21 Best Things to do in Yaletown Vancouver

Yaletown is a bit different from most Vancouver neighborhoods.

As one of the newer areas, it’s got a bit more of a plush feel to it. Something that’s exaggerated by the numerous spas, botox, and other cosmetic stores. It’s the place to go for your morning spin class followed by brunch and maybe a night out later.

If you’re wondering what Yaletown is known for, that pretty much sums it up as some locals like to joke.

But that’s not all there is to it.

You’ll also find beautiful boutique shops, cool wine bars, and plenty of other things to do in Yaletown.

Looking for more things to do in Vancouver and nearby? Check out my Vancouver travel guides which are full of information on the best things to do in Vancouver, the best Vancouver restaurants, and detailed guides for each of the main neighborhoods.

Best Things To Do in Yaletown

Less outdoorsy than other areas of the city, Yaletown is great for a city day and getting to explore more of Vancouver.

Grab a beer at Yaletown Brewing Company

Yaletown Brewing Company was established in 1994. They serve both food and beer along with a selection of gluten-free brews and seasonal flavours.

There’s also a large outdoor patio which is a great place to sit while you enjoy your drink.

Walk or cycle the Seawall

Though the Seawall is sometimes considered to be just the part around Stanley Park, the Seawall actually goes through Yaletown over to Olympic Village and back past Granville.

One of the best ways to get to Yaletown from wherever you’re staying is to cycle, run or walk along the seawall as the views are beautiful!

Picnic in the parks

Yaletown isn’t far from some great parts including David Lam and George Wainborn. Grab some food from Choices or Urban Fare and head to the park with your friends.

David Lam also has tennis courts and volleyball nets if you’re looking for some activities!

Get Tacos at Tacofino Yaletown

My favorite restaurant in Yaletown will always be Tacofino. It’s a classic Vancouver gem with delicious tacos and burritos as well as margaritas!

Be sure to get their crispy chicken burrito if you’re after a burrito or their fish tacos are delicious. If you’re going with a group, definitely get some nachos to share. They’re by far the best nachos I’ve ever had.

Sip on tasty cocktails at Bartholomew Bar

Bartholomew Bar is the place to go in downtown Vancouver for delicious wine, cocktails, and cheese platters. It’s my favorite of all the Yaletown bars due to its cool atmosphere inside. It’s the perfect place to go to for before or after-dinner drinks.

Take a Spin Class

Be a real Yaletowner and take a morning spin class! The newly opened YVR Cycle Spin Studio has taken over from the old Soul Cycle location. They promise fun, sweaty classes that you’re sure to enjoy (just maybe not at the time).

Have a self-care day

If you’re in need of some self-care then Yaletown is the place to go. From massage and facial salons to nail salons, hairdressers, and other spas in Yaletown, you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere for some you-time.

Check out the pop-up art installations

There is always at least one pop-up art installation in Yaletown. There’s usually some floating art installation that changes with the seasons in Bill Curtis Square just north of the Yaletown Skytrain station.

On occasion, you can find art installations elsewhere such as the flowers outside Opus Hotel some summers, or the words on the wall at Hamilton & Davie Street.

View Engine 374

Engine 374 is said to be the steam engine that built Canada. You can visit this engine at the Yaletown Roundhouse Community Centre. Admission is free and the museum contains information about the engine and how it helped build Canada.

• Open Thursday to Sunday, 11 am-3 pm (closed Monday to Wednesday and for statutory holidays)

Ride the False Creek Ferry

I LOVE the False Creek Ferry and Aquabus that get you from across and around False Creek. They’re fast, and fun, and the ride is always beautiful.

There are two docks in Yaletown, one at Quayside Marine and one at David Lam Park. You can get a one-way, return, or day ticket and see the city from a new perspective.

Enjoy the Cherry Blossom

The cherry blossoms in Vancouver are always stunning! Yaletown’s David Lam Park is one of the best places to enjoy the cherry blossom as there are so many trees there.

Walking around here in early Spring is just magical with all the pink blossoms!

Attend a Festival

Yaletown is where many of Vancouver’s festivals happen. From Illuminate Yaletown in winter to Pet-a-palooza in summer and plenty more in between, if you’re looking for what to do this weekend in Vancouver, chances are there’s something going down in Yaletown.

Watch the dogs in the dog park

Coopers Park in Yaletown has a large grassy dog park that’s always full of super cute pups. If you have a dog, or just want to be near some (I get you!), then this is the place to be! Bonus points if you’re visiting in late August and attend Yaletown’s Pet-a-Palooza.

Get Brunch at OEB Yaletown

OEB is on the seawall in Yaletown and is one of the most popular spots to get brunch in Vancouver. Not only will you get delicious breakfast food, but you’ll get to sit out on the patio in summer and enjoy people-watching on the seawall with a view!

You can add your name to the waitlist via your phone through Yelp to save standing in line. There’s always a line-up!

Attend an event at BC Place

BC Place is home to both the BC Lions and the Vancouver Whitecaps. It’s the biggest sporting stadium in the province with seating for almost 55,000. Watching a game here is a must-do if you’re living in Vancouver but you can also attend other fun events.

The Rugby 7s which takes place in March each year is super fun, and you could see your favourite band or artist playing here as they tour around.

Watch hockey at the Rogers Arena

Next door to BC Place is Rogers Arena. This smaller, indoor stadium is home to the Vancouver Canucks and also hosts bands and musicians.

If you love hockey chances are you’ll spend a few nights here, but if it’s a new sport to you, I’d highly recommend watching a game. It’s such a fun sport to watch as it’s so fast-paced!

Head to the casino

The Parq Vancouver Casino Resort is home to several luxury hotels and great Yaletown restaurants as well as the casino. You can play cards or take your chance with the slot machines which can make for a fun evening out.

Go shopping!

Yaletown’s boutiques offer everything from clothes to gifts and home decor. Some of my favourites include Fine Finds and The Cross but there are so many more that keep popping up!

Grab a Pastry & Coffee

There are a couple of great places in Yaletown to grab pastries and a coffee whether you’re on the go or looking to sit a while.

Small Victory is Vancouver renowned and does delicious pastries as does Angus T just a few blocks away. You know what, just try them both!

Enjoy drinks on a patio

Yaletown is patio heaven for Vancouverites with the two main streets, Mainland and Hamilton, having a raised side where the restaurants all have patio areas.

Many of Vancouver’s best bars with patios can be found in Yaletown.

There are a lot of delicious restaurants in Yaletown with some fancier places as well as chains you’re likely familiar with. Tacofino Yaletown will always be my favorite!

Visit the Vancouver Library’s Rooftop Patio

Though not strictly in Yaletown, the Vancouver Public Library is a beautiful building. It’s set over multiple floors and even has a rooftop patio that not that many people seem to be aware of. It’s a great spot for reading some pages of a good book, doing some work, or chatting with a friend!

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Yaletown Vancouver BC

When it comes to what to do in Yaletown Vancouver, you can see it’s not all about green smoothies and getting your nails down. There are actually plenty of other Vancouver Yaletown things to do.

My perfect day in Yaletown involves a spin class in the morning followed by brunch at MEET Yale town or grabbing coffee. and a pastry from Small Victories. Then, I’ll probably pick up a book from the library and head to the park to read in the sunshine or take a walk along the seawall. Then, come dinner it’s definitely Tacofino and Bartholomew Bar for after-dinner drinks!

If you’re visiting Vancouver and looking for more things to do, be sure to check out this guide to nearby Gastown’s best things to do, the best Gastown Restaurants, and my favorite part of Vancouver: The West End. Checking out the best things to do on Granville Island is also a must, and these fun things to do in Kitsilano Beach are worth looking at.

If you only have one day, check out this Vancouver in a day itinerary.

Last Updated on August 17, 2023 by Hannah