The West End

Go west.

From late nights to brunch, begin in the West End.

You can live, work, eat and play in the West End without ever leaving the neighbourhood. This slice of Downtown Vancouver has practically everything you need. So whether you are looking to dance all night or sip coffee on a sun-dappled patio, here’s some of the many options available.

The gay bars.

Best known as the heart of Vancouver’s gay village, Davie St. is home to The Junction, known for serving food, drag and bingo, Numbers, notable for its packed dance floor, Celebrities, which predominantly caters to a heterosexual clientele today, the Pumpjack, which sees attendance by the bear and leather crowds, the Fountainhead Pub, serving food and acting as a gathering place and 1181 Lounge, with its contemporary aesthetic and distinctive cocktails.

Little Sister's Book and Art Emporium.

Little Sisters is a part of Vancouver’s and Canada’s history. This institution doesn’t just sell books; you can find club clothes, leather garments, personal novelties and much more. Stop in to browse, ask the friendly staff questions and see what you can stumble across.

Greenhorn Café.

Named after the settler founders of the West End, Greenhorn Cafe is an archetypical Vancouver brunch spot. Closing at around 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. most days, you’ll find eggs benedict, coffee and the usual brunch fare here. Plus, it opens at 7:00 a.m., so you can stop by after a long night out or before work – whichever way life ends up taking you.

Fables & Food Café.

Another coffee shop in the West End (there are lots!) is Fables & Food Café. A small, family-run business, it’s known for its affordable food prices and homey atmosphere. Beyond typical coffee shop fare, you can find Latin food specials like tamales, empanadas and burritos. And of course, it has the LGBT panini, with lettuce, guacamole, bacon and tomato.

Chicken World.

The West End may not be your first thought when it comes to finding outstanding fried chicken in Vancouver, but Chicken World will make you rethink your assumptions. Started by a former KFC worker who immigrated to Canada from Pakistan, Chicken World has multiple locations throughout the Greater Vancouver and is known for its South Asian flavour fusions, like chaat masala-dusted fries and the billo chicken burger, a crispy nashville hot chicken patty topped with pickles and coleslaw.

Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant and Brewpub.

Located in its eponymous park just beyond the edge of all those condo towers, Stanley Park Brewing serves beers and food in a picturesque setting. Enjoy pub food classics like fish and chips, plus Vancouver-ified options including poke bowls and avocado toast.

Room for activities.

Easy access to parks and beaches is part of what makes the West End so desirable to Homeseekers. Head to Stanley Park nearby or English Bay beach to soak in the sun. Take your dog to Nelson Park or take yourself to the Vancouver Art Gallery and mill about Robson Square. The West End is also an ideal spot to cycle, jog or walk around, thanks to its leafy, calm streets.

School's in session.

For families with children in the West End, schools are available but in high demand. There’s Lord Roberts Elementary School, King George Secondary School and the private schools Pattison High School and Lions Gate Montessori. SFU’s Downtown Vancouver campus is also nearby, if you’re looking for continuing education, as are various private universities.