KITSILANO BEACH is the hub of a thriving community. -- Tourism Vancouver photos

Vancouver's spectacular natural beauty has long been one of the main reasons about 8 million visitors flock to the city each year. But the West Coast destination also boasts several vibrant communities and areas, each with its own distinctive flavour and energy.

Whether you're travelling to the city for the first time, or are a regular visitor, be sure to spend some time in Vancouver's five coolest, trendiest and most interesting areas.

1. THE WEST END

Forget finding a parking spot in Canada's most densely populated neighbourhood.

The West End's three major thoroughfares -- Davie St., Denman St. and Robson St. -- house some of the city's coolest eateries, coffee shops and retail stores. Residents -- including western Canada's largest gay and lesbian population -- put up with the exorbitant rent because of these lively features, as well as their proximity to beautiful pathways along English Bay.

2. YALETOWN

Even 15 years ago, Yaletown wasn't a place you wanted to hang out much past sundown.

Dive bars and grimy storage facilities were the main tenants of the area's aging brick structures. But in the mid-90s, thanks to the Internet boom and an explosion of new money, Yaletown experienced a remarkable transformation as artists and yuppies alike began buying up studio space for work and residence.

These days, Yaletown is a favourite hangout for Hollywood types, thanks to several upscale and hip restaurants such as Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar, Circolo and Elixir, which is located in Opus Hotel, a boutique-style luxury hotel.

The once down at heel Yaletown is now a hipster zone.

Featuring contemporary and post-modern art and a funky, comfy layout, each of the hotel's 97 rooms and suites has its own unique look.

Jennifer Lopez stayed at the hotel recently, as have other notable music and film stars, including Christina Aguilera, Cher, Sarah Michelle Gellar and hubby Freddie Prinze Jr.

Some have accused Yaletown for being soulless and overpriced (food store Urban Fare is "the ultimate in yuppie supermarkets," cringed my sister Pam when asked her opinion of the area). Still, Yaletown is an excellent example of a city revitalizing its inner core.

3. COMMERCIAL DRIVE

Though slightly off the beaten downtown path, The Drive (as the locals call it) is a must-visit for any food lover.

The best part of Commercial -- between Broadway and Venables streets -- is easily accessed by the SkyTrain, which has a stop at the intersection of Broadway and Commercial in east Vancouver.

It's a culturally diverse area in which you can find cafes, ethnic and organic grocery stores and restaurants featuring Italian, East Indian, Spanish, Thai, Korean, Mexican, Vietnamese and vegan cuisine.

There's also a large hippie contingent that frequents the numerous health-conscious cafes and alternative clothing stores along the strip.

Grandview Park is a modest green space where scores of people and pets converge on warm, sunny days.

The Drive still retains a certain scruffy charm as it has yet to be gentrified, yuppified or trendified.

4. SOUTH GRANVILLE

Compared with the plethora of head shops, sex shops, nightclubs, bars, fast-food joints and panhandlers across the bridge on downtown Granville St., the sidewalks of South Granville seem gold painted.

Also known as Gallery Row, South Granville is the place to go if you're looking to purchase original artwork by local and international artists (definitely not the tacky stuff you find in Gastown), high-end jewelry and designer fashions. Not a bad place to people-watch either.

5. KITSILANO

Home to young professional families, students and aging hippies-at-heart, Kitsilano is a thriving neighbourhood.

Although it boasts one of the coolest record stores in Canada -- Zulu Records -- and the legendary vegan/ vegetarian restaurant The Naam, Kitsilano's claims to fame are the fantastic Kits Beach and Vanier Park.

BOTTOM LINE

Here are five more places not to miss in Vancouver:

GRANVILLE ISLAND: Walk, drive or take an Aquabus to this renowned market. Spend the afternoon shopping, then take in a play at Granville's Arts Club theatre.

TOMAHAWK RESTAURANT: Bryan Adams is said to have once been a busboy and dishwasher at this popular North Vancouver hangout. View artwork hanging from the walls as you chow down on a greasy spoon breakfast. (1550 Philip Ave.)

GROUSE MOUNTAIN: Hike or take the gondola to the top of this North Shore peak.

THE SEA WALL: Jog or take a relaxing stroll along the miles of waterfront pathway that border Stanley Park and West Van.

DR. SUN YAT-SEN CLASSICAL CHINESE GARDEN: Stunning in spring. (578 Carrall St.)

MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.tourismvancouver.com