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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3229 TRUTCH Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2716963
3229 TRUTCH Street Vancouver V6L 2T3
$7,200,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2716963
- Bedrooms:
- 9
- Bathrooms:
- 10
- Floor Area:
- 5,924 sq. ft.
Luxurious custom built villa on expansive corner lot situated in prestigious Arbutus area. Interior by Award winning Designer Karin Bohn and built by an experienced, quality builder with efficiency in mind. Remarkable craftsmanship throughout with functional layout featuring tons of details. Third level consists of 3 spacious Bedrooms, large patio with heating and beautiful MTN views from additional rooftop deck. Main floor includes Primary bedroom, office, dining area, gourmet kitchen w/high-end cabinetry, top of line appliances, grand center island, wok kitchen, elegant living room and cozy family room. Basement features theatre room, designer wet bar, sauna/steam & 3bed/3bath suite with separate entry. A/C & radiant heat throughout and laundry on all 3 floors of main house. Nearly 6000 sqft of living, including 2bed/2bath LANEWAY HOUSE with separate laundry. Huge Rental income potential from the Lower Floor and the Laneway House, each with separate address. Live comfortably in this income generating villa. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Westcoast and Century 21 Coastal Realty Ltd. - 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®# R2723387
2168 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L5
$6,380,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2723387
- 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®# R2728132
2225 W 21ST Avenue Vancouver V6L 1J4
$5,990,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2728132
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 3,862 sq. ft.
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. OPENHOUSE SAT/SUN (Oct 8-9) 2-4 PM. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3735 PUGET Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2720787
3735 PUGET Drive Vancouver V6L 2T8
$5,988,800Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2720787
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 4,605 sq. ft.
Enjoy spectacular city and mountain view from an extraordinary architectural home. This stunning residence is located on prestigious Puget Drive. It features soaring light filled ceilings, immense open spaces with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors, a grand fireplace, and a new hydraulic elevator. The large family room leads directly onto a private, level garden oasis, surrounded by a natural wall of trees. The perfect home for entertaining. The master bedroom, with an expansive view, includes his and hers ensuites, each with spacious walk in dressing rooms. Two additional bedrooms, each having their own ensuite, and an office, complete the upper floor. The residence also includes an exercise room, and a three car radiant heated garage, with a driveway off Puget. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - 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. Open House Sunday Sept 18th 4-6pm More detailsListed by Dracco Pacific Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2985 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2721950
2985 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1H6
$5,498,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2721950
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 3,835 sq. ft.
Absolutely gorgeous quality custom built home sitting on a Very quiet beautiful street. This exceptional home offering 3900sf living space, 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, wok kitchen, wine room, sauna, view of mountains, supreme finishing throughout, modern & luxurious feeling. High ceiling, open floor layout, hardwood throughout, garment kitchen with high-end cabinetry & top of line appliance, large center island with granite counter top. Close to private & public school, school catchment is Carnarvon Elementary & Prince Wales secondary school. More detailsListed by Pacific Evergreen Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
