Yaletown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Yaletown showing a city, street scenes and dining out
This trendy residential neighborhood and nightlife destination on the False Creek waterfront was once a neglected warehouse district.

Yaletown—bordered by False Creek to the south, Homer Street to the west and Pacific Boulevard to the east— was largely abandoned for years before the ‘80s. Once a gritty industrial district home to warehouses and rail yards, the area is now a hub of activity with restaurants, cafes, bars and desirable loft-style apartments.

Yaletown was first settled by the Canadian Pacific Railroad workers in the late 19th century, when the area was the hub of the bustling rail yards. Many of these workers had come to Vancouver from a town called Yale, about 110 miles (180km) away and brought their hometown name to their new neighborhood. When the railroads died out in the ‘40s, Yaletown became a rough, poor part of town. It was revitalized for the 1986 World’s Fair (Expo ‘86).

This area is now one of the most popular spots in the city. There are plenty of patio cafes and rooftop bars to people watch and be seen. Not only is it a much desired waterfront residential area with plenty of green open spaces, but it’s also a haven of sidewalk cafes, local designer boutiques, galleries, bars and high-end restaurants. Though little original housing from the 19th century remains, many businesses and retail outlets have taken up residency and renovated the old brick buildings.

The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Center is a great little diversion for train buffs, loaded with railroad history. It was once a Canadian Pacific Railroad repair shed, and now houses the preserved steam engine (Engine No. 374) which brought the first passenger train into Vancouver in 1887.

As the sun sets, sip a beer at the award winning Yaletown Brewing Company or enjoy a cocktail at one of the many bars.

This trendy upscale neighborhood is an easy walk from downtown Vancouver, or a quick ferry ride from Granville Island.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Yaletown Hotel Deals

Moda Hotel
Moda Hotel
3.5 out of 5
900 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$184 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
NZ$184
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,899 reviews)
"It was a nice little room."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Moda Hotel
OPUS Hotel Vancouver
OPUS Hotel Vancouver
4 out of 5
322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$260 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$260
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,029 reviews)
"Excellent check in. Quick, personable and happy to assist"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

OPUS Hotel Vancouver
Rosedale Condominiums
Rosedale Condominiums
3.5 out of 5
838 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$286 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$286
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club, and valet parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,421 reviews)
"The service was wonderful, but the property was lacking. The building and amenities are old and out dated. The pool was cold. However, the room was pleasant and clean. The staff was lovely and it definitely balanced out the negatives."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Rosedale Condominiums
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$284 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$284
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,402 reviews)
"Had a great stay & beautiful view!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$287 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
NZ$287
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,152 reviews)
"The staff were very friendly and the room service was delivered within 10 min!!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
River Rock Casino Resort
River Rock Casino Resort
4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is NZ$273 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$273
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Richmond. Enjoy 3 restaurants, a marina, and a casino. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,812 reviews)
"Attached to the sky train Rizzika was just great at check in, so pleasant"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

River Rock Casino Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Yaletown

Gastown showing street scenes, a city and outdoor eating

Central Vancouver

3/5(1 area review)

If you're spending time in Central Vancouver, check out sights like Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal or Port of Vancouver and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Granville Station or Vancouver City Center Station.

Central Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver showing a city, a high-rise building and modern architecture

Downtown Vancouver

4.5/5(406 area reviews)

Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and BC Place Stadium are a few top attractions in Downtown Vancouver. Hop around the city on the metro at Vancouver City Center Station or Granville Station and check out the area's captivating waterfront views, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

Downtown Vancouver
Granville Island featuring a bay or harbour, a high-rise building and a city

Granville Island

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Granville Island is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Granville Island Public Market and False Creek while in the area.

Granville Island
West End featuring signage, a city and street scenes

West End

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of West End. Make a stop by Stanley Park or Robson Street while you're exploring the area.

West End
Gastown which includes a city, café lifestyle and street scenes

Gastown

3.5/5(10 area reviews)

Gastown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Gastown Steam Clock or Hotel Europe.

Gastown
Granville Island showing a bay or harbour and a city as well as a small group of people

Fairview

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

While you're in Fairview, take in top sights like Great Canadian Casino at the Holiday Inn or Granville Island Public Market, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Olympic Village Station or Broadway-City Hall Station.

Fairview


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