Gay Vancouver Vancouver City Guide

When the morning mist clears, the sun hits the glass skyscrapers of the Vancouver skyline making the city shine like a kaleidoscope. The glare is softened only by the monstrosity of the North Shore Mountains dwarfing the city and lulling its active residents for morning trail runs through ancient forests. Then, the city begins to buzz as the tankers come into Canada’s biggest port and its diverse communities begin their days preparing the kitchens of Canada’s best food scene and opening the gallery doors of an effervescent art scene. As Canada’s most sought-after city, many dream of making Vancouver home and their international tourism flourishes year round. For your definitive Vancouver gay guide, you’ve come to the right place.

The best hotels in Vancouver

Let’s start this gay Vancouver travel guide with a roundup of the best places to stay in Vancouver. When it comes to hotels, we typically prefer to recommend a variety of brands, but in Vancouver, if you’re not staying at one of the four Fairmont properties, you’re probably doing it wrong. Fairmont has become synonymous with luxury and in Vancouver; visitors have four very different options to choose from, starting at the airport. The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is best experienced on arrival or departure, which can help with adjustment (depending on where one is flying in from) or makes sense for those early morning departures. Conveniently located inside the US departures terminal, the soundproofed luxury hotel and spa was recently voted #1 airport hotel in North America for the fourth year in a row. Rooms come with views of an active airport, so AV geeks will literally rejoice as they watch jets come and go, right from their bed. The Jetside Bar also provides a viewing gallery of sorts in addition to exquisite cocktails and tapas.

Within Vancouver city limits, the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel is located on the harbour front, which embraces a sustainable philosophy, with a “5Green Key” ranking by Green Key Global due to many of their initiatives including their rooftop pollinator hotel for honey bees, as well as their use of their own herb garden. Rooms here recently were renovated, and the views of Burrard Inlet and the coastal mountains from the property are breath-taking. The Castle in the City, also known as the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is a historic property that reflects the timeless luxury and history of the city. Situated in the heart of downtown, it’s located minutes from some of Vancouver’s biggest attractions. Inside the hotel lobby, high-fashion retail is available, including Gucci and Chanel. The brunch at Notch8 Restaurant & Bar is worth the entry fee but come with an empty stomach, as the tempting options are not limited.

The newest member of the Vancouver Fairmont collection is the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, which is a very different look and feel from the others. The sophisticated and contemporary features of the design and architecture will impress even the most finicky of hotel design connoisseurs. The suites here are designed for the elite traveller, including their new collection of Owner’s Suites, which incorporates elements of fashion, art and music. The Fairmont Gold lounge at this property is one for the record books and a must if staying here.

We understand that sometimes the smaller boutiques are the way to go; therefore we will include our favourites. The Loden Hotel is a 77-room luxury boutique with a modern feel and popular French bistro. Moda Hotel is in the upper-middle range of boutiques and is more reasonably priced, located near Robson Square. And the St. Regis Hotel (unaffiliated with the luxury brand) is another mid-range boutique in downtown with quaint yet modern rooms that come with free breakfast

Recommended hotels in Gay Vancouver - Vancouver