The West End
The West End
4
About
The West End is perfectly situated between the city’s best-loved and most popular destinations. The world-famous Stanley Park is literally the our backyard, English Bay makes the Pacific Ocean accessible to everyone, and Downtown Vancouver is at our doorstep. Our enviable location has lead to high demand, amazing residential density and wonderful diversity of people, businesses and experiences.
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The area
Neighbourhood: Davie Village
Davie Village is the vital LGBTQ heart of Vancouver. It is the only like area in the world to have a permanent four-way rainbow crosswalk, to symbolise the city's solidarity with many of the businesses, ranging from bars to bookstores, that keep the area vibrant. By day, it is a people-watching stop, with fantastic boutique cafes, but at night is when it really shines, humming with neon lights and nightclub music inside many of the hip and trendy bars and dance halls. The area is diverse and welcoming, and its supportive community makes for a tight-knit group of independent and creative shops.
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4.0
36 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
17
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Chris D
New Westminster, Canada3,330 contributions
July 2020
Been almost two years since I've been down this way. Interesting to see how rapidly things change - especially vertically. This is essentially a residential neighbourhood.
Located between Stanley Park to the north and the Central Business District to the east, small wonder there is a high demand for residential space. However, lovers of history and old buildings will be pleased to know some original houses still remain to spice up the encroaching high rises. Maybe take a walk around Nelson Park to see what I mean.
Located between Stanley Park to the north and the Central Business District to the east, small wonder there is a high demand for residential space. However, lovers of history and old buildings will be pleased to know some original houses still remain to spice up the encroaching high rises. Maybe take a walk around Nelson Park to see what I mean.
Written 4 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rumples
Tucson, AZ11,720 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
Three Vancouver areas have West in their names, which sometimes can be confusing. There is West Vancouver reached via the Lion's Gate Bridge. Then there's the West Side, where the University of British Columbia is located. The West End, however, refers to the section of the city bordered by Stanley Park, Downtown, English Bay and Coal Harbor. It holds a diverse population, including a large gay community; myriad moderately priced eateries featuring a variety of cuisines; architecture that ranges from modern, high-rise condos, to distinctive Victorian homes; and a nice shoreline. I find the main thoroughfares -- Denman and Davie streets -- to be extremely lively, day and night, due, in part, to all the bars and restaurants. This area is a magnet for young people.
Both English Bay, at the foot of Davie, and Sunset Beach further east, draw big crowds and sidewalk vendors in summer. I much prefer the relative solitude that I experienced here in November. I caught bus 5 from Downtown to get to Davie, because I didn't want to slog there through the pouring rain. I returned via bus 6.
My favorite piece of public art in the city is located in the West End by Davie and Denman streets. "A-maz-ing Laughter" consists of 14 3-meter-high statues laughing in various positions. The installation is well worth stopping by to see. And the tree-lined streets beyond the main arteries are quite pleasant to walk around, especially for architecture buffs, because of the earlier-era homes still standing.
Both English Bay, at the foot of Davie, and Sunset Beach further east, draw big crowds and sidewalk vendors in summer. I much prefer the relative solitude that I experienced here in November. I caught bus 5 from Downtown to get to Davie, because I didn't want to slog there through the pouring rain. I returned via bus 6.
My favorite piece of public art in the city is located in the West End by Davie and Denman streets. "A-maz-ing Laughter" consists of 14 3-meter-high statues laughing in various positions. The installation is well worth stopping by to see. And the tree-lined streets beyond the main arteries are quite pleasant to walk around, especially for architecture buffs, because of the earlier-era homes still standing.
Written 18 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,605 contributions
Feb 2020
I have to agree with the general sentiment of earlier reviewers: The West End neighbourhood highlights and epitomizes some of the best of Vancouver. Nestled up against the city’s bustling downtown core and financial district, the West End is bordered on the west by Denman Street, West Georgia Street to the north, Burrard Street on the east and Pacific Avenue to the south; though, for many a local, the West End basically encompasses everything from Burrard Street to Stanley Park. As such, mere area and geography alone ensures that you can experience a lot of what makes “Vancouver” what it is by exploring this rich and diverse neighbourhood.
First and foremost, what I like about Vancouver’s West End is its welcoming and warm environment. This is perhaps illustrated no better than through its diverse social and multicultural makeup. As you amble along the streets that make up this area, you’ll come across chatty senior citizens, young professionals (yuppies), immigrants, transient students and carefree spirits. They all intermingle and proudly illustrate the power of Canada’s cultural mosaic. It really is quite heartwarming and offers a stark contrast to other parts of the city.
Second, the West End is home to some of Vancouver’s best eats. Whether you’re looking for casual pub fare, healthy bites, fresh seafood, high end cuisine or sweet treats, you can find all of that and more in the West End. Denman Street, in particular, is where one may want to go for a bit of international flair and flavour. Recognized as the West End’s busiest area (though I’d argue Robson is busier), Denman carries a good mix of international establishments, including African, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Greek – I could go on. The point is Denman has flavours that are entirely absent from other areas of Vancouver. The Banana Leaf, Damso, Kintaro Ramen and ¾ Full Café immediately comes to mind. Not to be outdone, Robson Street – world-renowned for its shopping – is also home to a mix of lowbrow and high-end eats, including Hokkaido Ramen, CinCin and Castella. Meanwhile, Davie Street has gained a well-deserved reputation for its fun nighttime bars and clubs. Outside of the three main streets of the West End, I’d highly recommend checking out the casual, upbeat Cactus Club on Beach Avenue (home to the most beautiful servers); the always impressive Le Crocodile, which serves up classic French cuisine, on Burrard; and Sushi Bar Maumi on Bute for beautifully presented, innovative sushi snack treats. While I’m sad that the Boathouse Restaurant on English Bay went the way of the dodo in late 2018, there’s still more than enough culinary variety here for everybody. Indeed, if one wanted to summarize the West End’s restaurant offerings, I think it would be best to call it a gastronomic bouillabaisse exactly because it offers a bit of everything.
Third, the West End features some of Vancouver’s best shopping. Denman Street contains a few unique independent shops and the community-oriented Denman Place Mall; however, for those wanting to get a real fix and feel for the city’s materialist spirit, nothing can beat Robson Street. There’s everything here from the high end boutique to the major chain store. Roots Canada, Lululemon, Daniel Chocolate, Indigo Books, MUJI and Aritzia are just some of the shops and stores that dot this dynamic street. Walk along here and you’ll quickly find out why they call Robson “Vancouver’s Runway” (for more on Robson Street, see my earlier review on this site).
Fourth, did I mention that the West End is warm and welcoming? Besides the mixed demographics already noted above, the West End and, in particular, Davie Street, is recognized as Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ hub. With its Instagram-worthy rainbow crosswalks, Davie Village has become a bastion of inclusion and integral to the West End’s cultural and social identity. It is no wonder the Vancouver Pride Parade is hosted here.
Finally, Vancouver’s West End is just a physically beautiful place. The tree-lined streets, combined with some of the best beaches, make this area ultra-modern yet traditional at the same time. Walking along English Bay, you can see and observe the city’s famous Inukshuk, which inspired the 2010 Olympic logo. Similarly, Sunset Beach is home to the eye-catching “Engagement” sculpture. Indeed, the beaches cause people from all walks of life to gravitate towards the West End. Thus, people-watching is always fun to do. I miss witnessing the beautiful sunsets while dining on exceptional seafood at the Boathouse Restaurant’s English Bay location.
In short, how could anyone not rate the West End an easy 5-star experience? It demonstrates some of Vancouver’s best traits and characteristics. It’s modern, yet contains architectural elements of the city’s past; it’s deeply multicultural and inclusive; the shopping and eating is as diverse as the people who call this area home; and it has some spectacular natural scenery. I’d even suggest it is “essential Vancouver.”
First and foremost, what I like about Vancouver’s West End is its welcoming and warm environment. This is perhaps illustrated no better than through its diverse social and multicultural makeup. As you amble along the streets that make up this area, you’ll come across chatty senior citizens, young professionals (yuppies), immigrants, transient students and carefree spirits. They all intermingle and proudly illustrate the power of Canada’s cultural mosaic. It really is quite heartwarming and offers a stark contrast to other parts of the city.
Second, the West End is home to some of Vancouver’s best eats. Whether you’re looking for casual pub fare, healthy bites, fresh seafood, high end cuisine or sweet treats, you can find all of that and more in the West End. Denman Street, in particular, is where one may want to go for a bit of international flair and flavour. Recognized as the West End’s busiest area (though I’d argue Robson is busier), Denman carries a good mix of international establishments, including African, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Greek – I could go on. The point is Denman has flavours that are entirely absent from other areas of Vancouver. The Banana Leaf, Damso, Kintaro Ramen and ¾ Full Café immediately comes to mind. Not to be outdone, Robson Street – world-renowned for its shopping – is also home to a mix of lowbrow and high-end eats, including Hokkaido Ramen, CinCin and Castella. Meanwhile, Davie Street has gained a well-deserved reputation for its fun nighttime bars and clubs. Outside of the three main streets of the West End, I’d highly recommend checking out the casual, upbeat Cactus Club on Beach Avenue (home to the most beautiful servers); the always impressive Le Crocodile, which serves up classic French cuisine, on Burrard; and Sushi Bar Maumi on Bute for beautifully presented, innovative sushi snack treats. While I’m sad that the Boathouse Restaurant on English Bay went the way of the dodo in late 2018, there’s still more than enough culinary variety here for everybody. Indeed, if one wanted to summarize the West End’s restaurant offerings, I think it would be best to call it a gastronomic bouillabaisse exactly because it offers a bit of everything.
Third, the West End features some of Vancouver’s best shopping. Denman Street contains a few unique independent shops and the community-oriented Denman Place Mall; however, for those wanting to get a real fix and feel for the city’s materialist spirit, nothing can beat Robson Street. There’s everything here from the high end boutique to the major chain store. Roots Canada, Lululemon, Daniel Chocolate, Indigo Books, MUJI and Aritzia are just some of the shops and stores that dot this dynamic street. Walk along here and you’ll quickly find out why they call Robson “Vancouver’s Runway” (for more on Robson Street, see my earlier review on this site).
Fourth, did I mention that the West End is warm and welcoming? Besides the mixed demographics already noted above, the West End and, in particular, Davie Street, is recognized as Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ hub. With its Instagram-worthy rainbow crosswalks, Davie Village has become a bastion of inclusion and integral to the West End’s cultural and social identity. It is no wonder the Vancouver Pride Parade is hosted here.
Finally, Vancouver’s West End is just a physically beautiful place. The tree-lined streets, combined with some of the best beaches, make this area ultra-modern yet traditional at the same time. Walking along English Bay, you can see and observe the city’s famous Inukshuk, which inspired the 2010 Olympic logo. Similarly, Sunset Beach is home to the eye-catching “Engagement” sculpture. Indeed, the beaches cause people from all walks of life to gravitate towards the West End. Thus, people-watching is always fun to do. I miss witnessing the beautiful sunsets while dining on exceptional seafood at the Boathouse Restaurant’s English Bay location.
In short, how could anyone not rate the West End an easy 5-star experience? It demonstrates some of Vancouver’s best traits and characteristics. It’s modern, yet contains architectural elements of the city’s past; it’s deeply multicultural and inclusive; the shopping and eating is as diverse as the people who call this area home; and it has some spectacular natural scenery. I’d even suggest it is “essential Vancouver.”
Written 5 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mick N
3 contributions
May 2024 • Family
West End has potential, but is currently a disgusting and dirty place to live, particularly at the corner of Davey and Denman. There is human and dog feces in every car park and park, you can hardly walk down a street without getting high off 2nd hand pot smoke, and the constant sound of sirens is a recipe for poor quality of living.
Real reform is required to invest in upgraded sidewalks and street facing infrastructure.
Take a leaf out of Kelowna's Main Street and have a crack at improving West End at all levels of Government. But more often than not the government would prefer people to take the crack.
Real reform is required to invest in upgraded sidewalks and street facing infrastructure.
Take a leaf out of Kelowna's Main Street and have a crack at improving West End at all levels of Government. But more often than not the government would prefer people to take the crack.
Written 14 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don M
Vancouver, Canada109 contributions
June 2018 • Friends
The Westend of Vancouver is the center of many things to do . The Shops are all quaint and usually busy. The Restaurants are great.. If you want any type of food this is the place to spend your full day. If its Sushi, Vietnamise Diner style or even a couple of higher end places.. This area will suit each and everyone. Coffee places from Blenz to Starbucks to smaller coffee shops. Again you get that covered in the West End. The center of the Gay Village and the first place in the world to have a full intersection of Rainbow Crosswalks.. The Village has its own LGBT2+ gay Plaza, the Jim Diva Plaza which is lit up at night and a great place to Gather either to listen to locals playing music or the summer with Games night.. Small Restaurants and even hair salons inside the plaza . Clubs in the Davie Village are a many, you can choose your place to find a good night.. You will find many tourists as well as locals who are willing to help you around the area. Grocery store open from 6am-3am . Late night eatery that turns into a club. Just everything in the West END is ready for all visitors and local alike. can you tell I live here.. and why not.. Stroll up and down the street , also knowing that English Bay is only a few blocks away from the water. Stanley Park is but a 20 min walk in all its splendor. When Visiting Vancouver, the West End is a must.. either breakfast at Joe's Grill or Dinner at the many places.. Its the place to go in Vancouver.. The West End has it all..
Written 4 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,581 contributions
Aug 2021
August 9th, Canada welcomed Americans (hope they won't be sorry) and in we came. From our Marriott Pinnacle hotel location, Stanley Park was prominently (as always) high on our to-do list (as always). But this time, we veered left at Lost Lagoon to meander up the seawall's coastline, following our noses, like usual. Not that anyone ever got in trouble doing that (hah!)
If a visitor wanted to pinpoint the parameters of the West End, those landmarks/streets would be (roughly) Pacific Street which follows the coast, Stanley Park (Chilco Street), Georgia Street, and Burrard Street.
Please note here that, although Denman Street/Village has its own identity or character, it is really a subsection of the bigger West End. At the end of West End furthest from Stanley Park, Burrard Street is one of the two routes to Granville Island as well as being a dividing line between "Downtown" (i.e. CBD) of Vancouver and the diverse West End.
Coal Harbor defines its eastern line along Georgia Street.
Having put the West End neatly into a (physical) box, the out-of-the-box things that make it so special are its diversity and ethnic character and family orientation and variety of housing stock.
It is our understanding that West End/Denman Street Village is a mecca for murals and, next visit next year, that will be our quest. Street art and public murals are the poor man's art. It speaks to us. All that is art worthy is not always found in a museum.
If a visitor wanted to pinpoint the parameters of the West End, those landmarks/streets would be (roughly) Pacific Street which follows the coast, Stanley Park (Chilco Street), Georgia Street, and Burrard Street.
Please note here that, although Denman Street/Village has its own identity or character, it is really a subsection of the bigger West End. At the end of West End furthest from Stanley Park, Burrard Street is one of the two routes to Granville Island as well as being a dividing line between "Downtown" (i.e. CBD) of Vancouver and the diverse West End.
Coal Harbor defines its eastern line along Georgia Street.
Having put the West End neatly into a (physical) box, the out-of-the-box things that make it so special are its diversity and ethnic character and family orientation and variety of housing stock.
It is our understanding that West End/Denman Street Village is a mecca for murals and, next visit next year, that will be our quest. Street art and public murals are the poor man's art. It speaks to us. All that is art worthy is not always found in a museum.
Written 5 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,757 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Our hotel was in the West End, near False Creek. We ate most of our meals here in various restaurants, lots to choose from. Went to the museums and strolled along the many shopping areas. it's now full of modern high rises, very dense and very much a city landscape. I love it.
Written 11 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris D
New Westminster, Canada3,330 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
Crammed between downtown on the east and Stanley Park on the west. I believe that tourists will find it much more interesting to walk the periphery of this area: Robson Street on the north-east, Lost Lagoon on the north-west, and English Bay/Sunset Beach on the south. BUT - one pocket I thought interesting was the 100+- year old houses near Nelson Park.
Written 13 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sashakeena
Vancouver, Canada11,837 contributions
Aug 2019
Just had a brief time when we came to town this time, as we have family located here. Again another location where you can enjoy few restaurants.
Written 25 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LinLan8
Washington DC, DC346 contributions
July 2019 • Couples
Saturday mornings during the summer enjoy the West End farmers market. Plenty of fruit and vegetable vendors (many organic) along with bread, soup, crepes, coffee, baked goods, perogies, honey & jams, cheeses, and entertainment - and it's all free. Every year when we come to Vancouver we are committed to buying local and fresh each Saturday from this market. It's a fun destination.
Written 20 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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