murder of the building’s original architect, Francis
Rattenbury. More opportunities to indulge in fact,
and fiction, lie a few blocks further east at the contemporary Vancouver Public Library.
WEST END
Embraced by sandy beaches along English Bay,
Stanley Park and the Coal Harbour waterfront, this
character-filled neighbourhood has ample community spirit. Bustling Denman Street attracts foodies
and fashionistas. Tree-lined side streets harbour
heritage buildings and quiet, leafy gardens. Walk
west into the wildlife-rich 400 hectares (1,000
acres) of Stanley Park. Head east into quirky Davie
Village where all things LGBTQ reign supreme,
from rainbow flags to hot-pink garbage cans, in
colourful bars and clubs, at the Qmunity centre
and during the fabulous annual Pride Parade. West
End beaches are the place for people watching and
for ringside seats at the annual Honda Celebration
of Light fireworks.
CHINATOWN
Enter Canada’s largest Chinatown through its
ornate Millennium Gate, the emblem of the neighbourhood’s journey through time, and follow
the lead of the Chinese-English street signs and
dragon-decked lamp posts along Pender, Keefer
and Hastings streets into a world where East meets
West and old and new harmoniously coexist. The
air is redolent with seductive aromas; the people
a delightful mix of cultures; the architecture an
eclectic mirror of Chinese tradition, Vancouver
history and urban rejuvenation. Open-front markets beckon with pyramids of fresh fruit, and
mind-boggling varieties of greens and dried fish.
Whatever ails you, the herbalist will mix you a
cure, and the tea specialist will recommend the
perfect brew to restore your spirits. Snack or feast
your way through the multifarious delights of
Chinese cuisine at the summer night market or in
buzzing restaurants. Browse colourful displays of
trinkets, treasures, Chinese-inspired fashion and
kitchenware. Focus your energy on historic bricks
and mortar, like the photogenic Sam Kee sliver of a
building (1913) or the headquarters of the Chinese
Benevolent Association (1907), organizer of the
annual Chinese New Year Parade. Relax in the
timeless oasis of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese
Garden (1986), named for the revolutionary hero.
GASTOWN
Hip meets heritage in Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood (1867). Over 140 late 19th- and early 20thcentury buildings of this National Historic Site
have found life in the present tense as designer
boutiques, cutting-edge restaurants, cheerful
souvenir shops and art galleries. No wonder this
picturesque destination was recently voted fourth
of the world’s 50 most stylish neighbourhoods
by New York’s Complex magazine. Put on your
tourist hat in cobbled Maple Tree Square, site of
Vancouver’s first saloon; in Gaoler’s Mews, site of
the first lockup; and in Blood Alley. Take a picture
The Vancouver Art
Gallery’s Georgia
Street side
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