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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2206 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2822169
2206 W 21ST Avenue Vancouver V6L 1J5 
$5,500,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2822169
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,154 sq. ft.
It's at the south-east corner Lot over 6,130sf with Luxury Custom Built home located in the most prestigious area of Arbutus neighborhood, over 4,154sf living space, spacious gourmet kitchen and wok-kitchen, top brand appliances, 3 on-suite bedrooms on the upper level, large Master bedroom with walk-in closet. Lower level offers 2 bedrooms, media area and recreation area, wet bar and sauna, large wine cooler with temperature control. Close to transit and shopping, walking distance to well known Trafalgar Elementary and Prince of Wales Secondary. Open House 3rd,Dec Sunday 2-4pm. Video: https://youtu.be/-oTbYkIBkQs More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp.
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2817 OLIVER Crescent in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2825034
2817 OLIVER Crescent Vancouver V6L 1T1
$5,380,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2825034
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 5,169 sq. ft.
Elegant home in Quilchena's heart offers stunning views. Tailored with superior craftsmanship, it features three ensuite bedrooms on the upper floor overlooking the Prince of Wales Park and mountains. The landscaped ground highlight a peaceful pond. The modern kitchen showcases a granite island and top-tier Miele appliances, accompanied by a six burner gas cooktop and potent Thermador hood. Interior finishes include premium wall paper, blinds, stone flooring, and a unique entrance pattern. Amenities encompass sensor bathroom lighting, a jacuzzi, radiant heating, advanced ventilation, air conditioning, and a security system. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3650 TRAFALGAR Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2831499
3650 TRAFALGAR Street Vancouver V6L 2M2
$5,180,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2831499
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,246 sq. ft.
Well-Maintained custom home on a bright lot. Over 4200sqft of spacious living space, luxurious finishings, gorgeous contemporary open floor plan and high ceilings. Main floor features large living, dining and an enormous kitchen and family room that overlooks the garden backyard. Custom kitchen cabinets, top-of-the-line S/S appliances and wok kitchen for the chef. Upper floor with 4 bedrooms and a master with spa-like ensuite. Lower level features 2 bedrooms, media room, laundry room, huge Recreation Room. Fully fenced and landscaped. Other features include hardwood floors, HRV, air conditioning, large patio, extensive use of granite and marble throughout. Great location - close to Trafalgar Elementary school ,Prince of Wales Secondary and parks. OPEN HOUSE NOV 25 2:30-4:30PM More detailsListed by LeHomes Realty Premier - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2318 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2766692
2318 W 18TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1A8
$4,988,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2766692
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,658 sq. ft.
Exquisitely designed and meticulously created, this stunning home in the coveted Arbutus location offers the epitome of luxurious and modern living. With attention to detail and premium finishes throughout, including high ceilings, granite and walnut hardwood floors, this 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home boasts a grand foyer, gourmet kitchen with high end appliances, home theatre, wet bar, A/C HRV, TV surveillance, and a private covered deck with southern exposure. Located within the catchment of top schools such as Prince of Wales High School and Trafalgar Elementary School, and close to prestigious private schools like York House and St Georges, as well as UBC and public transit, this home is a must see for discerning buyers. Open house 2-4pm Sunday Nov 26 More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast 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®# R2815717
3839 ARBUTUS Street Vancouver V6J 3Z9
$4,680,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2815717
- Bedrooms:
- 8
- Bathrooms:
- 9
- Floor Area:
- 4,411 sq. ft.
An elegant family house with exquisite living in Arbutus area! This is one of Vancouver's most captivating locations with a tree-lined street and a 5500sqft lot sitting on Arbutus neighbourhood. Functional layout, upper level includes 4 spacious bedrooms with all ENSUITE. 1/2 basement offer recreation room and living room, 1/2 basement include 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with separate entrance. The laneway house include 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and 2 garages. Features: A/C, HRV, radiant heat, hardwood floors, security monitoring, 2 car garage, 360 degrees panoarmic rooftop terrace, private yard surrounded by flowers, trees & garden. Close to UBC and top-rated schools, transit, parks & downtown, Arbutus Shopping Centre, transit. More detailsListed by Laboutique Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
