Downtown Vancouver and the West End

The downtown area of Vancouver is bounded by Beach Avenue and Pacific Boulevard in the South, Water Street in the North, Columbia Street in the east and Stanley Park in the west. It includes the financial and downtown shopping districts and the West End, a residential neighbourhood known for its dense population, who live, for the most part, in apartment condominiums.

The downtown core is constantly evolving, blending the historical, such as the Marine Building on the corner of Burrard and Hastings Streets, with the modern the World Trade Centre, with its much photographed five sails.

The downtown area offers an abundance of discoveries, which are best found on foot. Walk the streets of Vancouver - they're safe - for an close up of city's natural beauty and distinct, and very multicultural personality. [ Original Credits: Teresa Murphy - Travel Editor, Linda Stanfield, Grace Makarewicz, Wendy Brennan, Norma Miller, and Joanne Osborn - members of Special Libraries Association (SLA) Western Canada Chapter 1997 - updated 2004 by Brenda Wong ]

Visitor Attractions - Vancouver BC

CN IMAX Theatre.
This Canadian invention - a 5 storey screen, coupled with IMAX Digital sound, and IMAX 3D films make you feel as though you're right there in the film. Be prepared to close you eyes as you orbit the earth or fly down a mountain, depending on what's featured the day you attend. Canada Place. Phone 604-682-4629.
Gastown
Major tourist attraction between downtown and the water- front, includes historic buildings, many restaurants and shops. Water Street.
Stanley Park.
This magnificent, urban 405 hectare (1,000 acre) park is renowned world-wide for its breathtaking, natural wilderness setting. Numerous features include a 10 kilometer walking/cycling/roller blading sea wall route around the park's perimeter, many kilometers of wilderness-like trails, an aquarium which has whales, a small zoo, a children's zoo with historic railway which offers rides through a densely forested area, "Lost Lagoon," an Edwardian rose garden, a pitch and putt, several beaches, and an outdoor salt water public swimming pool.
Science World.
Comprehensive hands-on exhibits for all ages. Includes traveling exhibitions, and a 3D laser theatre. Popular with children for exhibits such as "Backyard Monsters: the World of Insects." 1455 Quebec Street.
Skytrain to Main Street/Science World Station and walk across the Street. 604 443-7443.
Vancouver Aquarium.
Exhibitions, unique Amazon gallery complete with wildlife such as iguanas and colorful birds, a children's area, and much more. In Stanley Park. Phone 604 659-3474.
Vancouver Public Library. Echoing the Roman Coliseum, the 300,000 square foot library, designed by architect Moshe Safdie opened in 1995, and is considered a Vancouver landmark. Unique Northwest Coast history collection. 350 West Georgia Street.
Phone: 604-331-3600.
Web site: www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca/branches/LibrarySquare/home.html
Yaletown.
Newest trendy enclave for the young urban professionals in search of loft living in refurbished heritage buildings, as well as upscale restaurants and shops. Parking limited.
East of the old Expo lands from Hamilton to Pacific Blvd.

Art Galleries and Museums in Vancouver, BC

Vancouver Museum
just to the south of downtown, across the Burrard St. Bridge
1100 Chestnut,
Vancouver, BC
Telephone: 604-736-4431
Web site: www.vanmuseum.bc.ca
Marion Scott Gallery.
Specializes in Inuit Art.
481 Howe Street.
Telephone: 604 685-1934.
Roedde House Museum.
Located in the heart of West End apartment buildings, this is one of 8 houses dating from 1890-1908, all preserved in their original glory. Wonderful gardens too. By guided tour 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. 1415 Barclay Street.
Telephone 604 684-7040.
Vancouver Art Gallery
housed in the old heritage Vancouver Courthouse, offers changing exhibitions, as well as a permanent collection which includes works by Emily Carr, a well known British Columbian artist, born in Victoria.
750 Hornby Street Vancouver.
Telephone: 604 662-4719.

Book Stores

Chapters
Chapters is Canada's largest bookstore chain. It has an online store selling books from A ... to Z. Usually stores are partnered with Starbuck's outlet so people can dig into their new reads.
2 Vancouver locations at Broadway and Granville and Robson Street.
Book Warehouse
A readers' delight that is easy on the pocket book. By specializing in discounted books and remainders, Book Warehouse offers bestsellers, local travel guides and a solid general selection of books.
5 Vancouver locations including 550 Granville, 118 Davie Street, and 632 Broadway.
see also [out towards UBC] Specialty Book Stores
Dead Write Bookstore detective / crime / mystery /techno-thriller books and White Dwarf Books science fiction / fantasy books

Hotels, including "Wired", and Bed and Breakfasts in Vancouver

Budget Priced Hotels and Bed and Breakfast Accommodations in Vancouver

Note (w) denotes a "wired" hotel with modem access.

There are hundreds of hotels in the Vancouver area. Here are our picks for where we would stay if we were out of town information professionals looking for the best at bargain prices. [n.b. this directory initially developed for a group of attendees of an International Special Libraries Conference in Seattle]

Barclay Hotel is a heritage hotel on one of Vancouver's most popular and trendiest streets, Robson Street, and just steps to many restaurants and shops. It is a five minute walk from the heart of downtown. Barclay Hotel offers affordable, rooms starting at $65.
1348 Robson Street,
Vancouver. V6E 1C5. 604-688-8850.
Buchan Hotel is a quiet little oasis in the heart of West End high rise apartment buildings. Known for friendly, helpful staff, this gem offers nicely appointed single rooms with basin and shared bathroom for as low as $45 per night. Single rooms with bath start at Buchan Hotel $70. Just one block to Stanley Park, and one block to shops and restaurants on Denman Street.
1906 Haro Street, Vancouver, V6G 1H7. 604 685-5354.
Sylvia Hotel on English Bay is just two blocks from Stanley Park, and a 15 minute walk or 5 minute bus/cab ride to the heart of the downtown core. With an unobstructed view of English Bay, this Ivy-covered, character building, is our top choice for visitors seeking a room with a view at budget prices.
Single/Double...$90.&nbps; Single/Double rooms start at $65.
Suites with kitchens start at Suite kitchens...$125.
1154 Gilford Street, Vancouver. V6G 2P6.
Telephone: 604-681-9321
Web site: www.sylviahotel.com
YWCA Hotel, just blocks from the downtown core, close to the central branch of the Vancouver Public Library, and across from B.C. Place Stadium and GM Place, is a affordable hotel which offers single, twin, double, triple and quint rooms on 11 floors.
Private rooms start at $84 and include TVs and bathrooms.
733 Beatty Street. telephone: 604 895-5830.
Website: www.ywcahotel.com

Mid Range to Expensive - Hotels / Accommodations in Vancouver

If you're an information professional [n.b. this directory initially developed for attendees of International Special Libraries Association SLA conference] who has decided to splurge, here's our pick of where you might consider staying. Remember: The first rate that is quoted to you may not be the best they can do. Ask for specials, corporate rates or "Is this the best you can do?"

(w) The Four Seasons Hotel provides remarkable luxury on 24 floors in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Amenities include an indoor/outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, the tranquil Garden Lounge which offers respite from the financial district mania, and Chartwells, one of Vancouver's finer restaurants.
791 Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T4.
Telephone: 604-689-9333
Web Site: www.fourseasons.com/vancouver
(w) The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver , is a landmark hotel, built in 1928, with its tremendous copper roof, stone exterior, and chateau style architecture. The renovated hotel, including the entire lobby, make it a showpiece all round. With over 500 rooms, a health club including a pool, Griffins Restaurant with it's extensive buffets (try the dessert buffet) and a central location, this Canadian Pacific owned hotel, is one of Vancouver's grandest hotels.
900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC V6C 2W6.
Telephone: 604-684-3131.
Web Site: s/a www.fairmont.com
(w) Listel O'Doul's Hotel offers 130 tastefully decorated deluxe rooms complete with voice mail, and dataport telephones. Indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness room.
1300 Robson Street.
Telephone: 604 684-8461.
Web site: www.listel-vancouver.com
(w) Metropolitan Hotel. In the heart of the financial district, this independent, stylish and elegant hotel is well known for its warm, personalized service. It is a member of the exclusive Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. All rooms feature deluxe amenities as standard, including suite-sized four piece marble bathrooms. It has a good health club, and for travelers who need a breath of fresh air, most rooms come with balconies. The Diva Restaurant features Pacific Northwest cuisine . 645 Howe Street, Vancouver, V6C 2Y9. Telephone 604-687-1122.
(w) Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver's only five star hotel, is part of Canada Place, the complex which houses the Vancouver Convention Centre under the much photographed five white sails. Service here is always outstanding, as are the rooms, all of which have spectacular views. The health club includes an outdoor lap pool, hot tub, running track, racquetball, squash courts, and a masseuse. Restaurants include the Five Sails, Cafe Pacifica, and the Misaki.
999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3B5
Telephone: 604-662-8111.
Web site: www.panpacific.com
Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside is a hidden gem at the edge of the financial district which offers: balconies; views of Stanley Park and Coal Harbour; a good cappuccino bar; Vista, serving Pacific Northwest cuisine ; and a health club which includes a pool and sauna. 1133 Hastings Street, Vancouver. Telephone 604-689-9211.
(w) Rosedale on Robson, is an all suite hotel, kitty-corner to the new Vancouver Public Library. Rooms are nicely furnished, and have wonderful views. Good sized pool, health club, and great food at Rosie's, an upscale New York deli type restaurant. 838 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC
Telephone: 604-689-8033.
Web site: www.rosedaleonrobson.com
(w) Sutton Place (formerly Le Meridian). [AAA 5 Diamond Award rated hotel]Perhaps Vancouver's most elegant hotel. With floor to ceiling windows in rooms and suites, a spa which includes indoor/outdoor pool, and a fitness and beauty centre, twice daily maid service, the club-like Gerard Lounge, two restaurants including Fleuri Restaurant which offers a chocolate buffet, and a location right next to upscale Robson Street. Sutton Place is for those who want only the best and are willing to pay for it. 845 Burrard Street, Vancouver. Telephone 604-682-5511.
West End Guest House, is a Victorian home which offers seven rooms with baths, complete with antiques, breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening sherry, all within a block of Robson Street or a leisurely 10 minute stroll to downtown. Starting at $90 per night. 1362 Haro Street, Vancouver, V6E 1G2. Telephone 604-681-2889.
Web site: www.westendguesthouse.com/form.html
Hilton Hotel - Vancouver Metrotown, 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver by Skytrain, this American Automobile Association AAA Four Diamond Award rated newer hotel is in the Crystal Mall complex in the Metrotown area of Burnaby. the metrotown area boasts the largest mall shopping and entertainment complex in BC (see our area map of Metrotown).
6083 McKay Ave. Burnaby, BC V5H 2W7
Telephone:&nbps; 604-438-1200 1-800-HILTONS
Web site: www.hiltonvancouver.com
see also: BCAA BC Automobile Association
www.bcaa.com
see also: AAA American Automobile Association
www.aaa.com
see also: Tourism BC approved accommodations throughout British Columbia
HelloBC.com

Vancouver Restaurants

B. Wong, Vancouver visitors fact checker and food taster at Caffe Artigiano Caffe

fact-checking by library technician for downtown restaurants-food directory Dec. 2003

Budget to Moderate Priced Restaurants & Cafes in Vancouver

Andales
Hearty Mexican and Spanish cuisine is the specialty of this casual restaurant in the heart of the people-watching West End. The fajitas are the best in town.
1175 Davie Street.
Caffè Artigiano
Italian coffees are extra special at this caffe. The barista creates a leaf design from the foam of the steamed milk in your specialty coffee. The popular lunch spot provides grilled panini or sandwiches, too. Wild salmon or goat cheese and pepper are possible fixings. A variety of cookies, biscotti, and other desserts can round off a leisurely meal.
Two locations including
763 Hornby Street - and - 1101 West Pender Street.
Vancouver BC
Telephone: 604-685-5333 Web site: www.caffeartigiano.com
The Bon Ton Pastry and Confectionery
Since 1926, the Bon Ton has persisted and has served wonderful lunches of crusty rolls and ham and cheese. But the reason you mustn't miss the Bon Ton is the very best pastries and cakes in Vancouver. The chocolate cake, sponge with chocolate butter cream, is a solid 10 out of 10. The Diplomat cake, 3 layers of puff pastry, with sponge cake, butter cream and rum, is so fabulous you'll want to get a large take-out for later.
3150 West Broadway, www.nottesbonton.com
The Bread Garden
A chain of 10 deli-style restaurants which have mushroomed out of an original bakery-cafe, offers sophisticated cafeteria-style ambiance, and pretty good food too. Try the cinnamon twists for a jolt of high fat splendor. The muffins are also wonderful, as are the casserole dishes.
Open 24 hours.
Bute at Robson Streets, Denman and Comox Streets, and the original at West 1st at Cypress Streets.
No need for reservations.
The Chef and the Carpenter.
If you want to go to a cozy little romantic restaurant which offers low cost French cuisine, here it is. Reserve a window seat and relax as the staff pamper you.
1745 Robson Street
Telephone: 604-687-2700.
Dover Arms
If it's outstanding halibut and chips you're after, the Dover Arms pub restaurant is where you'll find it. And it's one of the few places around where you can smoke cigarettes.
961 Denman Street.
Hamburger Mary's
From the stick-to-your-ribs Yukon breakfast, which will keep you full until dinner, to the terrific burgers and French fries, no matter what you order, you'll like it. The small outdoor terrace is ideal for people watching.
1202 Davie Street
Telephone: 604-687-1293 .
Hon's Noodle House / Chinese Restaurant
Hon's is a Vancouver institution for won tons, noodles and a comprehensive selection of Chinese dishes. Basics like egg-foo-yung are on the menu. For the adventurous, sample some marinated jelly fish. Vegetarians will be satisfied with an assortment of dishes.
The Robson Street location is always bustling with friendly and prompt service.
1339 Robson Street
and many other locations, including Vancouver Chinatown and in Richmond.
Noodle Express.
Vancouver has many good noodle houses, This is a favourite with office workers who line up at noon to cram into this tiny gem. Try the #54 or #57 soups. For $7 you'll get a huge meal in a bowl - seafood, vegetables and noodles, or chicken, vegetables and noodles brimming in a delightfully "spicy as you want it" broth. The gyozas are good too!
747 Thurlow Street.
Poncho's
Mexican food comes alive in this cozy restaurant. From the home made tortilla chips to Mexican favourites like the mouth watering enchiladas, it's all divine, at low cost. Weekends if you're lucky, there's a low key, unobtrusive mariachi band, beguiling audiences with tales of broken corazons (hearts).
825 Denman Street.
Telephone: 604-683-7236.
Roscoe's
This tiny, undiscovered pearl serves home cooking, from mountain high shrimp sandwiches to full course chicken dinners, at rock bottom prices.
1635 Robson Street.
Telephone: 604-687-0945.
Royal Thai Seafood Restaurant
serves authentic Thai food in a tiny, elegant location right off Robson Street. The hot and sour soup is a jolt of delicate flavours. The curries range from subtle to explosive.
770 Bute Street.
Telephone: 604-602-0603.
Saigon
Gourmet Vietnamese cuisine at bargain prices. Great roll dips, curried chicken and combination plates, in a simple setting.
1500 Robson Street.
Telephone: 604-682-8020.
Scoozies
The lunch hour crowd flocks to this tiny spot which serves a range of lunch time fare including great pizza and soups. In the summer, customers crowd the street side tables amidst marvelous displays of produce, all with the traffic rushing by.
445 Howe Street Street.

Budget to Moderate Priced Restaurants & Cafes in VICTORIA, on Vancouver Island

Metrotown.info guide sampler to Victoria BC Restaurants Chinatown and beyond
The Victoria Dining Guide
www.victoriadiningguide.com online home of the print publication "Proudly celebrating 19 years of dedication to the restaurant industry"
This glossy professionally published guide is distributed free in various locations throughout Victoria, and includes articles and location maps.

Budget to Moderate Priced Restaurants & Cafes in NANAIMO, on Vancouver Island

CityofNanaimo.com/food-services

************

VANCOUVER RESTAURANT & ACCOMMODATIONS GUIDE CREDITS & SPONSORS

Vancouver downtown attractions article-directory Last update 01/15/2004 by Brenda Wong, fact-checker of original publication and editing by Teresa Murphy et al, 1997 article published in, PROVENANCE the Web Publication for Information Specialists, ISSN 1203-8954 Provenance.ca The above section is in part sponsored by contributing freelance writers, special librarians and fact checkers including:

Teresa Murphy, original writer and editor of Vancouver neighborhoods and places to visit in Provenance the web magazine for information Professionals ISSN 1203-8954 in 1997 in preparation for the SLA Special Libraries Association International Conference in Seattle (see more articles by Teresa at NetPac.com use the "search box". Teresa is a prolific freelance business information and travel writer, when she finds time " from working as a Competitive Intelligence Special Librarian in Vancouver.
Brenda Wong, As a qualified library technician, Brenda Wong has worked in Vancouver based government, law and pharmaceutical libraries for 7 years. Currently she volunteers her time as a fact checker with Provenance web publication and as a membership secretary with the Vancouver Association of Law Libraries www.vall.vancouver.bc.ca

Note In 1997 when the original article and directory of hotels was compiled by Teresa Murphy, working with other special librarians Linda Stanfield, Grace Makarewicz, Wendy Brennan, Norma Miller, and Joanne Osborn, a ".... wired for internet access" hotel meant you could access your rooms telephone line and use your own modem and laptop computer - most hotels and restaurants did not have their own web sites. Today in 2003 many hotels that provide "wired access to the internet's web" include either highspeed fibre optic access from your room, or either Telephone ADSL or TV Cable Modem high speed access to the web from their room.
Angus Weller, master digital and print output cartographer continues to support Metrotown.info with the contributions of his wonderful map of Vancouver and other BC cities CityofNanaimo.com and resources (e.g. golf maps) [see also his website www.mapmatrix.com for a special collection of PDF maps of cities and countries.

Corporate Sponsors for Vancouver DownTown Attractions Web Directory

MetroTown.info would like to thank the following corporate sponsors for help to maintain this part of the website. With this help, we can say that none of the above mentioned hotels, restaurants etc. have paid for inclusion in our lists.

If you are a visitor from outside of Canada and wish to consider immigrating to Vancouver, Canada or your company is looking to transfer an employee to Canada, please see the information of our sponsors below.

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