Travel Guide: Vancouver for Design Lovers
You'll find more than just great architecture in this diverse coastal Canadian city — terrific parks, shops, eateries and museums abound too
This scenic coastal city, one of the most densely populated in North America, is nestled between the North Shore Mountains and the Pacific Ocean in British Columbia, Canada. At its core Vancouver is home to approximately 600,000 people — 2 million if you include the surrounding areas.
Consistently voted one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver is a melting pot of cultures and ideas. It celebrates diversity, has a strong creative community and is punctuated by old and new design, including historic heritage homes, examples of West Coast modernism and buildings that show a movement toward a more sustainable urban environment.
Consistently voted one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver is a melting pot of cultures and ideas. It celebrates diversity, has a strong creative community and is punctuated by old and new design, including historic heritage homes, examples of West Coast modernism and buildings that show a movement toward a more sustainable urban environment.
If you're traveling by airplane, you’ll have the pleasure of touring the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Canada’s first airport to install a green living wall. This impressive display is 18 meters high and 12 meters wide (59 by 39 feet); it was designed by Sharp Diamond Landscape Architecture and houses 28,249 individual plants. The airport also displays a spectacular collection of Pacific Northwest native art and totems.
Must-Sees
Vancouver Convention Centre
Cost: Free to tour inside; event admission varies
Location: 1055 Canada Pl.
Noteworthy: Certified LEED Platinum, this building boasts Canada's largest living roof: 6 acres, including 400,000 native plants and four colonies of bees.
Take a waterfront stroll around the building and take in the oceanfront views of Stanley Park and the North Shore. Inside the convention center, a globe that's 18 feet in diameter is suspended against a backdrop of wood-paneled walls made from 6,000 planks of local British Columbia sustainable hemlock.
The Interior Design Show, aka IDSWest, calls the center home; in 2013 the show is September 19 to 22. The venue has also been selected as the host for the 30th anniversary of the TED2014 conference.
More info: Vancouver Convention Centre, IDSWest, TED2014
Vancouver Convention Centre
Cost: Free to tour inside; event admission varies
Location: 1055 Canada Pl.
Noteworthy: Certified LEED Platinum, this building boasts Canada's largest living roof: 6 acres, including 400,000 native plants and four colonies of bees.
Take a waterfront stroll around the building and take in the oceanfront views of Stanley Park and the North Shore. Inside the convention center, a globe that's 18 feet in diameter is suspended against a backdrop of wood-paneled walls made from 6,000 planks of local British Columbia sustainable hemlock.
The Interior Design Show, aka IDSWest, calls the center home; in 2013 the show is September 19 to 22. The venue has also been selected as the host for the 30th anniversary of the TED2014 conference.
More info: Vancouver Convention Centre, IDSWest, TED2014
Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: About $17 for adults; admission by donation on Tuesdays after 5 p.m.
Location: 750 Hornby St.
Noteworthy: The front steps are a popular public gathering place. They spill onto Robson Street, a busy shopping area.
This building was originally built as the main courthouse for Vancouver. It was declared a heritage site and retains the original walls and judges' benches. The gallery is home to a collection by Canadian painter Emily Carr, famous for her depiction of British Columbia's forests and totems.
The current exhibition, Grand Hotel: Redesigning Modern Life, charts the evolution of hotels architecturally, geographically and socially. It runs until September 15, 2013.
More info: Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: About $17 for adults; admission by donation on Tuesdays after 5 p.m.
Location: 750 Hornby St.
Noteworthy: The front steps are a popular public gathering place. They spill onto Robson Street, a busy shopping area.
This building was originally built as the main courthouse for Vancouver. It was declared a heritage site and retains the original walls and judges' benches. The gallery is home to a collection by Canadian painter Emily Carr, famous for her depiction of British Columbia's forests and totems.
The current exhibition, Grand Hotel: Redesigning Modern Life, charts the evolution of hotels architecturally, geographically and socially. It runs until September 15, 2013.
More info: Vancouver Art Gallery
Vancouver Public Library
Location: 350 W. Georgia St. (Library Square)
Noteworthy: Walk through the steel and glass atrium to get a sense of the building's centrifugal design.
A design contest determined the final look of this building. The public voted for architect Moshe Safdie's design, which surprised officials, because the surrounding buildings are much more traditional.
More info: Vancouver Public Library
Location: 350 W. Georgia St. (Library Square)
Noteworthy: Walk through the steel and glass atrium to get a sense of the building's centrifugal design.
A design contest determined the final look of this building. The public voted for architect Moshe Safdie's design, which surprised officials, because the surrounding buildings are much more traditional.
More info: Vancouver Public Library
Must-Dos
Stanley Park and the seawall
Location: The south end of Lions Gate Bridge and downtown
Noteworthy: Stop at the English Bay, Second Beach or Third Beach or check out the gigantic Stanley Park hollow tree, a western red cedar that's 700 to 800 years old.
Stanley Park is Vancouver's largest urban park at 400 hectares (988 acres), and it's home to many historical landmarks as well as the Vancouver aquarium. The paved seawall surrounding the park is 22 kilometers (13.6 miles) and is popular for walking, jogging or riding a bike.
More info: Stanley Park, seawall
Stanley Park and the seawall
Location: The south end of Lions Gate Bridge and downtown
Noteworthy: Stop at the English Bay, Second Beach or Third Beach or check out the gigantic Stanley Park hollow tree, a western red cedar that's 700 to 800 years old.
Stanley Park is Vancouver's largest urban park at 400 hectares (988 acres), and it's home to many historical landmarks as well as the Vancouver aquarium. The paved seawall surrounding the park is 22 kilometers (13.6 miles) and is popular for walking, jogging or riding a bike.
More info: Stanley Park, seawall
Historic Gastown
Location: 43 Powell St.
Noteworthy: Check out Vancouver's iconic flatiron-style building: the Hotel Europe, built in 1909.
Gastown is the city's oldest neighborhood and a national historic site. It was recently voted the fourth-most-stylish neighborhood by Complex magazine and is home to many fashion and interior furnishings boutiques as well as bars and restaurants.
With a statue of founding father and saloon owner Gassy Jack (1860s) at its epicenter, Gastown is a unique pocket in the city where you can shop, eat, drink and stroll along cobblestone streets. There are many furniture showrooms, including InForm Interiors and Montauk Sofa. Other must-stops for home furnishings are Parliament, Old Faithful and Orling & Wu.
If you're seeking a coffee or a cocktail, try Nelson the Seagull or The Diamond overlooking Maple Tree Square, respectively.
More info: Gastown, Inform Interiors, Montauk Sofa, Parliament, Old Faithful, Orling & Wu, Nelson the Seagull, The Diamond
Location: 43 Powell St.
Noteworthy: Check out Vancouver's iconic flatiron-style building: the Hotel Europe, built in 1909.
Gastown is the city's oldest neighborhood and a national historic site. It was recently voted the fourth-most-stylish neighborhood by Complex magazine and is home to many fashion and interior furnishings boutiques as well as bars and restaurants.
With a statue of founding father and saloon owner Gassy Jack (1860s) at its epicenter, Gastown is a unique pocket in the city where you can shop, eat, drink and stroll along cobblestone streets. There are many furniture showrooms, including InForm Interiors and Montauk Sofa. Other must-stops for home furnishings are Parliament, Old Faithful and Orling & Wu.
If you're seeking a coffee or a cocktail, try Nelson the Seagull or The Diamond overlooking Maple Tree Square, respectively.
More info: Gastown, Inform Interiors, Montauk Sofa, Parliament, Old Faithful, Orling & Wu, Nelson the Seagull, The Diamond
Museum of Anthropology
Cost: About $16 for adults
Location: 6393 Marine Dr.
Noteworthy: The Great Hall (shown) features 15-meter (49-foot) walls of glass.
Beloved Canadian architect Arthur Erickson designed the museum; he is said to have been inspired by the post and beam architecture of Northwest Coast First Nations people. Like most of his work, it is made primarily of concrete.
More info: Museum of Anthropology
Cost: About $16 for adults
Location: 6393 Marine Dr.
Noteworthy: The Great Hall (shown) features 15-meter (49-foot) walls of glass.
Beloved Canadian architect Arthur Erickson designed the museum; he is said to have been inspired by the post and beam architecture of Northwest Coast First Nations people. Like most of his work, it is made primarily of concrete.
More info: Museum of Anthropology
Museum of West Vancouver Modern Home Tour
When: Saturday, July 13, 2013
Cost: $100; registration required
Location: Check in at the museum: 680 17th St., West Vancouver
Opt for a self-guided tour or join the bus tour to visit some classic examples of West Coast modernism. Shown here is a home featured on the 2012 tour. If you are unable to make it to the tour this summer, have a look at photographer Selwyn Pullan's book Photographing Mid-Century West Coast Modernism or check out the film Coast Modern.
More info: Museum of West Vancouver, West Coast Modern Home Tour
When: Saturday, July 13, 2013
Cost: $100; registration required
Location: Check in at the museum: 680 17th St., West Vancouver
Opt for a self-guided tour or join the bus tour to visit some classic examples of West Coast modernism. Shown here is a home featured on the 2012 tour. If you are unable to make it to the tour this summer, have a look at photographer Selwyn Pullan's book Photographing Mid-Century West Coast Modernism or check out the film Coast Modern.
More info: Museum of West Vancouver, West Coast Modern Home Tour
Must-Eats
Tacofino Commissary
Cost: Appetizers about $4 to 12; tacos from $5
Location: 2327 E. Hastings St. (Hastings-Sunrise)
Noteworthy: The lighting installation is made from copper wire and blown glass.
Grown from humble food truck beginnings, Tacofino now has a restaurant location with an interior design by Omer Arbel, a Vancouver designer and creative director at lighting company Bocci. The restaurant also features potted cacti and succulents created by Olla Urban Flower Project.
More info: Tacofino Commissary
Tacofino Commissary
Cost: Appetizers about $4 to 12; tacos from $5
Location: 2327 E. Hastings St. (Hastings-Sunrise)
Noteworthy: The lighting installation is made from copper wire and blown glass.
Grown from humble food truck beginnings, Tacofino now has a restaurant location with an interior design by Omer Arbel, a Vancouver designer and creative director at lighting company Bocci. The restaurant also features potted cacti and succulents created by Olla Urban Flower Project.
More info: Tacofino Commissary
Salt Tasting Room
Cost: About $16 for tasting plates
Location: 45 Blood Alley (Gastown)
Noteworthy: Create a tasting plate from daily chalkboard menus and pair it with wine, beer or sherry.
Salt is located behind Gaoler's Mews, Vancouver's first jail, on Blood Alley, which got its name from being a home primarily to butcher's shops in the past. Gaoler's Mews and the surrounding buildings are thought to comprise one of the most haunted areas of the city. The restaurant charms with exposed brick walls and polished concrete floors.
More info: Salt Tasting Room
Cost: About $16 for tasting plates
Location: 45 Blood Alley (Gastown)
Noteworthy: Create a tasting plate from daily chalkboard menus and pair it with wine, beer or sherry.
Salt is located behind Gaoler's Mews, Vancouver's first jail, on Blood Alley, which got its name from being a home primarily to butcher's shops in the past. Gaoler's Mews and the surrounding buildings are thought to comprise one of the most haunted areas of the city. The restaurant charms with exposed brick walls and polished concrete floors.
More info: Salt Tasting Room
Heirloom
Cost: Entrees about $15 to $17
Location: 1509 W. 12th Ave. (South Granville)
Noteworthy: Sample the "heirloom" popcorn or an aloe cocktail while perusing the menu and taking in the fun vintage produce ads adorning the walls.
Heirloom serves modern vegetarian fare in a space on an old apartment block. The eclectic, homey restaurant was designed by Evoke International Design and features a mix of vintage pieces, repurposed cabinetry and original artwork.
More info: Heirloom
Cost: Entrees about $15 to $17
Location: 1509 W. 12th Ave. (South Granville)
Noteworthy: Sample the "heirloom" popcorn or an aloe cocktail while perusing the menu and taking in the fun vintage produce ads adorning the walls.
Heirloom serves modern vegetarian fare in a space on an old apartment block. The eclectic, homey restaurant was designed by Evoke International Design and features a mix of vintage pieces, repurposed cabinetry and original artwork.
More info: Heirloom
Rodney's Oyster House
Cost: Seasonal pricing
Location: 1228 Hamilton St. (Yaletown)
Noteworthy: Visit during when the low-tide specials are on offer (Monday through Saturday, 3 to 6 p.m.) and ask your server for daily specials.
Being coastal, Vancouver offers many seafood options. If you're an oyster aficionado, check out Rodney's, located in a former industrial area with historic brick warehouses-turned-lofts. Yaletown is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the city and is home to many nightlife and dining options.
More info: Rodney's Oyster House
Cost: Seasonal pricing
Location: 1228 Hamilton St. (Yaletown)
Noteworthy: Visit during when the low-tide specials are on offer (Monday through Saturday, 3 to 6 p.m.) and ask your server for daily specials.
Being coastal, Vancouver offers many seafood options. If you're an oyster aficionado, check out Rodney's, located in a former industrial area with historic brick warehouses-turned-lofts. Yaletown is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the city and is home to many nightlife and dining options.
More info: Rodney's Oyster House
The Keefer Bar
Cost: Beverages about $10 to $14; food about $7 to $16
Location: 133 Keefer St. (Chinatown)
Housed on the long and narrow ground floor of a turn-of-the-century warehouse, the Keefer takes a unique approach to cocktails. Its apothecary-style "remedies" or "cures" are hand crafted from Asian-inspired ingredients.
Three stylish loft suites with a fourth-level penthouse are above the bar, and they feature a massive private patio complete with a glass-bottom pool visible from inside the suites. Unfortunately, the Keefer building is now privately owned and no longer available for rentals.
More info: The Keefer Bar
Cost: Beverages about $10 to $14; food about $7 to $16
Location: 133 Keefer St. (Chinatown)
Housed on the long and narrow ground floor of a turn-of-the-century warehouse, the Keefer takes a unique approach to cocktails. Its apothecary-style "remedies" or "cures" are hand crafted from Asian-inspired ingredients.
Three stylish loft suites with a fourth-level penthouse are above the bar, and they feature a massive private patio complete with a glass-bottom pool visible from inside the suites. Unfortunately, the Keefer building is now privately owned and no longer available for rentals.
More info: The Keefer Bar
Must-Visit Shops
Orling & Wu
Location: 28 Water St. (Gastown)
This boutique home furnishings retailer often features first-in-Canada products selected by creators Fredrik Örling and Julie Wu. The shop is a mix of modern, vintage and classic styles. The team also specializes in wallpaper and upholstery services.
More info: Orling & Wu
Orling & Wu
Location: 28 Water St. (Gastown)
This boutique home furnishings retailer often features first-in-Canada products selected by creators Fredrik Örling and Julie Wu. The shop is a mix of modern, vintage and classic styles. The team also specializes in wallpaper and upholstery services.
More info: Orling & Wu
The Cross Decor & Design
Location: 98 Homer St. (Yaletown)
Noteworthy: The owners also offer interior design services.
Located in a 1914 heritage building, The Cross boasts 5,000 square feet of retail space offering textiles, furnishings, books, candles, jewelry and more. Owners Darci Ilich and Stephanie Vogler wanted to bring a relaxed yet refined European style to Vancouver.
More info: The Cross Decor & Design
Location: 98 Homer St. (Yaletown)
Noteworthy: The owners also offer interior design services.
Located in a 1914 heritage building, The Cross boasts 5,000 square feet of retail space offering textiles, furnishings, books, candles, jewelry and more. Owners Darci Ilich and Stephanie Vogler wanted to bring a relaxed yet refined European style to Vancouver.
More info: The Cross Decor & Design
ReFind
Location: 1849 Main St. (Mount Pleasant)
Noteworthy: If you're feeling thrifty or searching for that one-of-a-kind piece, check out ReFind. The owners source locally, bringing in preloved furniture, lighting and antiques. They're also up for hunting for that special something you've been looking for.
Main Street is home to many antiques and vintage clothing stores. There are also some great dining options and galleries. If you're looking for a piece from the next great Canadian artist, check out On Main Gallery, an artist-run space that shows work by both new and established Canadian artists.
More info: ReFind, On Main Gallery
Location: 1849 Main St. (Mount Pleasant)
Noteworthy: If you're feeling thrifty or searching for that one-of-a-kind piece, check out ReFind. The owners source locally, bringing in preloved furniture, lighting and antiques. They're also up for hunting for that special something you've been looking for.
Main Street is home to many antiques and vintage clothing stores. There are also some great dining options and galleries. If you're looking for a piece from the next great Canadian artist, check out On Main Gallery, an artist-run space that shows work by both new and established Canadian artists.
More info: ReFind, On Main Gallery
Mint Interiors
Location: 1805 Fir St. (Armoury District)
Mint is in the Armoury District (newly named after the nearby Seaforth Armoury), which is becoming home to many of Vancouver's architects, designers and suppliers. This home furnishings store carries international finds and also offers its private-label custom furniture.
More info: Mint Interiors
Location: 1805 Fir St. (Armoury District)
Mint is in the Armoury District (newly named after the nearby Seaforth Armoury), which is becoming home to many of Vancouver's architects, designers and suppliers. This home furnishings store carries international finds and also offers its private-label custom furniture.
More info: Mint Interiors
Must-Stays
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Cost: From about $217
Location: 801 W. Georgia St. (Downtown)
Noteworthy: The hotel has hosted famous guests, including Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole, Katharine Hepburn and British royalty.
When the hotel opened in 1927, it was known as the city's most elegant retreat. It relaunched in 2011 as Rosewood Hotel Georgia and is located directly across from the Vancouver Art Gallery. Head up to the rooftop Reflections Lounge for a beverage next to outdoor fire pits, cabanas and a waterfall feature.
More info: Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Cost: From about $217
Location: 801 W. Georgia St. (Downtown)
Noteworthy: The hotel has hosted famous guests, including Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole, Katharine Hepburn and British royalty.
When the hotel opened in 1927, it was known as the city's most elegant retreat. It relaunched in 2011 as Rosewood Hotel Georgia and is located directly across from the Vancouver Art Gallery. Head up to the rooftop Reflections Lounge for a beverage next to outdoor fire pits, cabanas and a waterfall feature.
More info: Rosewood Hotel Georgia
The Burrard
Cost: From about $98
Location: 1100 Burrard St. (Downtown)
Noteworthy: Free cruiser bike rentals to explore the city with
A retro redo, the hotel once known as Burrard Motor Inn originally opened in 1956; in 2011 the renovations paying homage to its past were completed. The courtyard is a great oasis if you're seeking relaxation in the heart of the city.
More info: The Burrard
Cost: From about $98
Location: 1100 Burrard St. (Downtown)
Noteworthy: Free cruiser bike rentals to explore the city with
A retro redo, the hotel once known as Burrard Motor Inn originally opened in 1956; in 2011 the renovations paying homage to its past were completed. The courtyard is a great oasis if you're seeking relaxation in the heart of the city.
More info: The Burrard
The Fairmont Pacific Rim
Cost: From about $227
Location: 1038 Canada Pl. (Coal Harbour)
Noteworthy: The Lobby Lounge features live music seven days a week and is a happening spot for happy hour.
Across from the new Convention Centre, the Fairmont boasts incredible views, especially of the North Shore. It's luxuriously appointed with natural stone and wood finishes.
More info: The Fairmont Pacific Rim
Cost: From about $227
Location: 1038 Canada Pl. (Coal Harbour)
Noteworthy: The Lobby Lounge features live music seven days a week and is a happening spot for happy hour.
Across from the new Convention Centre, the Fairmont boasts incredible views, especially of the North Shore. It's luxuriously appointed with natural stone and wood finishes.
More info: The Fairmont Pacific Rim
Opus Hotel
Location: 322 Davie St. (Yaletown)
Cost: From about $153
Noteworthy: The rooms feature iPads, Frette bathrobes and Herman Miller ergonomic chairs.
Opus is a trendy boutique hotel amid Yaletown's historic warehouses. Its sleek and playful jewel-toned rooms were designed by Robert Bailey and feature local artists' contemporary artwork. The hotel is within walking distance of all of Yaletown's shops and restaurants.
More info: Opus Hotel
Location: 322 Davie St. (Yaletown)
Cost: From about $153
Noteworthy: The rooms feature iPads, Frette bathrobes and Herman Miller ergonomic chairs.
Opus is a trendy boutique hotel amid Yaletown's historic warehouses. Its sleek and playful jewel-toned rooms were designed by Robert Bailey and feature local artists' contemporary artwork. The hotel is within walking distance of all of Yaletown's shops and restaurants.
More info: Opus Hotel
Local Tips
Take a drive over Lions Gate Bridge. This suspension bridge spans Burrard Inlet and connects Vancouver at Stanley Park to North and West Vancouver (the North Shore). Named after "The Lions," two prominent side-by-side peaks of the North Shore Mountains that are visible when you're crossing the bridge northbound, it was completed in 1938 and is a prominent feature, especially when lit up at night, of Vancouver's skyline.
If you plan to spend a few days in town and want to venture beyond downtown, perhaps over to the North Shore or up to Whistler, a rental car might be your best bet. If you are staying around downtown and want to stick to public transportation, you can easily get around via bus or skytrain. For a cruise around Stanley Park try the many bike, inline skating or scooter rental shops at the foot of Denman Street (at Georgia Street).
Take a drive over Lions Gate Bridge. This suspension bridge spans Burrard Inlet and connects Vancouver at Stanley Park to North and West Vancouver (the North Shore). Named after "The Lions," two prominent side-by-side peaks of the North Shore Mountains that are visible when you're crossing the bridge northbound, it was completed in 1938 and is a prominent feature, especially when lit up at night, of Vancouver's skyline.
If you plan to spend a few days in town and want to venture beyond downtown, perhaps over to the North Shore or up to Whistler, a rental car might be your best bet. If you are staying around downtown and want to stick to public transportation, you can easily get around via bus or skytrain. For a cruise around Stanley Park try the many bike, inline skating or scooter rental shops at the foot of Denman Street (at Georgia Street).
If you're into the outdoors, hike the "Grouse Grind" trail on Grouse Mountain, dubbed "The Peak of Vancouver" for bird's-eye views of the city, Burrard Inlet and the Georgia Strait out to Vancouver Island. You can also take the gondola.
For great north-facing city views, head up to Queen Elizabeth Park and the Bloedel Floral Conservatory or the adjacent Quarry Gardens.
More info: Grouse Mountain, Queen Elizabeth Park; Bloedel Floral Conservatory
Tell us: Hey, Vancouverites, did we miss anything? Share your picks for design-minded things to do and see and places where visitors might like to eat, drink and shop.
For great north-facing city views, head up to Queen Elizabeth Park and the Bloedel Floral Conservatory or the adjacent Quarry Gardens.
More info: Grouse Mountain, Queen Elizabeth Park; Bloedel Floral Conservatory
Tell us: Hey, Vancouverites, did we miss anything? Share your picks for design-minded things to do and see and places where visitors might like to eat, drink and shop.
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"Vancouverism," a term originally credited to famous local architect Arthur Erickson, captures an urban architectural movement rooted in a deep respect for nature that was embraced during the city planning process. The glassy low-rise buildings are meant to encourage thoughtful development.