Coal Harbour is the name of the Burrard Inlet south shoreline section between Stanley Park on the Brockton Peninsula on the west and the Canada Place cruise ship terminal on the east. It is also now the name of the neighbourhood adjacent to the shoreline within the City of Vancouver’s Downtown neighbourhood since its redevelopment for high-rise condominium residents in the 1990s. The Downtown Financial District is to the south beyond West Georgia Street, Burrard Street forms the eastern boundary, the shoreline is on the north, and Stanley Park to the west and north at the opening of the inlet completes the picturesque setting. A landscaped walkway for strolling or jogging lines the entire neighborhood.
Gritty History, Promising Present
The discovery of coal in the harbour in 1862 inspired the name. For many years, this area was mostly industrial, a place for shipyards, a seaplane plant, and a lumber mill. Railroads along the waterfront connected the industrial sites to inland suppliers. Industrial activity diminished after World War II and by the 1980s the area was little more than a wasteland with a railway switchyard its sole activity.
Change came with the reconstruction of Canada Place, originally an old cargo pier, for the Expo ’86 world’s fair. Recognizing the beauty of the harbour area with its views of the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver decided to rebuild the pier as an attractive, unique structure to commemorate the fair festivities. Redevelopment soon followed when in 1990 the City of Vancouver published a development plan to transform the industrial area into a residential waterfront neighborhood. One condition for prospective developers was creation of 2.75 acres of park land for every 1,000 residents. After 1995, new residential high-rise construction accelerated and in 15 years produced an entirely new neighborhood. Coal Harbour is the newest official neighbourhood of the City of Vancouver.
Coal Harbour Residents Association
An indicator of the interests and values of many inhabitants of the new official neighbourhood is the Coal Harbour Residents Association, which registered as a non-profit corporation in 2004 to maintain a high quality of life for its members. The association states its purposes as
To keep informed about life in the community,
To educate ourselves about improving the lives of all members,
To act collectively to bring about necessary changes,
To cooperate fully and honestly with whoever assists us in our community, and
Coal Harbour is within walking distance of the entire Downtown area, and for those with not enough time for walking buses and taxis are plentiful. The Seabus, which makes frequent 12-minute crossings of the inlet to North Vancouver, is conveniently available at the nearby SkyTrain Waterfront Station. Skytrain runs to stations in Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Richmond, and Surrey as well as Vancouver, so Coal Harbour local travelers have ready access by transit to all major areas of Metro Vancouver.
The city’s official development plan made a beautifully viable residential neighbourhood from a virtually deserted industrial dump. It has two cooperative housing buildings, market and subsidized housing, and some very high-end addresses. Some say the best way to see Coal Harbour sights is on the walkway, a paved path for pedestrians and bicycles starting at Canada Place. It connects with the seawall along Stanley Park and runs along Coal Harbour’s waterfront. The route has several small parks and can be quite lively near the marina, where there are restaurants and bistros.
THE ROGERS TOWER PENTHOUSE formerly Shaw Tower - Epitome of luxury living spanning the entire 42nd floor. 6,041 Sq. Ft. of opulent interior living space & 2,100 Sq. Ft. of breathtaking exterior w/ panoramic views of Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, English Bay, & North Shore Mountains. Custom-designed by Robert Ledingham, featuring a chef's kitchen, radiant heat limestone floors, custom millwork, limestone gas fireplaces, art feature walls, stunning primary suite with dream closet & primary ensuite, and home theatre. Full home automation including all lighting, sunshades, and black-out shades on all windows. The expansive balconies include a private hot tub and built-in BBQ. 4 parking stalls & private storage room. Enjoy hotel-like amenities including 24-hour concierge, high-end gym, boardroom & theatre. Ideally located in the heart of Coal Harbour, steps from Coal Harbour Marina, Stanley Park, the financial district, fashionable restaurants & exclusive boutiques. Own the most exquisite home in Vancouver!More details
You have Arrived - The Ultra Exclusive Callisto Penthouse. Occupying the entire top floor, this stately home is over 5,300 sqft. Gloriously situated 35 stories above on Coal Harbour's Front Row. Floor to ceiling windows & 4 deck areas offer 360° of breathtaking water, mtn and City views. Completely Customized & then Redefined by Shift Interiors, ELEGANT design is thoughtfully integrated into the 4 Stunning Bedrms including the Spectacular Principal bedrm w/ indoor & outdoor shower. Every Family or ENTERTAINERS DREAM, with endless Living space, including family rm, sunset rm & office just to name a few. No detail is spared w/ a dual sided fireplace, custom millwork & integrated lighting, security, media & sound. A BESPOKE kitchen offers extra dishwashers, beverage drawers, pantry, wine room & is fitted with the best from Miele, Gaggenau & SubZero. This AWARD WINNING bldg inc concierge, theatre, meeting room & a wellness floor w/gym pool sauna steam & outdoor hot tub. 4 parking & large locker. THIS IS THE ONE!More details
The one-and-only PENTHOUSE at the iconic West Pender Place - the whole floor! Jaw-dropping panoramic views greet you the moment you walk in. Offering 360-degree & full views of English Bay, Burrard Inlet, North Shore mtns, Stanley Park, Lions Gate, Marina & the city. The views are so close that you would feel they are within your reach. Magnificent 3,203 sf outdoor space: including an epic 2,600 sf rooftop terrace on the upper level with a hot tub where you would enjoy breathtaking views of English Bay sunset & the most beloved landmarks. All bedrooms are on the main floor. Luxury finishes: state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances, Italian cabinetry, custom-made millwork, built-in speakers throughout including the patios. 24/7 Concierge, indoor pool & hot tub, fitness, sauna, steam, lounge.More details
Three Harbour Green Sub-Penthouse, exceptionally maintained and situated in Coal Harbour's most prestigious waterfront building, offering sweeping unobstructed views of the ocean, mountains, and Lions Gate Bridge. This three bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home features house sized living spaces and is perfect for entertaining. Your guests will experience stunning views from throughout the home and the large view terrace with outdoor fireplace is perfect for experiencing Coal Harbour's active waterfront where you can watch the boats, seaplanes, and cruise ships moving about the harbour. First class building amenities include a 24/7 concierge, indoor pool, sauna, squash courts, theatre, gym, guest suite, and golf simulator. Complete with two private double garages with parking for four cars.More details
Two Harbour Green Sub Penthouse. Experience the epitome of luxury living in this exquisite waterfront apartment situated in Vancouver's prestigious Coal Harbour. This full floor home boasts 5,356(indoor) + 1,315(outdoor) square feet of meticulously designed living space maximizing a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. Offering unparalleled ocean and mountain views from every angle this 4 bedroom + 5 bathroom home will take your breath away. Relax and unwind with the hotel-like amenities including a 24-hour concierge, pool, steam room, sauna, whirlpool, games room, and virtual golf. This home includes a 4 car private garage with plenty of storage. 360 degree views of Vancouver. Rare luxury Vancouver home. Private showings only while accompanied by a licensed REALTOR.More details