West End Neighbouhood Guide

Located between downtown and the Stanley Park, Vancouver's West End neighbourhood is uniquely charming. It offers effortless access to beaches and the ancient forests of Stanley Park, alongside a friendly, community-minded atmosphere.

Nature and Outdoors

The West End is often referred to as the Gateway to Stanley Park. Steps from the city's bustle you can relax and unwind amongst the towering old-growth trees. If you want to deepen your connection with nature, stop by the Stanley Park Nature House at Lost Lagoon. It has interactive displays about local ecology and an enthusiastic team of staff and volunteers to answer your questions.

You can also explore the perimeter of the park on the famous Seawall path. It includes views of downtown, the North Shore Mountains, and Burrard Inlet. The Seawall starts in Coal Harbour, encircles Stanley Park, and then continues along False Creek, making it the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path. The 10-kilometre-long section around Stanley Park makes a great walking route. Or rent bikes at one of the shops just outside the park and cycle it.

Beach Time

The West End is home to some of Vancouver's best beaches. Vancouverites hit the beach year-round. They swim and sunbathe in summer, of course. But the rest of the year, the city's beaches are a popular spot for picnics, walking, and restorative activities like yoga or cold plunging.

English Bay Beach is the most famous and most popular. This stretch of soft sand sits near the intersection of Davie and Denman Streets at the heart of the West End. The Art Deco-inspired bathhouse dates back to the 1930s, since this was Vancouver's first lifeguard-patrolled beach. Enjoy the views from the bathhouse roof or the beachfront Cactus Club Cafe next door.

Sunset Beach is just south of English Bay Beach near the entrance to False Creek. This beach has a more laidback vibe with lots of grassy areas. You can also spot Engagement, a sculpture by Dennis Oppenheim, here. The two huge diamond engagement rings are a romantic photo spot for couples.

You'll find two more beaches in Stanley Park. Second Beach is near the Beach Avenue park entrance. It's a popular spot for families thanks to the grassy lawn, big playground, and huge outdoor pool adjacent to the beach. Third Beach is deeper in the park and is best reached on foot or by bike along the Seawall. It's a smaller beach nestled into the forest with great views of the Strait of Georgia.

2SLGBTQIA+ Community

Davie Village, and the West End in general, have been considered Vancouver's gay village for decades. In Vancouver, the acronym 2SLGBTQIA+ is often used - the 2S stands for two spirit, an Indigenous term for a person who embodies both feminine and masculine spirits.

The annual Pride parade starts here, many businesses are 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly, and you'll find rainbow crosswalks, murals, and flags everywhere. The area is at its most vibrant during Pride Week, held each year at the end of July and beginning of August, but you'll find 2SLGBTQIA+ events happening here year-round.

If you're looking for 2SLBTQIA+ nightlife, you'll find it on Davie Street. The Junction hosts weekly queer improv, bingo, drag shows, trivia, DJs, and more. Head to Pumpjack for karaoke on Wednesdays and sexy theme nights the rest of the week. Other gay bar options include The Fountainhead Pub, Numbers, and 1181 Lounge.

Eclectic Shopping

From international luxury goods to locally owned boutiques, you can shop for just about anything in the West End.

Robson Street is one of Vancouver's premier shopping destinations. Wander from Granville to Denman Street to discover global brand-name stores like Zara and Banana Republic alongside local success stories like lululemon and Aritizia.

Venture along Davie Street to discover boutiques like Little Sister's Book & Art Emporium, which specializes in 2SLGBTQIA+ titles, and The Only Vintage, a curated vintage clothing store that specializes in rare and sustainable fashion.

Don't miss the West End Farmers' Market, held every Saturday next to Nelson Park between early May and late October. You'll find over 30 stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods, prepared food, crafts, jewellery, and more. The vendor lineup changes each week, so you never know what you'll discover.

Diverse Food

You can find food from around the world in the West End.

Some of the city's best Japanese cuisine is in this neighbourhood. Tetsu Sushi Bar and Sushi Bar Maumi are both Michelin Guide-rated. If you're looking for something a bit more laid-back, locals love Kingyo Izakaya and Tonkotsu Ramen Tsukiya.

If you want to eat Canadian cuisine, head to La Belle Patate on Davie Street. They serve authentic Quebecois-style smoked meat sandwiches and poutine. Or grab a drink at Score on Davie. Known for their Caesars, they serve this classic Canadian cocktail garnished with ostentatious add-ons like mini cheeseburgers, hot wings, onion rings, and more.

Other local favourites include Joe Fortes for classic upscale steak and seafood, Banana Leaf for Malaysian, Tavola for housemade pasta, Ukrainian Village for perogies and cabbage rolls, and Cafe Portrait for brunch or coffee.