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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40 133 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "The Keefer" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2658903
40 133 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X3 
$2,299,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2658903
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,557 sq. ft.
Welcome to The Keefer, one of Vancouver's most exclusive boutique buildings. This one-of-a-kind residence is located in the pulse of the historic Chinatown and was originally built in 1910 and restored and converted in 2009. This unit is an extremely rare find with private elevator access directly to your suite, spanning over the entire 4th floor and boasting over 2,550 SF of living space with an open concept floor plan perfect for entertaining. Built with unparalleled attention to detail, some of the finishings include, a Bulthaup Kitchen, Dual Sub-Zero Fridges, Miele Appliances, Wine Fridge, Custom Home Audio/Visual System and Wide-Plank White Oak Flooring. The building is in pristine condition. This truly is a one of a kind opportunity to own in one of Vancouver's most iconic buildings. More detailsListed by Century 21 In Town Realty and Bellevue Realty Group
- MICHAEL BOOTH
- Century 21 In Town Realty
- (604) 309-3463
- Contact by Email
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615 168 POWELL Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "SMART" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2661683
615 168 POWELL Street Vancouver V6A 0B2
$499,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2661683
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 552 sq. ft.
Trendy Gastown living at SMART. This 1 Bedroom boasts S/S appliances, bamboo patterned flooring, solid granite countertops and comes with frosted sliding doors from the bedroom that opens up your living area. You can step out onto your Juliette balcony enjoy the quiet courtyard view. Building amenities include a meeting room, exercise/yoga room for your fitness needs, art room/workshop. Steps to Gastown & Downtown’s eateries & shopping. Why not be a part of historic Gastown life? The property has a score of 96, it's a walker's paradise. Offers as they come. Flexible closing. More detailsListed by One Percent Realty Ltd. - MICHAEL BOOTH
- Century 21 In Town Realty
- (604) 309-3463
- Contact by Email
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303 189 NATIONAL Avenue in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Sussex" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2662463
303 189 NATIONAL Avenue Vancouver V6A 4L8
$879,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2662463
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,105 sq. ft.
The Sussex by BOSA! This beautiful and spacious (1,105 SF) 2 bed/2 bath + den/solarium (could be 3rd bedroom) home is extremely well laid out. An open concept layout with floor to ceiling windows that features large bedrooms, walk-in closet in master, beautiful bathrooms, hardwood flooring, S/S appliances, 8'7 ceilings...the list goes on. The den is a perfect place for an office or a 3rd bedroom option. Amenities include a gym + billiards room. Quality, concrete building in an extremely well maintained complex. Central location just steps to the seawall, Skytrain, Olympic Village, Thornton Park, Chinatown, Downtown, Main Street, and more! A great investment in booming area with the addition of St.Pauls hospital in the near future. 1 Parking and 1 locker included, Rentals + Pets allowed More detailsListed by Stilhavn Real Estate Services - MICHAEL BOOTH
- Century 21 In Town Realty
- (604) 309-3463
- Contact by Email
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610 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2665255
610 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$999,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2665255
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,008 sq. ft.
Court Oder Sale, Penthouse loft in heritage conversion, Koret building, terrace off private, open concept living room, high ceilings, 4 piece bath, gas fireplace, enclosed sleeping area. Loft level above kitchen, view from private deck and secure underground parking. Offers are being accepted on this property. Court date set Open House Saturday May 14 from 1 to 3 More detailsListed by Park Georgia Realty Ltd. - MICHAEL BOOTH
- Century 21 In Town Realty
- (604) 309-3463
- Contact by Email
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906 168 POWELL Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "SMART" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2665953
906 168 POWELL Street Vancouver V6A 0B2
$655,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2665953
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 755 sq. ft.
Welcome to The SMART by Concord Pacific!! Spacious 1 bedroom + 1 bathroom of living space on the TOP floor. Perfect property for living in Gastown or perfect investment condo. Walking distance to Waterfront Station, CRAB Park, Chinatown, Canada Place, Rogers Arena, BC Place, Aritzia Office in Railtown, Costco, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Telus and great restaurants. 1 Parking stall & 1 Storage locker included. Pets and Rentals allowed. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty (Kingsway) Ltd. - MICHAEL BOOTH
- Century 21 In Town Realty
- (604) 309-3463
- Contact by Email
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309 1 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "CARRALL STATION" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2666840
309 1 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 4H3
$599,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2666840
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 589 sq. ft.
This funky, two storey Gastown loft must be seen. Featuring buffed concrete floors on main, newer stainless steel appliances, modern kitchen cabinetry and stylish granite counters. Designer lighting throughout. Bath is brand new. Juliet balcony off living room. Plenty of natural light through floor to ceiling windows. New door to Juliet balcony. Spacious master bedroom up; with engineered hardwood flooring and plenty of closet space. Besides it's great location, this homes comes with one parking and a locker can be rented on a yearly basis. Plenty of bike storage. Pretty courtyard for building socials and barbecues. 100% RENTALS ALLOWED AND 2 PETS. On-site caretaker. Insuite laundry. OPEN BY APPOINTMENT, SUNDAY MAY 15TH FROM 2 TO 5 More detailsListed by RE/MAX All Points Realty - MICHAEL BOOTH
- Century 21 In Town Realty
- (604) 309-3463
- Contact by Email
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406 1 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2670002
406 1 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 4H3
$619,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2670002
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 600 sq. ft.
LIVE, WORK, PLAY in the heart of chic Gastown with everything at your doorstep. No wasted space in this SUB-PENTHOUSE 2 level loft. Featuring concrete floors and ultra high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. South facing Juliet balcony makes every days naturally bright. Full kitchen with stainless steel under mount Chefs sink , High end appliances Fisher & Paykel, automated Kohler faucet & functional breakfast bar. Spa-like bathroom has custom stone with 10mm glass doors. Bring your king-sized bed and that shoe collection as this bedroom can take it all. Great walk score! Rentals/ 2 pets allowed. Parking included. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty (Surrey/120) - MICHAEL BOOTH
- Century 21 In Town Realty
- (604) 309-3463
- Contact by Email
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2101 1128 QUEBEC Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "The National" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2674535
2101 1128 QUEBEC Street Vancouver V6A 4E1
$1,398,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2674535
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,166 sq. ft.
"The National" built by Bosa at "Citygate" Perch up high this absolute gem, a rare 2 bdrm/ 2 bath unit with 2 outdoor decks(190 sq ft) leading you to a spectacular "Panoramic Million Dollar View" over looking the Majestic North Shore Mountains stretching across to False Creek. Only 2 units like this & rarely available . Completely renovated with a spacious open floor plan, custom wood cabinets, new counter tops, large tile flooring, Jacuzzi bathtub, stainless steel appliances, wine rack & fridge. Unit features large floor to ceiling windows, custom blinds, gas fireplace, pantry, 2 side by side premier parking spots, storage locker, recreation facilities include a lap pool, hot tub, saunas & gym with top notch equipment! Brand New Hallways & Elevators, skytrain, Olympic Village, D/T, Chinatown, the New St Pauls Hospital & seawall. This place is nothing short of spectacular! https://vimeo.com/699229987 More detailsListed by Grand Central Realty - MICHAEL BOOTH
- Century 21 In Town Realty
- (604) 309-3463
- Contact by Email
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403 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Koret Lofts" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2674764
403 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$1,198,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2674764
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,185 sq. ft.
Spacious North facing 1185 sqft, 2 bdrm unit at Koret Lofts, 10 Ft. ceilings and exposed wooden beams throughout with polished concrete floors, beautiful custom open kitchen with lighting from Inform, extra built in storage units to match, approx. $80,000. Frameless glass shower with custom tub, in suite laundry and in suite storage. Mountain views as well. Live/work space, Located in Gastown and close to all the shops and restaurants, boutiques and transit. Shows very well. Rented at $3000/mo currently. Air Bnb allowed, minimum 7 days More detailsListed by TRG The Residential Group Realty - MICHAEL BOOTH
- Century 21 In Town Realty
- (604) 309-3463
- Contact by Email
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401 138 E HASTINGS Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Sequel 138" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2677299
401 138 E HASTINGS Street Vancouver V6A 0E6
$489,700Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2677299
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 667 sq. ft.
Affordable I bdrm condo is walking distance to Gastown, Chinatown, Strathcona & Tinseltown. This 97 unit condo was completed in Dec 2015. Features incl/ integrated blomberg stainless steel fridge, washer/dryer combo, stove & microwave hoodfon combo, 9 foot ceiling, high gloss European style cabinetry, & modem laminate floors. There is a garden/farm area where you can rent a plot & grow vegetables. Also, there is a courtyard w/ harvest table and the open exterior walkways give this property a unique look & feel. One storage locker & 1 parking included. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - MICHAEL BOOTH
- Century 21 In Town Realty
- (604) 309-3463
- Contact by Email
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110 PRIOR Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Townhouse for sale in "CREEKSIDE" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2678150
110 PRIOR Street Vancouver V6A 0A6
$1,599,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2678150
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,646 sq. ft.
A Bosa Built townhome unlike any other & a renovation that you have to see to believe. Over 1640 sq/ft (indoor), 1000 sq/ft (outdoor), 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, totally redone with no expense spared. You'll be greeted by warm colours & warm feet with a heated tile entrance, white oak engineered hardwood floors, designer light fixtures & matte black fixtures throughout. Attention to detail here is above & beyond w/ custom cabinetry, integrated appliances, & Quartzite Stone used throughout the entire home. Top floor features a large solarium & 500 sq/ft rooftop deck overlooking the North Shore Mountains. The 2 car private garage is the added bonus with direct access to the suite along with loads of secured storage space. This is something that comes along rarely so get it before it's gone. Check out the Virtual Tour! More detailsListed by Stilhavn Real Estate Services - MICHAEL BOOTH
- Century 21 In Town Realty
- (604) 309-3463
- Contact by Email
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220 138 E HASTINGS Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2678370
220 138 E HASTINGS Street Vancouver V6A 0E6
$369,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2678370
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 461 sq. ft.
With no wasted space, this modern 461 sq ft condo has everything you need at an affordable price. Featuring large south-facing windows, high ceilings, SS appliances, and in-suite laundry. Plus a courtyard well equipped with BBQ, picnic tables, a fire pit, and a stunning community garden right outside your front door! All this while steps away from everything Gastown, Chinatown, and Downtown have to offer. Perfect for investors or first-time home buyers, this is one unit that won’t last long! Please note that mail services have been resumed to the building. More detailsListed by Century 21 In Town Realty - MICHAEL BOOTH
- Century 21 In Town Realty
- (604) 309-3463
- Contact by Email
