Coal Harbour is the name of the Burrard Inlet south shoreline section between Stanley Park on the Brockton Peninsula on the west and the Canada Place cruise ship terminal on the east. It is also now the name of the neighbourhood adjacent to the shoreline within the City of Vancouver’s Downtown neighbourhood since its redevelopment for high-rise condominium residents in the 1990s. The Downtown Financial District is to the south beyond West Georgia Street, Burrard Street forms the eastern boundary, the shoreline is on the north, and Stanley Park to the west and north at the opening of the inlet completes the picturesque setting. A landscaped walkway for strolling or jogging lines the entire neighborhood.
Gritty History, Promising Present
The discovery of coal in the harbour in 1862 inspired the name. For many years, this area was mostly industrial, a place for shipyards, a seaplane plant, and a lumber mill. Railroads along the waterfront connected the industrial sites to inland suppliers. Industrial activity diminished after World War II and by the 1980s the area was little more than a wasteland with a railway switchyard its sole activity.
Change came with the reconstruction of Canada Place, originally an old cargo pier, for the Expo ’86 world’s fair. Recognizing the beauty of the harbour area with its views of the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver decided to rebuild the pier as an attractive, unique structure to commemorate the fair festivities. Redevelopment soon followed when in 1990 the City of Vancouver published a development plan to transform the industrial area into a residential waterfront neighborhood. One condition for prospective developers was creation of 2.75 acres of park land for every 1,000 residents. After 1995, new residential high-rise construction accelerated and in 15 years produced an entirely new neighborhood. Coal Harbour is the newest official neighbourhood of the City of Vancouver.
Coal Harbour Residents Association
An indicator of the interests and values of many inhabitants of the new official neighbourhood is the Coal Harbour Residents Association, which registered as a non-profit corporation in 2004 to maintain a high quality of life for its members. The association states its purposes as
To keep informed about life in the community,
To educate ourselves about improving the lives of all members,
To act collectively to bring about necessary changes,
To cooperate fully and honestly with whoever assists us in our community, and
Coal Harbour is within walking distance of the entire Downtown area, and for those with not enough time for walking buses and taxis are plentiful. The Seabus, which makes frequent 12-minute crossings of the inlet to North Vancouver, is conveniently available at the nearby SkyTrain Waterfront Station. Skytrain runs to stations in Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Richmond, and Surrey as well as Vancouver, so Coal Harbour local travelers have ready access by transit to all major areas of Metro Vancouver.
The city’s official development plan made a beautifully viable residential neighbourhood from a virtually deserted industrial dump. It has two cooperative housing buildings, market and subsidized housing, and some very high-end addresses. Some say the best way to see Coal Harbour sights is on the walkway, a paved path for pedestrians and bicycles starting at Canada Place. It connects with the seawall along Stanley Park and runs along Coal Harbour’s waterfront. The route has several small parks and can be quite lively near the marina, where there are restaurants and bistros.
Premium Coal Harbour Location! This luxury corner unit with panoramic views to Coal Harbour, Stanley park, Lions gate bridge, the marina & northshore mountains. Beautiful 3 Bedroom 2 Bath unit was renovated in 2023 including new flooring, fridge, washer ,dryer, bathrooms and painting. The building offers indoor pool, Sauna, Fitness centre and 24 hours concierge. Walking distance to Stanley Park and restaurants.More details
OPEN HOUSE 10am-1pm Friday April 26, 2024 - Rare opportunity to own Arguably one of the best sited buildings - Bayshore Gardens. PERFECTLY LAID OUT almost 1350 sqft, 2 bed + 2 Bath W/unparalleled sophisticated finishings & remarkable sweeping views of Coal Harbour, N Shore Mtns & the Marina. Nicely renoed with generous room sizes and a balcony to wind down at the end of the day and enjoy your glass of wine. AIR CONDITIONED home with a chef's kitchen, Dining area plus a Solarium/Den. This Dream home comes w/2 vehicle parking, storage locker, bicycle storage & Visitor Parking. Bldg amenities incl grand reception rm, 24/7 concierge services, gym, visitor parking, car wash & lush gardens/water features. This Coveted Bayshore Drive address is steps away from Stanley Park, the seawall and the shops and restaurants of Robson and Denman Street. TO SEE IS TO FALL IN LOVE.- OPEN HOUSE 10am-1pm Friday April 26, 2024More details
WATERFRONT VIEWS! Denia concrete building along desirable stretch of prestigious Coal Harbour. Almost 1,300 sq ft of living space with gourmet kitchen, breakfast bar, adjacent eating area w/ balcony overlooking the city. Well-laid-out 2 bed 2 bath & open-den corner unit w/ floor-to-ceiling windows offers both style & comfort w/ high-end appliances, central AC, gas fireplace, hardwood floors, heated bath floors! Secure parking and XL storage. Close to Stanley Park & seawall w views of The Harbour and the North Shore Mountains. For Denia residents, this is a complete lifestyle with 24-hr concierge service, swimming pool opening into the lovely courtyard garden & ponds, gym, party room, media room, library. Pet and rentals allowed. Book your private showing today.More details
The Ritz-Carlton, Coal Harbour presents luxurious living with Northshore-facing water park and mountain views, air conditioning, and concierge service. Features include 9-foot ceilings, a solarium, a gas stove and quartz countertop kitchen, and ample storage space. Residents have access to amenities such as a gym, indoor pool, and sauna. Kindly contact us to schedule a viewing. Please note that 24-48 hours' notice is required for showings with the tenant. There will be an open house on April 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.More details
Nested in the iconic PARADOX hotel & residences designed by Arthur Erickson in Coal Harbour, this home is the epitome of sophistication.Indulge in luxury with this exquisite 1-bedrm, 2 dens (one into a 2nd bedroom, 1 a walk-in closet), 2 full baths and panoramic city views, It boasts high-end featrs such as Arclinea kitchen system, Gaggenau appliances, BOSCH wash/dryer, air-con, radiant-heated ensuite bath. Elevate your lifestyle with exceptional amenities like indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, a well-equipped gym, and 24/7 concierge. Conveniently located, a short stroll takes you to renowned restaurants, upscale shops, skytrain, waterfront, and Stanley Park. Don't miss this unique opportunity to own a home that seamlessly blends comfort & opulence in the heart of Vancouvr's vibrant cityscape.More details