Arbutus, an affluent residential neighbourhood in Vancouver’s West Side, extends from 16th Avenue on the north to 41st on the south and from Mackenzie Street on the west to Arbutus Street on the east. A mature community with stately homes on large lots between tree-lined streets interspersed with quiet neighbourhood parks and with clear views of the nearby mountains to the north, Arbutus in the middle of Vancouver’s west side has easy access to Downtown, the University of British Columbia, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, and the seaside areas of Kitsilano and Jericho Beach. Most of the population of about 16,000 live in single-family homes. Neighborhood schools are Prince of Wales Secondary School, Carnarvon Elementary School, and Trafalgar Elementary School, which conducts a French immersion program.
Historical Notes
Ironically, this affluent neighbourhood was once the “Asthma Flats” in the late 1800s and early 1900s, little more than a swamp traversable by plank walkways. As in much of Vancouver, the Canadian Pacific Railway brought commercial and residential development to Arbutus Ridge after 1888, when the province turned the area over to the railroad. The Arbutus line remains adjacent to Arbutus Street throughout the east side of the neighbourhood though now abandoned and unused. Arbutus Ridge became a municipality of the City of Vancouver in 1929
Mackenzie Heights in the southwest corner of Arbutus Ridge was in 1912 the first area of the community to start large-scale residential development. Not until the 1940s did developers haul sand from False Creek to fill in the Asthmas Flats for construction of property improvements on the bottom lands.
High Property Values
The single-family home at 2805 West 19th Avenue may look like a bungalow but in fact has six bedrooms and two bathrooms on three levels. A good home and investment, the house has a full basement with a two-bedroom suite which could bring in substantial income. Built in 1942, the 2,310-square-foot home lists for $1.598 million. Annual property taxes are just over $6,000.
Many shops and amenities are within walking distance: a Starbucks coffee shop, Choices Market, La Buca Italian Trattoria, Trafalgar’s at Sweet Obsession, and the Jamaican-inspired Patty Shop. The home is close to Prince of Wales secondary and Carnarvon and Trafalgar elementary schools, and to transit stops just steps away.
Canadian Pacific Controversy
The Arbutus Corridor is marred by train tracks that have not seen a train for years. Cyclists and environmentalists lobby for conversion of this 11-kilometre strip to use as a greenway. The Canadian Pacific Railway owns the land but the city won the legal right to determine land use zoning in a 2006 court decision. The city’s long-term 2040 Transportation Plan describes the Arbutus Corridor as “an east-west barrier.”
Canadian Pacific has asked more than 15,000 people and businesses to remove any property along the train tracks in the Arbutus Corridor as it continues its review of the rail line. No trains have used the line since 2001. The City of Vancouver, which has the last word on use of the corridor, says it is against a return of heavy rail, but residents fear that Canadian Pacific may intend to resume it.
Community Vision PlanIn November 2005, the Vancouver City Council approved the Arbutus Ridge-Kerrisdale-Shaughnessy Community Vision Plan, which seeks to retain the historic and mature character of the area and to further improve the community by:
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New Arbutus Live MLS Listings
Arbutus in Vancouver, BC
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3369 TRUTCH Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2527893
3369 TRUTCH Street Vancouver V6L 2T3 
$6,899,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2527893
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,420 sq. ft.
FIRST TIME ON THE MARKET. Located in the central Arbutus area, 1 min walk to Carnarvon Elementary School. Big lot with spacious layout. Built by well-known local developer, designed for family use, fine craftsmanship, rare to find on the market. BOOK YOUR PRIVATE SHOWING TODAY! Due to COVID, showings are available on Wednesday only. Thanks for understanding. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp.
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3979 PUGET Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale in "MacKenzie Heights/Arbutus" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2545911
3979 PUGET Drive Vancouver V6L 2V3
$6,588,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2545911
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,602 sq. ft.
PHENOMENAL CUSTOM DESIGNED, sitting high up on The Prestigious Puget Drive! Quiet enclave of Exclusive Executive homes. STUNNING VIEWS Ocean, Mountains & City. Designed for owners by the renowned Architect, Ted Murray, w/an elegance that appeals to all! A flair for unique high-end finishings, yet functional for today's families. ENTER with a sense of CALM! Features: artistic beveled glass staircase, fabulous climate controlled 100 bottle wine display. A Dream Gourmet Kitchen w/Wolf/Subzero appliances, massive island! Entertainment sized open plan both inside & out, whether you are on the main level OR the Rooftop deck, w/outdoor kitchen. Total 4 bedrms 4.5 baths. Lower level Media family room! PLUS Laneway! Built 2017. Smart home w/Control 4 automation. AC/38x122 lot/ Shown by private appt More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2181 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2527045
2181 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L4
$5,699,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2527045
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,133 sq. ft.
Dream luxury home on a beautiful tree-lined street in one of the city's most desirable areas Arbutus. Craftsmanship & high-end materials throughout. Offers 4133 SF living space, marble tiles & hardwood flooring throughout, high ceilings on all levels, Chef's kitchen is equipped w/ professional SS appliances MIELE. 4 ensuited bdrms upstairs. Basement features huge recreation, media room, wet bar / wine room, 2 bdrms & sauna/steam room. AC, HRV, radiant heating, Smart Home System & 2-5-10 NHW. Just steps from Trafalgar Elementary, park & transit. 5 mins drive to Arbutus shopping centre, Arbutus Club, Prince of Wales Secondary, York House, Little Flower Academy & Shaughnessy Elementary. Quick access to the Broadway corridor with any services/shops, UBC, beach parks, Kerrisdale Village etc. More detailsListed by Dracco Pacific Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2717 W 29TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2538191
2717 W 29TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1X8
$5,498,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2538191
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,885 sq. ft.
This one-of-a-kind architectural gem was originally built in 1972 and then extensively renovated in 2014 using modern construction techniques and materials such as exposed poured concrete walls, polished concrete floors, frameless triple paned windows, and horizontal cedar siding; all with a goal of staying true to the original design. The main floor is open and split into three levels cascading from the kitchen to the dining room to the living room ending on an expansive terrace - all offering views to the Burrard inlet. The Lower Level, has three bedrooms and a den including a fabulous master suite with floor to ceiling windows overlooking a terrace and reflective pond and offering views to the North Shore mountains. One final flight down is where the home office and gym can be found with sliding glass doors opening to the garden level patio with a gas fire pit. In floor glass panels, an outdoor fireplace, a custom glass 200+ bottle wine room, and a single attached garage complete this amazing home. More detailsListed by Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4248 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2522523
4248 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2X6
$5,380,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2522523
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,951 sq. ft.
RARE OPPORTUNITY, UNOBSTRUCTED & PANORAMIC VIEWS OF WATER, CITY, MOUNTAINS, MAGNIFICENT CUSTOM BUILT HOME DESIGNED BY WELL KNOW ARCHITECT KINGSLEY LO. EXCEPTIONAL, GORGEOUS almost 4,000 sq.ft. sit on a big lot 50 x 129.38 (6,469 sq.ft.) and substantially renovated in 2004 to it's highest standard, open floor plan layout, extensive used hard wood floor throughout, gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinets & high-end appliances such as Miele and Sub-Zero fridge, granite center Island counter top. Total 4 bedrooms & den, 4.5 baths, radiant floor heating, A/C at the main floor, media room, sauna, views from all 3 levels. CLOSE TO PW HIGH SCHOOL, TRAFALGAR ELEMENTARY, CROFTON, YORK HOUSE, ST. GEORGE'S PRIVATE SCHOOL, UBC, TRANSIT. MUST SEE ! DON'T MISS ! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2507 W KING EDWARD Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2546144
2507 W KING EDWARD Avenue Vancouver V6L 1T5
$4,888,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2546144
- Bedrooms:
- 8
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 4,809 sq. ft.
This prestigious dwelling forms a unique haven of refuge with exceptional quality. Located at a prime residential address in the Arbutus area. The resplendent, detached property presides over a discreet, terraced land plot with a level garden. The 9-room 8-bath residence captivates with beautiful sequences of rooms which includes a 2-room legal suite, in addition to a serine 2-room 677 sf LWH. The commodious interiors and terraces each boast varying views overlooking the garden. Features incl. over-height ceilings, fireplace, hardwood flooring, A/C, & in-floor heating. A dream kitchen is highlighted by large granite surfaces. 3 bdrms on the upper incl a master w/walk-in closet & elegant ensuite. The LWH and the legal suite are elegantly designed and comfortable. More detailsListed by Engel & Volkers Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2266 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2532049
2266 W 21ST Avenue Vancouver V6L 1J5
$4,780,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2532049
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,109 sq. ft.
Wonderful Arbutus custom built 3 storey home on a 6100 sq ft (50' * 122') lot with a south backyard. Elegant design with functional floor plan features 5 bdrms and 6.5 bath with 4100 sq ft luxury living space. Detailed craftsmanship throughout, Gourmet kitchen with wok kitchen equipped with top of the line appliances. High ceiling in living room, 4 spacious bedroom up including master ensuite with jacuzzi. Basement is nicely furnished with a cozy recreation room, Gym Rm, Steam, Wine Celler & home theatre with built in sound system A/C, HRV, 4 car garage, new home warranty etc. School Catchment: Trafalgar Elementary & Prince of Wales Secondary. More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2969 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2504265
2969 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1M9
$4,350,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2504265
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 3,654 sq. ft.
Most Desirable Arbutus location at highly ranked Prince of Wales Secondary school catchment. Over 3,650 sf of spacious living space. This gorgeous custom built house features grand foyer with high ceilings, 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, spacious gourmet kitchen with high end cabinetry and top of line appliances. Enjoy modern style of luxury living, wet bar, wine cellar, sauna, steam bath, home theatre, radiant floor heat throughout, HRV, A/C. PRICED TO SELL! More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty Westmar - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2917 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2523766
2917 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1H6
$4,288,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2523766
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,663 sq. ft.
This gorgeous house sits on large 42' x 122' lot in Arbutus. Supreme finishing & craftsmanship throughout. Designed to provide best contemporary living space of over 3600 SF, including granite tile & hardwood flooring thru-out, kitchen w/ top-of-the-line appliances & custom cabinetry. 3 ensuited bdrms upstairs. entertainment recreation room w/ wet bar, steam shower / sauna room, 2 bdrms & media room in basement. Features: smart home system, A/C, HRV, secured fenced yard , 3-car garage etc. Just walk steps to Carnarvon Elementary, park & transit. Easy access to Arbutus shopping, W 4th & Broadway shopping street, UBC & much more. Schools nearby: Prince of Wales Sec., Trafalgar Elem., York House, Little Flower Academy etc. More detailsListed by Dracco Pacific Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2688 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2520899
2688 W 19TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1C9
$3,800,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2520899
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 3,598 sq. ft.
This 52x120 CORNER lot is centrally located in the desirable Arbutus. The floor plan encompasses 6 spacious bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms with plenty of room for study, sleep and storage. The gourmet kitchen with quality appliances has all the counter space you could ever want which flows thru to the eating area and SE facing backyard. Grand foyer w/high ceiling, HOME THEATRE, H/W floors thru out & a self-contained studio with a separate entrance on the main level. 4 spacious bedrooms (2 ensuites) on the upper level, lots of space for a growing family or a perfect investment property, easy to rent out all the rooms. Easy access to UBC, Arbutus & Broadway shopping, St. Georges, Crofton and York private schools. SCHOOL catchment: Trafalgar Elementary & P. W HIGH. More detailsListed by Nu Stream Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
