02 The story
Beaches, parks and one of Canada’s densest neighbourhoods
The West End fills the western half of the downtown peninsula, between Robson Street, English Bay and Stanley Park. It is one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in Canada, but it feels green and relaxed: tree-lined streets, heritage houses tucked between apartment towers, and beaches at the end of almost every block.
Denman, Davie and Robson are the main commercial streets, packed with casual restaurants, cafés and international food, from izakayas to Persian and Korean spots.
English Bay and the beaches
English Bay Beach is the neighbourhood’s living room, with sunsets, beach volleyball and the laughing A-maze-ing Laughter statues nearby. Every summer, the Celebration of Light fireworks competition draws huge crowds to the shore. Sunset Beach and Second Beach are a short walk along the Seawall.
Davie Village
Davie Village, centred on Davie Street, is the heart of Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQ+ community, with rainbow crosswalks, bars and community spaces. The Vancouver Pride Parade travels through the West End every summer.
Stanley Park on the doorstep
Stanley Park borders the West End, so residents and visitors can walk straight to Lost Lagoon, the Seawall, Second Beach pool and forest trails. Heritage gems such as Roedde House Museum and Barclay Heritage Square show what the area looked like over a century ago.
