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.
Don't miss the chance to call Kits Point home. This property offers 2549 sq ft of living space, ideally situated on a 33' lot with a south-facing yard. Zoned RT-9, it caters to various possibilities, from revenue generation to multi-generational living or creating your dream home. The main floor is filled with original charm, 2 spacious bedrooms, and original wood floors, while the airy top floor features a large south-facing deck for BBQs and two north-facing balconies. The renovated basement suite offers full-height ceilings and heated floors. Embrace Kits Point's allure, with proximity to Vancouver attractions, a 15-minute waterfront walk to Granville Island, nearby 1st and 4th Ave restaurants, Kits Beach sunsets, and waterfront dining. Open house Sat 23rd/ Sunday 24th 2-4pmMore details
Big Multi Suite Hse & Luxury Laneway Home w Huge Income, 50'X122' South R1-1 lot Heart of Kits. 3 Lvl 2723 SF Main Hse 4 S/C Suites: TOP 2 Bdrm $1940/mo; MAIN (Owner's) Char 2 Bdrm Suite w big living, dining, kitch, 200 SF deck @ $3250/mo est. GRD 2 cute Studios, $1220/mo & $1245/mo. REAR: Luxury 2 Lvl Laneway Hse, 1030 SF, 3 Bdrm 2 Bath, quality finish, $4350/mo. Inc $12,005/mo, $144,060/yr w upside! Superb loc, steps to transit, shops, restaurants, parks, schools, blks to Beach, mins to UBC, D/T. Turnkey Investment & for Family, Ext Family, Shared Ownership. Live in Main Suite collect $8755/mo or Live in Laneway collect $7655/mo mortgage help! Developers Path of New R1-1 Multi Unit Rezoning, pot. 6-8 Units. Show by Appt 2 Day Notice. Call LS Info Pkg. Showing Sat Feb 24 @ 11:30am by ApptMore details
Exceptional Investment/Building Opportunity in Kitsilano! This home sits on a generously sized lot (50 x 120) with RT-8 zoning, and brings in approximately $105,888k in annual revenue. Boasting 4541 sqft of living space, it's a multi-unit home with potential. Recent upgrades include electrical, plumbing, and a new roof, ensuring a solid foundation for whatever you have in mind. Whether you're looking to design your dream home or develop a stratified duplex, the choice is yours. Prime location - you are steps away from Kits Beach, the seawall, and the vibrant W 4th Ave with plenty of shops and eateries to indulge in. This is a practical opportunity with a lot of potential. You don’t want to miss this! Showings ONLY BY APPT Thursdays 4:30-5:30 & Saturdays 11-12pmMore details
First time on the market! This rare offering, custom built half duplex in Kitsilano feels like a detached home on a large 50x125 lot, with 2,406 sq ft of interior space and overheight ceilings up to 11ft. This home was lovingly built and lived in by the owner developer and kept in immaculate, pristine condition. The kitchen will please the chef of the household with its large granite countertop spaces, premium appliances and two sinks for food preparation and cleaning. Enjoy hosting family meals in the cosy nook dining area, and entertain guests on the sun-drenched backyard patio. Upstairs features three spacious bedrooms including a primary bedroom with a balcony and completely redone bathrooms with radiant heating. Walking distance to Carnarvon Elm. and Kitsilano Sec. A must see!More details
Explore the perfect Kitsilano location! This house is conveniently located just two blocks from the beach road, providing quick access to Jericho and Kits Beach. Enjoy breathtaking views and a peaceful neighborhood with excellent city connections. Everything you require is within walking distance—schools, parks, restaurants, beaches, and a vibrant shopping district on 4th Avenue. Each suite includes two bedrooms and ample storage, along with three private parking spaces. The upper suite boasts vaulted ceilings, adding a sense of spacious sophistication. Whether you're seeking an investment opportunity or comfortable living, this property is an ideal choice! Open House next Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st, 12-2PMMore details