Kitsilano Life
A Vancouver Beach Neighbourhood
The Kitsilano westside neighbourhood of the Canadian City of Vancouver in British Columbia is on the shore of English Bay on the north between the flanking neighbourhoods of Point Grey at Alma Street on the west and Fairview east at Burrard Street on the east. West 16th Avenue is the southern border with the neighbourhoods of Dunbar, Arbutus Ridge, and Shaughnessy. Notable neighbourhood landmarks are the Burrard Street Bridge, a five-lane, Art Deco style, steel-truss bridge constructed in 1932 to connect Kitsilano to Downtown Vancouver, the splendid Kitsilano Beach, and the Maritime Museum and MacMillan Space Centre, both in Vanier Park near the beach. Kitsilano hosts the annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Bard on the Beach outdoor Shakespeare festival, and Celebration of Light fireworks competition.
Mostly residential with commercial areas on West 4th Avenue and West Broadway, Kitsilano’s population was 40,595 according to the 2006 Census, a 2.5-percent increase from 2001. English is the dominant language of area residents followed by Chinese; however, French, German, Greek, Japanese, and Spanish are not uncommon. About 75.0 percent speak English as their native language, 4.5 percent Chinese, and 3.2 percent French. The 2006 neighbourhood median household income was $53,455, and 21.3 percent of residents live in low-income households.
Historical Development
Vancouver streetcar lines once had a loop at Arbutus & Cornwall, making the beach area easily accessible from the new city, then still mostly on the small Downtown peninsula on the north side of the Burrard Street Bridge over False Creek. The Lulu Island Railway opened an interurban line from Downtown Granville & Pacific streets to Richmond via Seventh Avenue and Arbutus Street through Kerrisdale in the 1890s, putting more of the neighbourhood within easy range of Downtown.
An inexpensive neighbourhood in the 1960s, Kitsilano attracted many countercultural residents from across Canada and the USA and became with Gastown one of two such city neighbourhoods gentrified in later decades. Easy access to Downtown Vancouver and walking distance to parks, beaches, and ever popular Granville Island in Fairview have made the neighbourhood very desirable. Following the days of the counterculture, many environmentalists came to Vancouver. Greenpeace opened its first office in Kitsilano in 1975 as did the Green Party of British Columbia in 1983.
Information Links:
http://shopwest4th.com/
http://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/kitsilano.aspx
http://kitscc.com
Parks and Beaches
Kitsilano has seventeen parks, six playgrounds, an off-leash dog park, and one of Vancouver’s finest, most popular beaches with a franchise restaurant, the heated, salt-water outdoor Kitsilano Pool open from May to September, longest (137 metres/150 yards) swimming pool in Canada, and the Kitsilano Showboat, which has operated since 1935 as essentially an open-air amphitheatre with free performances from local bands and dance groups to entertain residents and tourists and showcase amateur talent.
No New Beach Bicycle Trail for Now
After months of vocal opposition and a lawsuit, the Vancouver park board in February 2014 gave up on plans for a new $2.2 million bicycle trail through Hadden Park and Kitsilano Beach and directed its staff to improve safety on the present trail through the parks. Opponents obtained in November 2013 a court order enjoining the board from breaking ground on the project until the case against it could be heard fully. An opposition spokesman said she was happy that “we won’t be putting blacktop through our precious green space.” The discontinued proposed project would have completed the city’s Seaside Greenway route from Coal Harbour to Jericho Beach Park on English Bay in the Point Grey neighbourhood several miles west of Kitsilano Beach.
New Kitsilano Live MLS Listings
Kitsilano Life: A Vancouver Beach Neighbourhood
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2060 - 2062 TRAFALGAR Street in Vancouver: Kitsilano House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2855257
2060 - 2062 TRAFALGAR Street Vancouver V6K 3S6 
$2,588,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2855257
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,913 sq. ft.
Spacious 1912 craftsman home on a beautiful tree lined street, steps from 4th Ave. The semi-circular porch entry leads to welcoming large foyer. This home has room for all to live and enjoy the space & location, from relaxing in the Livingroom , dining with all of your friends & family in the dining room where double glass doors open on to an amazing bright deck. Pocket doors led from the they foyer to a charming bedroom/ den. The main floor also has a 2nd bedroom. Upstairs one of 3 bedrooms has a semicircular deck & fabulous tree top outlook. Character charms from stain glass windows, period light fixtures, and hardwood floors. The ground level features a 2 bedroom legal garden suite with a private fenced south garden. OPEN sunday April 7 1-3pm More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3226 W 7TH Avenue in Vancouver: Kitsilano House for sale in "KITSILANO" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2868291
3226 W 7TH Avenue Vancouver V6K 2A2
$2,580,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2868291
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 2,093 sq. ft.
Discover this cozy Craftsman home nestled in desirable Kitsilano. Sitting on a spacious lot close to 40ft wide, it features a south-facing backyard ideal for soaking up the sun. Updated in 2019, this home boasts modern comforts including AC, radiant floor heating, & a gourmet kitchen with an oversized island perfect for entertaining. The open concept layout enhances its welcoming atmosphere, while the 5-piece bathroom with a steam shower offers a spa-like experience. Enjoy the durability and style of large format tiled flooring throughout, complemented by new windows in 2019 & a new roof added in 2012. The large, sunny backyard, adorned with eco-paved walkways, promises endless outdoor enjoyment. Preparations have been made for a 3rd floor, allowing for an addition of 3br's + 2baths. More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1959 W 15TH Avenue in Vancouver: Kitsilano Townhouse for sale in "Self-Managed" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2853083
1959 W 15TH Avenue Vancouver V6J 2L2
$2,578,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2853083
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,634 sq. ft.
An incomparable, detached, executive Carriage house situated on a quiet, leafy street, bordering Shaughnessy and Kitsilano. Upon entering this 1635 s/f open plan, custom West side home, one is greeted by a cathedral Valor f/p, Shinnoki privacy slat wall and two east/west patios. Unheard of 12’9 main level ceilings create a commanding luxury, perfect for entertaining or quiet evenings at home. Quality is built into every facet of this property and is reflected in the materials: Shinnoki millwork, matching oak hardwood floors, full built in Fisher Paykel appliance package and custom copper fixtures. No elevators, discrete access from private enclosed garage, simple low-cost strata, allowance for two dogs. One block to Arbutus Greenway for traffic free dog walks and bike rides to Granville Island. Easy access to the airport. Leave the chaos of downtown behind and come home, ensconced in safety, privacy and manageable luxury. OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MARCH 17TH FROM 2:00-4:00PM More detailsListed by Engel & Volkers Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1959 W 15TH Avenue in Vancouver: Kitsilano Condo for sale in "Self-Managed" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2853226
1959 W 15TH Avenue Vancouver V6J 2L2
$2,578,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2853226
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,634 sq. ft.
An incomparable, detached, executive Carriage house situated on a quiet, leafy street, bordering Shaughnessy and Kitsilano. Upon entering this 1635 s/f open plan, custom West side home, one is greeted by a cathedral Valor f/p, Shinnoki privacy slat wall and two east/west patios. Unheard of 12’9 main level ceilings create a commanding luxury, perfect for entertaining or quiet evenings at home. Quality is built into every facet of this property and is reflected in the materials: Shinnoki millwork, matching oak hardwood floors, full built in Fisher Paykel appliance package and custom copper fixtures. No elevators, discrete access from private enclosed garage, simple low-cost strata, allowance for two dogs. One block to Arbutus Greenway for traffic free dog walks and bike rides to Granville Island. Easy access to the airport. Leave the chaos of downtown behind and come home, ensconced in safety, privacy and manageable luxury. Showing by appointment More detailsListed by Engel & Volkers Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2373 W 7TH Avenue in Vancouver: Kitsilano 1/2 Duplex for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2870762
2373 W 7TH Avenue Vancouver V6K 1Y4
$2,528,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2870762
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 1,525 sq. ft.
Selling Front Eastside Unit of Brand New Boutique Triplex in the heart of Kitsilano. Close to future Arbutus Sky Train Station(long-term future development potential by TOD Plan). 3 Bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms. Top floor spacious office area(could be 4th Bedroom) with en-suite full bathroom is the special feature of this unit along with almost 800 sqft Huge Private Backyard. Radiant heating plus heat pump (cooling & heating) and HRV. This unit comes with One underground parking(EV), own storage locker(50 sqft) & bike locker. Modern lighting fixtures and premium windows. Modern entertaining kitchen with custom made cabinets, high end quarts countertops, top of the line appliances, Fisher Paykel, LG and wine cooler. Public Open April 20/21(Sat/Sun) 2-4 pm More detailsListed by Regent Park Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
