There are numerous reasons why Vancouver has continuously been named among the top cities in the world by Condé Nast Traveler magazine and was chosen as the host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The rich, green metropolitan landscape, bordered by mountains and the sea, offers outdoor enthusiasts a plethora of activities and adventures. During the summer months, multiple beaches within the city provide the ideal location for a quiet afternoon soaking in the sun. For those wishing to stay active during the winter months, three local mountains just a short drive out to North or West Vancouver offer skiing and snowboarding. On rainy days, world-class shopping, restaurants, athletic events, and theatre provide fantastic indoor entertainment.

Hike Vancouver Island also has an abundance of accomodation options, ranging from bed and breakfasts to holiday rental condos/homes to five-star hotels. Whatever you choose to do while on vacation in Vancouver, there will be a perfectly appropriate spot to lay your head, as close to your favourite sites and activities as you want to be.

This article examines the many Vancouver accommodation regions and neighbourhoods and should assist you in determining the best option for your next holiday.

Staying Downtown in the City of Lights

Staying downtown should be your first choice if you want to be in the heart of the activity and enjoy the nightlife. This is where you'll find the majority of the nightclubs and theatres. Downtown is also home to the well-known stretch of high-end shopping on Robson Street.

There are many large hotels in the heart of downtown Vancouver, as well as a large range of vacation rental lodging in the Yaletown and Coal Harbour neighbourhoods. These areas are less congested and noisier, and there is plenty of green space. Many Coal Harbour condominium complexes flank Burrard Inlet, close to the convention centre and cruise liner port, and have convenient access to the float plane docks that provide service to Vancouver Island. The majority of Yaletown condos are located along False Creek and are only a two-minute ferry trip to Granville Island for the markets. The majority of the hotel in these locations is newer and more modern as well.

The West End neighbourhood is located only a little northwest of the core city area. Lodging in this neighbourhood is close to many stores and restaurants, and it is walking to the downtown area if you wear comfortable shoes. The major advantage of vacationing in the West End is that you're in one of the closest places to Stanley Park, which features the Vancouver Aquarium, famed totem poles, stunning beaches, and picturesque hiking and biking routes.

Mount Pleasant, Riley Park, and South Cambie are on the cutting edge of the action.

If you prefer a more tranquil night's sleep and don't want to drive or take a bus for a considerable distance to downtown, Mount Pleasant, Riley Park, and South Cambie are good places to stay. These neighbourhoods expand south from downtown and centre on the trendy Main Street corridor, which is lined with fantastic coffee shops and independent merchants selling vintage apparel, antiques, records, and other intriguing brick-and-mortar.

The south end of this region of Vancouver also has Queen Elizabeth Park, the highest point in the city with excellent views of the city and a great fountain for taking photos.

There are a few hotels in these neighbourhoods, but you're more likely to locate a good vacation rental home or apartment in a smaller complex rather than the several high-rises found downtown.

Westside Vancouver - Fairview, Kitsilano, and West Point Grey

If you prefer taking tranquil walks along the sea, stopping for a delicious cup of coffee, and browsing fascinating stores, the Vancouver Westside neighbourhoods of Fairview, Kitsilano, and West Point Grey are ideal.

These are all meticulously maintained and planted spaces. In the summer, the north edge of these districts borders English Bay and has some expansive beaches to explore. The west boundary is bordered by the UBC Endowment Lands, which are ideal for hiking and bicycling.

Both Broadway and West 4th Avenue are fantastic streets for some shopping therapy. Apart from these streets, these regions are generally residential and peaceful. Because there is no skytrain service on the west side of Vancouver, travelling around or going downtown is best done by automobile, however a bus ride could suffice.

The majority of lodging in the Vancouver Westside area, like most locations outside of downtown, consists of bed & breakfasts and holiday rental homes or condos.

Superb South Vancouver - Dunbar and Kerrisdale

The southwest end of Vancouver is lovely, although it's a little out of the way for visitors. There are some fantastic premium shops and restaurants in the vicinity, and if you have a car, it's not too far to see the sites. The Dunbar neighbourhood is also bordered by the UBC Endowment Lands, a wide forested region with good hiking and bike paths and stunning coastal vistas.

If you want to visit the capital of British Columbia, Victoria, the south end of Vancouver is also quite close to the airport and the ferry terminal at Tsawwassen.