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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2268 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2610761
2268 W 19TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1C4 
$6,890,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2610761
- 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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2115 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2611404
2115 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L4
$5,780,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2611404
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,966 sq. ft.
This stunning 4,966 sqft luxurious home rests on a beautiful lot in PRIME ARBUTUS! It features 5 bedrooms and 7 bath on a big lot of 7,747 sqft, (63.5x122). Spacious living space, furnished with superior workmanship & material: extensive use of stone countertop, excellent millwork, beautiful wood flooring, gourmet kitchen & wok kit w/ high end S/S appliances, A/C, HRV, radiant floor heating. 4-spacious ensuite up, master ensuite with jacuzzi. Home theatre and rec room with tea-room, sauna in basement. 4 cars garage & beautiful landscaped garden. Best in market Smart Home System for full automation on controls. Prince of Whales Secondary & Trafalgar Elem school catchments, close to York & Crofton House, St George's School and UBC. More detailsListed by LeHomes 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. More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3215 TRUTCH Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2619305
3215 TRUTCH Street Vancouver V6L 2T3
$5,188,828Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2619305
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,921 sq. ft.
Beautifully remodelled 6 bdrm,5 bath family home . Enter into a grand foyer with spiral staircase & sitting area. Entertainment size liv.rm & din.rm. offers gleaming hardwood floors thru-out & gas f/p. Extra bedroom /office on main floor. Bright gourmet kitchen boasts high end appliances- a real chef's delight! Kitchen extends to family room with gas f/p, opening up to a southern exposed yard with sundeck and patio-ready for bar b qs & summer nights.There's another yard- perfect for the kids! Upstairs is the Master bedroom with walk in closet & incredible serene spa ensuite. Three more bedrooms upstairs plus 2 full baths & mountain views! Downstairs offers amazing media room, full kitchen, bedroom with ensuite and enormous games/rec room, and wine cellar. More detailsListed by Heller Murch Realty - 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 50.02 x149.7 (7,488 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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2507 W KING EDWARD Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2615893
2507 W KING EDWARD Avenue Vancouver V6L 1T5
$4,738,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2615893
- Bedrooms:
- 9
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 4,741 sq. ft.
Welcome to this gorgeous custom built home situated in the most Prestigious Arbutus area. This high quality house features 9Br+8Bath 4741sf with lot 6222sqft. Superior architectural/environmental design. Includes a 2-room legal suite, in addition to a 2-room 677 sf LWH. Main floor offers over-height ceiling and large family and kitchen area with top line appliances and large granite surfaces. The commodious interiors and terraces each boast varying views overlooking the garden. Upstairs Features 1 large master bedroom w/walk-in closet and spa like bathroom, and 2 more ensuite bedrooms. Basement features a customized Media Room. Other features include A/C, HRV, radiant heating, build-in Speaker. Step to Trafalgar Elementary and Prince of Wales Secondary. More detailsListed by LeHomes Realty Premier - 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
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3950 PUGET Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2573450
3950 PUGET Drive Vancouver V6L 2V4
$4,399,000Residential 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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2848 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2625584
2848 W 21ST Avenue Vancouver V6L 1K6
$4,288,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2625584
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 2,824 sq. ft.
Custom built home on a beautiful and quiet tree-lined street in prestgious Arbutus area. Over 2,800 sf of living space featuring 3 bedrooms up with all ensuite bathrooms. 10' ceiling on the main and up level. The customized huge roof deck with outdoor speakers overlooking the green tree tops. Gas pipe are ready for the BBQ. Gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line Miele appliances. Extensive use of granite counter tops, radiant heating in all three levels, air conditioning, HRV, security monitor system, etc. Lower level is ideal for entertaining which includes a home theatre. The sauna & steam system will make life more relaxing. Top school catchment: PW Secondary and Carnarvon Elementary. Close to shops, transit and short distance to UBC and beaches! Open House on October 16 (Sat.) 2-4 pm. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2403 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2623810
2403 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1G6
$4,200,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2623810
- Bedrooms:
- 8
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 3,716 sq. ft.
Perfect family home with 3700 sqft of interior space located on a quiet street in the Arbutus area. This 8-bedroom 7-bathroom house has a large 6207 sqft corner lot with south facing bright and spacious living spaces. Well-kept home offering an exceptional layout, granite countertops, wok kitchen, master spa, and extensive covered sundeck. Central location that is walking distance to Prince of Wales secondary and Trafalgar Elementary with shopping nearby. Link to video tour: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=x6w9V6kCjt6 More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
