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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3369 TRUTCH Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2527893
3369 TRUTCH Street Vancouver V6L 2T3 
$6,899,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2527893
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,420 sq. ft.
FIRST TIME ON THE MARKET. Located in the central Arbutus area, 1 min walk to Carnarvon Elementary School. Big lot with spacious layout. Built by well-known local developer, designed for family use, fine craftsmanship, rare to find on the market. BOOK YOUR PRIVATE SHOWING TODAY! Due to COVID, showings are available on Wednesday only. Thanks for understanding. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp.
- 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®# R2593540
2137 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L4
$6,580,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2593540
- 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, 7 bedrooms & den, 8.5 baths. Huge gourmet kitchen with high-end cabinetry & top of line appliances as MIELE, large granite centre island. HOME THEATRE, WINE CELLAR & COCKTAIL BAR, STEAM BATH, SAUNA, HOME SMART SECURITY SYSTEM with CAMERA, RADIANT FLOOR HEAT SYSTEM, 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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2181 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2583320
2181 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L4
$5,699,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2583320
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,133 sq. ft.
Dream luxury home on a beautiful tree-lined street in one of the city's most desirable areas Arbutus. Craftsmanship & high-end materials throughout. Offers 4133 SF living space, marble tiles & hardwood flooring throughout, high ceilings on all levels, Chef's kitchen is equipped w/ professional SS appliances MIELE. 4 ensuited bdrms upstairs. Basement features huge recreation, media room, wet bar / wine room, 2 bdrms & sauna/steam room. AC, HRV, radiant heating, Smart Home System & 2-5-10 NHW. Just steps from Trafalgar Elementary, park & transit. 5 mins drive to Arbutus shopping centre, Arbutus Club, Prince of Wales Secondary, York House, Little Flower Academy & Shaughnessy Elementary. Open house: July 24, 2-4pm. More detailsListed by Dracco Pacific Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2163 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2597100
2163 W 18TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1A3
$5,490,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2597100
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 4,741 sq. ft.
AMAZING Custom built home located in the most prestige Arbutus area. This home features 6 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, excellent size closets and spa like feel in the primary bedroom. Many other multi-functional spaces which you can use for your own liking, Ballet Studio/Gym, Mediaroom, Private wine cellar with temperature control room, open concept in and out door living patio space, Koi pond and so much more. High end finishes with top of the line appliance package, A/C and full security system. This beautiful Vancouver home is located in Trafalgar Elementary catchment, minutes from UBC, Arbutus Club, Jericho and Spanish Banks Beach, Point Grey Golf & Country Club, Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club. Give us a call today to come view this stunning home! Check out our VR tour! More detailsListed by Grand Central 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®# R2570756
3894 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2X2
$4,988,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2570756
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,030 sq. ft.
View, view, view! Breathtaking 180 degree views from every level of the house! This beautiful character home has been substantively renovated since 2017. It features 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Excellent condition with new exterior stone walls and 3 year new roof! Newly upgraded kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steal appliances. Hard wood flooring throughout, and much more! The property is located on a quiet cherry blossom street. Top school catchment: Trafalgar Elementary & Prince of Wales Secondary. Easy access to arbutus commercial center, mins drive to UBC and beaches! Showings through private booking only. Covid health protocol applies. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2411 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2577558
2411 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1G6
$4,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2577558
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,113 sq. ft.
Beautiful Custom Built Quality Character Homes by European Builder. Best area in Arbutus gives you luxurious modern living. Features include: High ceiling, extensive use of h/w floor & granite thru-out, 7 generous bdrms & den, 6.5 baths, large gourmet kit and Wok Kit w/maple kit cabinetry, top of line appls, home theatre, wet bar, in-floor radiant heat, A/C, HRV, Newly upgraded TV surveillance security system, securely-fenced yard, covered patio and 4 car garage. one or two bdrm Mortgage helper in basement. Minutes walk to Trafalgar Elem, P&W Highschool. Close by St. George's and York House Private School. More detailsListed by Power House Marketing Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4248 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2568576
4248 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2X6
$4,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2568576
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,015 sq. ft.
4 Bdrm, 4.5 Bath Dream Home w/unobstructed, panoramic views of the entire City, Water & Mtns! Big 50 X 129.38 Lot. Extensively updated (2004) w/only the BEST, incl. A/C w/ HRV, solid cherry wood flrs, Chef’s Kitch appliances & much more! Spacious living spaces w/flat finished ceilings & wall of windows leading to a wrap around deck. Gourmet Kitch by InTempo w/soft close solid cherry wood cabinets, gas/electric stove, dbl wall oven, 36”Freezer & Fridge & Lg Is. w/ b/in nook. Modern sky-lit office on main floor to work from home or use as a guest bdrm. Retreat to the private bdrms below w/picture glass windows. Relax in the Mst Bdrm w/gas f/p & ample walk-in closet space! Rec room leading to a low maint patio w/garden & deck. Close to the BEST schools, transit, parks. 3 car detached garage More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2259 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2594323
2259 W 18TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1A5
$4,788,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2594323
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,464 sq. ft.
GORGEOUS CUSTOM BUILT HOME IN GREAT FAMILY ORIENTED NEIGHBOURHOOD OF MOST POPULAR ARBUTUS LOCATION. Well kept almost 4,500 sq.ft. of living area sits on SOUTH FACING HUGE LEVEL LOT 50 x149.7 (7,514.94 sq.ft.). Grand high ceiling open onto the entertaining sized living & dining rooms, main floor den or guest bedroom with full bath. Total 7 generous sized bedrooms, 4.5 baths. Large open gourmet kitchen with granite counter top & Center Island. Ideal for large family and with potential 2 bedrooms in-law suite in lower level can be mortgage helper. Close to TRAFALGAR ELEM., PRINCE WALES HIGH SCHOOL, YORK HOUSE, ST. GEORGE'S PRIVATE SCHOOL, UBC, PARK, SHOPPING, TRANSIT. EXCELLENT VALUE! MUST SEE! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3950 PUGET Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2573450
3950 PUGET Drive Vancouver V6L 2V4
$4,650,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2573450
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,376 sq. ft.
Custom built contemporary panoramic view home on Puget Drive in the Arbutus area. This lovely home sits on an 8358 sqft corner lot & has been well maintained & updated throughout the years by the current owners. Over 4300 sqft of open plan living with plenty of windows & skylights to bring in lots of natural lights. The reverse plan features the main level w/ spacious principal rooms including a large living rm, dining rm, a fabulous gourmet kitchen w/ eating area & a huge family rm overlooking a private sundeck w/ beautiful city & mountain view. The lower level has 4 bedrooms & an office. The basement has a terrific in-law suite. New furnace & hot water tank. Professionally landscaped gardens & 2 cars attached garage. Close to Trafalgar Elem & Prince of Wales Sec School catchment More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4096 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2568106
4096 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2X2
$4,588,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2568106
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,084 sq. ft.
PANORAMIC VIEWS from all 3 levels! Enjoy WEST COAST LIFESTYLE in this elegant and classy architecturally designed 4084sf executive home nestled on the Ridge on a massive 55x122=6710sf property. The epitome of GOOD FUNG-SHUI interior design: Bright & Airy, lots of natural light from overhead skylights and big windows. Grand Double - Height Entry Foyer. All ensuites- 3 bdrms up, add'l bdrm/office on main. Gourmet Kitchen, Family & Living rooms open to a lovely outdoor entertainment patio w/built in Fireplace and BBQ (like Whistler?) to enjoy fireworks & Downtown views. Kid friendly lower level w/rec. rm & den & bdrm. HRV, AC, large 3x garage w/extra pad for 2 cars or car wash or basketball pad. Prince of Wales catchment .All measurements approx. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
