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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2268 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2610761
2268 W 19TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1C4 
$6,890,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2610761
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 4,450 sq. ft.
Fabulous customized luxury home located in the most prestigious Arbutus neighborhood. Designed by the award winning Richard Kadulski & Lung Design Group, Functional layout with extensive use of fine materials & natural stone, a true beauty of craftsmanship. The main floor features a stunning spacious design, built in office, open gourmet kitchen with top line Miele appliances. 4 bdrm upstairs all with ensuites & a balcony attached to 2 of the bdrm. All rms include built in entertainment system & bed. The basement consists of 11 foot ceilings, an open home theatre, wine cellar, gym, a spa and sauna and an ensuite guest bdrm. The house contains 5 bdrm and 8 bthrm. Control4 automation system is installed throughout the house providing complete control of sound and light from your smartphone. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2137 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2628085
2137 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L4
$6,250,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2628085
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 4,842 sq. ft.
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS ! MAGNIFICENT HOME IN MOST desirable ARBUTUS LOCATION. Over 4,800 sq.ft. including 595 sq.ft. LANEWAY HOUSE with 2 bedrooms sits on beautiful landscaped lot 50 x 122 with SOUTH FACING. STEPS AWAY TO TRAFALGAR ELEM., PRINCE WALES HIGH SCHOOL, CLOSE TO YORK HOUSE, ST.GEORGE'S & CROFTON PRIVATE SCHOOL, UBC. This beautiful home offers supreme finishing workmanship, QUALITY is built into every details, hardwood floor thru-out, high ceiling, open plan layout, 7 bedrooms & den, 8 baths. Huge gourmet kitchen with high-end cabinetry & top of line appliances as MIELE, large granite centre island. HOME THEATRE, WINE CELLAR & COCKTAIL BAR, STEAM BATH, SAUNA, HOME SMART SECURITY SYSTEM, RADIANT FLOOR HEAT SYSM, A/C, HRV. Private fenced yard with PARK-LIKE GARDEN. 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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3458 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2633204
3458 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2W6
$5,990,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2633204
- Bedrooms:
- 8
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,280 sq. ft.
Enjoy the AMAZING Mountain & city VIEW from all floors of this Westcoast contemporary home designed by renowned EDG. Open flr plan w/ endless fine finishing and features. Impressive kitchen island, topline appliances, wine closet, 6 AV systems & more. Upstairs has 4 spacious bdrms w/ unique features. Master enjoys breathtaking views from massive windows, private deck & even from master spa ensuite. 10’ wide 3D theatre w/ 7.2 audio, play area, gym & more. The walkout bsmt leads to levelled and bright yard. Tucked at side of the home is a hidden 1 bdrm suite w/priv entry. This home has it all w/ bonus geothermal heat-ac, green features, video surveillance, amazing fireworks view + more. Property tenanted, photos were taken prior to Tenancy, furniture have changed. More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3508 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2615397
3508 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2W6
$5,450,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2615397
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,055 sq. ft.
Fabulous custom 5 bdrm home located in Arbutus with gorgeous mountain and city view. Designed by renowned architect Loy Leyland and built with top quality workmanship including: all top of the line appliances, classic oak & birch hardwood flooring, wood core Loewen windows with aluminum clad exteriors, solid French door, HRV, extensive use of crown mouldings, 11 ft high ceilings. Main floor features an open layout Gourmet chef kitchen with S/S Sub-Zero, Wok kitchen and entertaining sized family room. Upper floor has 3 spacious bedrooms and 1 den. Lower level has a 700-bottle wine cellar and a great recreation room plus a guest bdrm. 4-car garage. School Catchment: PW Sec & Carnarvon Elem. Open house Sunday December 12 2021 2-4PM More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - 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®# R2643178
2507 W KING EDWARD Avenue Vancouver V6L 1T5
$4,880,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2643178
- 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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4096 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2642623
4096 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2X2
$4,488,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2642623
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,021 sq. ft.
VIEW VIEW VIEW, This elegant / architecturally home with panoramic views of mountain / city / water in Arbutus neighbourhood. It offers lots of natural light, top quality workmanship, extensive use of marble and granite, hardwood flooring, chef kitchen with appliances. All 3 bdrms are ensuite upstairs, 1 bdrm on main & 1 bdrm on below floor. Family & living room opening to outdoor patio with built-in fireplace & BBQ. Lower level w/rec. rm & den & bdrm. Other features include: A/C, HRV, security system, large 3x garage w/extra pad for 2 cars. Just steps to Trafalgar Elem., Lord Kitchener Elem. & transit. Easy access to Arbutus shopping centre, Prince of Wales Sec., St. George's, UBC etc. More detailsListed by Dracco Pacific Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2403 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2623810
2403 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1G6
$4,200,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2623810
- Bedrooms:
- 8
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 3,716 sq. ft.
Perfect family home with 3700 sqft of interior space located on a quiet street in the Arbutus area. This 8-bedroom 7-bathroom house has a large 6207 sqft corner lot with south facing bright and spacious living spaces. Well-kept home offering an exceptional layout, granite countertops, wok kitchen, master spa, and extensive covered sundeck. Central location that is walking distance to Prince of Wales secondary and Trafalgar Elementary with shopping nearby. Link to video tour: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=x6w9V6kCjt6 More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2848 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2625584
2848 W 21ST Avenue Vancouver V6L 1K6
$3,998,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2625584
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 2,824 sq. ft.
Custom built home on a beautiful and quiet tree-lined street in prestgious Arbutus area. Over 2,800 sf of living space featuring 3 bedrooms up with all ensuite bathrooms. 10' ceiling on the main and up level. The customized huge roof deck with outdoor speakers overlooking the green tree tops. Gas pipe are ready for the BBQ. Gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line Miele appliances. Extensive use of granite counter tops, radiant heating in all three levels, air conditioning, HRV, security monitor system, etc. Lower level is ideal for entertaining which includes a home theatre. The sauna & steam system will make life more relaxing. Top school catchment: PW Secondary and Carnarvon Elementary. Close to shops, transit and short distance to UBC and beaches! More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4110 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2643869
4110 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2X6
$3,788,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2643869
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,001 sq. ft.
Property in prestigious highest area in Vancouver. 180+ degree stunning view of water, mountain and city; in winter season seeing the lights of all three skiing resorts.Meticulously updated and excellent layout offers 4 bedrooms (3 up and 1 at basement/land level) and 3 balconies with dining room and living room, den/office, gorgeous size media/movie room, etc.“Four seasons in the park” style high end open kitchen brings fabulous views to your table, with careful fitting of an electronic rolling curtain.Professional grade full wood wine cellar with constant temperature and humidity control system, Electronic drive-in&driveout gates; new hot water tank, newer roof, updated lights fixtures and so much more.Close to Prince Wales Secondary school, UBC and 3 top private school.Must SEE! More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3456 TRAFALGAR Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2607319
3456 TRAFALGAR Street Vancouver V6L 2L8
$3,780,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2607319
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,880 sq. ft.
Beautiful 5 bdrms 4.5 bathrooms family home which is located in the most popular Arbutus area of Vancouver West. High ceiling foyer, hardwood floor on main & up floors. Basement with separate entry can be easily converted to a suite as a mortgage helper. Kitchen & sundecks were totally updated in 2015 with all new appliances, new washer & dryer. All the bathrooms are updated in 2016. Roof & second floor sundeck & basement carpet was updated in 2012. First & second floor hardwood was totally updated in 2009. Steps away from public transit, schools & shopping. Carnarvon Elementary & Prince of Wales Secondary Catchment. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
