Downtown Vancouver has five distinct neighbourhoods: Gastown, Downtown West, Coal Harbour, West End, and Yaletown, and each neighbourhood attracts their own unique crowds and vibes.
Downtown Vancouver is one of Canada’s most livable downtown cores and offers its residents a true urban lifestyle that is envied worldwide. From Gastown’s cobblestoned streets to Yaletown’s trendy urban shopping and the West End’s famed beaches and parks, there is almost no reason to leave the downtown core.
Downtown Vancouver is home to several major shopping districts: Pacific Centre, Robson Street, and Yaletown. Each of these areas are all within walking distance from each other, so any avid shopper would be hard-pressed not to be able to find what they are searching for, and with so much to see, one could easily spend a day perusing from store to store
For students looking for a convenient place to live and study, they need not look further than the downtown core. At Robson Square, the University of British Columbia has a downtown campus featuring Continuing Studies, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Medicine (including a full-time Masters in Health Administration program) and the respected Sauder School of Business. The UBC Bookstore, a branch of the UBC Library, and over 70,000 square feet of convention and event facilities round out the amenities offered.
Downtown Vancouver's Appeal
Downtown Vancouver’s five unique neighbourhoods each offer their own individual appeal, and depending on what you are looking for, each neighbourhood should be reviewed to find where your needs will best be met.
Gastown
Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, Gastown, grew from a single tavern founded by John ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton in 1867. Today, the district retains its historic charm and independent spirit. Victorian architecture houses a thriving fashion scene, impeccably curated décor boutiques, one-of-a-kind galleries, and some of Vancouver’s best culinary fare. It’s a gathering place for stylish locals and tourists alike. Gastown lies along the north of the downtown Vancouver peninsula, from Richards east to Main Street, and south to Hastings Street.
Gastown is a neighbourhood that seamlessly combines old with new, history with the way forward. Gastown is home to many of the city’s hottest restaurants, making it an excellent pick for a special night out. From European cuisine with farm-to-table flair through to Asian-inspired molecular gastronomy and everything in between, Gastown’s restaurants will not disappoint.
Coal Harbour
Even though Coal Harbour is downtown, it’s a surprisingly calm neighbourhood, right on the water’s edge. It’s even more surprising given its industrial history as a former shipyard sitting next to the railway terminal. The area starts at Canada Place and stretches west to Stanley Park, and is bordered by Burrard Inlet to the north, and West Georgia Street to the south. Coal Harbour is a charming mix of business and residential, being home to both the Vancouver Convention Centre as well as many condo towers, and hotel residences. Around this neighbourhood you’ll find locals and visitors mingling on the Seawall, neighbourhood cafes, restaurants, and a popular marina.
Coal Harbour is known for its high-end apartments, posh hotels, and beautiful views. Looking north, you will see Vancouver Harbour, North and West Vancouver, and the North Shore Mountains, including Grouse, Seymour, and Cypress. This notably quiet neighbourhood offers some reprieve and tranquility from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city, and like many other areas of Vancouver that are close to the sea, offer a superb seawall walk that takes you right to Stanley Park.
Yaletown
A revitalized neighbourhood along False Creek that was once a warehouse district has been transformed into one of Vancouver’s chicest neighbourhoods, filled with residential loft spaces, sidewalk cafes, cool restaurants, unique shopping, and leafy parks. Several “loft-style” residential conversions and new construction have significantly increased the residential flavour of Yaletown.
The waterfront parks are a big draw in Yaletown. The city’s seawall runs right along the water, connecting two of the most prominent green spaces: David Lam Park and George Wainborn Park. Walk, jog, bike, or inline skate along the Seawall and you’ll find plenty of excellent public art sprinkled along the waterfront. The neighbourhood’s historical roots are also evident in the form of Engine 374, which pulled the first transcontinental passenger train into the city in 1887, on display at the Roundhouse Community Centre.
Downtown West
With its posh hotels, world-class shopping, and soaring office towers, Downtown West is the city’s heartbeat. Here you will find hotels such as the Four Seasons, Shangri-la, Hotel Georgia, and Fairmont Hotel. Most of these 5-star hotels have high-end residences attached to them with dedicated entrances and a 24-hour concierge. With upscale luxury residences (exclusively strata condos and townhomes), this area appeals to the trendy, fashionable, and ethnically diverse population who have been drawn by the lure of the downtown lifestyle. Residents here have chosen the Downtown area for its easy accessibility to their work environment, and because downtown is one of the most livable downtown cores while also offering its residents a truly urban lifestyle.
Downtown Vancouver Provides...
Beaches
Downtown Vancouver has numerous beaches, including English Bay Beach, Sunset Beach, and 2nd and 3rd Beach. These beaches are all open year-round and attract notable events throughout the seasons, such as the Festival of Lights fireworks display and the annual Polar Bear swim.
Parks
Parks are plentiful throughout the downtown core, with the most notable being Stanley Park; however, many other parks can be found throughout downtown, such as Sunset Beach Park, David Lam Park, Harbour Green Park, and Nelson Park, to name just a few.
Dining
Downtown provides the hottest dining scene in Vancouver. Countess restaurants line the streets serving all types of cuisine. From high-end dining to food trucks and everything in between, you will never run out of dining options in the downtown core.
Shopping
Home to Pacific Center and Robson Street your shopping options are limitless. You will find everything from the world’s top fashion brands to independent boutique stores, all at your fingertips and within walking distance.
Schools
For a downtown core it is surprising how many schools one will find here. There are numerous elementary schools here, including Lord Roberts, Lord Roberts Annex, and Elise Roy. King George Secondary School has a stellar reputation and offers many opportunities for older children in the family.
Sound Investments
With the high density combined with the livability score in Downtown Vancouver, housing prices are some of the most stable in the country; you will sleep soundly knowing your equity is protected.
The Downtown Vancouver Housing Market
Through rezoning, revitalization, and excellent urban planning, Downtown Vancouver has become one of the world’s most livable downtown cores. Composed almost entirely of strata condos and townhomes, Downtown Vancouver is a dense, modern, safe oasis.
Depending on where you choose to live, you will find a large variety of condos from older 60’s apartments located in the West End, to the elegant and chic apartments found in the Hotel Georgia and Shangri-la residences in the Downtown West area.
Your Life In Downtown Vancouver
Your Life After Work
Go to Gastown for dinner and unwind. After dinner, you will walk along the seawall past the convention center, where you will admire the sunset and the beautiful North Shore as you continue along on your way to Stanley Park.
Your Life On Weekends
Going to your favourite brunch spot, heading to the beach, running the seawall, or going to a concert, are just a few of the countless ways you will spend your weekend. After talking to other residents, you will learn that very few people own a car here, and you now realize why!
Dining and Entertainment
If you want to go to a nightclub there are numerous choices, with most being located along Granville Street, which shuts down entirely on Friday and Saturday nights. Music venues and concert halls are all abundant.
Family Activities
There is always something happening downtown for families; whether it is the spooky train in Stanley Park, the Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza, or the Festival of Lights in English Bay, you will never run out of activities for the little ones.
What You'll Love
The endless dining and entertainment options, a walk score that’s off the charts, subways, and busses leaving every minute, you will likely never want to leave downtown. This area truly is the heart of the city, and you will feel the pulse of everything going on around you when you live here; the sense of excitement one gets from living downtown never fades.
What You May Not Like
If it is peace and quiet and sizable square footage you seek, downtown will not be the place for you. The hustle and bustle of the city are evident everywhere. New developments do their best to reduce noise, but even the latest and greatest in technology cannot completely drown out the city’s sounds. Downtown being almost exclusively townhomes and condos, makes trying to find a house with a backyard virtually impossible, so if you are looking for a place for a large family and you are not prepared to sacrifice space, you will have to look elsewhere.
Downtown Vancouver Property Search
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2801 1188 QUEBEC Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "CITY GATE BY BOSA" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2550410
2801 1188 QUEBEC Street Vancouver V6A 4B3 
$2,498,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2550410
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,933 sq. ft.
This stunning sub penthouse is the new home that you have been waiting for. Rarely available! From the $500,000 renovation down to the studs to the absolutely jaw dropping waterfront views, this home is truly impeccable. Perfect for the down-sizer looking for something one of a kind; spanning nearly 2000 sq ft of interior space on the southwest corner with bay-windows seating view, two zone speaker system, NEST security, gas fireplace and European oak flooring flowing seamlessly throughout. Also, with no immediate buildings nearby, protecting your privacy in your living and 3 bedrooms. The home is equipped with a dreamy chef’s kitchen inc. top of the line appliances, and 12 foot island. This luxurious and contemporary home will impress the most discerning of buyers. More detailsListed by Prompton Real Estate Services Inc. and Park Georgia Realty Ltd.
- MICHAEL BOOTH
- SUTTON GROUP-WEST COAST RLTY
- 1 (604) 3093463
- Contact by Email
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201 138 E HASTINGS Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "SEQUEL 138" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2566613
201 138 E HASTINGS Street Vancouver V6A 0E6
$449,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2566613
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 693 sq. ft.
Welcome to SEQUEL 138—a modern + affordable condo in the heart of it all! This is a RARE OPPORTUNITY to own a Vancouver address for under $450K and is a MUST-SEE! At 693 sqft, this 1 Bed + 1 Bath suite is efficient yet spacious featuring 9’ ceilings, sleek laminate flooring throughout & beautiful oversized windows for an abundance of natural light + views of the mountains and city. Kitchen highlights include integrated Blomberg fridge, microwave, stove + washer/dryer, and high-gloss cabinets. Enjoy the central courtyard w/ shared garden plots, harvest table & BBQ. Gated complex for peace of mind. No car need as you’re walking distance to some of the city’s most unique shops, cafes, restaurants + galleries in Chinatown, Gastown & Crosstown. Transit nearby. Pets + rentals OK. 1 Locker incl.! More detailsListed by eXp Realty - MICHAEL BOOTH
- SUTTON GROUP-WEST COAST RLTY
- 1 (604) 3093463
- Contact by Email
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1806 188 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "188 KEEFER" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2568354
1806 188 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 0E3
$749,420Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2568354
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 707 sq. ft.
HUGE UNOBSTRUCTED PANORAMIC VIEWS! Beautiful 2 bed/2 bath suite impresses with contemporary design, great layout and gorgeous views. Miele stainless steel appliances and sleek cabinetry with lots of counter space highlight the kitchen. Engineered hardwood floors throughout. Separated bedrooms, Master bedroom is extra large and will fit a King bed. Upgraded black out blinds, built in closet organizers, ample storage. Great amenities include social/party room, outdoor BBQ area with fireplace, gardens, play area for kids and exercise center. Pets and Rentals allowed with restrictions - TWO STORAGE areas (extra large!). Book for your appointment today, easy to show. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - MICHAEL BOOTH
- SUTTON GROUP-WEST COAST RLTY
- 1 (604) 3093463
- Contact by Email
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221 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2569124
221 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$898,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2569124
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,035 sq. ft.
BRIGHT LIVE/WORK LOFT - Luxury home or office w/ 10’5 ceilings, exposed brick, original fir beams & polished concrete floors for a hard to come by heritage aesthetic. This corner 1 bed/flex studio expands over an oversized 1,035sqft floorplan w/ South & West exposure into a private courtyard. Feat: streamlined kitchen, gas cooktop, high-end spa bathroom w/ exposed soaker tub, walk-thru shower & enclosed wet-closet. Commercial & Residential Zoned, Koret Lofts makes for inspiring studio spaces (office use allowed) & great rental investment (AirBnB allowed – min 7 night stays). Huge common garden courtyard w/ BBQ, lounge area & fireplace. Prime location, pets welcomed, one of few units in building including parking. Virtual tour at link in listing. Currently tenanted mo2mo, showings by apt. More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty - MICHAEL BOOTH
- SUTTON GROUP-WEST COAST RLTY
- 1 (604) 3093463
- Contact by Email
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210 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2569559
210 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$599,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2569559
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 669 sq. ft.
KORET LOFTS! Gastown Heritage Loft Conversion. Built in 1906 & completely restored & updated in 2006. Commercial Live/Work zoning. 669 sq/ft of open concept loft living. Features include original exposed brick, massive Fir wood columns & beams, 10.5" high ceilings, polished concrete floors, in suite laundry, sleek modern cabinets & kitchen appliances. Fantastic, large open plan w/ plenty of in-suite storage & closet space, huge bathroom & XL walk-in shower. The building features a enormous garden /patio courtyard w/common lounge seating & BBQ area for the owners enjoyment. Amazing Gastown location, close to shopping, entertainment, & some of the best restaurants in the city. Well run building w/ full-time Caretaker. Pets & Rentals allowed. More detailsListed by Royal LePage Sussex and Angell, Hasman & Associates (The Angell Group) Realty Ltd. - MICHAEL BOOTH
- SUTTON GROUP-WEST COAST RLTY
- 1 (604) 3093463
- Contact by Email
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273 COLUMBIA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2570496
273 COLUMBIA Street Vancouver V6A 2R5
$1,488,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2570496
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,587 sq. ft.
Expansive ground floor LIVE/WORK space of nearly 1,600 SQFT at Koret Lofts. In the Gastown Historic District, this HA-2 zoned unit allows a multitude of home and/or business uses. This unit showcases 15'9 ceilings, designer lighting, 3 tilt-in windows, integrated sound and an abundance of custom cabinetry. Heritage wood beams and custom concrete floors make this an inviting home, retail, office, or gallery space. Top-of-the-line commercial-grade kitchen with an extra-large island and GE stainless steel appliances. The loft up highlights an elegant master suite with extensive custom built-ins & storage. One secured parking spot. Excellent, well-maintained building features a stunning, two-grill courtyard patio; secure bike room; pets and rentals OK. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - MICHAEL BOOTH
- SUTTON GROUP-WEST COAST RLTY
- 1 (604) 3093463
- Contact by Email
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203 1188 QUEBEC Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "City Gate One By Bosa" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2571354
203 1188 QUEBEC Street Vancouver V6A 4B3
$1,499,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2571354
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,745 sq. ft.
Perfect for FAMILIES! WITH OVER 1745 SQFT This 3 BED + DEN + FULL SIZED PANTRY with 2 PARKING is beautifully Located on the cusp of Olympic Village directly across from the seawall and one of the cities newest parks! Wall-to-wall windows capture the stunning Vancouver skyline & the twinkling lights of Science World. Curl up to your gorgeous gas fireplace and entertain w/ ease in your open concept, fully renovated kitchen and integrated breakfast bar. The master bedroom easily fits a king with room to spare including his and her closets and an en-suite that features both a soaker tub and a stand up shower & double sinks. Rare offering ACT FAST!!! External storage, year round indoor pool with a Gym too! To see is to love! EASY TO SHOW ANYTIME! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Realty - MICHAEL BOOTH
- SUTTON GROUP-WEST COAST RLTY
- 1 (604) 3093463
- Contact by Email
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PH 5 188 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2572327
PH 5 188 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 0E3
$1,349,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2572327
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 990 sq. ft.
Beautiful two-level penthouse apartment with magnificent water view. Built by renowned developer Westbank Corp., This lovely unit has two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, each floor has a generous sized walkout balcony for taking in the gorgeous sunsets. The suite comes with two side by side parking spots equipped with electric vehicle high capacity charger. High end appliances and cabinets. Extra upgrades include heated floors in the kitchen and bathrooms, built-in wall unit, desk and closet organizers. Walking distance to Sun Yat Sen garden and Rogers arena. Move in and enjoy this vibrant area! More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty - MICHAEL BOOTH
- SUTTON GROUP-WEST COAST RLTY
- 1 (604) 3093463
- Contact by Email
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515 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2572377
515 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$789,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2572377
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 920 sq. ft.
Located in historic Gastown, Koret Lofts offers open plan for New York style loft living. Rarely available 5th floor unit with ultra high ceiling soaring over 15 ft featuring original fir beam and exposed brick wall. This heritage building was converted by Alda Pereira design in 2006, where urban heritage meets modern living with concrete floors, euro kitchen, walk through shower and spa soaker tub. Commercial and residential zoning allows for office/studio/airbnb uses, ideal for home office with live/work space. Gated complex with a beautiful garden courtyard equipped with BBQ. More detailsListed by Sutton Group Seafair Realty - MICHAEL BOOTH
- SUTTON GROUP-WEST COAST RLTY
- 1 (604) 3093463
- Contact by Email
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1204 1088 QUEBEC Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "THE VICEROY" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2572623
1204 1088 QUEBEC Street Vancouver V6A 4H2
$1,298,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2572623
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,131 sq. ft.
The Viceroy by Bosa at False Creek. This completely renovated 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom features fantastic open floor plan, view of False Creek, City and North Shore mountains from floor to ceiling windows and a huge patio, Morden kitchen next to full size dining room, A spacious Master bedroom including an en suite bathroom and walk in closet. Conveniently located near downtown, steps to transit, restaurants, recreation, parks, Olympic Village, Gastown, Chinatown and Downtown. Pets & rentals welcomed. Comes with 1 parking & 1 storage. More detailsListed by RA Realty Alliance Inc. - MICHAEL BOOTH
- SUTTON GROUP-WEST COAST RLTY
- 1 (604) 3093463
- Contact by Email
