Vancouver Guest Guide: Coal Harbour’s Essential Stops

Coal Harbour is one of Vancouver’s quieter and more scenic downtown neighbourhoods that still features a large collection of sights to see and restaurants to eat at. This guest guide highlights some of the essential stops worth visiting in this Vancouver neighbourhood.

Attractions and Sights to see in Coal Harbour

Vancouver Convention Centre
1055 Canada Place

The Vancouver Convention Centre has been the city and province’s flagship convention centre since opening in 1987, generating economic and community benefits as it elevates Vancouver as a global convention destination of choice. More than just for conventions, the centre features a collection of British Columbian art projects and installations and various public events. With a six-acre living roof and an on-side blackwater treatment plant, the centre is designed with the latest environmentally sustainable features and technology while featuring a breathtaking view of Vancouver’s mountains across the water.

Seawall and Stanley Park Bike Ride

While we mentioned Vancouver’s seawall in our Yaletown Guest Guide, the seawall section by Coal Harbour is more suited for a bike ride rather than a leisurely stroll like Yaletown’s seawall section. You’ll find that the majority of people visiting Coal Harbour’s seawall will be on bike rather than on foot, taking in the gorgeous view as they loop around the downtown waterfront towards Stanley Park. Starting from Coal Harbour, you’re able to ride around the entirety of the Stanley Park (approximately 10km) and loop around all the way back to Coal Harbour, or continue on towards English Bay and Yaletown. If you don’t have a bike available, you can find multiple bike rental companies right on Coal Harbour’s seawall like EzeeRiders and the Seawall Adventure Centre, along with a Mobi bike station at the Coal Harbour Community Centre.

Coal Harbour’s Top Restaurants

Cardero’s Restaurant
1583 Coal Harbour Quay

Cardero’s Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Coal Harbour due to its lovely menu and gorgeous views. Sitting right on the dock by the waterfront, this restaurant serves fresh and local seafood, stacked burgers, and classic comfort dishes, all available on a beautiful marina-side patio. The menu has a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options, along with a brunch menu available on the weekends. Along with the gorgeous views and delicious food, you’ll find live music at Cardero’s Restaurant every night starting at 8:30pm and on weekends from 3-6pm.

TAPshack Eatery
1199 West Cordova Street

The TAPshack Eatery is a restaurant right on Coal Harbour’s waterfront, with a focus on Canadian cuisine and local wines and craft beers. Serving up pacific northwest comfort food which is always locally sourced when possible, you’ll find a variety of seafood-based dishes along with freshly baked wood board pizzas. With happy hour Monday to Friday from 2pm until 5:30pm, you’ll want to swing by for the TAPshack’s selection of exclusively on tap local craft beers. Keep in mind that the TAPshack’s Coal Harbour location doesn’t accept reservations, so be sure to arrive early in order to secure a table!

Best Bakeries and Cafe’s in Coal Harbour

Breka Bakery and Cafe
812 Bute Street

Breka Bakery and Cafe is one of Vancouver’s favourite bakeries and cafes, with a wide selection of delicious pastries and baked goods. From San Francisco-style sourdough to sesame challah, you’ll find a variety of different bread loaves to purchase and take home, with freshly cut and made sandwiches served in-store along with just-baked croissants turned into delicious savory sandwiches. Open 24 hours a day every day of the week, you can walk into Breka Bakery and Cafe at any time of day or night and find something delicious! 

Waves Coffee
1198 West Pender Street

Waves Coffee is one of Vancouver and British Columbia’s best known cafes, which always uses only 100% specialty grade coffee beans that are purchased directly from small lot farmers. Founded in 2005 in the heart of downtown Vancouver, this Coal Harbour location still retains the classic style of the early Waves Coffee shops, with outdoor seating on the corner of Bute and West Pender street. With great coffee, a lovely location, and free wifi, Waves is a perfect place to stop by when you’re looking for a hot coffee. 

Grocery Stores in Coal Harbour

Urban Fare
305 Bute Street

One of Coal Harbour’s top grocery stores, Urban Fare stocks a collection of high quality and gourmet food products while also being home to a friendly restaurant and cappuccino bar at this location. Found on 305 Bute street, between West Cordova and West Hasting, Urban Fare is a great place to pick up any groceries you need, along with a freshly prepared hot meal to have there or take home for later.

Whole Foods Market
1675 Robson Street

Renowned for stocking the finest natural and organic foods available, Whole Foods Market on Robson Street between Cardero and Bidwell Street provides downtown Vancouver’s residents with access to a wide selection of top-quality products. Since the first Whole Foods Market opened in 1980 in Austin, Texas, the company has grown with the goal of serving the best natural produce and groceries to their surrounding community. With custom gift baskets, a self-serve mochi bar, and Amazon lockers for delivery pickups, Whole Foods Market is one of Coal Harbour’s best and most frequented stores to pick up groceries. 

Late Night Snacks in Coal Harbour

Bubble World
1325 Robson Street

While it’s often quite easy to find late night pizza or other fast food options, not every neighbourhood has late night Taiwanese cuisine like Coal Harbour does. Bubble World not only makes some of the best Bubble Tea in downtown Vancouver with a huge selection of slush and fresh fruit bubble teas, they also have a complete menu of Taiwanese dishes from spicy hot pots to various stir fry dishes. With arcade games, stylish art, and fantastic service until 11:30pm, this place is a great location for a late night snack or bubble tea.

7-Eleven 
1199 West Pender Street

While many other stores and shops will boast late hours and early morning service, few come close to matching 7-Eleven’s continuous 24/7 service. At any time of day or night you’ll find a mix of hot snacks and refreshing beverages, along with various household and essential electronic products. 7-Eleven’s friendly service and great selection of items make it one of the best places in Coal Harbour to pick up late night snacks.