Neighbourhood Guides – West End

Overview

West Vancouver is traditionally less well known for its diversity than East Van but there's an exception to every rule and the West End is almost certainly West Vancouver's.  This neighborhood is known for being both family and gay friendly.  An older neighborhood of Vancouver the housing stock includes many traditional family homes and yet also has the ultra-urban modern housing you would expect in a modern city.  West End manages to combine both urban city living and tree lined beach town living in a way that no other part of Vancouver quite manages!  Many residents of West Side have lived in the neighborhood for decades, while new condo developments have seen an increasing rise in newer residents.  The area has a strong community feel but also a strong inclusive community feel and those looking for homes in Vancouver will find this neighborhood particularly welcoming.  Overlooking English Bay to the west and neighboring Downtown Vancouver to the east, West End can perhaps boast one of the best locations in the city, with easy access to the commercial heart (and faced paced) of Vancouver yet with the relaxed feel of a resort town.   

Transport

Travel east on nearly any street in West End and you'll soon find yourself in the heart of Downtown Vancouver.  Commuting options include walking, biking, jogging and driving.  Public transport options are also available through excellent  Translink services.  The proximity to Downtown Vancouver – the hub of transport links to the rest of the city, the Lower Mainland and Canada - means that West End is a particularly well connected Vancouver neighborhood.  

Schools and Universities

The Vancouver School Board provides a full range of elementary and secondary schools in West End and the board also has an excellent range of additional programs focused on key educational areas including English Language Skills and Adult Learner programs.  Transport links from Downtown also make traveling to the University of British Columbia – and other Vancouver Colleges and Universities extremely easy.  

Recreation and Facilities

The diversity found in West End's community is reflected in the entertainment, eating and nightlife opportunities to be found in the area.  Davie Street is the center of gay nightlife in the city, with the biggest clubs located here.  Robson Street is most famous for its shopping but is also crammed with plenty of places to eat and drink.  Denman Street is also a good place to eat out, with options ranging from Indian and French to African and Russian!  Stanley Park borders West Side and the area closest to park is quieter – with Denmen Street in the area being  generally considered the heart of the family orientated part of the community.  Whichever part of West Side you choose you're never far from stunning parks and beaches – Stanley Park with over 8km of coastal cycle trail and 27km of forest trails is a perfect place to relax and English Bay and Sunset Beaches both offer plenty of space and spectacular views.