Although the city is quite compact, each area has its distinct character and accommodation options. All our recommendations are within easy reach of transit that will take you to the major attractions, though if you choose to stay outside of the downtown core, a car will still be the easiest way to tour neighborhoods on the West Side or North Shore. Hotels with a water view are coveted and get booked up well in advance, as do some of the heritage bed-and-breakfasts you'll find in the more fashionable neighborhoods such as the West End. The "downtown Eastside" is the poorest postal code district in Canada, and not a place for nighttime strolls unless you want to witness a drug deal in a back alley—which is why we don't list any hotels in the area. Most of the Eastside's population stay put though you will certainly notice panhandlers on street corners, most of whom are harmless and are usually chased away by authorities before the day gets under way. More »