The West End, considered downtown west of Burrard Street, is the most densely populated area in all of Canada. This area consists of 15+ storey apartments, and is inhabited by young single urban professionals. This neighbourhood has several sunny beaches along English Bay, and is close to the many facilities and seawall in Stanley Park.

The West End lies south of West Georgia and is between Burrard and Denman Street, though some consider it extending out to Stanley Park. This neighbourhood abuts downtown, and has excellent connections to the SkyTrain. This neighbourhood also has excellent road access to the North Shore, via the Lions Gate Bridge or the Seabus, and south to Vancouver's International Airport. The West End is also close to St. Paul's Hospital.

Homes
Most of the housing is high-rise apartments and condominiums built since the 1960’s with some older wood frame 4-storey walk-up apartments.

Shopping
Robson Street is the chic shopping stretch in Vancouver whose eastern end is closest to the Pacific Shopping Centre -  the high-fashion district, with retailers like H&M and Holt Renfrew. Denman Street, known for its blue lamp posts signifying the route between Coal Harbour and English Bay, has many little shops and restaurants.

Recreation
The West End also borders on Stanley Park, one of Canada's largest urban parks and is home to the Seawall recreational pathway which winds past an urban old-growth forest, the Vancouver Aquarium, a pitch & putt (golf) course, and other attractions. English Bay has three pleasant beaches popular with swimmers and sun tanners in the summer. There's also an ice rink in the West End Community Centre. The neighbourhood has lively nightlife along Davie and Denman streets. Downtown also has a selection of movie theatres and nightclubs along Granville Street.

Schools
The West End is served by Lord Roberts Elementary School, Roberts Annex Elementary School, and King George Secondary School, and Joe Fortes Branch Library on Denman Street. Both Simon Fraser University and BCIT have downtown campuses.