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.
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.
Lower Point Grey Road - Vancouver's street of dreams - the Golden Mile.... This is one of only 9 single family waterfront residences on this exclusive tree lined street. 17' high dramatic windows welcome you to the unobstructed views of the city, the North Shore Mountains and sunsets. Main level enjoys open floor plan with spacious living room, dining room and kitchen with breakfast nook opening out to a 2 level waterside deck and lawn area. The upper levels feature an oversized primary bedroom and ensuite w/ three other bedrooms an office and a 700sf rooftop patio! The lower level with rec room, wet bar and family room is a perfect retreat for the kids. Fantastic Vancouver lifestyle, easy access to all amenities, 2 car garage w/ extra parking on the driveway. A golden opportunity..More details
This is simply a world class property with plans & permits for a world class home. Evoke Architecture has designed an amazing 4400sf home, sitting on this waterfront 7,229sf lot, w/ sweeping 180 degree views of the North Shore Mountains & English Bay. This 2 year design and permitting process will save any prospective buyer not only time, but a considerable amount of money (Arch, Consultants, Demo, Cons Planning, Financing and City Fees). Natural Balance Home Builders is ready start the process in a matter of weeks, while still allowing any buyer to make cosmetic changes to suit their own tastes. Currently the plans feature a 4 car garage w/ car elevator & turntable, rooftop deck w/ hot tub, 28’ POOL, views from all 3 floors, & 4 bed, office, & den. Call for your private tour of the property. *Possible to reclaim 20% of lot size variance*More details
Listed by Stilhavn Real Estate Services and Oakwyn Realty Ltd.
Point Grey’s Golden Mile. This ready to build NOW waterfront lot has everything you need. Architecture by Measured, interiors by Sophie Burke Designs, landscape by Paul Sangha. All permits are in place, Eyco Building group is onsite. Take over this incredible project. All foreshore work has been done giving you a better view and peace of mind for years to come. Plans are for a 3200 square foot house maximized views and the absolute best finishings. Several years have gone into getting this ready to build.More details
A fantastic opportunity awaits at 3151 Point Grey Road. Breathtaking ocean, city & mountain views from all three levels and fabulous outdoor spaces including a sun-filled south facing patio/garden and entertainment sized waterfront deck - perfect for cocktail parties and summer dining al-fresco! Inside, the kitchen/family room with direct patio access boasts a thoughtfully designed layout that flows seamlessly into the dining room and sunken living room beyond. There are two bdrms up including a principal bedroom you will never want to leave complete with large walk in closet and ensuite bathroom and below is the third bdrm and office, both with walk out access to the fabulous waterfront deck.Three parking spaces in secure garage with plenty of storage completes this incredible offering.More details
Nestled along coveted Cameron Ave, this waterfront home is a canvas for luxury living spanning 3 levels that all capitalize on the breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and cityscape. The open-concept kitchen, dining, and living room seamlessly flow into each other, leading to an expansive waterfront patio providing a front-row seat to the ebb and flow of the tides. Upstairs is a sanctuary in the sky primary suite with a spa like jacuzzi looking out to DT Vancouver with floor to ceiling windows everywhere you look. Down you’ll find a large suite that could be transformed into 2 bedrooms, a family room, or suite for parents or teens. The prime location, coupled with its expansive design, presents a unique opportunity for a discerning buyer to transform this residence into a personalized haven, and the elevator makes it accessible for all. This is one of the few waterside homes on Cameron that comes with a garage, and it will fulfill all your aspirations for luxurious coastal living in Vancouver.More details
STUNNING WATERFRONT VIEWS ON PRIVATE & QUIET CAMERON AVE, one of Kitsilano's best locations. Enjoy views of English Bay, the Vancouver Yacht Club, & Bowen Island. Just a block to Jericho beach. This home was completely renovated with permits in 1987 then had tasteful upgrades in 2018 by current owners. Lovely open plan on the main with a bedroom/home office & 4 piece bath. Kitchen has granite counters, S/S appliances, heritage gas f/p surround, & balcony. Below are two bedrooms, a gorgeous ensuite off the principle bedroom, & an open family room with patios & decks down to the water. Above is a one bedroom with separate entry & kitchen, balcony, gas fireplace & plumbed for in suite laundry. Bring your architect,your renovation ideas, or just enjoy the great space. All offers considered..More details
The Cates Residence is a heritage masterpiece. Fully rebuilt with all the character of a Queen Anne Revival, but with the peace of mind of a new home, including a 2-5-10 year warranty. Gourmet kitchen, open concept living and dining room, spiral staircase, floor to ceiling windows to take advantage of the stunning views to the north. All this on prestigious Lower Point Grey Road.More details
Rare opportunity to buy on Vancouver’s “Golden Mile”. SPECTACULAR WATERFRONT HOME with sweeping views of ocean, mountains, downtown & sunsets from every level! Very open, bright & modern with floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows, 10 foot ceilings, 3 levels, 3 fireplaces, 3 bathrooms, double-garage & skylights. Large waterfront patio and outdoor living on each level. Lower level has large family room PLUS large flex area (perfect for 2nd bedroom). Move in or potentially build approximately a 2,764 square feet dream home using City of Vancouver’s Net Zero building guidelines and rent for $20,000/month (previous rental amount) in the meantime. Walk to Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, Jericho Tennis Club, parks and more. Call today. Easy to show. Note: 3319 Point Grey Road (3 doors east) sold in 2022 for $11 million (lot value), not on MLS.More details
A rare Broadway Plan Land Assembly opportunity, boasting a maximum floor space ratio (FSR) of 5.5, ideally positioned along the prominent Arbutus Street. This strategic location offers the potential for the development of an impressive 18-storey rental tower, complemented by retail spaces at the ground level. Notably, the fourth floor and above promise captivating water views of English Bay, adding to the allure of this project. Furthermore, its proximity of a mere 5 minutes to the upcoming Broadway & Arbutus skytrain station enhances its accessibility and desirability. Assemble with R2781823.More details
A rare Broadway Plan Land Assembly opportunity, boasting a maximum floor space ratio (FSR) of 5.5, ideally positioned along the prominent Arbutus Street. This strategic location offers the potential for the development of an impressive 18-storey rental tower, complemented by retail spaces at the ground level. Notably, the fourth floor and above promise captivating water views of English Bay, adding to the allure of this project. Furthermore, its proximity of a mere 5 minutes to the upcoming Broadway & Arbutus skytrain station enhances its accessibility and desirability. Assemble with R2781788.More details