With the summer sun shining, it’s still the perfect time to enjoy Vancouver’s bustling downtown outdoors. We’re not talking about hiking and kayaking, although you’re never far away from either option in the city. If you prefer happy hour over picnics and breezy sea strolling to mountain climbing, Yaletown is the neighbourhood for you. 

Nestled next to the West End and across the water from False Creek, Yaletown was once an industrial area full of railyards and warehouses. Now, the neighbourhood is home to a wonderful mix of restaurants, unique retail shops and loft-style residences. Yaletown’s distinct look of brick, cobblestone and overhanging canopies make it a neighbourhood to explore over and over. Check out the spots below to start your tour of Yaletown. 

Patio Time

You know you’ve hit Yaletown if you find yourself on one-way cobblestone streets lined with covered patios. Perfect for the summer or any time of year, Yaletown boasts the most restaurant patios in any Vancouver neighbourhood. And you won’t have a shortage of choices when it comes to cuisine. Check out Nuba’s authentic Lebanese to try Najib’s special, the addictive crispy cauliflower tossed in lemon and served with tahini. Meanwhile, OEB Breakfast Company has you covered for breakfast, serving up signature breakfast poutines and summer cocktails with charming names like the Aperol of my Eye Spritz and I Get my Spritzes Down in Georgia. You don’t need to go exotic to enjoy a fantastic meal, either. Brix & Mortar dining and wine bar sits in a 1912 heritage brick house, serves up exquisite Canadian fare, and takes advantage of the Pacific Northwest’s tasty seafood. 

Bring Your Pet

Yaletown beats out Vancouver’s other neighbourhoods in another arena, too, for being the most pet-friendly district in town. Whether you’re visiting or moving in, a large number of the area’s hotels and condominiums allow your furry friend to come along for the stay. Cooper’s Park has an off-leash dog area just under the Cambie Street bridge. And you can check out one of Yaletown’s many eclectic puppy boutiques to spoil your pet, like Homer Street’s Barking Babies. Yaletown loves pets so much it hosts the West Coast’s largest pet festival, Pet-a-Palooza. The free street festival brings in nearly 20,000 guests on Hamilton Street and shows up again this year on Sunday, September 12th, from 11:00 to 4:00. 

Walk, Jog or Bike the Seawall

Every part of Vancouver’s iconic seawall has its perks, and you’ll quickly see why so many people choose Yaletown to be their home in the city. With the most high-rise buildings concentrated in the area, more Vancouverites get a view of the gorgeous waterfront. The seawall and bike path is part of Vancouver’s seawall, which happens to be the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. Here, you’ll catch a view of boats moored at its many docks, and you can end up at either Science World or English Bay, depending on the direction. If biking or jogging isn’t on your to-do list, you can stroll the seawall to get to even more restaurants with patios overlooking the water. Or take a break in the open space of David Lam or George Wainborn Park. 

Check Out Unique Boutiques

Shopping in Yaletown is a day-long affair, punctuated by stops at nearby cafés to recharge. Whether it’s home décor, fashion or speciality items, the neighbourhood is full of shops to stroll into. Wine enthusiasts can check out Swirl Wine Store on Mainland Street to peruse over 750 varieties of B.C. wines. And don’t forget that Yaletown is also known for its speciality foods and merchants. Pacific Boulevard’s La Bottega Di Mangia just opened this summer, where you can find speciality Italian pantry foods to enjoy at home, raid the delicatessen, or indulge in fresh-baked focaccia Napoli-style, the owner’s hometown. Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, finish the day roaming the Contemporary Art Gallery, where admission is free.  

There’s a good reason that so many visitors and Vancouverites enjoy the trendy streets of Yaletown. No one season outshines another to explore the neighbourhood, either. Vancouver is no stranger to rain, and many of Yaletown’s covered patios are heated so that you can enjoy them year-round. If you’re curious about making Yaletown your new home, check out some of our listings to see if we have any suites available in the stylish neighbourhood.