Yaletown

Vancouver

Photo provided by Caroline West
Yaletown featuring street scenes, a city and dining out
Photo provided by Tourism BC/Albert Normandin
Yaletown featuring a city, a bar and street scenes
Photo provided by Tourism BC/Dannielle Hayes

This trendy residential neighbourhood and nightlife destination on the False Creek waterfront was once a neglected warehouse district.

Yaletown—bordered by False Creek to the south, Homer Street to the west and Pacific Boulevard to the east— was largely abandoned for years before the ‘80s. Once a gritty industrial district home to warehouses and rail yards, the area is now a hub of activity with restaurants, cafes, bars and desirable loft-style apartments.

Yaletown was first settled by the Canadian Pacific Railroad workers in the late 19th century, when the area was the hub of the bustling rail yards. Many of these workers had come to Vancouver from a town called Yale, about 110 miles (180km) away and brought their hometown name to their new neighbourhood. When the railroads died out in the ‘40s, Yaletown became a rough, poor part of town. It was revitalized for the 1986 World’s Fair (Expo ‘86).

This area is now one of the most popular spots in the city. There are plenty of patio cafes and rooftop bars to people watch and be seen. Not only is it a much desired waterfront residential area with plenty of green open spaces, but it’s also a haven of sidewalk cafes, local designer boutiques, galleries, bars and high-end restaurants. Though little original housing from the 19th century remains, many businesses and retail outlets have taken up residency and renovated the old brick buildings.

The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre is a great little diversion for train buffs, loaded with railroad history. It was once a Canadian Pacific Railroad repair shed, and now houses the preserved steam engine (Engine No. 374) which brought the first passenger train into Vancouver in 1887.

As the sun sets, sip a beer at the award winning Yaletown Brewing Company or enjoy a cocktail at one of the many bars.

This trendy upscale neighbourhood is an easy walk from downtown Vancouver, or a quick ferry ride from Granville Island.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Yaletown

Smithe House

Smithe House

4 out of 5
225 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions BC Place Stadium and Rogers Arena are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (280 reviews)
"Yaletown is a a neighbourhood that I did not know much about before, but glad that we chose to stay three nights at. It is a quiet, relatively safe area, and the service apartment is around 15 mins walk from a nearby Sky Train station (especially if you are coming from the airport) and just within ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Smithe House
OPUS Hotel Vancouver

OPUS Hotel Vancouver

4 out of 5
322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC
The price is €543 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
€543
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,012 reviews)
"Excellent stay/location in Yaletown with close access to transit and restaurants. Great spacious and comfortable room/bed. Courteous and professional staff. Elevator access/availability like no where else! (No waiting) Breakfast was top notch. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

OPUS Hotel Vancouver
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

4 out of 5
3500 Cessna Dr, Richmond, BC
The price is €189 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€189
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,556 reviews)
"The concierge was excellent He was so personable and knowledgeable. The staff at the store were very friendly. The only issue was our room wasn’t serviced. The garbage was not picked up and we didn’t have fresh towels. Otherwise a great venue."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
River Rock Casino Resort

River Rock Casino Resort

4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €247 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€247
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Richmond. Enjoy a full-service spa, 5 restaurants, and a marina. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9,483 reviews)
"It was convenient to the airport and the Canada line for easy access to downtown Vancouver, Canada Place, etc."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

River Rock Casino Resort
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is €260 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€260
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7,141 reviews)
"One of the best hotels we have stayed in. Best staff"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
YWCA Hotel

YWCA Hotel

2.5 out of 5
733 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is €204 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
€204
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,668 reviews)
"5 star location! Countless food options. Great helpful staff..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

YWCA Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Yaletown

Gastown which includes a monument, a city and a statue or sculpture

Central Vancouver

3/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Central Vancouver, check out sights like Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal or Rogers Arena and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Granville Station or Vancouver City Center Station.

Central Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver showing modern architecture, a skyscraper and a city

Downtown Vancouver

4.5/5(354 area reviews)

Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and BC Place Stadium are a few top attractions in Downtown Vancouver. Hop around the city on the metro at Vancouver City Center Station or Granville Station and check out the area's captivating waterfront views, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

Downtown Vancouver
Default Image

Crosstown

While you're in Crosstown, take in top sights like Chinatown Millennium Gate and jump on the metro at Stadium-Chinatown Station to see more of the city.

Crosstown
Granville Island showing a city, a bay or harbour and a river or creek

Granville Island

5/5(5 area reviews)

Granville Island is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Granville Island Public Market and False Creek while in the area.

Granville Island
West End featuring a city, signage and street scenes

West End

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of West End. Make a stop by Robson Street or Sunset Beach while you're exploring the area.

West End
Gastown featuring a city, café scenes and street scenes

Gastown

3.5/5(11 area reviews)

Gastown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Gastown Steam Clock or Hotel Europe.

Gastown

Yaletown

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