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.
Prestigious, Executive Waterfront home at 'Shaw Tower'. This spacious, bright, 2000 sq. ft. home boasts unobstructed 180 degree Ocean, Mountain & City views overlooking Canada Place cruise ship terminal/Convention center/Olympic square. Architect James Cheng has designed a World-class environment with the security of a private water-filled lobby that has a 24 hrs concierge. Suites have 9 ft ceilings with interior designs by Robert Ledingham which incorporates limestone floors, granite counters, glass wall unsuits and layouts that maximize both the views and decks.More details
A stunning corner townhouse at One Harbour Green, one of the 3 most exclusive, prestigious & classic oceanfront towers in Coal Harbour, combining the best of both house & condo lifestyle. It features an amazing 500-sf rooftop patio. Only 2 THs have rooftop patios; this is the biggest one, w/ brand new cedar flooring & paint. Beautiful outdoor space on every level, w/ views of mountains & some ocean. The 3rd bedroom is a large, bright & open space on the top floor, including a full bath & can be comfortably used as a bedroom or office. Brand new carpets &paint. Luxurious finishes boast a kitchen by Snaidero of Italy & Miele appliances. An enclosed, double garage (16'10 ceiling, a storage room inside) is attached to the suite, ensuring privacy & convenience.More details
Rarely available Soulful sanctuary with forever unobstructed views!!! This exclusive executive waterfront property located on the golden mile features floor to ceiling windows, 9ft ceiling height, Hardwood floor, renovated kitchen and bathroom, A/C throughout, Steam shower, Full Library, 84 SqFt Balcony. Nested in award-winning strata displaying luxury amenities (24h Concierge, movie theatre, pool, hot tub, Boardroom, lounge) meticulously managed! The property has 3 parking with 1 EV charger, the Largest storage, and a Bike locker. This perfect location offers privacy, and serenity yet is very central with walking access to the Stanley Park, the Sea Wall, the Convention center, and the Seaplanes dock. dog & cat allowed. Rental allowed. Welcome to your home!!More details
Fairmont Pacific Rim, 5 Star hotel amenities with panoramic views! Arguably the BEST floorplan in the Building! Immaculate 2 Bed, 2 . 5 Bath. Rare upper floor corner unit, has a wrap-around balcony showcasing panoramic views of the mountain, Water, City. Entertain at ease in the sizeable livrm/dinrm with floor to ceiling windows & engineering hardwood flooing. The Chef ' s kitch is equipped w/Miele appliances w/5 burner gas stove, Sub Zero fridge & wine cooler in the island. Retreat to the separated bdrms, Primary bdrm w/ WIC, 5 pc exquisite bath lined w/Limestone & Second Bedrm w/full ensuite & access to the sprawling deck. Enjoy the resort style amenities incl lap pool, gym, meeting rms, 24 hr concierge.Two parkings and TWO lookers! 48 hours notice to show.More details
View ! View! View!World renowned Hotel & Tower, designed by Arthur Erickson has breathtaking unimpeded VIEWS of English Bay, North-Shore Mountains, Lions Gate Bridge & Stanley Park. One of the most sought after "03" unit is now available and comes with 3 bdrms & 3 FULL bathrooms, spacious sundeck to entertain and catch sunsets, high-end finishings which include ARCLINEA kitchen with GAGGANEAU appliances, CRESTON smart home system, AEG range hood, BOSCH washer/dryer, and much more! The 5-star hotel provides its residence with FIRST CLASS service & amenities including concierge & room service, valet parking, pool and gym, world class spa, and private jet experiences! BONUS OF 2 SIDE BY SIDE PARKING.More details