Plan Your Visit to Yaletown

A trendy community that makes for great day trips when visiting Vancouver.

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Words by Dennis Begin

Vancouver has a variety of trendy districts - so many that it has been dubbed the ‘City of Neighbourhoods.’ One that has evolved over the years is upscale Yaletown.  It’s situated on the North Shore of False Creek and is an interesting area to visit should your RV travels take you to this Canadian coastal destination. 

Yaletown boundaries are varied, depending on who describes the boundaries. To the west is Drake St. and to the east is Nelson St. Homer St. is to the north while False Creek is to the south. 

It has a population of 15,000 with a high density, especially along Pacific Blvd. The area is not that large and it blends seamlessly into Vancouver. To manage the growing population, the SkyTrain Roundhouse Station is located just off Davie and Mainland Streets.

History and Revitalization 

The name Yaletown was derived from the Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR) town of Yale, located near the entrance of the Fraser Canyon. In 1886, the CPR moved its maintenance buildings to present-day Yaletown. 

Employees followed with the Chinese, settling on Dupont St. (East Pender). The community developed at the foot of Granville St. along with a colourful past of rowdiness and lawlessness.  

The area was once an industrial wasteland on the North Shore of False Creek and was called the ‘Warehouse District’ with derelict buildings, polluted water, crumbling boat docks and abandoned railroad lines. The locals at one time called the district and False Creek an undesirable name and revitalization was needed. 

An improvement project came in the mid-1980s in preparation for Expo 86. The property of the expansive grounds was later sold to Concord Pacific Developments, which redeveloped the North Shore into a condo community. Yaletown was then born.  

Attractions emerged including Science World and Rogers Arena. Yaletown Community Centre borders Davie St. and Pacific Boulevard and is the location of the Engine 374 Pavilion. On May 23, 1887, Engine 374 was the first transcontinental passenger train to reach Vancouver, joining Canada coast to coast from Halifax to Vancouver.   

Attractions in Yaletown 

  • Two ferry companies are located in False Creek, the AquaBus and False Creek Ferries.  Combined, 28 small boats travel from the Maritime Museum to Granville Market and dock at Yaletown’s Quayside Marina Rentals. With an average price of $6.00 per fair, this ride is a bargain.
  • The Seawall, which spans 22 km (17.5 mi) from around Stanley Park to Science World.  This is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path.  You can walk, jog, or cycle the entire Seawall or concentrate only on the Yaletown portion, which is 2.4 km (1.5 m) from Burrard to Cambie street bridges. 
  • Yaletown is pet friendly. Off-leash parks are popular and Coopers’ Park hosts annual festivals including Pet-A-Polooza, which helps find homes for abandoned animals.
  • Helmeken and David Lam Park are a few of the green spaces in the area.  
  • Yaletown is a very short walk to Rogers Arena and BC Place. The former is home to the Vancouver Canucks, figure skating and numerous concerts.  BC Place hosts the BC Lions, soccer, rugby, the Vancouver Whitecaps and more concerts. 
  • Marinaside Crescent, on the waterfront, is a great place to view the boats and stroll the Seawall.

Amenities in Yaletown - Restaurants

Yaletown has become known for its award-winning and world-class restaurants and patios. ‘Restaurant Row’ is along Mainland and Hamilton streets that are adorned with red cobblestone. There are 60-plus dining options, ranging from upscale establishments to pastry shops. 

Many have acclaimed chefs, bakers and mixologists. Do your research to select the right restaurant for your budget and tastes. Patios are ubiquitous and some great choices include the Brewing Club, Banter Room, and The Keg’s Rooftop Patio.  

Yaletown is also famous for its nightlife.  Major nightclubs include Bartholomew Bar, the Hello Goodbye Bar and the Aura Nightclub.    

Shopping 

Adjectives describe Yaletown shopping as sophisticated, fashionable and trendy. Shopping is a boutique experience, offering largely fashionable women’s clothing with designer brands and independent labels.  

Shops catering to women outnumber the men’s shops 8 to 1. Some of the women’s stores include Exposure Clothing, Find Finds Boutique, West of Woodward, Her Society, Global Atomic Designs and Brooklyn Clothing.    

Unique Stores 

Barking Babies is located on Homer St. and is a luxury dog boutique selling fashionable pet clothing, treats, food, beds, bowls and grooming services. This is a fun place for both owners and their furry friends.

Cross Décor and Design is also on Homer Street. It’s described as a furniture store but is known for its interior appointments including prints, glasswork, lamps, candles and mirrors. Many of their products are one-of-a-kind from high-end local artisans.

Urban Fare is a supermarket chain in BC owned by the Jim Pattison Group. It has four locations in Vancouver with one in Yaletown. This grocery store focuses on gourmet, organic and imported foods. Within the store is a restaurant, coffee bar, a florist, pharmacy and ready-to-eat meals, all suited for active lifestyles. 

Living in Yaletown

The question remains; what is Yaletown really like?  Residents are largely Millennials or Zoomers with the largest demographic group being 20 to 44 years of age. 

Walking its streets is typical of many neighbourhoods. There are art galleries, fitness centers, medical clinics and a farmers market. As for disadvantages, keep in mind there are the usual traffic problems along Pacific Blvd..  

Community Spirit 

Yaletown has a community spirit they share with Vancouver.  Such events include Fleurs de Villes Pride, Sun Run, BMO Marathon, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and the Outdoor Winter Festival. Some other annual events include the Light Art Exhibition, Engine 374 Celebrations at the Roundhouse, Yaletown Community Free BBQ, and the Taste of Yaletown.

With a vibrant culture and plenty to experience, plan a visit to Yaletown. It’s approximately a 30-minute drive (traffic pending) from Burnaby Cariboo RV Park in Burnaby and Capilano River RV Park in West Vancouver or make it part of a day trip when seeing other sights and attractions in Canada’s westernmost city.