by Nancy Wu
Yaletown is located on the southern edge of Downtown Vancouver and is home to a vibrant mix of globally-inspired cuisine, coffee shops, bars, fashion boutiques and more. The neighbourhood is charactertized by the historic brick walkways between Hamilton and Mainland Streets, a mix of residential homes and skyscrapers, as well as lush, green parks and the bustling False Creek. [Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/Nelson Mouellic]
There are many transit options to get you to Yaletown. Take the Canada Line SkyTrain directly to Yaletown Roundhouse Station or take a taxi from anywhere in the city. If you prefer a fun and picturesque boat ride, you can get to Yaletown via the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries. It will take you from Granville Island, Science World and many other stops along False Creek right to Yaletown in under 10 minutes. Of course, you can also drive, bike or walk depending where you’re coming from!
Savvy travelers like to stay at the Opus, a 4-Star boutique hotel adjacent to the False Creek waterfront. It is conveniently located across from the SkyTrain and surrounded by some of Vancouver’s best restaurants and bars. Travelling with a four-legged friend? This hotel is also pet-friendly.
Spend a day shopping the streets of Homer, Hamilton and Mainland. Choose from fashion boutiques like Fine Finds, Goorin Bros. Hat Shop, Karma Athletics and Mavi Jeans. There’s something for everyone, from Blush Bridal (if you’re looking for a wedding dress) to Cross Décor & Design (if home decoration and improvement is more your target) and more.
Head to the park and spend the day with your pooch at Coopers’ Park, located on Marinaside Crescent, east of the Cambie Street Bridge. This park is dog-friendly and has an off-leash area. Looking for a quieter option? Head over to David Lam Park on Pacific Boulevard. There are plenty of spacious grassy fields and impressive city and water views.
Be sure to check out the list of festivals and events happening in Yaletown year-round. Summer months invites you to David Lam Park Jazz Weekend right in Yaletown’s backyard! Enjoy live music featuring jazz, blues, Latin, fusion and world music. During the fall, there is Taste of Yaletown, an event that showcases the very best of Vancouver’s chefs. And in winter, be sure to bring the family to CandyTown, a free outdoor Christmas festival with lights, candy canes and parades.
For casual bites, check out the happy hour at Rodney’s Oyster House, the tacos and burrito bowls at Tacofino or even a burger at Romer’s Burger Bar. For coffee or tea, Cha Le Tea, Small Victory Bakery or Caffé Artigiano is where to park yourself and enjoy a nice hot cup of joe.
For some world-class Asian cuisine, head over to Minami, home to the most delicious aburi sushi rolls. If you are looking for a hot bowl of pho noodles check out House Special. Fancy a nice sit-down romantic dinner? Then you will want to go to La Pentola (inside the Opus Hotel) or Brix & Mortar.
From dawn to dusk, there’s lots to see and do in Yaletown. Choose your best walking shoes and go explore!
