Ryan Sold It

Originally Vancouver's garment district, Yaletown still retains its links through its fashionable boutiques and local designers. Now added to this mix are: high-end restaurants, microbreweries, high tech companies, home furnishings, galleries, BMW's Mini Cooper showroom, & hotel Opus: a contemporary boutique inn.

You quickly begin to appreciate the magnitude of this eclectic mix. Despite the flush of new 'glassy' high-rise apartments Yaletown retains a charm because of its mixed-use character and unique architecture. The restored heritage warehouses provide an ideal contrast to their more modern surroundings

It’s residential living encompasses everything from artsy type lofts, to modern waterfront apartment towers.  There are very few places that have seen more dramatic change than the edge of Yaletown that lies alongside the False Creek waterfront.  The area was once a huge rail track facility until it was cleared for Expo 86.  While Expo was only temporary, lasting for five months, it attracted people from all over the world to come and visit Vancouver.  Some changing Vancouver forever!  After Expo, the land was sold to a huge private residential project that has now transformed an area that once could only be described as an ‘eye sore’.  While not all who see it will like the new architecture, it cannot be denied that those embracing the outdoor lifestyle will love it.  Yaletown’s seawall includes a mix of walkers, joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers, and many canine friends.  The walk has many special features including extensive landscaping, lighting, artifacts, and lush green spaces with many more on the way.

Located in the heart of Yaletown is probably Vancouver’s most trendy food store called ‘Urban Fare’.  This is not only an upscale food store, but also houses a restaurant and a coffee bar in its open plan layout.

Yacht lovers should head for the bottom of Davie Street where the newly developed marina berths house everything from the maritime modest, to floating palaces.  For those with more limited pockets, the waters of False Creek can still be enjoyed as the famous Vancouver landmarks known as the “Aqua Bus” also leave here on a frequent schedule for destinations such as Granville Island, Stamps Landing, and Science World.

Across the street from the ‘Urban Fare’ is the neighbourhood community center, aptly called the Roundhouse.  The facility was originally built by CPR as the turning point for trains.  Today it not only serves as the community center, but also houses the steam locomotive number 374.  This locomotive first entered Vancouver in 1887, and is on exhibit to the public all year round.