Yaletown

Vancouver

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

This trendy residential neighborhood 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 neighborhood. 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 Center 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 neighborhood 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! (281 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 Aug 13, 2025

Smithe House
OPUS Hotel Vancouver

OPUS Hotel Vancouver

4 out of 5
322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC
The price is P28,215 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
P28,215
P34,442 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
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! (1,001 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 Aug 14, 2025

OPUS Hotel Vancouver
River Rock Casino Resort

River Rock Casino Resort

4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
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! (9,462 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

River Rock Casino Resort
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

4 out of 5
3500 Cessna Dr, Richmond, BC
The price is P11,340 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P11,340
P13,286 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (2,580 reviews)
"Room was clean & staff very friendly!"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is P14,312 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P14,312
P17,271 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (7,167 reviews)
"Balcony and view were terrific."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel

Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel

4.5 out of 5
3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC
The price is P13,514 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P13,514
P15,833 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6,245 reviews)
"Convenient."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal 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 featuring a city, a statue or sculpture and a monument

Central Vancouver

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 the city at Granville Station or Vancouver City Center Station.

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

Downtown Vancouver

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Vancouver. Top attractions like Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and BC Place Stadium are major draws. Catch the metro at Vancouver City Center Station or Granville Station to see more of the city.

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 featuring a bay or harbor, a city and a river or creek

Granville Island

Travelers come to Granville Island for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Granville Island Public Market and False Creek while you're in town.

Granville Island
West End which includes street scenes, a city and signage

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 cafe scenes, street scenes and a city

Gastown

5/5(1 area review)

Gastown is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Gastown Steam Clock and Hotel Europe while in the area.

Gastown

Yaletown