Robert WebbEver get that cozy, artsy vibe strolling through Mount Pleasant? Did you know this ‘hood was once a brewery haven? That’s why in this guide, we’re spilling the beans on all things Mount Pleasant.
There are quirky cafes, street art galore, and a vibe that screams “local.” Ready to dive into the heart of this vibrant community? Grab your toque and let’s navigate Mount Pleasant’s charm.
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know About Mount Pleasant in Vancouver
- It was home to a weird bicycle-racing oval
- It has a number of significant buildings
- It's a hipster's paradise
- There are a ton of murals around
- It's one of the city's most renowned places to live
- It's very community-focused
- The West Coast influence is very strong here
- Hops can still be found growing near the old breweries in the area
- Main Street is the spot for diverse eats
- There's plenty of parking
- How to Get Around
- What to Do in Mount Pleasant
- Where to Stay in Mount Pleasant
- Where to Eat in Mount Pleasant
- Where to Shop in Mount Pleasant
- Apps to Download for a Trip to Mount Pleasant
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Mount Pleasant is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is mild so there’s a lot of opportunity to explore the area.
However, be aware that this is also the busiest time of year, so expect larger crowds and a line at restaurants and shops.
Things to Know About Mount Pleasant in Vancouver
It was home to a weird bicycle-racing oval
Back in the day, Mount Pleasant was home to this quirky bicycle-racing oval suraced with yellow cedar. It was built in 1954 for the British Empire Games and was torn down to make room for the Vancouver Community College’s King Edward Campus.
It has a number of significant buildings
Mount Pleasant’s history is etched on its streets. It’s got a lot of seriously significant buildings on the Vancouver Heritage Register that have been there for as long as the late 1880s.
- Ashnola Apartments, 2152 Main Street
- Royal Bank (former)/Goh Ballet, 2345 Main Street
- Lee Building, 151-189 East Broadway at Main Street
- Bank of Montreal, 2490 Main Street
- Belvedere Court, 2539 Main Street
- Wenonah Apartments, 2703 Main Street
It’s a hipster’s paradise
If you’ve got a beard and a penchant for craft coffee and unique finds, you’re in the right place. Mount Pleasant is a bonafide hipster’s paradise. It’s home to cool cafes, hip breweries, independent shops, record stores, and vintage clothing stores.
There are a ton of murals around
Mount Pleasant has over 100 murals scattered throughout the neighborhood. Seriously, you can’t turn a corner without spotting some mind-blowing murals.
In fact, here’s a map to help you navigate and discover all the incredible artwork in Mount Pleasant.
It’s one of the city’s most renowned places to live
Mount Pleasant is on everyone’s “dream neighborhood” list. In fact, it’s been listed as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world by Time Out, coming in at number 40.
Living in Mount Pleasant rocks because it’s smack dab in the middle of everything. You can hit up downtown in around 10 minutes if traffic’s playing nice, and there are plenty of bus routes that’ll get you there in 15-25 minutes.
It’s very community-focused
Mount Pleasant is all about the people. It’s a very lively neighborhood. Neighbors are like family, and we look out for each other. It’s that warm fuzzy feeling you can’t quite put into words.
The West Coast influence is very strong here
The West Coast influence at the restaurants here at Mount Pleasant is evident in the use of fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Diners can expect to find dishes such as Pacific Northwest salmon, Dungeness crab, and fresh oysters.
Hops can still be found growing near the old breweries in the area
Home to several dozen craft breweries, the Mount Pleasant neighborhood has a rich history and tradition of brewing beer. Many of these breweries take pride in using locally sourced hops, which can still be found growing near their establishments.
Main Street is the spot for diverse eats
Main Street has everything you need. Variety is the name of the game, with options ranging from aebleskiver to vegan takes on a wide selection of familiar dishes.
There’s plenty of parking
Believe it or not, parking is a breeze here. No circling the block a million times. They’ve got plenty of spots – it’s the little things that make life sweet in Mount Pleasant. Here’s a handy parking map for ya.
How to Get Around
- Trains: hop on the Skytrain – it’s a breeze. The city’s train system is quite extensive, as it could take you all around Vancouver, Metro Vancouver Surrey, and other neighboring cities.
- Buses: TransLink buses travel throughout the day, covering a large portion of the city and stopping at designated locations.
- Taxis: Need a cab? No prob. Yellow Cab and Black Top & Checker Cabs got you covered. They’re all about reliable rides.
- Car service: Roll with Uber or Lyft for a private cruise. Your own wheels, your own way. They’re in the city, ready to roll when you are.
What to Do in Mount Pleasant
Take a Photo of the Iconic Mount Pleasant Clock
Address: 2404 Main St #2300, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C9, Canada
Over on Main Street stands the Mount Pleasant Clock, a beauty added to spruce things up in the ’90s. Crafted by Raymond Saunders, who, by the way, also worked his magic on the Gastown Steam Clock.
You can pop over to the other side, plant yourself in the middle, and either have a buddy snap your pic or go all solo and take a selfie with the clock. It’s a must-do.
Chill out at the Dude Chilling Park
Address: 2390 Brunswick St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3L8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
Dude Chilling Park lives up to its name, man. The vibe here is so laid-back, making it the ultimate chill-out spot. Convenient as heck, and ideal for a leisurely morning dog stroll.
Bonus: It’s right by Mount Pleasant School, boasting a solid playground and spacious fields.
Snuggle with Kitties at Catoro Cafe
Address: 666 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-423-2987
Catoro is this adorable café where you can snag a one-hour slot for $18 to hang out in their cat sanctuary. You get to play, snap pics, pet, and just chill with the cats.
Tip: Hit it up in the morning when the cats are in full play mode. And trust us, go for one of the Catoro signatures—it’s worth it.
Enjoy a Day of Brewery Hopping
Mount Pleasant is a craft beer haven, boasting a dozen breweries that whip up a diverse range of small-batch brews. Fun fact: Back in the day, this area was Brewery Creek, and folks have been brewing beer here since the 1880s.
Check out our top brewery picks:
- 33 Acres Brewing Company: A spot with a broad range of in-house craft beers, plus coffee and tasty grub.
- Main Street Brewing Co.: Not just about the beer, they’ve got a hefty food menu to complement their IPA, craft brews, and more on tap.
- Brassneck Brewery: Dive into their excellent beer selection, featuring a rotating tap lineup that you can enjoy on-site or take home.
- R&B Ale & Pizza House: Pouring their own brews, including special batches, and serving up a variety of pizzas to round out the experience.
Hang out at Mount Pleasant Park
Address: 3161 Ontario St, Vancouver, BC V5T 2Z1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
Mount Pleasant Park really shines with its stunning garden area, meticulously designed to showcase a burst of colors and scents as different flowers and plants take their turns to bloom throughout the seasons. It’s like a living, breathing canvas.
Despite its size, this central greenspace packs a punch in terms of amenities. You’ve got a bunch of benches and picnic tables scattered around, making it a cozy spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Where to Stay in Mount Pleasant
Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre
Address: 711 W. Broadway, Heather St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Y2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-879-0511
Pricing: $
Great location, super close to the Skytrain, and the rooms are sweet for the price. When you crash at the Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre, you’re smack in the middle of the action, with rooms that give you views of the inlets, city, and mountains.
Oh, and the breakfast at Stages Bistro and Lounge is a game-changer. They’ve got this killer buffet going on until 11 am on weekdays, and noon on weekends and holidays. It’s just $21, covering all the classic brekky faves.
Granville Island Hotel
Address: 1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-683-7373
Pricing: $$
Don’t let the humble outside fool you—if you step into this hotel, you’ll be greeted by charm and jaw-dropping views of False Creek. And here’s a major plus: you can swing those windows wide open, not just give ’em a tiny crack.
The rooms are pretty fancy, decked out with modern decor. And if you go for the fancy penthouse upgrade, you’ll snag a room with floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. Plus, some rooms even come with balconies.
JW Marriott
Address: 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-676-0888
Pricing: $$$
JW Marriott’s rooms are all about creating a chill vibe, rocking fresh tones and an open layout. They’re modern, stunning, and the design is on point—slick yet comfy.
And check this out: the location is spot-on, and you can pretty much stroll to wherever you want. Bonus, they’ve got bikes you can grab to cruise around the city.
Hampton Inn & Suites
Address: 111 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2A8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-602-1008
Pricing: $
Hampton Inn & Suites is right in the heart of things and super handy, just a quick 5-minute drive to Mount Pleasant. They’ve got a bunch of cool stuff, like a spa area, gym, terrace, meeting rooms, and a chill lobby.
Now, the breakfast isn’t exactly a five-star feast, but it’s pretty solid with a good variety. And here’s a neat deal: if you head out in a certain direction each day, they’ve got a shuttle ready to give you a lift.
YWCA Hotel
Address: 733 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-895-5830
Pricing: $
At the YWCA Hotel, you’re getting what you shell out for. It’s a quick 4-minute jaunt to the Stadium-Chinatown Skytrain Station, offering straightforward rooms, a café in the lobby, meeting spaces, and TV lounges.
The rooms have a sleek setup—warm wood tones and modern furnishings. They’ve got mini-fridges, work desks, and shared bathrooms to keep things practical.
Where to Eat in Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions
Address: 67 W 6th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1K2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-416-2830
Pricing: $$
Walk into Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions, and it’s like stepping into a 1960s living room—total retro vibes and laid-back ambiance. It’s a groovy spot, decked out in 70s decor, dripping with nostalgia, and bursting with bold flavors.
The eats and drinks are a trip in themselves. Those smoked olives? City’s best. And the Gucci cocktail? Yeah, that was our top pick—seriously interesting and downright delicious.
Tocador
Address: 2610 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-620-2433
Pricing: $$
Hit up this fantastic kitschy bar for one of the best weekend happy hours in Mount Pleasant. The grub is top-notch, giving you a taste of Mexico. It’s a bit pricier than your average joint, but we’d say it’s worth the splurge.
We dove into the Sunday brunch menu, and let us tell you, the Cabeza de Gato was next-level awesome. Packed with flavor, piping hot, and just the right portion size, all paired with a refreshing guava soda.
Burgoo
Address: 3096 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-1441
Pricing: $
Burgoo is this snug and inviting spot that perfectly mirrors the comfort food they serve up. It’s like a home away from home, dishing out comforting, homestyle eats that hit the spot. The menu reads like a lineup of your typical family brunch favorites.
Go for the BBQ ribs. They’re tender, and that sauce? A sweet kick that we absolutely dug. Oh, and don’t sleep on the Kentucky Burgoo. The lamb in there is so tender it practically melts in your mouth, and paired with the mac and cheese.
The Cascade Room
Address: 2616 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-709-8650
Pricing: $$
The Cascade Room, hanging out on Main Street, is this awesome joint with a killer happy hour. They’re packing a hefty lineup of beers on tap and even have cocktails on tap, giving you a whole bunch of choices to keep refreshed.
Our go-to combo? Poutine, wings, and potato wedges. The poutine is legit top-notch, and the wings and wedges hold their own in the greatness department too. Solid choices all around.
The Pleasant
Address: 2434 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2, Canada
Pricing: $
The Pleasant has great vibes, with the best selection of local beer and a pool table. There’s many seating options that can accommodate all group sizes – even a private event space.
Our top pick? Get the pork belly tacos. They’re spicy, tasty, and they just look so mouthwatering that you won’t be able to resist.
Where to Shop in Mount Pleasant
Much & Little
Address: 2543 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-709-9034
This snug place is a treasure trove of carefully curated goodies—think high-quality clothes, candles, accessories, jewelry, home goods, decor, and even items for the little ones.
While it leans toward the pricier side, it’s all about supporting local artisans. It’s the perfect spot for snagging meaningful gifts or a quick card run when you’re in a pinch.
Stoxx Thrift & Vintage
Address: Kingsgate Mall, 370 E Broadway Unit 118, Vancouver, BC V5T 4G5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-875-9691
This thrifters’ haven sits snugly within Kingsgate Mall, and it’s a goldmine of curated vintage clothing for both men and women—all at reasonable prices. Seriously, the selection is massive.
Each rack is a well-organized treasure trove, making it a breeze to stumble upon some fantastic and rare finds. The shop itself is roomy and complements the vibe with some classic tunes.
Gather The Shop
Address: 109 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1W1, Canada
Phone: +1 778-835-2844
This gorgeous spot boasts a meticulously curated array of new, preloved, and vintage treasures. It’s a haven filled with original, high-quality second-hand items spanning kids’ stuff, women’s apparel, and home goods.
Pulp Fiction Independent Bookstore
Address: 2422 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-876-4311
Pulp Fiction Independent Bookstore is a gem with a well-curated mix of new releases seamlessly blended into the shelves. The front section showcases the latest books and magazines, while the back is a treasure trove of old classics.
The real charm? Interacting with the wonderful book dealer—leading to delightful discoveries of new books, authors, and genres. It’s a book lover’s dream.
The Corner Store
Address: 2601 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-602-1668
The Corner Store, formerly known as “Complex,” is our go-to spot for an incredible array of sneakers and thoughtfully curated clothing. It’s the epitome of a streetwear boutique.
They’ve got that magic touch, keeping things fresh with regular additions to their curated collection. It’s not just a store; it’s a source of inspiration for you to switch up your personal style.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Mount Pleasant
Vancouver Transit Live: provides real-time bus schedules as well as live updates on buses approaching stops near you.
Uber: arrange a ride anywhere in Vancouver. Allows you to track the driver’s whereabouts in real time on the app and provide an anticipated arrival time.
Street Food Vancouver: Locate the nearest food trucks on a map, along with their operating hours.
Maps.me: offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation are available for free.
