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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3191 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2773149
3191 W 19TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1E8 
$7,880,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2773149
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,680 sq. ft.
Introducing a stunning, contemporary home nestled in prestigious Mackenzie Heights, featuring a sophisticated & elegant design w/ a host of lavish amenities, incl. complete Savant smart home sys. Expansive windows throughout provide ample natural light, creating an inviting ambiance. The main level offers spacious living areas, dining room, & a German Bulthaup kitchen + wok kitchen, plus additional primary bed w/ ensuite. The top floor is composed of the other 2 primary beds both w/ ensuites, a rooftop deck w/ custom outdoor kitchen & stunning views of the mountains. The lower level consists of a games room, theatre room & bedroom, or relax in the hot tub, sauna or steam shower. The backyard is beautifully landscaped w/ modern concrete 2-car garage that boasts a massive glass wall showcasing your yard & car collection. This home is perfect for those who seek the pinnacle of elegance and comfort. More detailsListed by Stilhavn Real Estate Services
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2428 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2756526
2428 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L9
$6,680,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2756526
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,825 sq. ft.
PREMIUM QUALITY, GORGEOUS HOME IN ARBUTUS LOCATION. Over 4,800 sq.ft living space with 2 bdrms suite at basement on a over 7500+ lot with south facing yard. This beautiful home offers supreme finishing workmanship, quality is built into every details, hardwood floor, high ceiling, open plan layout, gourmet kitchen with high-end cabinetry, top of line appliances huge granite center island, large wok kitchen with extra fridge. Home theatre, wine bar, auto climate control wine room, steam bath, sauna, guest suite. 4 huge in suite bedrms upstairs. Step away to Trafalgar Elem. close to St. George Crofton Private school and UBC. Call today and book your private showing! More detailsListed by Metro Edge Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2225 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2770714
2225 W 21ST Avenue Vancouver V6L 1J4
$5,990,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2770714
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 3,862 sq. ft.
A diamond in the heart of Dunbar! This exquisite home offers craftsmanship finishing give a feeling of Modern and Elegant living. Open concept chef's kitchen with high end appliances, centre island, custom storage design and a separate spice kitchen, marble flooring throughout the main floor. Upstairs master suite with spacious walk-in closets & 5 piece master bath which provides a spa-like retreat w/steam shower, plus 3 ensuite bedrooms. Private setting, A/C, theatre room, wet bar, sauna and so much more. 4 car detached garage provide extra storage space. Close public or private schools, St. Georges, York House, Crofton, UBC, golf courses, downtown is about 10 min drive. Openhouse on Sat (June 10), 2-4 PM. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3229 TRUTCH Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2785230
3229 TRUTCH Street Vancouver V6L 2T3
$5,990,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2785230
- Bedrooms:
- 10
- Bathrooms:
- 10
- Floor Area:
- 5,924 sq. ft.
GORGEOUS custom-built Villa, sits on a corner lot in prestigious area Arbutus & designed by the award-winning Karin Bohn. 5924 sqft living space includes LANEWAY HOUSE (924 sqft) with 2 bedrooms suite & 3 bdrms super designed basement suite in basement! Offers quality supreme finishing workmanship & fixtures. Huge gourmet kitchen w/ high-end cabinetry & top-of-line appliances, media room with designer wet bar, sauna/steam room, radiant heat flooring, A/C, private fenced yard with basketball court (meets all your outdoor entertainment needs), ROOFTOP deck with breathtaking mountain views, primary ensuited bdrm on main flr is perfect for seniors. Just steps away from Carnarvon Elementary, transit & park. Centrally located & close to many amenities, shops, restaurants etc. More detailsListed by Dracco Pacific Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3894 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2746918
3894 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2X2
$5,888,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2746918
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,030 sq. ft.
A house taken out of a Disney Movie! Experience breath taking 180 degree ocean, city, and mountain views. Located on an exceptionally quiet and tranquil street. This beautifully taken care of home sits on a 4,100 sqft lot and features 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The seller has recently changed the roof and added an eye catching stone wall surrounding the entrance. A recently upgraded kitchen, upstairs flooring, and master bathroom compliment the classic stain glass windows and beautifully finished original hardwood floors. Come experience this home in person and be transported into a world of classic high class living. Close to shopping, top private schools, and UBC. Catchments: Trafalgar Elementary & Prince of Wales Secondary. More detailsListed by Dracco Pacific Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3650 TRAFALGAR Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2776591
3650 TRAFALGAR Street Vancouver V6L 2M2
$5,688,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2776591
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,246 sq. ft.
Well-Maintained custom home on a bright lot. Over 4200sqft of spacious living space, luxurious finishings, gorgeous contemporary open floor plan and high ceilings. Main floor features large living, dining and an enormous kitchen and family room that overlooks the garden backyard. Custom kitchen cabinets, top-of-the-line S/S appliances and wok kitchen for the chef. Upper floor with 4 bedrooms and a master with spa-like ensuite. Lower level features 2 bedrooms, media room, laundry room, huge Recreation Room. Fully fenced and landscaped. Other features include hardwood floors, HRV, air conditioning, large patio, extensive use of granite and marble throughout. Great location - close to Trafalgar Elementary school ,Prince of Wales Secondary and parks. More detailsListed by LeHomes Realty Premier - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3118 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2768278
3118 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1H8
$5,390,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2768278
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 3,782 sq. ft.
This quality custom-built home has a spacious south-facing backyard and stunning north mountain views . The open floor plan boasts a bright & spacious living space, a gourmet kitchen with Miele & Gaggenau appliances, granite countertops, Control 4 system, marble tile flooring throughout ground floor . 4 opulent bedrooms, with ensuite bathrooms, ensuring maximum comfort & convenience . Fully finished basement includes 2 bedrooms +bathrooms, perfect for hosting guests or as a mortgage helper, as well as a spacious family room, sauna room, and laundry area . A 3-car garage & 1 outdoor parking . Closed to top-rated schools, transit, parks & downtown . Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a home of this caliber . Book your private showing today and discover the ultimate in luxury living. NEXT SHOWING on JUNE 2 by appointment only with 24hr+ notice. More detailsListed by Jovi Realty (Richmond) Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3839 ARBUTUS Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2767339
3839 ARBUTUS Street Vancouver V6J 3Z9
$5,380,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2767339
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 4,411 sq. ft.
This custom-built home is located in Arbutus close to transit, shopping, Trafalgar Elementary school, General Gordon Elementary school, Prince of Wales Secondary school, and UBC. This luxury home features a bright interior finish, a spacious modern kitchen, a separate wok kitchen, high vaulted ceilings, a rooftop outdoor patio with an amazing view, a media room, and recreation room with a wetbar for entertainment. Upstairs features 4 ensuite bedrooms, the basement features 2 bedrooms and a bathroom for a legal suite, and a 2 bedroom within 2 living room in laneway house which can be also rented. Open house: Sat, 5/6, 2-4pm. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3630 TRAFALGAR Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale in "ARBUTUS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2777756
3630 TRAFALGAR Street Vancouver V6L 2M2
$5,190,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2777756
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,338 sq. ft.
A spectacular luxury home in Arbutus featuring over 4,300 sqft of spacious living on a 53x120 lot. Main floor offers open living & dining areas, a large office, gourmet kitchen with Sub-Zero & Wolf appliances including a WOK kitchen & mud room. 10 ft ceilings, large windows & H/W floors throughout. Top level features 4 spacious bedrooms & 3 ensuites, spa inspired master bathroom & large W/I closet. Basement contains a fully finished 1 bdrm suite with laundry, a large media room, wine room, rec room & powder room. 4 covered parking. This home is designed with exquisite finishing's and lots of potentials. Walking distance to Trafalgar Elementary and PW Secondary. Best location to access everywhere. Tenant Occupied. Showing by appointment only. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Masters Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2318 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2766692
2318 W 18TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1A8
$4,988,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2766692
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,658 sq. ft.
Exquisitely designed and meticulously created, this stunning home in the coveted Arbutus location offers the epitome of luxurious and modern living. With attention to detail and premium finishes throughout, including high ceilings, granite and walnut hardwood floors, this 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home boasts a grand foyer, gourmet kitchen with high end appliances, home theatre, wet bar, A/C HRV, TV surveillance, and a private covered deck with southern exposure. Located within the catchment of top schools such as Prince of Wales High School and Trafalgar Elementary School, and close to prestigious private schools like York House and St Georges, as well as UBC and public transit, this home is a must see for discerning buyers. Open house 2-4pm June 11. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
