the Lions Gate Bridge, as you will see the sun setting behind the mountain range. It’s also one of the best places to propose in Vancouver.

The Vancouver Aquarium

While Stanley Park, in its own right, is a popular attraction, it’s also home to another famous Vancouver tourist attraction, the Vancouver Aquarium.

In addition, it’s a centre for marine research, conservation, and rehabilitation of marine life, and an education centre for ocean literacy.

The Vancouver Aquarium is one of the best places where you want to visit Vancouver for the first time. Children of all ages will enjoy all the exhibits, animals, and interactive experiences.

Second Beach & English Bay

Continuing your way around the seawall, you will encounter a few of Vancouver’s beaches, such as Second Beach, which also has an outdoor heated pool called Second Beach Pool. And English Bay (home to the famous polar bear swim event) and Sunset Beach.

Celebration Of Lights

One of the significant events and one of the best non-touristy things to do in Vancouver, which you can see pretty much from any beach in Vancouver, is the Honda Celebration of Lights.

A massive three-day fireworks display is held throughout the last week of July. It’s a free event; however, it’s one of the busiest events held during the summer.

Davie Street

Davie Street is the proud home of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and the host street of the annual Vancouver Pride Parade. It also has nightlife and restaurants.

4. Coal Harbour – For The Business Person

Coal Harbour is next on the list of neighbourhoods. Coal Harbour is the best location for you if you travel to Vancouver for the first time as a business person.

The location puts you near Canada Place and The Vancouver Convention Centre. Looking out into the inlet, you’ll see the beautiful views of Cyprus, Grouse, and Seymour Mountains and a view of Stanely Park.

Coal Harbour is one of the most accessible spots for transit. It’s right beside Waterfront Skytrain Station (Expo Line), one of the main Skytrain lines used throughout the city. It’s also one of the main hubs for buses, the SeaBus and the West Coast Express.

Things To Do In Coal Harbour

Fly Over Canada

Fly Over Canada is also a fantastic family-friendly simulation tourist attraction in Coal Harbour. You will sit in flight motion chairs over a massive wrap screen, which shows incredible authentic captured views all over Canada.

Be prepared to get wind, scents, and mist as you fly over clouds or water!

A family member got tickets for us to experience Fly Over Canada (they had gone before and wanted to take me), and we went together. It was a short experience but worth it if you wanted something to do as a spur-of-the-moment idea with family.

I recommend checking Fly Over Canada out for those visiting Vancouver for the first time and looking for something to do.

➡️ Check Prices & Availability for Fly Over Canada

Seaplane Tours

Another attraction in Coal Harbour is Seaplane Tours. Depending on which flight tours you wish to take, flights range from 20 minutes to 35 minutes. However, regardless of the duration, you will experience breathtaking panoramic views of Vancouver.

Vancouver Christmas Market

While Coal Harbour may be a business district, there are still tourist attractions depending on the time of year you travel to Vancouver.

For example, travelling during December, you can find the authentic German Vancouver Christmas Market. In addition, there are many small business pop-up shops, food vendors, entertainment, beer, wine, etc. There’s also a carousel ride for anybody who wants to try.

Hotel Recommendations

💎 Fairmont Pacific Rim

There’s no reason for the Fairmont Pacific Rim located in Coal Harbour isn’t considered one of Vancouver’s top luxury hotels. It’s also one of the best Downtown Vancouver hotels with an outdoor pool.

The hotel sits practically right on the oceanfront. But, of course, the hotel comes with virtually everything, and I feel the name Fairmont speaks for itself.

⚖️ Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Now, if you don’t have the type of money to spend at the Fairmont, you can check out the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront. They still have the amenities, like a pool, fitness centre, restaurant and bar, and it’s family-friendly. And its location is still reasonably close to the waterfront.

5. Granville Island – For Families & Couples

Granville Island is worth visiting as it’s another one of the biggest tourist spots in Vancouver. It’s an excellent area for entertainment, food, and arts.

While many people don’t know that they can stay in Granville Island, it’s an option if you want to stay out of Downtown Vancouver but not far away.

Hotel Recommendation

⚖️ Granville Island Hotel

The only hotel in Granville Island is the boutique Granville Island Hotel. You will have a fantastic view of the waterfront and Yaletown outside your window. This boutique hotel has on-site amenities like a pool, a dock-side restaurant, a fitness centre, and more. And, of course, free WIFI!

Thing To Do In Granville Island

Kids Market & Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island is a fantastic spot for children as they have a designated market called Kids Market. Inside, you can find a kid-centric shopping mall, play area, arcade, and bistros.

For the adults, you can find the Granville Island Public Market with various stalls from food vendors, bistros, vegetable stands, deli stands, and much more.

False Creek Ferries Or Aquabus

Using the False Creek Ferries or Aquabuses is a fun and cool tourist thing to try at least once while visiting Granville Island. Depending on which stop you want to go to will indicate the fare amount you must pay and either a return or one-way trip.

Stops include the Maritime Museum, Aquatic Centre, Granville Island, David Lam Park, Yaletown, Stamps Landing, Spyglass, Plaza, and Olympic Village.

You can check the fare list here: Fare List

6. North Vancouver – For Everyone

If you’re considering staying outside of Downtown Vancouver but still want to be somewhat close by, an alternative is to stay in North Vancouver, specifically Lowers Lonsdale.

Now, you’re not going to be stranded in North Vancouver as the Seabus will be your best transportation option to get to and from Downtown.

The SeaBus is a ferry-like boat (passengers only) that travels daily from Lonsdale Quay (pronounced KEY) to Waterfront Station. It comes every 10 to 15 minutes. However, Saturdays are 10 to 30 minutes. The SeaBus only takes 12 minutes to cross the inlet, but it’s a fun, first-time experience for everyone.

Hotel Recommendations

⚖️ Seaside Hotel North Vancouver

The Seaside Hotel is located in Lonsdale Quay, which puts the hotel reasonably close to the waterfront and provides easy transportation to Downtown Vancouver. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel and in a perfect location.

⚖️ Holiday Inn & Suites North Vancouver

Suppose you want to stay entirely out of the way of being near Lower Lonsdale. Over the highway, there’s the Holiday Inn & Suites. More affordable; however, it’s in a location where it’s not as convenient to get to and from downtown Vancouver unless you have a car.

North Vancouver is much further out and across the inlet, so there are fewer hotel options. However, it’s a much cheaper alternative if you want to stay in a budget-friendly hotel. There are also many Airbnbs and Bnbs to choose from in North Vancouver.

Things To Do In North Vancouver

Lonsdale Quay

And speaking of Londsdale Quay, there’s the Londsdale Quay market with local produce stands, bistros, shops and more. If you travel during the summer, you can experience the Shipyards Night Market.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

A popular tourist attraction located in North Vancouver is The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a 450-foot (137m) long suspension bridge that crosses the Capilano River.

Since 1889, this wood and rope bridge has been an excellent experience for everybody; of course, it has been upgraded since then.

Other attractions in the park include Cliffwalk, walking among the treetops, Kia’Palano (the placement of Totem Pole stories and a glimpse into the First Nations culture), Raptors Ridge (education of wildlife and conservation), and more.

During the winter, Capilano Suspension Bridge holds its annual Canyon Lights, one of the best things to do in Vancouver in winter. You enjoy yourself in the beautifully lit-up canyon with hundreds of thousands of Christmas Lights on display.

➡️ Check Prices & Availability for Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Lynn Canyon Park

Lynn Canyon Park is a smaller but now popular tourist attraction. Previously, it was only known to locals; however, the once “secret spot” is now quite busy.

You can check out the Ecology Centre at the park entrance; donations are welcome upon entering.

If you want to go for a hike, Lynn Canyon is part of the Baden Powell Trail, and there are several other trails. After that hike, rejuvenate yourself at the Lynn Canyon Café.

There’s no admission fee to enter; however, a parking fee is now in effect.

7. Near YVR Airport — For Everyone

Staying close to the YVR Airport is another option if you would rather stay outside of Downtown Vancouver but close to the airport. However, there are a fewer hotels to choose from.

Travelling to Downtown Vancouver from Richmond, is easy. Depending on where you’re in Richmond, you can hop on a bus that stops at the Canada Line and ride the train down to Granville Station or your desired stop.

Hotel Recommendations – Near YVR Airport

💎 Fairmont Vancouver Airport

If you want to stay right beside the Vancouver Airport, you can opt to stay at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport. Knowing the Fairmont is at a higher price point, this is an option if you don’t want to travel a long distance from your hotel. Or you’re only staying for a few short nights.

⚖️ River Rock Casino Resort

River Rock Casino Resort is only three stops away on the Canada Line from YVR Airport. Easily accessible to get downtown by continuing on the Canada Line.

It’s a great location if you want to be away from the airport, but the option of still being able to get to the airport without a Taxi or Uber.

Things To Do Around YVR Airport

McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Mall

The McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Mall is a newer mall built in 2015. It’s an option for those who want something closer to the airport. Walking around the outlet mall, you can see airplanes land or take off.

River Rock Casino

If you want to try your luck, River Rock Casino is nearby. The River Rock Casino Resort is also attached to the casino on the Fraser River bank.

Richmond Night Market

A fantastic event that happens throughout the summer is The Richmond Night Market. If you consider yourself a foodie, this is the place you want to be. There are countless variations of different types of food to try, entertainment, and shop vendors.

💡 Tip: If you plan on going to the night market often, I recommend buying a Zoom Pass. It’s worth the price if you’re going as a couple or cheaper for five people. 60+ get in for free!

Where Not To Stay In Vancouver For First Time

Okay, now that you know the area where to stay in Vancouver for the first time, these are now the places where not to stay in Vancouver for the first time. However, both locations do have tourist locations to see.

Gastown

Gastown is a notorious tourist spot in Vancouver. It’s known for the whistling Steam Clock, souvenir shops, trendy food spots and a mix of different retail stores, such as furniture, shoes, and clothing.

Gastown is also unique in that it still has cobblestone streets, sidewalks, and many old brick buildings. As a result, it’s one of the top spots in Vancouver’s local tourist attractions.

While many other websites say, “You should stay in Gastown,” as my suggestion from a local’s perspective, I’ll say that Gastown isn’t the ideal area to stay in.

While Gastown has cheaper rates, I’m not saying you can not stay here. The main reason is that the location is too close to East Hastings and industrial areas. If you’re a local, you know it’s not the safest place to stay overnight or walking around at night.

However, while it’s an excellent location for exploring, it’s not the ideal place to stay in Vancouver for the first time.

Chinatown

Staying in Chinatown isn’t recommended because no hotels are located there, and they’re close to East Hastings.

In all honesty, there aren’t many tourist-related shops unless you want to see what authentic Chinese medicine and herbs places look and smell like or the old-school meat shops.

Over the years, Chinatown has changed quite a bit as most surrounding areas are becoming more modernized. However, there’s still a pocket of old-school Chinatown around.

During Chinese New Year, you can experience the Chinatown Parade that runs along one of the main streets. You can see the traditional Lion Dances, other performers and members of clubs that belong in Chinatown.

There’s also Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a botanical garden designed to be a replica of a Ming-Dynasty-style garden in China. It was also the first of it’s kind to be built outside of China.

When Is The Best Month To Visit Vancouver?

May to mid-September, weather-wise, is the best time to visit Vancouver. However, prices for flights and hotels will have started to increase because of the tourist season.

If you don’t mind the rain and colder temperatures, October to April (excluding December because of the holiday season) would be the best time to visit. Additionally, the prices of hotels and flights will be significantly lower.

British Columbia is a temperate rainforest, meaning Vancouver gets ample rainfall (hence our nickname Raincouver). However, that isn’t the case throughout the entire year. For the most part, Vancouver’s temperature is moderate compared to other cities in Canada.

Where To Stay In Vancouver For First Time – FAQs

If you’re wondering, is Vancouver worth visiting, or other answers, here are some frequently asked questions for where to stay in Vancouver for the first time.

Is Vancouver A Safe City For Travellers Even At Night?

If you’re thinking, is Vancouver safe even at night? Generally speaking, Vancouver is more or less a safe city for travellers, even at night. However, do take precautions as you would in your hometown.

For example, stick to streets that are well-lit and avoid walking home late at night or around areas you feel unsafe.

Is It Safe To Stay In Downtown Vancouver?

Generally speaking, yes, it’s safe to stay in Downtown Vancouver. However, there are a few locations to avoid within the downtown area. But tourist locations are usually pretty safe.

As a heads up, avoid Downtown Eastside. From a tourist’s perspective and a local’s suggestion, it’s not the most notable area to be in or see, especially at night.

However, I suggest that if you’re near Downtown Eastside, parts of Gastown and Chinatown flow into Downtown Eastside. Therefore, don’t engage or take part in their actions.

Most of the time, if you don’t engage with them, they will not engage with you because they mind their own business.

Do You Need A Car In Vancouver?

Do you need a car in Vancouver? Absolutely not! As I mentioned, Vancouver has many bus routes throughout the city, even into the tri-cities.

Getting around Vancouver without a car is easy with the Skytrain and buses running throughout the city. In addition, the central downtown core of Vancouver is within walking distance of almost everything.

You will only need a car/rent a car if you decide to travel to explore further out of Vancouver. Uber or Lyft rides are also available throughout the Lower Mainland.

Evo

One option for driving within Vancouver only is renting an Evo. An Evo is a rental car-sharing company. You will need a valid driver’s license and proof of driving records from the past three years to sign up.

I would suggest signing up before you arrive in Vancouver for processing time.

You will be charged for every minute you drive (I believe it’s 45 cents per minute). However, you can rent the car out for the day and take it across into, for example, Burnaby, but follow the rules and regulations if you decide to sign up.

Evo is an excellent option if you plan to stay in Vancouver for longer but don’t want to rent a car. However, the only downside is you may have to walk to get to a park Evo on the street.

I like using Evo, mostly because I don’t have to worry about needing to charge the vehicles at a station; oh yeah! Evo’s are electric cars, but some hybrids still circulate in the city.

You only need to drive the Evo from point A to B, and that’s it; the company handles all the regular maintenance and other details.

Conclusion

The beautiful city of Vancouver has so much to offer and should be one of your top places to visit in Canada. I hope this post helped you with information on where to stay in Vancouver for the first time.

Have a good day 🙂