Introduction
You could call this the heart of Vancouver. Bordered on the north by Cordova Street, the south by Pacific Street, the east by Richards Street and the west by Burrard Street, this neighbourhood boasts everything from office towers to family-owned eateries. Historic cultural institutions, swanky hotels, nightclubs, beautiful architecture: you name it, this area’s got it.
Lifestyle
More a centre for work and leisure than a residential area, the District nonetheless boasts some beautiful highrise residential buildings. There are shopping options galore, including Pacific Centre Mall, and the food on offer is diverse. The area provides a social cross-section of Vancouver, from businessmen to the homeless, and few local residents have never visited it – it’s a vital neighbourhood.
The Vibe
In a city of constant change, the slice of Granville Street from Robson to Davie represents a major civic shift. Formerly something of a red light district, the area now has a thriving nightlife. There are some mainstays in the neighbourhood, though: the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Law Courts building, and many other classic sites.
Meet the Neighbours
From the homeless to the super-rich, the neighbourhood has a varying economic profile. Not a major residential area as yet, it’s fairly multicultural and quite culturally liberal. Dwellings are largely confined to highrises, with new construction a constant. There are also a few hostels and some accommodations for low-income residents.
In the Area
As a core district, this boasts a great number of amenities: government offices in Sinclair Centre, beautiful churches like Christ Church Cathedral, and the spectacular Law Courts building, designed by Arthur Erickson. The building has a small elevated park and an open-air ice rink area, popular in the winter and used for social events year-round.
2.3 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
There’s a strong concentration of public transit here: four rapid transit stations, over a dozen bus lines, and even the SeaBus, which travels across the water to the North Shore. It’s a pedestrian-oriented area, but there are bike lanes available. As far as cars go, this is not ideal, with bus-only areas, one-way streets and a tendency towards gridlock.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
This is a vital Vancouver neighbourhood in which you have to take the good with the bad. The good: cultural institutions, shopping opportunities galore, and great public transit. The bad: signs of the economic injustice that stains most parts of the city really sticks out here – dilapidated buildings, desperately needy homeless people and addiction. Another negative is the atmosphere of drunken bluster on weekend nights.
Dollars & Sense
While you can count on expensive rent and home prices, the District varies widely in terms of consumer goods. From Old Navy to Harry Rosen, clothing stores span the entire spectrum of cost and quality. The same goes for food – there’s everything from burritos to filet mignon for your choosing.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Vancouver Art Gallery
One of Vancouver’s most important cultural institutions, the VAG hosts exhibits from all around the world. BC artists are also well represented. From Ai Wei Wei to Picasso, you can see it here.
more infoRosewood Hotel Georgia
One of Vancouver's classiest hotels, this establishment resides in a gorgeous, historic building, rightly protected by heritage laws. For guests it offers immaculate service in a beautiful setting, as well as restaurants and a café.
more infoMalone’s Bar and Grill
This hot spots boasts an unpretentious atmosphere, smart service, great pub grub and a selection of more than 30 beers on tap. It also hosts live DJ events and a great karaoke night.
more infoFairmont Hotel Vancouver
Possibly the most beautiful building in Vancouver, with chateau-style architecture in the tradition of the grandest hotels. Boasts a health club, indoor pool and many other luxuries. A venerable, essential part of the city.
more infoThe Cinematheque
A movie theatre dedicated to the old, the esoteric, and the beautiful. The programming ranges across the history of cinema, from the silent era to the present, and brings masterpieces from around the globe.
more infoThe Templeton
Not fine dining, but a fine diner. Fifties-style interior, booths and a bar, and a range of delicious desert drinks from milkshakes to sundaes. Service and atmosphere are great, and the food is delicious.
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