The Kitsilano westside neighbourhood of the Canadian City of Vancouver in British Columbia is on the shore of English Bay on the north between the flanking neighbourhoods of Point Grey at Alma Street on the west and Fairview east at Burrard Street on the east. West 16th Avenue is the southern border with the neighbourhoods of Dunbar, Arbutus Ridge, and Shaughnessy. Notable neighbourhood landmarks are the Burrard Street Bridge, a five-lane, Art Deco style, steel-truss bridge constructed in 1932 to connect Kitsilano to Downtown Vancouver, the splendid Kitsilano Beach, and the Maritime Museum and MacMillan Space Centre, both in Vanier Park near the beach. Kitsilano hosts the annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Bard on the Beach outdoor Shakespeare festival, and Celebration of Light fireworks competition.
Mostly residential with commercial areas on West 4th Avenue and West Broadway, Kitsilano’s population was 40,595 according to the 2006 Census, a 2.5-percent increase from 2001. English is the dominant language of area residents followed by Chinese; however, French, German, Greek, Japanese, and Spanish are not uncommon. About 75.0 percent speak English as their native language, 4.5 percent Chinese, and 3.2 percent French. The 2006 neighbourhood median household income was $53,455, and 21.3 percent of residents live in low-income households.
Historical Development
Vancouver streetcar lines once had a loop at Arbutus & Cornwall, making the beach area easily accessible from the new city, then still mostly on the small Downtown peninsula on the north side of the Burrard Street Bridge over False Creek. The Lulu Island Railway opened an interurban line from Downtown Granville & Pacific streets to Richmond via Seventh Avenue and Arbutus Street through Kerrisdale in the 1890s, putting more of the neighbourhood within easy range of Downtown.
An inexpensive neighbourhood in the 1960s, Kitsilano attracted many countercultural residents from across Canada and the USA and became with Gastown one of two such city neighbourhoods gentrified in later decades. Easy access to Downtown Vancouver and walking distance to parks, beaches, and ever popular Granville Island in Fairview have made the neighbourhood very desirable. Following the days of the counterculture, many environmentalists came to Vancouver. Greenpeace opened its first office in Kitsilano in 1975 as did the Green Party of British Columbia in 1983.
Kitsilano has seventeen parks, six playgrounds, an off-leash dog park, and one of Vancouver’s finest, most popular beaches with a franchise restaurant, the heated, salt-water outdoor Kitsilano Pool open from May to September, longest (137 metres/150 yards) swimming pool in Canada, and the Kitsilano Showboat, which has operated since 1935 as essentially an open-air amphitheatre with free performances from local bands and dance groups to entertain residents and tourists and showcase amateur talent.
No New Beach Bicycle Trail for Now
After months of vocal opposition and a lawsuit, the Vancouver park board in February 2014 gave up on plans for a new $2.2 million bicycle trail through Hadden Park and Kitsilano Beach and directed its staff to improve safety on the present trail through the parks. Opponents obtained in November 2013 a court order enjoining the board from breaking ground on the project until the case against it could be heard fully. An opposition spokesman said she was happy that “we won’t be putting blacktop through our precious green space.” The discontinued proposed project would have completed the city’s Seaside Greenway route from Coal Harbour to Jericho Beach Park on English Bay in the Point Grey neighbourhood several miles west of Kitsilano Beach.
Situated on the Golden Mile, this Dan White modern home boasts an incredible 66’ x127’ frontage w/ the best views on the water including stunning ocean, city & mountain views. Main floor is 58' wide ft. 2 living rooms, and a large separate dining room which all parallel the waterfront. The private kitchen area has been meticulously designed for total functionality, conveniently located off the laundry room & attached 2-car garage. Upstairs boasts a beautiful primary bdrm w/ huge walk-in dressing room and ensuite. This level has a study and additional bdrm w/ ensuite, all with unobstructed ocean views. Downstairs includes a full gym, large guest bdrm, warm family room centred around a fireplace, & a patio that can accommodate grand outdoor gatherings. An elevator links the 3 floors. Bonuses include: 150 mature trees that line the property giving full privacy, the ability to park four additional cars on site.More details
Experience luxury living at its finest - stunning custom-built home on Vancouver’s most coveted street - Lower Point Grey Road. Thoughtfully designed, this special home is all in the details - 20ft ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, open staircase, skylights, not to mention commissioned artwork incorporated throughout, from the exterior stone etchings, to the front door, to windows. Morning light, evening sunsets, enjoy the breathtaking ocean, mountain and full city views from everywhere in this house - simply spectacular at all hours. Step out onto the lower patio, or enjoy the spacious (over 1500 sqft) rooftop deck, perfect for entertaining and al fresco dining. This property is truly sensational.More details
ONCE IN A LIFETIME PROPERTY - awe-inspiring 180 degree views from every level. Don't miss your opportunity to live on the most coveted street in Vancouver - LOWER Point Grey Road. Set back from street for maximum privacy, this family home was custom built to include vaulted ceilings showcasing sensational views of North Shore mountains, English Bay, and downtown cityscape. It will take your breath away the moment you step inside. Main floor boasts spacious living room, functional kitchen w/ eating area facing the views, formal dining room & family room/den. 2nd level includes Principal Suite, two bedrooms & shared bathroom/access to private south facing deck. Upper level includes office & bedroom w/ensuite. Fantastic rooftop deck w/ stunning views perfect for outdoor entertaining.More details
This is simply a world class property with plans & permits for a world class home. Evoke Architecture has designed an amazing 4400sf home, sitting on this waterfront 7,229sf lot, w/ sweeping 180 degree views of the North Shore Mountains & English Bay. This 2 year design and permitting process will save any prospective buyer not only time, but a considerable amount of money (Arch, Consultants, Demo, Cons Planning, Financing and City Fees). Natural Balance Home Builders is ready start the process in a matter of weeks, while still allowing any buyer to make cosmetic changes to suit their own tastes. Currently the plans feature a 4 car garage w/ car elevator & turntable, rooftop deck w/ hot tub, 28’ POOL, views from all 3 floors, & 4 bed, office, & den. Call for your private tour of the property.More details
Listed by Stilhavn Real Estate Services
and Oakwyn Realty Ltd.
STUNNING WATERFRONT property custom designed in 1996 by renowned Architect Peter Cardew with an interior nautical theme and an open plan on one block long Cameron Ave. with exclusive homes and no thru traffic. Unparalleled water, mountain, and city views through floor to ceiling, wall to wall windows on all three levels. Convenient optional garage level entrance to indoor elevator serving all 3 floors. Large private south facing deck with fireplace off the kitchen. Double thick granite top island with high-end appliances. Maple hardwood floors. Top floor features master bedroom and den with many built-ins and a large view jacuzzi tub. 3 openable high-end Velux skylights and expansive views in 3 directions including sunsets much of the year.More details
This custom 'Formwerks' home has undergone a COMPLETE renovation/re-imagination by Evoke International Design & David Nicolay (with permits). The result is a truly unique/stunning/luxurious nearly 2,400 sf residence located on one of the most sought after streets in coveted 'KITS POINT.' The main floor is designed for entertaining, with solid oak/inlaid flooring, 2 fireplaces, abundant millwork a DREAM KITCHEN complete with a 15 ft porcelain slab 'Laminam' Island/Bar & custom cabinetry with a suite of top tier/integrated appliances. Radiant in floor heating through the entire home, is complimented by a new Fujitsu A/C system, new plumbing, electrical, lighting & fixtures. There are multiple patios (top floor with ocean view), balconies & mature landscaping to enjoy through the seasons!More details
1827 W 12th, Vancouver, V6J 2E7, legal side by side duplex with 7 Licensed suites, fully leased at $130,000/year Gross and $100,000 Net. Great potential to assemble with the 2 neighbouring lots either to the East or the West and build an 18 story purpose built rental building with up to a 5.5 FSR (call listing agent for more details or check out the Feature Sheet on listing agents web site) Property lies in the Broadway Corridor plan and is close to the new Broadway Sky-train Line (Arbutus and Broadway and Granville and Broadway stations) Room measurements are for the one side of the duplex. All measurements are approximate and need to be verified by the Buyer. Please call listing agent for more details and listing info Sheet. Hold now and assemble later.More details
This stunning custom-built designed home in sought-after neighbourhood Kitsilano. This home boasts hardwood/tile flooring, radiant floor heating, surround sound throughout the entire home, A/C & HRV. Open concept floor layout with tons of natural lights. Open kitchen is equipped w/granite countertop & high-end appliances Jenn-Air & Sub-Zero. Just out through bi-fold patio door from family rm to North facing backyard, you can enjoy outdoor entertainment. Upstairs all 4 bdrms are ensuited. Basement offers you a large recreation rm with wet bar & wine cooler, media rm & 2 bdrms. Just steps from Kits Secondary, community centre & Broadway corridor with restaurants/services/shops. Quick access to W 4th shopping street, beach, parks, UBC or other schools; St. John's School, Carnarvon Elem., WPGAMore details
On the market for the first time in over 60 years is this superb Kitsilano original heritage residence that rates a heritage b status from the city of Vancouver. Situated on TWO 33 x 132 foot, RS-5 zoned lots, this is an ideal opportunity for a heritage retention project that allows for the creation of extra new density at the rear of this 4,107 sq foot three storey home. Located in the catchment area of Carnarvon Elementary & Kitsilano Secondary School.More details
Attention: Investors and Developers. Approved Broadway Plan Investment/Development lot in the prestigious Kitsilano neighbourhood. Your chance to be one of the first to own in this highly desirable development area. Within 5 minutes walk to the future arbutus skytrain station. 10 min walk to Kits Beach. Close to shopping, restaurants, and schools. Several development choices available under the Broadway Plan.More details