Not to be confused with the West Side or West Vancouver, the West End is a vibrant and walkable community wedged between Vancouver's downtown core and Stanley Park. Known for its charming buildings, welcoming atmosphere, and abundance of ramen restaurants, this quintessential Vancouver neighbourhood invites you to leave your car at home for the day to explore its rich heritage on foot.
Here are some of our favourite ways to explore Vancouver's West End and adjacent areas.
1. Sushi Bar Maumi
Those searching for elevated dining will be delighted by Maumi's authentic omakase experience. Limited to only ten spots per seating, this intimate environment allows diners to sit at the bar and watch the chef carefully prepare each of their eleven courses. Although Maumi is often reserved for special occasions, it does not have a liquor license. However, plenty of bars nearby will welcome you for a nightcap. 
2. The Sylvia Hotel
If you read any children's books in the nineties, you might recognize this Ivy-covered West End landmark as the setting of Mister Got to Go, a heart-warming true story about a stray cat who refuses to take no for an answer. To everyone else, the Sylvia Hotel is a historic hotel that happens to make fantastic martinis. Warm and nostalgic, this waterfront hotel is a lovely place to grab a cocktail after a day of exploring outside.
3. FlyOver Canada
Take a walk through the Convention Centre at Canada Place, and you'll find FlyOver Canada, an immersive flight simulation ride that takes participants on a twenty-five-minute trip across the country. Some might argue that this experience is best left to the tourists, but FlyOver Canada exudes a pure, unadulterated joy that can make even the most jaded Vancouverite smile.
4. The Fairmont Pacific Rim Lobby Bar
Locals seeking an urban staycation should look no further than the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. Book a treatment at the award-winning Willow Stream Spa and take advantage of the two-hour window allotted for each guest to use the wellness facilities. Post-spa, find a seat at the lobby bar to indulge in a well-crafted cocktail and a snack or two. While this lounge is known for sushi, the nachos prove to be an unconventional but deeply satisfying alternative.
5. Barry's Bootcamp
Heralded as the "best workout in the world," this International franchise made its way to Vancouver in 2021. Fitness enthusiasts may very well be familiar with the "red room," but those beginning their fitness journeys need not be intimidated; this heart-pumping, high-intensity interval class encourages participants to go at their own pace.
6. Carlino
Bask in Alberni Street's verdant luxury as you walk to Carlino, a refined Italian restaurant tucked away inside the Shangri-La Hotel. Carlino is the newest concept from the well-known hospitality group Kitchen Table's successful portfolio of restaurants, including Ask for Luigi, Di Beppe and Pizzeria Farina. Utilizing fresh ingredients from local suppliers and Italian importers, this restaurant seeks to examine the similarities between British Columbia and the coastal, mountainous Friuli region of Northern Italy. 
7. Mott 32
This upscale Chinese restaurant is a coveted destination for weekend dim sum or a stylish weeknight dinner. With gorgeous interiors and impeccable attention to detail, Mott 32 offers a delicious mix of timeless dim sum staples with luxurious touches like xiao long bao served on tiny, handmade baskets, and har gow injected with individual pipettes of lobster oil. 
8. Hello Nori
A casual alternative to Maumi's omakase, Hello Nori is a perfect quick lunch destination, especially for solo diners. Saddle up to the bar and enjoy fresh, crispy hand rolls with sake or nitro matcha tea to fuel an afternoon of shopping on Vancouver's ever-popular Robson Street.
9. Kingyo Izakaya
The West End offers no shortage of delicious Japanese food, but this moody izakaya-style restaurant is one of the very best. Take a seat at the communal table surrounded by towering bamboo shoots and enjoy a range of inventive Japanese dishes, from aburi sushi to truffle carbonara udon. While Kingyo is a popular destination for late-night eating, its artful bento boxes are exclusive to lunch hour, with only eight sets available daily.
10. Tavola
Considered by some to be Vancouver favourite Nook's grown-up sibling, Tavola is a cozy neighbourhood restaurant known for its casual atmosphere and fresh pasta. As a popular date-night spot, Tavola is busy every night of the week, but those willing to wait for a table will reap the rewards once they are seated.
11. Stanley Park
Set against Vancouver's urban landscape and snowcapped mountains, this 405-hectare West Coast rainforest is bigger than New York City's Central Park. Spend a morning walking, running or biking the 10-kilometre loop around downtown Vancouver's peninsula as you take in spectacular views of the Burrard Inlet and English Bay. In the summertime, make your way to the lawn by Second Beach to participate in the Stanley Park Summer Cinemas series or purchase a ticket to an outdoor concert at Malkin Bowl.
12. 1818 Alberni
This boutique collection of sophisticated homes perfectly embodies the elevated lifestyle associated with Alberni Street. Once completed, 1818 Alberni's collection of only 54 two- and three-bedroom homes will boast breathtaking views and impressive design features like Bang & Olufsen smart home systems and luxurious finishings. Starting on February 16th and running for three weeks, 1818 Alberni's presentation centre will have notable pieces of contemporary art, including works by modern masters like Jean-Michel Basquiat, made available for public viewing.
13. Chronicle Robson
Conveniently located at Robson and Nicola, this collection of upscale rental homes offers urban professionals the best of downtown living. Chronicle is designed to move you seamlessly from day to night, with well-appointed amenities like a co-working space, fitness centre, and rooftop lounge complete with a private movie theatre and panoramic city views.
Although only moments from the downtown core, the West End exudes a different energy than its fast-paced neighbour. It provides ready access to all the conveniences of downtown living with a true neighbourhood feel, allowing residents to live a life of urban coastal luxury. If it sounds like somewhere you'd like to call home, sign up to learn more about 1818 Alberni or book a tour of Chronicle.
