Arbutus, an affluent residential neighbourhood in Vancouver’s West Side, extends from 16th Avenue on the north to 41st on the south and from Mackenzie Street on the west to Arbutus Street on the east. A mature community with stately homes on large lots between tree-lined streets interspersed with quiet neighbourhood parks and with clear views of the nearby mountains to the north, Arbutus in the middle of Vancouver’s west side has easy access to Downtown, the University of British Columbia, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, and the seaside areas of Kitsilano and Jericho Beach. Most of the population of about 16,000 live in single-family homes. Neighborhood schools are Prince of Wales Secondary School, Carnarvon Elementary School, and Trafalgar Elementary School, which conducts a French immersion program.
Historical Notes
Ironically, this affluent neighbourhood was once the “Asthma Flats” in the late 1800s and early 1900s, little more than a swamp traversable by plank walkways. As in much of Vancouver, the Canadian Pacific Railway brought commercial and residential development to Arbutus Ridge after 1888, when the province turned the area over to the railroad. The Arbutus line remains adjacent to Arbutus Street throughout the east side of the neighbourhood though now abandoned and unused. Arbutus Ridge became a municipality of the City of Vancouver in 1929
Mackenzie Heights in the southwest corner of Arbutus Ridge was in 1912 the first area of the community to start large-scale residential development. Not until the 1940s did developers haul sand from False Creek to fill in the Asthmas Flats for construction of property improvements on the bottom lands.
High Property Values
The single-family home at 2805 West 19th Avenue may look like a bungalow but in fact has six bedrooms and two bathrooms on three levels. A good home and investment, the house has a full basement with a two-bedroom suite which could bring in substantial income. Built in 1942, the 2,310-square-foot home lists for $1.598 million. Annual property taxes are just over $6,000.
Many shops and amenities are within walking distance: a Starbucks coffee shop, Choices Market, La Buca Italian Trattoria, Trafalgar’s at Sweet Obsession, and the Jamaican-inspired Patty Shop. The home is close to Prince of Wales secondary and Carnarvon and Trafalgar elementary schools, and to transit stops just steps away.
Canadian Pacific Controversy
The Arbutus Corridor is marred by train tracks that have not seen a train for years. Cyclists and environmentalists lobby for conversion of this 11-kilometre strip to use as a greenway. The Canadian Pacific Railway owns the land but the city won the legal right to determine land use zoning in a 2006 court decision. The city’s long-term 2040 Transportation Plan describes the Arbutus Corridor as “an east-west barrier.”
Canadian Pacific has asked more than 15,000 people and businesses to remove any property along the train tracks in the Arbutus Corridor as it continues its review of the rail line. No trains have used the line since 2001. The City of Vancouver, which has the last word on use of the corridor, says it is against a return of heavy rail, but residents fear that Canadian Pacific may intend to resume it.
Community Vision PlanIn November 2005, the Vancouver City Council approved the Arbutus Ridge-Kerrisdale-Shaughnessy Community Vision Plan, which seeks to retain the historic and mature character of the area and to further improve the community by:
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New Arbutus Live MLS Listings
Arbutus in Vancouver, BC
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4422 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2664426
4422 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2X6 
$8,850,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2664426
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,455 sq. ft.
UNOBSTRUCTED WATER, MOUNTAIN, CITY VIEW! PANORAMIC VIEWS from all 3 levels! Custom-built home in the most desirable prime Arbutus. This gorgeous home sits on a 6,435 SQFT lot with 4,455 sf of luxurious living space.5 bedrooms + 7 baths. School Catchment: Prince of Wales Secondary and Trafalgar Elementary. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2576 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2649857
2576 W 18TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1B1
$6,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2649857
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,218 sq. ft.
5 Years contemporary architectural located on a corner lot along a beautiful tree lined street in the prime Arbutus Ridge. The exterior combines glass, metal and stone to create a truly unique contemporary residence that boasts over 4200 sqft of open living area. The breathtaking kitchen ft. American Elm custom cabinetry, Gaggenau kitchen appliance package & a Wok kitchen with Wolf gas range plus an urban cultivator. Beautiful white oak hardwood flooring throughout and natural light flow in through the expansive windows. 4 ensuite bedrooms on second floor and a large south facing deck with an outdoor fireplace. Downstairs ft. 2 ensuite bedrooms, a sauna, wine cellar & a 4K HD 10 ft projector media system. More detailsListed by Amex Broadway West Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2268 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2682157
2268 W 19TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1C4
$6,880,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2682157
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 4,450 sq. ft.
Fabulous customized luxury home located in the most prestigious Arbutus neighborhood. Designed by the award winning Richard Kadulski & Lung Design Group, Functional layout with extensive use of fine materials & natural stone, a true beauty of craftsmanship. The main floor features a stunning spacious design, built in office, open gourmet kitchen with top line Miele appliances. 4 bdrm upstairs all with ensuites & a balcony attached to 2 of the bdrm. All rms include built in entertainment system & bed. The basement consists of 11 foot ceilings, an open home theatre, wine cellar, gym, a spa and sauna and an ensuite guest bdrm. The house contains 5 bdrm and 8 bthrm. Control4 automation system is installed throughout the house providing complete control of sound and light from your smartphone. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2168 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2691283
2168 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L5
$6,380,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2691283
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,913 sq. ft.
One of the best built & prettiest homes in Westside! CUSTOM designed & built by renowned Italian Builder VALENTINO w finest material & craftmanship, extensive millwork, high coffered ceilings, 24X48 Spanish tile & HW fl., large ECLIPSE DOOR to sunny south facing deck, SCHONBEK Crystal Chandeliers & Designer Lighting, custom solid wood int. doors, tilt&turn Triple glazed Euro windows. Gourmet/wok kitchen w Miele/Wolf appliances. 3Bdrm UP w ensuites, open den, huge master bdrm w large WALK-IN CLOSET, free-standing tub & steam shower. 2bdrm/2bath BSMT, HOME THEATRE, wine cellar, open bar. Ctrl4 SMART system, built-in surround sound, HRV/AC. 1bdrm Laneway house perfect for man cave. CENTRALLY LOCATED, steps to Arbutus greenway, supermarkets, transit. Near public and Private schools. More detailsListed by LeHomes Realty Premier - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2225 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2666559
2225 W 21ST Avenue Vancouver V6L 1J4
$6,380,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2666559
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,085 sq. ft.
A diamond in the heart of Arbutus! This exquisite home offers craftsmanship finishings give a feeling of Modern and Elegant living. Open concept chef's kitchen with hignend appliances, centre island, custom storage design and a separate spice kitchen, marble flooring throughout the main floor. Upstairs master suite with spacious walk-in closets & 5 piece master bath which provides a spa-like retreat w/steam shower, plus 3 ensuite bedrooms. Private setting, A/C, theatre room, wet bar, sauna and so much more. 4 car detached garage provide extra storage space. Close public or private schools, St. Georges, York House, Crofton, UBC, golf courses, downtown is about 10mins drive. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2137 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2692632
2137 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L4
$5,988,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2692632
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 4,842 sq. ft.
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS ! MAGNIFICENT HOME IN MOST desirable ARBUTUS LOCATION. Over 4,800 sq.ft. including 595 sq.ft. LANEWAY HOUSE with 2 bedrooms sits on beautiful landscaped lot 50 x 122 with SOUTH FACING. STEPS AWAY TO TRAFALGAR ELEM., PRINCE WALES HIGH SCHOOL, CLOSE TO YORK HOUSE, ST.GEORGE'S & CROFTON PRIVATE SCHOOL, UBC. This beautiful home offers supreme finishing workmanship, QUALITY is built into every details, hardwood floor thru-out, high ceiling, open plan layout, 6 or 7 bedrooms & den, 8 baths. Huge gourmet kitchen with high-end cabinetry & top of line appliances as MIELE, large granite center island. HOME THEATRE, WINE CELLAR & COCKTAIL BAR, STEAM BATH, SAUNA, HOME SMART SECURITY SYSTEM, RADIANT FLOOR HEAT SYSM, A/C, HRV. Private fenced yard with PARK-LIKE GARDEN. MUST SEE! DON'T MISS! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2171 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2685511
2171 W 18TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1A3
$5,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2685511
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 4,456 sq. ft.
Truly one of the best QUALITY built homes in Prestigious Arbutus area! Situated on a generous 7,480 SF lot, boasts over 4,456 SF living space. Functional layout with all luxurious details. Grand foyer w/high ceiling, extensive use of incredible marble & granite, elegantly designed H/W doors on every entrance, exquisite crown mouldings, engineered H/W flr thru-out main, gourmet kit (and wok kit!)w/ high-end appls & maple cabs. 6 spacious bdrms all w/ ENSUITES. Fully finished basement offers a large rec rm with Home Theatre, wet bar, sauna room and steam bath. Features A/C, radiant heat, HRV system. 4 cars garage & beautiful landscaped garden. Meticulously maintained by the owner. Truly a masterpiece of craftsmanship & architectural splendour. More detailsListed by eXp Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3894 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2654152
3894 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2X2
$5,888,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2654152
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,030 sq. ft.
A house taken out of a Disney Movie! Experience breath taking 180 degree ocean, city, and mountain views. Located on an exceptionally quiet and tranquil street. This beautifully taken care of home sits on a 4,100 sqft lot and features 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The seller has recently changed the roof and added an eye catching stone wall surrounding the entrance. A recently upgraded kitchen, upstairs flooring, and master bathroom compliment the classic stain glass windows and beautifully finished original hardwood floors. Come experience this home in person and be transported into a world of classic high class living. Close to shopping, top private schools, and UBC. Catchments: Trafalgar Elementary & Prince of Wales Secondary. More detailsListed by Dracco Pacific Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3508 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2615397
3508 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2W6
$5,450,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2615397
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,055 sq. ft.
Fabulous custom 5 bdrm home located in Arbutus with gorgeous mountain and city view. Designed by renowned architect Loy Leyland and built with top quality workmanship including: all top of the line appliances, classic oak & birch hardwood flooring, wood core Loewen windows with aluminum clad exteriors, solid French door, HRV, extensive use of crown mouldings, 11 ft high ceilings. Main floor features an open layout Gourmet chef kitchen with S/S Sub-Zero, Wok kitchen and entertaining sized family room. Upper floor has 3 spacious bedrooms and 1 den. Lower level has a 700-bottle wine cellar and a great recreation room plus a guest bdrm. 4-car garage. School Catchment: PW Sec & Carnarvon Elem. Open house Sunday December 12 2021 2-4PM More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3839 ARBUTUS Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2665369
3839 ARBUTUS Street Vancouver V6J 3Z9
$4,998,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2665369
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 4,411 sq. ft.
This Arbutus custom built contemporary dream home. Potential Land Assembly. Potential Benefits. Gorgeous custom-built home with professional interior decoration. Features thoughtfully placed bright windows, stylish built-in’s throughout, open modern gourmet kitchen, luxury kitchen cabinetry, high-quality appliances, large recreation with wet bar. Quietly nestled on a very attractive 44'*125' lot with 4 ensuite bedrooms upstairs. 1 bedroom laneway house($2000) and 2 bedrooms legally rented semi below($1800). Also includes HRV, smoke alarm, security system, 2-5-10 warranty etc. Conveniently close to transit, General Gordon Elementary, Trafalgar Elementary, Prince of Wales, Arbutus & Dunbar shopping, UBC etc. More detailsListed by Laboutique Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
