Kitsilano Life
A Vancouver Beach Neighbourhood
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.
Information Links:
http://shopwest4th.com/
http://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/kitsilano.aspx
http://kitscc.com
Parks and Beaches
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.
New Kitsilano Live MLS Listings
Kitsilano Life: A Vancouver Beach Neighbourhood
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3197 POINT GREY Road in Vancouver: Kitsilano House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2613343
3197 POINT GREY Road Vancouver V6K 1B3 
$15,380,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2613343
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,304 sq. ft.
Waterfront, with the best views of any property on Point Grey Rd. This custom home is at the end of the quiet street. With only one neighbour, it is ideally set adjacent to a park allowing maximum western sun. Privacy from the neighbouring wide boulevards provides ample additional parking. Experience an indoor-outdoor lifestyle like no other from this sophisticated, impeccable, 3 level, 5 bed, 4.5 bath luxury home. The 4 levels of oceanside terraces include a rare ocean side grassed yard with beach access from the private sea wall and deck. The upscale self-contained 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom garden suite can be easily incorporated into the main home completing the flow of elegance throughout. More detailsListed by Angell, Hasman & Associates Realty Ltd. and Angell, Hasman & Associates (Malcolm Hasman) Realty Ltd.
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2545 W 15TH Avenue in Vancouver: Kitsilano House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2629598
2545 W 15TH Avenue Vancouver V6K 2Z3
$4,698,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2629598
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,925 sq. ft.
Kitsilano NEWER custom built Luxury home on 50 x 125 Lot, facing south... 3 levels of Westside Kitsilano luxury living ~ 4000 SF on a tree lilned street. Top floor: 4 generous ensuite bdrms upstairs; Master Bedroom Spa & HUGE balcony. Main floor has an elegant living room with 2 fireplaces, fam rm, gourmet kitchen, Island, wok kit/mud rm, powder rm & office den. D/stairs has huge rec rm/wetbar, media rm, 1 guest rm/ steam rm & rough in for hot tub!! Other features include, A/C, HRV, sec system, radiant heat. Close to all major private schools, minutes to beach, School, Downtown!! A Rare Gem for your family & Book your private showing now! School Catchment: Carnarvon Elementary & Kitsilano Secondary.** OPEN HOUSE: JAN 22 & 23 (SAT & SUN) FROM 2-4 PM More detailsListed by eXp Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2571 W 16TH Avenue in Vancouver: Kitsilano House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2611770
2571 W 16TH Avenue Vancouver V6K 3B9
$4,200,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2611770
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 3,003 sq. ft.
Opportunity knocks! Here is a rare opportunity to own a well maintained 50 ft lot, 2 story side x side 3 bedroom duplex with basement in a commercially zoned C-1 lot in upper Kits near schools and shops. This is a great holding property next to commercial retail and has been a solid investment in the same family for decades and is now for sale. City of Vancouver is proposing densification policy changes for West 16th Avenue. The lot size is 4,847 square feet, with lane access and a double car garage. Both 1500 s.f. duplex units are identical with a spacious main floor living room, dining room and kitchen, with 2 bedrooms up and a partially finished basement with 3rd bedroom down. Hold, build, rent or live in this solid home while the value appreciates. This property is truly one of a kind. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty and TRG The Residential Group Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1541 MAPLE Street in Vancouver: Kitsilano House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2632389
1541 MAPLE Street Vancouver V6H 0A2
$3,999,999Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2632389
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,170 sq. ft.
Unique property with fantastic location, steps to the BEACH and KITS point. House has 3 suites giving you many options. Rent out all 3 or occupy one & rent 2. Top unit is on 2 levels w/2 bathrooms, w/mountain views. The main floor, like the top, offers wood floors throughout & it's own private deck w/addition of a front porch. Traditional main floor design offers a f/place in the dining area, & high ceilings. The bsmt is nicely updated & has a 2 large bdrm. Some recent upgrades include a modernized kitchen on the main floor, newer furnace, hot water tank, to name a few. All this, mins away from Kits pool, beach, fabulous restaurants & cafe's. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty (Surrey/120) - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1935 WHYTE Avenue in Vancouver: Kitsilano House for sale in "Kits Point" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2634402
1935 WHYTE Avenue Vancouver V6J 1B4
$3,999,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2634402
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 3,304 sq. ft.
Make your mark on Kits Point, Vancouver's premier peninsula, surrounded by ocean and active lifestyle. Take this grand old lady from 1912 and introduce her to the twenty-first century. Zoning allows for duplex minimum. RT9 zoning. This home sits on the high side of the street with lots of sunshine and light. The floor area with unfinished is 3,304 plus a built in double garage! If you can envision a melding of the sensibilities of the Edwardian era with a contemporary aesthetic then this is the home for you. The potential is amazing. Possibly build a triplex. New Tax Assessment is $3.94M. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3420 W 15TH Avenue in Vancouver: Kitsilano House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2635953
3420 W 15TH Avenue Vancouver V6R 2Z1
$3,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2635953
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 2,847 sq. ft.
A custom built home in most desirable and convenitent Kitsilano area! This gorgeous house was built in 2013 and the owner is the first owner, so it looks like a brand new home! It has the legal suite with kitchen rough in, which can be rented more like $2000/month.The spacious main floor also has a bright and spacious layout. There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the upper floor. The house equipped with radiant heat, A/C system, security system, top grade electric appliance and much more. Close to BC's top public schools: Kitsilano Secondary, Carnarvon Elementary and BC's top private schools: WPGA, York House, St. Georges & Crofton. More detailsListed by Nu Stream Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1335 LABURNUM Street in Vancouver: Kitsilano House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2617723
1335 LABURNUM Street Vancouver V6J 3W4
$3,880,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2617723
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,397 sq. ft.
KITS POINT completely remodeled inside & out over the recent years. Custom updates include kitchens, bathrooms, decks & patios. House currently has 3 separate suites but could easily be converted back to a single family home. Hardwood floors, 2 gas fireplaces, professionally designed low maintenance landscaping includes fish pond. 2 car garage currently used as workshop, guest bedroom & office loft. Walking distance to all levels of schools, parks, shopping and bus transportation. Minutes to UBC and direct route to downtown. Top floor ocean view. All tenants are month to month. Great investment or owner occupy w/mortgage helpers. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2660 ALMA Street in Vancouver: Kitsilano House for sale in "Kitsalano" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2638116
2660 ALMA Street Vancouver V6R 3S2
$3,650,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2638116
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 2,400 sq. ft.
Always wanted to run a business and have a nice 3 bedroom home above in Kits!! Here is your opportunity, featuring a large 3 bedroom condo with a retail store below. Parking for 2 - 4 vehicles depending on how you configure your space. Both units have been tenanted by the same person for close to 20 years, a great future redevelopment opportunity as well. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Colonial Pacific Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1916 STEPHENS Street in Vancouver: Kitsilano House for sale in "Grand Dames of Kitsilano" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2641980
1916 STEPHENS Street Vancouver V6K 3V9
$3,500,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2641980
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,109 sq. ft.
Welcome to the Grand Dames of Kitsilano! Two side by side charismatic character homes in one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in the city. Four levels in each home boasting spacious layouts, hardwood flooring, clawfoot tubs and private terraces or patios. Top levels include delightful bookshelf staircase with extra storage above. Separate laundry access in one home. Perfect opportunity for smart investors or families looking for a solid investment property. Fantastic location – steps away from shopping, restaurants, cafes, and groceries. Blocks away from great schools and public transit. Minutes away from Kitsilano beach, parks and UBC. Must be sold with adjacent property - 1922 Stephens Street. Contact listing agent for more details! More detailsListed by Faith Wilson Group - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1922 STEPHENS Street in Vancouver: Kitsilano House for sale in "Grand Dames of Kitsilano" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2641981
1922 STEPHENS Street Vancouver V6K 3V9
$3,500,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2641981
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 2,851 sq. ft.
Welcome to the Grand Dames of Kitsilano! Two side by side charismatic character homes in one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in the city. Four levels in each home boasting spacious layouts, hardwood flooring, clawfoot tubs and private terraces or patios. Top levels include delightful bookshelf staircase with extra storage above. Separate laundry access in one home. Perfect opportunity for smart investors or families looking for a solid investment property. Fantastic location – steps away from shopping, restaurants, cafes, and groceries. Blocks away from great schools and public transit. Minutes away from Kitsilano beach, parks and UBC. Must be sold with adjacent property - 1916 Stephens Street. Contact listing agent for more details! More detailsListed by Faith Wilson Group - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
