Under $50

If you’re on a budget and don’t need to stay right downtown, HI–Vancouver Jericho Beach (1515 Discovery St., Point Grey, 604/224-3208 or 888/203-4303, www.hihostels.ca, May–Sept., dorm bed $25, private room $65 s or d) is a good alternative. The location is fantastic—in a scenic and safe parkland behind Jericho Beach, across English Bay from downtown, and linked to extensive biking and walking trails. Inside the huge white building are separate dorms for men and women, rooms for couples and families, a living area with television, and a kitchen. Additional amenities include a cafeteria, public Internet access, lockers, left-luggage service, and a shuttle to the downtown hostels and rail/bus station. As always, those not members of Hostelling International pay an extra $4 per person per night. To get there, take NW Marine Drive off 4th Avenue W. and turn right down Discovery Street at the arts center.

$100–150

Tucked away near the south end of Pacific Spirit Regional Park is Pacific Spirit Guest House (4080 West 35th Ave., 604/261-6837 or 866/768-6837, www.vanbb.com, $115–125 s, $125–135 d), a well-priced bed-and-breakfast. Choose between the guest room with a king-size bed or one with garden views. All guests are welcome to relax in the lounge and help themselves to tea and coffee, or take advantage of the large collection of books and music in the library. In the morning, a huge, multi-course breakfast will set you up for a day of sightseeing.

On the southern edge of Shaughnessy, Beautiful B&B (428 W. 40th Ave., just off Cambie St., 604/327-1102, www.beautifulbandb.bc.ca, $145–255 s or d) is a Colonial-style two-story home on a high point of land where views extend across the city to the North Shore range. Both Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden are within walking distance. The house is decorated with antiques and fresh flowers from the surrounding garden. Two rooms share a bathroom, while the Honeymoon Suite features a fireplace, panoramic views, and a huge en suite bathroom complete with soaker tub.

© Andrew Hempstead, from Moon Western Canada, 3rd Edition