The Canadian City of West Vancouver in the Province of British Columbia is a member municipality of Metro Vancouver, the Greater Vancouver Regional District Government. West Vancouver is northwest of the City of Vancouver on the north shore of English Bay and adjoins the municipality of North Vancouver across the Capilano River to the east where the Lions Gate Bridge over the Burrard Inlet connects both North and West Vancouver to Vancouver to the south.
The 2011 Census reported a West Vancouver population of 42,694, virtually unchanged from 42,131 in 2006, 22 percent aged 65 or older compared to 13 percent for the remainder of the province. What Canadians call “visible minorities,” mostly Asian, also account for 22 percent.
History
Captain George Vancouver and his crew from HMS Discovery were the first Europeans to chart Burrard Inlet in June 1792. Many more Europeans came in the mid-19th Century Fraser River Gold Rush, and by the 1860s large-scale logging operations were underway on the North Shore.
In 1909 the West Vancouver Transportation Company formed to operate regular ferry service across the inlet to Vancouver Harbour, in 1911 the Presbyterian Church at Dundarave established the first primary school in West Vancouver, and in 1912 West Vancouver separated from North Vancouver and incorporated as a municipality of about 1,500 citizens. In November 1938, the Lions Gate Bridge opened, and extensive population growth followed in the community previously accessible from Vancouver by ferry only. Some West Vancouver homes date to the 1920s and ’30s, but most are from the 1970s on.
Transportation
Transit and transport services are important to this relatively remote part of Metro Vancouver. The Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal at the western starting point of the Trans-Canada Highway is a main connection between the mainland and Vancouver Island. The Trans-Canada Highway continues east from Horseshoe Bay through West Vancouver into North Vancouver, over the Second Narrows Bridge through Eastside Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and points east to Atlantic Canada. Highway 99 runs concurrently with the Trans-Canada Highway as far as Taylor Way, where it diverges to the south and crosses the Lions Gate Bridge into Vancouver, Richmond, Delta, and points south to the USA.
The TransLink SkyTrain, the Metro Vancouver rail transit system, has not reached West Vancouver, but the Blue Bus, which began in 1912 and claims to be North America’s oldest municipal system in continuous operation, is part of the TransLink network under the ownership of the municipality. Blue Bus is one of two such contracting bus companies in Metro Vancouver; transfers are free between Blue Buses and other TransLink buses.
On Marine Drive, West Vancouver’s main commercial drag, near the Lions Gate Bridge to Vancouver, the Park Royal Shopping Centre was Canada’s first in 1950. Enclosed in 1962 and expanded in 1978 and 2013, this mall of several department stores and hundreds of retailers large and small is a major regional Blue Bus and TransLink terminal.
Recreation
West Vancouver has an 18-hole golf course, a pool, an ice rink, basketball and tennis courts, skateboard zones, and numerous landscaped public parks. Cypress Provincial Park, a 2010 Winter Olympics venue mostly within municipal limits, has mountain biking trails and a large ski/snowboard facility. Cypress Mountain became popular with skiers and mountain cyclists in the 1970s and 1980s. Whytecliff Park near Horseshoe Bay is one of the best places in Western Canada for scuba diving.
Welcome to 1416 Sandhurst, West Vancouver, where youthful spirit meets INCREDIBLE SOPHISTICATION. THIS WORLD CLASS ART PIECE is injected with innovation and sustainable design, combining drama, functionality and tranquility to achieve an URBAN OASIS — boasting one of ‘THE’ NICEST VIEW DEFINITELY IN VANCOUVER AND POSSIBLY CANADA — maybe in all North America. AWARD WINNING BUILDER HOMES by VALENTINO of Vancouver known for his exceptional homes of the highest custom LUXURY. This EXQUISITE almost 10,500 sqft MODERN living space spread over 3 STUNNING levels in the British Properties, set on a 19,285 sqft lot, is a MODERN ORGANIC MINIMALISM sense with the warmth of a home one desires to return to every day. HIGHEST LUXURY at every corner. Entertainers DREAM!More details
Listed by The Partners Real Estate
and Luxmore Realty
One of the most desirable Waterfront properties in West Vancouver, and an opportunity to renovate or rebuild on this magnificent lot! Experience the quintessential northwest coast lifestyle. On a level property enjoy the unobstructed panoramic water view offering over 22,000 Sq. Ft. with 83 Ft. of ocean frontage. A Waterfront property like this is rarely available. The existing residence, a creation by the renowned Jack Poole, is a testament to luxury and refinement. A colossal 7,065 Sq. Ft. manor, complemented by a charming 1,368 Sq. Ft. guest house, seamlessly blends with the landscape. Expansive, meticulously designed patios totaling over 2,800 Sq. Ft. grace the property, complete with inground pool and a rejuvenating sauna. A south facing waterfront property like this rarely available and a once in a generation opportunity! Please do not walk on property. Don’t miss this truly fine offering! Call for private viewing!More details
World class waterfront modern masterpiece designed by renowned architect Brad Lamoureus. Reconstructed 2015 on original foundation. This Sensational luxury residence is situated on a 12,309 sqft private estate along West Vancouver's most prized shoreline, Dundarave 2800 block Bellevue Ave. A truly beachfront lifestyle on three spacious levels, 6 bdrms, 6,000 sqft of exquisite luxury & design enjoy panoramic views of the Ocean, City & Shoreline. Built to exacting standards, an impeccable choice of quality materials providing this incredible indr outdr living w/ large ocean-side terraces, resort style swimming pool & beach access. Beautiful lush gardens, it seamlessly blends the landscape w/ bamboo forest, rocks & red maples. European kitchen w/ Gaggenau appls, prep kitchen, sun rm, surround sound sys, glass elevator, Control 4, A/C & video security, theatre, secured safe-rm & more! Minutes to Dundarave Village & Downtown Vancouver! Rare opportunity to acquire one of Vancouver’s premier waterfront properties.More details
WELCOME TO 2929 Mathers Avenue IN ALTAMONT West Vancouver where this 'one of a kind’ STUNNING residence with over 16,000 square feet of INTERIOR LIVING SPACE blends flawlessly between a CONTEMPORARY DESIGN with a splash of COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE. Substantially renovated in 2012 by West Vancouver’s own GOLDWOOD HOMES, this LARGER THAN LIFE ESTATE was re-CREATED adding the highest luxury. The list of details include 20 ft high curved glass wine wall w/ 1500 bottle capacity, 2 gourmet kitchens, wood fired pizza oven, steam room/sauna, BOWLING ALLEY, indoor fire pit, theatre/screening area, custom built aquarium, salt water pool, hot tub, outdoor BBQ area and cigar humidors -- 6 car show garage w/bar & lounge TO MENTION JUST A FEW. This private estate is truly rare to find with an INCREDIBLE STREET APPEAL, in a neighbourhood that is absolutely one of the best in ALL OF GREATER VANCOUVER. This opportunity to own a homes like this is once and a lifetime.More details
THE LARGEST WATERFRONT ESTATE IN WEST VANCOUVER! Over 31,000 sq/ft of prime waterfront with 175 ft of incredible oceanfront situated on a private S/W point ,this sun drenched lot is irreplaceable! Russell Hollingsworth and Ian Davidson design, this 1968 architectural masterpiece is ready to rise again! Over 7,400 sq/ft of living on two levels with incredible natural light and total privacy facing West overlooking Bowen Island. Huge indoor pool, one of kind 50 ft private dock, and enormous seaside patio cantilevered over the ocean with an electronic hoist all designed to entertain! The beautiful protected waters are perfect for swimming, boating, crabbing, and all your recreational pleasures. This is a legacy property that will never be replicated and is an absolute treasure! Amazing!More details
A truly modern architectural masterpiece by Mcleod Bovell Modern Houses that is not only unique and beautiful, but also functional and maximize the sweeping views of Downtown Vancouver and the Ocean. This concrete constructed contemporary home is situated in a gently sloped 27094 sq ft lot, with over 10000 sq ft inside, bright and spacious. The double height living area is open and airy. Through the huge aluminum glass pivot doors which created smooth transition from indoor to outdoor living, is the expansive outdoor area that is covered by 25 ft roof overhang that allows the family to enjoy all year long, with compliments of BBQ area, fire pits and infinity pool overlooking the fascinated views. Each section of the home is seamlessly blending into the next for a cohesive feel.More details
SENSATIONAL 11,159 SQFT HOME W/ "5" LARGE BDRMS UP & 6TH LARGE BDRM DOWN ON GATED 28,053 SQFT (.644 ACRE) LOT W/SPECTACULAR DOWNTOWN/LIONS GATE/STANLEY PARK VIEW. MAIN: grand foyer w/huge fresh-water fish tank, private living rm, separate dining rm off covered/heated patio w/outdr kitch/BBQ, gourmet kitch w/gorgeous wooden cabs & stunning crystal-ice granite counters, eating nook, fab Wok kitch and office. UPPER: 5 large bdrms, including huge primary w/stunning en-suite and walk-in, plus 4 oversized en-suited bdrms & laundry. LOWER: sensational temp-controlled wine cellar, huge rec-rm, full bar, media room, full spa w/bathrm/steamsauna/drysauna, 2nd laundry, stunning en-suited guest bdrm leading to patio, swimming pool, hot-tub and lush manicured gardens. PLUS ELEVATOR & INDOOR RV PARKING!More details
Listed by Royal Pacific Lions Gate Realty Ltd.
and Luxmore Realty
This extremely elegant luxury home with Panoramic Ocean view in British Property. This mansion perfectly sited on 26,237 SF level lot, 200' wide ocean & city view. Excellent layout, spacious hallways & bedrooms. Top workmanship, gourmet kitchen, over sized wok kitchen, exquisite moldings, walnut & marble slab flooring, granite counters. Highlights including 7 bedrooms, 10 baths, 42' deep foyer, formal LR & DR, Den, stunning KITCHEN merging to nook & huge family-room opening to covered porch & infinity outdoor pool perfect for entertainment. Fabulous Master w/sittting area, grand ensuite & private decks. Basement is entertainer's delight billiard recreation room, home theatre, wet bar & wine room. 4-car garage!More details
Come enjoy the best panoramic views that you can ask for in the Prestigious Chartwell neighbourhood. This is a once in a life time opportunity to acquire such amazing property, an over 22,000 SF lot with breathtaking views that no word can convey its magic fully, a completely flat driveway with tons of space for your cars and a 3-car garage and a masterfully designed and built house. This gated property shouts elegance and style. 7,400 SF of practical and immaculately designed living space that boasts 4 ensuited oversize bedrooms on the upper floor, plus another bonus master bedroom on the main floor, completely renovated to the highest standard with top-of-the-line appliances and no expense spared. This home will raise the bar in every possible way. Book your private showing today.More details