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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3308 TRUTCH Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale in "ARBUTUS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2571886
3308 TRUTCH Street Vancouver V6L 2T4
$6,481,818Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2571886
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,609 sq. ft.
This Stunning 6 bed, 5.5 Bath Modern Oasis, located in the heart of Arbutus is a stones throw away from Carnarvon Park & within the Catchment area for Carnarvon Community Elementary School, Prince of Whales Highschool and many private school options. An entertainer's delight, this home boasts open concept living w/ 10'ft ceilings, spice kitchen, wine cooler, stone counter tops, hardwood flrs & Indoor-outdoor sliders connecting you to the beautifully manicured outdoors. The legal suite downstairs has been partially converted into gym - can remain as so w/ space for guests or convert back for a full income suite. Master bedrm has generous oversized patio with gas f/p and views of the north shore mountains. Don't miss your chance to own this unique & perfect home for your family. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4035 PUGET Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2564185
4035 PUGET Drive Vancouver V6L 2V3
$5,790,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2564185
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,246 sq. ft.
Panoramic view of water, city & mountains! House sits on high side of quiet Puget Drive, over 4,200sf quality home features 6 bdrms & den, 6 baths. Close to Prince Of Wales Secondary School, Trafalgar Elementary, St George’s, UBC, Shopping and Transit. Showings by appointment only. Showings on every Wednesday from 11:00am to 2:pm. More detailsListed by Regent Park Fairchild Realty Inc. - 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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2395 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2574860
2395 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L8
$5,590,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2574860
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,139 sq. ft.
Well-Maintained custom home on a bright corner lot. Over 4100sqft 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, wine room and bar. 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 school and parks. Call to experience this wonderful home today! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast 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®# R2558941
2717 W 29TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1X8
$5,250,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2558941
- 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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3215 TRUTCH Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2573658
3215 TRUTCH Street Vancouver V6L 2T3
$4,988,800Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2573658
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,921 sq. ft.
Beautifully remodelled 6 bdrm,5 bath family home in Van.'s finest location. Excellent school catchments -Carnarvan elementary & Prince of Wales secondary. Enter into a grand foyer with spiral staircase & sitting area. Entertainment size liv.rm &din.rm. offers gleaming hardwood floors thru-out & gas f/p. Extra bedroom/office on main floor. Recently renovated bright gourmet kitchen boasts high end appliances- a real chef's delight! Kitchen extends to family room with gas f/p, opening up to a southern exposed yard with sundeck and stunning elegant patio- perfect for entertaining ,bar b qs & summer nights. There's another side yard- perfect for the kids -basketball and play area. Upstairs is the Master bedroom with a walk in closet , another closet, & incredible serene spa ensuite. Three more bedrooms upstairs plus 2 full baths & mountain views! Downstairs offers amazing media room, full kitchen, bedroom with ensuite and enormous games/rec room, and wine cellar. Can be used as a separate suite. Call to view More detailsListed by Heller Murch 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®# R2570756
3894 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2X2
$4,988,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2570756
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,030 sq. ft.
View, view, view! Breathtaking 180 degree views from every level of the house! This beautiful character home has been substantively renovated since 2017. It features 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Excellent condition with new exterior stone walls and 3 year new roof! Newly upgraded kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steal appliances. Hard wood flooring throughout, and much more! The property is located on a quiet cherry blossom street. Top school catchment: Trafalgar Elementary & Prince of Wales Secondary. Easy access to arbutus commercial center, mins drive to UBC and beaches! Showings through private booking only. Covid health protocol applies. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2411 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2577558
2411 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1G6
$4,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2577558
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,113 sq. ft.
Beautiful Custom Built Quality Character Homes by European Builder. Best area in Arbutus gives you luxurious modern living. Features include: High ceiling, extensive use of h/w floor & granite thru-out, 7 generous bdrms & den, 6.5 baths, large gourmet kit and Wok Kit w/maple kit cabinetry, top of line appls, home theatre, wet bar, in-floor radiant heat, A/C, HRV, Newly upgraded TV surveillance security system, securely-fenced yard, covered patio and 4 car garage. one or two bdrm Mortgage helper in basement. Minutes walk to Trafalgar Elem, P&W Highschool. Close by St. George's and York House Private School. More detailsListed by Power House Marketing Inc. - 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®# R2568576
4248 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2X6
$4,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2568576
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,015 sq. ft.
4 Bdrm, 4.5 Bath Dream Home w/unobstructed, panoramic views of the entire City, Water & Mtns! Big 50 X 129.38 Lot. Extensively updated (2004) w/only the BEST, incl. A/C w/ HRV, solid cherry wood flrs, Chef’s Kitch appliances & much more! Spacious living spaces w/flat finished ceilings & wall of windows leading to a wrap around deck. Gourmet Kitch by InTempo w/soft close solid cherry wood cabinets, gas/electric stove, dbl wall oven, 36”Freezer & Fridge & Lg Is. w/ b/in nook. Modern sky-lit office on main floor to work from home or use as a guest bdrm. Retreat to the private bdrms below w/picture glass windows. Relax in the Mst Bdrm w/gas f/p & ample walk-in closet space! Rec room leading to a low maint patio w/garden & deck. Close to the BEST schools, transit, parks. 3 car detached garage More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
