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.
If you are searching for 3 or 4 bdrm WATERFRONT VIEW residence in Downtown Vancouver look no further. This magnificent COAL HARBOUR residence been kept in IMMACULATE condition by 1st owner. FIRST TIME OFFERED FOR SALE, this home has never been rented and available for immediate occupancy! Residence offers one of a kind flr plan; a combination of 2 S-LOT brought into one spacious flr space prior to construction. Offering nearly 2500 sqft of opulent lvng space, this spectacular residence has it all. Stunning OCEAN, MOUNTAINS, CITY SKYLINE VIEWS along w/ 2 complete kitch each with top SS appliances and granite cntrtops. Separation btw bdrms are fantastic, allowing comfort & privacy. Spacious lvgn and dining rm and a casual family/media rm for large gathering/entertaining. Among many amenities are power shades, H/W floors, custom lighting, 9’ ceilings, AC, pre-wired for sound thruout & walls of glass that floods every rm w/ abundance of natural light. OPEN FRI JAN 27TH 10:30AM TO 12:00 - SUN JAN 29 2:00 TO 4:00 PMMore details
Shows beautifully! Truly one of the most impressive 3 bedrooms +3 bath, homes in ESCALA, Coal Harbour's most sought-after true luxury waterfront building. This unit has stunning, unobstructed views of Stanley Park, Burrard Inlet, North Shore mountains and Coal Harbour marina from every room. The current owner has remodeled the home in 2020 with high-end and luxurious finishing. Open plan with floor to ceiling windows, Living Space’s Italian cabinetries and breakfast bar, Mile appliances, shipped from Italy smoked white oak hardwood flooring, radiant floor heating in bathrooms, A/C, too many features to list. Two parking spaces and one locker. A solid building with 5-star hotel-like amenities, 24 hr. concierge, indoor pool, roof deck, theatre, lounge, and meeting rooms. Bring your discerninMore details
Amazing Coal Harbour Waterfront building. View, view, view! Stunning Panoramic water, mountain and park views. Two units combined into one total 3080 sq. ft. concrete high end building, 2 storage and 4 parking spots. Large and functional layout provides you with a comfortable and beautiful home. Many great features such as security system, 24 hour concierge, health club, gym, and more. Everything at your doorstep: seawall, marina, restaurants, shopping, public transport and Stanley Park. Great opportunity for self-use and as investment.More details
This World Class 2156 sqft sub-penthouse AVILA is located directly on the waterfront. With Panoramic views to Coal Harbour, Marina, Stanley Park and the mountains from the Living room and bedrooms is only steps away from the seawall. Enter through a lush courtyard to private elevators & 24 hour Concierge to ascend to your own suite. Spacious living & dining areas, custom kitchen with pantry and eating area, 3 gorgeous bedrooms including a magnificent master & spa-like ensuite, beautiful hardwood floor, elegant foyer & private powder room. Soaring ceilings, luxurious amenities, private gym, sparkling I/D pool, hot tub & 5 secured.More details
One of a kind!! Carina, waterfront living in Coal Harbour. Custom designed plan boasts 4 large bedrooms, office, living room, family room and separate dining room. Fabulous use of space, super bright and great north east and west views. The interiors are of modern sophistication; bamboo floors, large spa like bathrooms, granite, wood cabinets and Thermador/Gaggenau gourmet kitchen, air conditioning, solar screens complete this unique home.t. Building offers world class amenities, 4 parking spaces and a double storage locker.More details