WEST END

Vancouver - British Columbia - CANADA

Getting around The West End

This page is an overview of the West End street layout and relation to the downtown core.

STREETS

Except for Thurlow (one way south) all streets in the West End are two-way. There are a number of traffic-calming breaks (no through traffic) on some streets and quite a few roundabouts (islands in intersections). The main east/west feeds into/from downtown affecting the area are Beach, Pacific, Davie, Nelson and Robson. The main north/south streets are Denman and Thurlow (south only).

There is lots of on street parking. Watch for zones restricted to residents with permits. On main arteries beware of rush hour prohibitions which are strictly enforced by towing. Parking is in metered(pay) spaces or in 1 & 2 hour zones, also enforced.

The following is a rudimentary map indicating the general street layout. It is best used as an enhancement to official maps found in travel books and pamphlets since the West End is rarely mentioned as a target area.

By bicycle

The fact that there are no streets with high speed traffic (max. 50kph), and many reduced speed zones in the West End makes it relatively safe for cyclists. PLEASE NOTE: Do not assume motorists know at all times the position of a cyclist around their vehicle. Cyclist must do their best to make their presence and intentions known.

City Bus Transportation

The main bus route relating to the West End is the Robson/Davie loop (see map below). It is made up of two components. Both originate & end up on Granville Street downtown so a trip into downtown is very easy to plan. The first component makes a right turn off Granville at Robson continues to Denman makes a left turn on Denman, a left turn on Davie, goes on to Granville where it makes another left turn completing the first circle. The second component makes a right turn off Granville at Davie continues to Denman where it makes a right turn, goes to Robson making a right turn and continues to Granville where it makes a left turn. Both components follow the same route in the West End but do so in opposite directions. That explains why two separate lines follow the same basic path. To locals it all makes sense but visitors can find it somewhat confusing.
Another West End bus route uses Beach Avenue to get into town.

By foot

The farthest corner of the West End from downtown (Beach Ave. at Stanley Park) is within 1 1/2 miles or 2 km to all parts of the downtown core. This puts any point in the West End within easy walking distance (30-45 min.) to facilities and attractions in & close to downtown. (see pictures on Page1 Introduction)