Stories and photos by Michelle Fedosoff (unless otherwise indicated)
B&Bs in Vancouver’s West (best) End
When visiting Vancouver, the West End is where you want to be. It is home to several beaches, golf courses, Stanley Park, shopping on Robson Street, the theatre, sporting events, and hundreds of options for dining. The majority of art galleries can be found in the downtown core as well as the touristy things like ghost walks in Gastown and Fly Over Canada. There is no better place in the city than the downtown for dancing. Available are several clubs offering a variety of music from Blues to Jazz to Hip Hop.
So while you are in Vancouver to enjoy all that it has to offer, consider staying in one of these charming B&Bs. All are conveniently located, within walking distance to almost everything.
O Canada House
O Canada House is a Victorian house built in 1897 located on a tree lined street walking distance to fabulous options for dining experiences.
In 1995 Jim Britton and Mike Brown started restoration on this historic home and in 1997 it was awarded the prestigious “City of Vancouver Heritage Award of Honour”. Not only did they save this wonderful home from destruction, but also saved a piece of Canadian history. O Canada House is the home where Ewing Buchan, in 1908, wrote one of the first English versions of Canada’s National Anthem.
The rooms are furnished and decorated in old world class and style with a touch of modern conveniences such as wireless internet. Breakfast is served daily. There are several options for accommodations; everything from a single room, a suite, or the garden cottage. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms.
Located at 1114 Barclay Street, Vancouver
OCanadahouse.com for reservations.
West End Guest House
West End Guest House was built in 1906 by the widowed Melora Edwards for herself and her unmarried children when the city of Vancouver was barely twenty years old. Over the following years, the family had a great many successes in portrait and documentary photography. West End Guest House has several of their historical photographs in the second-floor hallway for guests to enjoy.
The family was also involved with some very famous people, including Pauline Johnson, the famous Canadian Indian Poetess.
In 1964, ownership of the house changed hands and then in 1984 George Weigum and Charles Christie created the West End Guest House, Vancouver’s first large B&B.
WestendGuestHouse.com
English Bay Inn
English Bay Inn is situated west of Denman, a very desired area of the West End, within walking distance to English Bay and the Stanley Park Seawall as well as Denman Street for a variety of restaurants.
There are six room options ranging from a family suite, a single courtyard room, or a two level King loft. All have flat screen TV’s, ensuite bathrooms, and wireless internet. There is even an option to rent the entire house if a large party is traveling together.
Breakfast is served daily and is comprised of fresh fruit and a hot meal served with coffee, tea, and juice. Located at 1968 Comox Street, Vancouver.
EnglishBayInn.com
Barclay House
Barclay House is a refurbished and updated 1904 home that opened as a 5 star B&B in 2006. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, it is walking distance to Robson Street for shopping, the seawall for walking, several beaches, and many restaurants. Barclay House offers six options for suites, some with ensuite bathrooms, some with shared bathrooms. Wireless Internet and free parking are available to guests.
Your host, Dennis, is a flamboyant entertainer who has performed in several Broadway musicals such as Miss Saigon, My Fair Lady, and Evita, to name a few. Singing is his passion so you are in for a treat.
A hot breakfast is served daily between 8am and 9:30am in the dining room and in the afternoon, checkers, chess, or puzzles are available for guests.
Located at 1351 Barclay Street, Vancouver
BarclayHouse.com for reservations.
Take Your Pick of the Many Wonderful B&Bs in Vancouver
Staying in one of these well recognized but specialty B&B’s will afford you an experience unlike that of a hotel. Sweet Dreams.
