In this guide · 5 sections
Vancouver's West End puts you near Davie Village and Stanley Park, one of North America's bigger city parks. It's the obvious home base if you're here for the gay scene, but it's also just a pleasant neighborhood to stay in.
West End location
The West End is a dense, walkable residential area right west of downtown. Davie Street cuts through it. Stanley Park is at its north end. English Bay beach is southwest. For a neighborhood so close to downtown, it feels unusually residential and community-focused. That's because people actually live here, and have for a long time, rather than just work.
Hotels here tend to be smaller, boutique places. You'll find the big convention hotels downtown, which is a short walk or transit ride from Davie Village.
Downtown as an alternative
Staying downtown means a few extra minutes on transit or a 15-to-20-minute walk to Davie Village. But you're closer to other parts of the city. Downtown hotels are usually bigger, with more amenities, and prices across a wider spectrum. If your plans mix the gay scene with general sightseeing or business, downtown is more flexible.
Cost
Vancouver accommodation is pricey. The West End, in particular, carries a premium because it's so desirable. Expect to pay more than in comparable Toronto neighborhoods, significantly more than Montreal, and roughly what you'd pay in San Francisco. The city fills up during Vancouver Pride, and rates jump further. For Pride weekend, you need to book several months out.
The hotels
- Best Western Plus Sands — This eco-friendly West End hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Sunset Beach, Granville Island Public Market, and Stanley Park. Canada Place and BC Place Stadium are also nearby. Pets are allowed. There's free WiFi, a restaurant, a business center, and laundry facilities.
- Sandman Suites — This 24-story, smoke-free, all-suite hotel is on Davie Street, amidst shops, cafés, and nightclubs. It's 5 blocks from Robson Street and 8 blocks from the Vancouver Art Gallery. Pets are allowed. There's free WiFi, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a business center.
- Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre — This hotel is downtown, 2 blocks from Robson Street shops, 4 blocks from the business district, and less than 1 mile (2 kilometers) from the convention center and Stanley Park. Rogers Arena and the Vancouver Art Gallery are also close. Pets are allowed. There's free WiFi, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a business center.
- Sunset Inn and Suites — In downtown Vancouver's West End, this hotel is a 10-minute walk from Sunset Beach and just 1 block from the Davie Village area. Robson Street is 1 km (half a mile) away. Granville Island is 3 km (1.2 miles) away. Free breakfast, free parking, free WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities are available.
- The Burrard — This eco-friendly downtown hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of the Contemporary Art Gallery, Granville Island Public Market, and Canada Place. Stanley Park and BC Place Stadium are also nearby. Pets are allowed. There's free WiFi, a business center, a 24/7 desk, and multilingual staff.
- Best location: West End for Davie Village and Stanley Park.
- Pride booking: Book months ahead for late July / early August. The city fills completely for the parade weekend.
- Transit: The West End is walkable from downtown. Bus 6 runs along Davie Street.
- Airport: The Canada Line SkyTrain from YVR to downtown takes about 25 minutes.
Practical notes
For the full Vancouver picture, see the Gay Vancouver Guide.