Vancouver Neighborhoods and Accommodations
If you are considering a trip to Vancouver, BC you may want to learn about the diverse areas to visit and explore. The city has a wide range of vibrant communities to choose from, with some of the more popular neighborhoods being Kitsilano, The West End in downtown Vancouver, Yaletown, and Commercial Drive. For a map showing the various neighborhoods, click here.
Furnished Accommodations in Vancouver
For more information about staying in any of Vancouver's neighbourhoods, in furnished home or apartments for rent visit Make Yourself at Home.
For accommodations available now, see their list of Furnished Homes and Apartments for Rent. For weekly accommodations, see their Vacation Rentals in Vancouver BC.
Relocating to Vancouver? For accommodation near Sunset Beach in the West End see our short term rental in Vancouver.
Vancouver's West Side
• Kitsilano
Kitsilano is located on the west side of Vancouver and borders the ocean, offering a spectacular view of the mountains and English Bay. Home to Kits beach and kits pool, this spot is a favorite for summer-time sun and sand lovers.
Kitsilano has a fun and free-spirited atmosphere and is home to a large population of younger couples, new families, and students. If you are looking for a healthier lifestyle atmosphere with lots of whole foods stores and Yoga studios, Kits is a must!
The accommodations in this area include apartments with great views of the beach and water. As well, Kits is known for it's rustic, heritage homes with quaint gardens and shaded tree lined streets.
Fantastic shopping is located on Fourth avenue, the main thoroughfare. This street is also a hot night spot with great restaurants, and fun bars with a local feel.
Downtown Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver offers a more metropolitan feel, offering primarily apartments and condos and access to Robson Street shopping and Vancouver’s business centre. For this reason, this area may be more suited to the corporate business traveler, or the “urban nomad”. Areas within downtown include the West End, Robson Street, Yaletown and Coal Harbour.
Check for Furnished Apartments in Downtown Vancouver.
• The West End
Located in downtown Vancouver, the West End is another picturesque area to stay in. It borders English Bay and is close to the Stanley Park sea wall, which is one of Vancouver’s most scenic walks.
The West End is a diverse area as well, but with more upscale apartments and condos with views of the water and breathtaking sunsets.
The main shopping streets in the West End include Denman–with a variety of ethnic restaurants and gift shops–and Davie Street–home to Vancouver’s gay population.
• Yaletown
This area of downtown is very chic and trendy, with designer clothing stores, jazz bars, hip restaurants and clubs. The shopping area is quite small and is quiet during the day, but becomes a hot night spot in the evening.
Most of Vancouver’s new condo development seems to be in this area, so most of the accommodations you’ll find here are newer, and quite luxurious. You’ll also have nice south-facing views of False Creek and access to Granville Island and Kits Point via the new sea wall or the water taxis that cross frequently.
Vancouver's East Side
• Commercial Drive
Also known as “The Drive”, this is one of Vancouver’s most lively and culturally diverse areas. Located on the East side of Vancouver, Commercial Drive is home to a large Italien population, as well as many other groups.
Like Kitsilano there are still many heritage homes near Commercial. The benefits of accommodation in this area are that you are close to a vast array of restaurants and venues for live music, as well as funky and unique shops, consignment stores, independent record stores and anything else out of the ordinary.
A summer highlight is the amazing Lantern Festival at Trout Lake Park. In October, the same organization hosts the spooky Hallowe’en Parade of the Lost Souls.
Commercial Drive is well suited to the more adventurous travelller!