Neighbourhood Spotlight: Yaletown, Vancouver
Where Cool Meets Chic
The elusive fountain of youth may just be in the Vancouver neighbourhood of Yaletown. Nestled between Gastown and Davie Village, Yaletown is a landscape of glass, concrete, brick, and water. On its periphery, Yaletown is adjacent to the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch, the eclectic rows of ethnic foods of Davie Village, and the arena where all Vancouverites call their second home, BC Place. Within the interior streets, Yaletown is quiet with lovely little areas of urban parks and neighbourhood squares. Yet, just a few minutes strolling along its southern rim boasts fabulous views of the water of False Creek and a panorama of Vancouverites’ version of the “mobile home” – luxury yachts patiently bobbing on the marina.
Contrasting yuppie with punk rock, this neighbourhood has outgrown its industrial days, but brick facades and the wonderful rail exhibit adjacent to Roundhouse Community Centre remind folks of the grunge before the glamour. Perhaps this is where Vancouver got its lesser known, but equally-apt, nickname: glass city. The architectural vestige of the industrial years are not as potent as in Gastown, but the iconic lofts now converted to residential and commercial space are a tremendous attraction for buyers who want a palate cleanser from the standard studio apartment or cramped corner office.
Here’s a guide to what Yaletown has to offer best:
Transportation
Yaletown boasts three major methods of travel via Skytrain, bus, and Aquabus/False Creek Ferries. Yaletown-Roundhouse is the major Canada Line Skytrain station which links Yaletown to the downtown core and Vancouver West in less than two minutes, and Richmond in around fifteen. A short walk east is the Expo/Millennium line station of Stadium/Chinatown, which links the neighbourhood to East Vancouver and Burnaby in fifteen minutes as well. For travel within the downtown core, the main number six bus runs north-south on Davie Street, connecting Yaletown to Davie Village and the West End towards Stanley Park. Along the southern edge of Yaletown at Mainland Street is the twenty-three bus which runs west to east. The Aquabus and False Creek Ferries link Yaletown across the water to Granville Island. When the weather is pleasant, there are many bikes on the street, another testament to Yaletown’s environmentally-conscious crowd.
Arts & Culture
Several smaller galleries are in Yaletown including the kids’ haven ArtStarts, Stewart Stephenson Fine Art, Jennifer Kostuik Gallery, and the Contemporary Art Gallery. The anchor of the neighbourhood is Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, which has received incredible praise from locals and guests alike. This multigenerational complex supports the artistic, athletic, and communal goals of the people of the neighbourhood, and offers classes from Pottery to Zumba. The exhibition space is constantly showing community projects and with the proximity of elementary schools and daycare, children are abundant here as this is their preferred hangout or playdate place.
For the adults, head up the street a couple of blocks to the VIFF theatre for year-round programming of the best international movies on the festival circuit.
Food & Shopping
Yaletown can be a bit challenging as it’s stereo-typically the food scene for those thinking Cactus Club is the go-to restaurant. There are several streets that are solely dedicated to dining and some highlights that are not the usual high-end chain.
Pay homage to the seafood that is abundant to this area: Rodney’s Oyster House for buck-a-shucks, Provence Marinaside for a taste of seafood with French flair, and for a splurge, head over to Blue Water Café. For lighter fare, head to brunch at Homer St. Café and Bar or The Flying Pig. For a quick bite, check out the food section at Urban Fare or get some pizza at Sciué, conveniently across the street from one another.
The best shopping in Yaletown is for interior design and specialty stores from treats for pets to fine imported wines. Yaletown real estate appreciation is one of the fastest growing in the Vancouver market and demand is very high as the lifestyle is so attractive. On any day, young couples, joggers with strollers, and retirees with their toy poodles stroll the streets. What really matters, and what this neighbourhood supports so well, is what is young at heart.
Interested in a Yaletown rental property? Check out our property listings to view our fabulous selection of furnished and unfurnished Yaletown rentals. Or, if you are interested in selling or purchasing a Yaletow investment opportunity, talk to one of our Investment Realty agents today!