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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2325 LARCH Street in West Vancouver: Kitsilano Townhouse for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2871743
2325 LARCH Street West Vancouver V6K 1Y9 
$1,759,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2871743
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,147 sq. ft.
Welcome to your dream abode nestled in the heart of a tranquil neighborhood, presenting a rare opportunity to own a captivating coach house. This delightful 2 bedroom residence offers a perfect blend of modern comforts and historic charm. The well-appointed kitchen offers functionality and style, equipped with sleek European appliances and ample storage space. Adjacent to the kitchen is a spacious and comfortable dining area. The family room, generously sized, offers plenty of space for relaxation and entertainment. Outside, there are two expansive patios awaiting your enjoyment providing ideal spots for bbqs and soaking up the sun. Great location, short walk to Kitsilano's best restaurants, cafe's, shopping and the beach. No strata fees! Open House Sat 2-4pm and Sun 1-3pm More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd.
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3545 W 8TH Avenue in Vancouver: Kitsilano 1/2 Duplex for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2871262
3545 W 8TH Avenue Vancouver V6R 1Y8
$1,750,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2871262
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,452 sq. ft.
Experience the epitome of Kitsilano living with this front to back 1/2 duplex - we're on the quiet side! The large foyer provides a sense of arrival & organisation with access from both the main entrance & attached garage. Enjoy seamless indoor to outdoor living with two sets of French doors opening to the 500+ sqft patio. A cozy gas fireplace, powder room, office, open living & dining room with updated kitchen complete the main floor. Upstairs, two generously sized bedrooms await, each with its own ensuite. This property has been thoughtfully updated boasting fresh interior & exterior paint, and all new: roof, gutters & flooring. Embrace a turnkey opportunity to immerse yourself in the enviable Kitsilano lifestyle with this meticulously maintained residence. More detailsListed by Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3 2188 W 8TH Avenue in Vancouver: Kitsilano Townhouse for sale in "Canvas" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2870935
3 2188 W 8TH Avenue Vancouver V6K 2A4
$1,749,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2870935
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,417 sq. ft.
Presenting a unique opportunity to own at the highly desired Canvas! Step inside this 3 bed/2 bath townhome where modern luxury meets sophisticated design. The main floor offers a bright & open floor plan consisting of the living, dining & kitchen + custom built in storage by the entryway. Kitchen leads to S-facing PRIVATE 150 SQFT outdoor oasis - perfect for entertaining. Upstairs feats. 2 beds, 1 bath, laundry & storage room. Top floor is reserved for the magnificent primary bed w/custom built in closet & desk space, a WIC that leads to the lush spa-inspired ensuite, & private balcony. This inside unit creates a serene and secure atmosphere while the location provides proximity to shops & eateries along Broadway & W 4th - all while being close to Kits beach. 2 pkng incl. This won’t last! More detailsListed by Stilhavn Real Estate Services - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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203 3668 W 10TH Avenue in Vancouver: Kitsilano Condo for sale in "Raphael" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2802446
203 3668 W 10TH Avenue Vancouver V6R 2G3
$1,729,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2802446
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,081 sq. ft.
RAPHAEL- A curation of 35 exquisite residences in Point Grey. Designed by Rafii Architects and inspired by a European aesthetic; contemporary style seamlessly blends with traditional architecture. This 4-storey building features a marble facade, classical columns, and expansive windows. All homes come with private patios or rooftop terraces to extend your living spaces. Show-stopping interiors by Ste. Marie Design feature timeless details including Italian cabinets, marble stone countertop and premium Wolf & Sub-Zero brands. Thoughtfully designed closet systems with ample space in the main entry and bedrooms. Composed of marble-inspired floors and walls, granite countertops, and chrome fixtures, the ensuite beautifully contrasts materials for a lasting impression of refinement. OWN WITH 5% DEPOSIT! Call for more information. More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1848 W 1ST Avenue in Vancouver: Kitsilano Townhouse for sale in "Yorkville Mews" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2868048
1848 W 1ST Avenue Vancouver V6J 1G5
$1,699,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2868048
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,339 sq. ft.
One of a kind and perfectly situated, this rarely available townhome is the epicenter of Kitsilano living. Sharing its blossom-lined street with award-winning restaurants, flower shops and cafes, it’s also steps from Kits Beach, the Arbutus Greenway and walking distance to downtown. Comprised of 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a sky-lit kitchen, spacious living area with vaulted ceilings & wood burning fireplace, this sophisticated offering is flooded with light and finished with sumptuous detailing. Off the living room, french doors open out to Juliet balconies, perfect for people watching and reminiscent of a Parisian pied-a-terre. The generous & airy primary bedroom boasts a spa-like en-suite complete with Kohler multi-jet Hot Tub. Spend relaxing summer days on the private 500 sf sun-drenched rooftop terrace with outdoor kitchen & shower. Designed for enjoyment & entertaining, don’t miss this beachside perch. The Kits lifestyle is just a turnkey away. Open Saturday & Sunday 2:30-4:30pm More detailsListed by Royal LePage Sussex - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
