Living in Downtown Vancouver
Coal Harbour: A Downtown Vancouver Neighborhood
Vancouverites know Coal Harbour for its glitzy skyscrapers, high-end dining and shopping and convenient access to the beloved Seawall. But there is much more to this upscale neighbourhood that finds itself as part of downtown Vancouver.
The area starts at Canada Place and stretches west to Stanley Park, and is bordered by Burrard Inlet to the north and West Georgia Street to the south. Given its industrial history as a former shipyard sitting right next to the railway terminus, this surprising central neighbourhood is both calm and opulent. While the streets towards Burrard and West Georgia can be found lined with businesses and corporate offices moving west, high rises become residential towers that overlook the entire city, including the mountains of North Vancouver and glimpses of gorgeous English Bay.
West Georgia Street, the most commonly known ‘Coal Harbour’ indicator and also labelled Highway 99 is a bustling street that connects Vancouver with North and West Vancouver from the Lion’s Gate Bridge. Residential high-rises line this popular corridor that provides an excellent view all the way to Science World. Georgia street is also home to popular fitness facilities, Equinox and Steve Nash located in the middle of both the business sector of Coal Harbour and Residential. Find locally loved Lucky’s Doughnuts around the corner on Thurlow and Georgia offering up a cup of Parallel 49 coffee.
A couple blocks East of West Georgia, the neighbourhood continues on Pender Street, West Hastings and into Canada Way. Canada Way offers some of Vancouver’s most popular attractions including the Convention Centre, Fly Over Canada and the Fairmont Pacific – all dotted along the infamous Seawall. Heading down the seawall North provides access to small air services like Harbour Air flying to Vancouver Island, Tofino and Whistler.
Room for an outdoor lifestyle in downtown Vancouver
The Seawall offers some superb water views, excellent photo opportunities all nestled within the Coal Harbour Marina, or, just so do as Vancouverites do in the rain or shine, and enjoy a stroll, bike ride or run. Because of its close proximity to the Lion’s gate bridge, a quick drive to those North Shore mountains is never far away or a weekend away to Whistler. Cyclists rejoice as this neighborhood connects through to every area of the city with Seawall access, Bike lanes and accessible roadways.
Family friendly living in Coal Harbour
Enjoy the seawall and stop for dinner at Cardero’s or rooftop cocktails at The Lift or take the family for ice cream near the Coal Harbour Community CentreThis area is a bustling little neighbourhood in the heart of the city including perfect family oriented pit stops like a playground, Jack Poole Plaza with casual fare and perfect steps to read and watch the water.
Glitz of downtown Vancouver living
One block over from West Georgia, Alberni street makes an appearance as the upscale neighbourhood often associated with Coal Harbour. High-end residences and hotels like the Shangri-La, and boutique amenities line all of Alberni Street. Taking a stroll one can expect to enjoy grocer Urban Fare, Thierry– a patisserie offering Vancouver’s best macaroons, Versace, Rolex, KOBE’s, Shabusen for all you can eat sushi, Tiffany & Co. and more. There is no shortage of shopping and lifestyle amenities available here.
With a downtown core as walkable as Vancouver’s and weather that may be a little milder and often times wetter, there is always an outdoor moment to enjoy or trendy café or shop to take in refuge when the rain is a little heavier and Coal Harbour offers a plethora of each.
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