Vancouver Neighbourhood Guides

Dunbar-Arbutus

A mixture of a suburban community with a country lifestyle, these neighbourhoods offer a warm and elegant taste of the country while still close to the comforts and convenience of suburbia.

Arbutus Ridge is a quiet, mature, tree-filled neighbourhood with stately and restored heritage homes. This area becomes a mecca for cherry blossoms in the spring, which adds to the peaceful ambiance and green spaces. Arbutus has managed to retain its neighbourhood feel, making this a perfect community for families, professionals, and seniors alike. 

With Dunbar’s charming homes and the elegant estates of Southlands, this community offers a reprieve from city life’s congestion and noise, making it hard to believe that downtown Vancouver is only 18 minutes away. Easy access to YVR, shopping districts, parks, golf courses, and access to the beautiful Fraser River make this neighbourhood a desirable place to live.

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Dunbar-Arbutus's Appeal

Arbutus Ridge is in the middle of Vancouver’s west side, with excellent access to Downtown, the University of British Columbia, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Kitsilano, and Jericho Beach, as well as to local shopping. With two large parks;Trafalgar and Carnavarn, Arbutus has plenty of activities from soccer, baseball, and ultimate frisbee, to name a few. When you consider all the parks and green spaces of Arbutus, it’s ironic how this now predominantly affluent neighbourhood was once dubbed “Asthma Flats” because, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was nothing more than a swamp that could only be traversed by a plank walkway.

Dunbar-Southlands is a mature community of quiet, residential streets lined with grand old trees, serene parks, a convenient retail and shopping district called Dunbar Village, the lovely McCleery Golf Course, and the private Point Grey Golf and Country Club. With close proximity to parks, the Fraser River, and UBC endowment lands, Dunbar-Southlands offer a vast amount of green space.

Dunbar-Arbutus Provides...

Community Gardens

Diverse flowers, shrubs, and vegetables serve to attract birds, while the Perennial gardens are filled with butterflies, and hums with several types of bees from spring to fall, all the while providing residents with fresh, beautiful produce.

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Parks

Numerous parks are scattered throughout these two neighbourhoods, and provide many activities from sporting events, trail running, and picnics to name a few.

Community Involvement

Dunbar residents have a high level of community spirit and volunteerism and are keenly interested in participating in decisions that will affect them.

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Schools

With mostly single-family homes, there are plenty of options for schools in these neighbourhoods. In Southlands, you will find Southlands Elementary, Kerrisdale Elementary, Kerrisdale Annex, and McKechnie Elementary. You will discover Trafalgar Elementary School in Arbutus, with Carnarvon Elementary and Kitchener Elementary just over the Arbutus boundaries.

Shopping

There are nearly 250 shops and services in the Dunbar Village that cater to a wide variety of needs while retaining the shop local sentiment and being devoid of the mega mall atmosphere.

Services and Facilities

Dunbar Community Centre serves the Dunbar-Southlands local area and meets the Park Board’s goal of providing one community center for approximately every 20,000 people. It has sport, recreational, and social programs for a wide range of residents, from infants to seniors. Swimming pools serving Dunbar residents are Lord Byng Pool and Kerrisdale Pool. Kerrisdale Ice Arena is the nearest ice rink. The Vancouver Public Library operates the Dunbar Branch Library.

The Dunbar-Arbutus Housing Market

With mostly single-family dwellings on larger properties, Arbutus and Dunbar have traditionally attracted more affluent buyers. Recently though, the main corridors have been lined with strata properties with street-level commercial units. While Southlands has maintained its “country feel” with stately homes and a large number of stables, smaller homes can be found, and new developments are beginning to increase in frequency.

Your Life In Dunbar-Arbutus

Your Life After Work

Make your way outside for a walk along the Fraser River, watch the tug boats and local fishermen as they buzz up and down the river. Head out for a glass of wine and a lovely meal at one of the fine eateries such as La Buca, which competes with some of the best restaurants in the city.

Your Life On Weekends

Make your way out for a round of golf at either the public course or the private course. Peruse one of the many shops in the Dunbar Village shopping district. Have a picnic in one of the parks while watching a game of baseball or ultimate frisbee.

Entertainment

The Kitsilano Farmers Market on Saturdays is an excellent activity, whether you are going alone, or want to bring the whole family. Golfing, horseback riding, and biking are all popular choices for residents in these neighbourhoods.

Access to YVR and Richmond

Situated further south than many of the other neighbourhoods in Vancouver means you have excellent access to YVR, which can be especially useful if you are someone who has to catch regular flights. Richmond, if you are looking for something different, such as the annual Night Market is a short drive away and offers a whole new element to explore.

What You'll Love

You will love the small community feel, the closeness to nature, and the tranquility of suburbia, all the while being only minutes from the city’s action. You will truly get a sense of having the best of both worlds living here.

What You May Not Like

The large single-family homes provide an idyllic country setting away from the noise. If you are looking to be in the “thick of it,” these communities will not be for you. Dunbar and Arbutus are removed from the city center, meaning no night clubs, and the bars here are generally quieter gastropubs. There are many restaurants, but generally, to find the best in the city, one needs to venture beyond these two communities’ borders.

Dunbar-Arbutus Property Search

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  • 3894 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2746918

    3894 QUESNEL Drive Arbutus Vancouver V6L 2X2
    Main Photo: 3894 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2746918
    $5,888,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2746918
    Bedrooms:
    3
    Bathrooms:
    4
    Floor Area:
    3,030 sq. ft.
    A house taken out of a Disney Movie! Experience breath taking 180 degree ocean, city, and mountain views. Located on an exceptionally quiet and tranquil street. This beautifully taken care of home sits on a 4,100 sqft lot and features 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The seller has recently changed the roof and added an eye catching stone wall surrounding the entrance. A recently upgraded kitchen, upstairs flooring, and master bathroom compliment the classic stain glass windows and beautifully finished original hardwood floors. Come experience this home in person and be transported into a world of classic high class living. Close to shopping, top private schools, and UBC. Catchments: Trafalgar Elementary & Prince of Wales Secondary. More details
    Listed by Dracco Pacific Realty
  • 2295 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2748913

    2295 W 19TH Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1C3
    Main Photo: 2295 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2748913
    $4,380,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2748913
    Bedrooms:
    6
    Bathrooms:
    5
    Floor Area:
    3,688 sq. ft.
    Month to month , Fully nice quiet senior white tenant occupied property, rent$5900 per-month, typical quiet & nice VANCOUVER west location, corner unit, south facing, 6100sqf lot & 50feet frontage … that is a top place for investment or living or rebuilt around the world. More details
    Listed by Homeland Realty
  • 2318 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2766692

    2318 W 18TH Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1A8
    Main Photo: 2318 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2766692
    $4,988,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2766692
    Bedrooms:
    5
    Bathrooms:
    5
    Floor Area:
    3,658 sq. ft.
    Exquisitely designed and meticulously created, this stunning home in the coveted Arbutus location offers the epitome of luxurious and modern living. With attention to detail and premium finishes throughout, including high ceilings, granite and walnut hardwood floors, this 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home boasts a grand foyer, gourmet kitchen with high end appliances, home theatre, wet bar, A/C HRV, TV surveillance, and a private covered deck with southern exposure. Located within the catchment of top schools such as Prince of Wales High School and Trafalgar Elementary School, and close to prestigious private schools like York House and St Georges, as well as UBC and public transit, this home is a must see for discerning buyers. Open house 3-5pm Sunday Oct 1. More details
    Listed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty
  • 3192 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2769329

    3192 W 18TH Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1B9
    Main Photo: 3192 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2769329
    $3,980,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2769329
    Bedrooms:
    5
    Bathrooms:
    2
    Floor Area:
    2,679 sq. ft.
    Great holding property in Central Vancouver westside! This charming and sunny 5-bedroom home offers 2679 sf living area on a meticulously 9,630 sf lot in prestiges Arbutus area and steps away from schools, shopping , park. House is very solid with updated windows and kitchen, subzero fridge and Miele dishwasher, bright eating area over look sunny backyard. Three spacious bedrooms with one bath on main, Downstairs featuring with spacious recreation room, as well as two additional bedrooms & office and one bath. Three-car garage. Pride of ownership! More details
    Listed by RE/MAX Crest Realty
  • 3650 TRAFALGAR Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2776591

    3650 TRAFALGAR Street Arbutus Vancouver V6L 2M2
    Main Photo: 3650 TRAFALGAR Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2776591
    $5,280,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2776591
    Bedrooms:
    6
    Bathrooms:
    6
    Floor Area:
    4,246 sq. ft.
    Well-Maintained custom home on a bright lot. Over 4200sqft of spacious living space, luxurious finishings, gorgeous contemporary open floor plan and high ceilings. Main floor features large living, dining and an enormous kitchen and family room that overlooks the garden backyard. Custom kitchen cabinets, top-of-the-line S/S appliances and wok kitchen for the chef. Upper floor with 4 bedrooms and a master with spa-like ensuite. Lower level features 2 bedrooms, media room, laundry room, huge Recreation Room. Fully fenced and landscaped. Other features include hardwood floors, HRV, air conditioning, large patio, extensive use of granite and marble throughout. Great location - close to Trafalgar Elementary school ,Prince of Wales Secondary and parks. More details
    Listed by LeHomes Realty Premier
  • 2425 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2777413

    2425 W 20TH Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1G6
    Main Photo: 2425 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2777413
    $3,398,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2777413
    Bedrooms:
    4
    Bathrooms:
    2
    Floor Area:
    1,816 sq. ft.
    Discover a rare opportunity in Vancouver's prestigious Arbutus Ridge neighborhood! This expansive lot offers endless potential for your dream home or a remarkable redevelopment project. This prime location with close proximity to renowned schools, parks and upscale amenities is a visionary's dream. Build a personalized architectural masterpiece or capitalize on the area's desirability for a lucrative investment. Don't miss your chance to own a slice of Arbutus Ridge's tranquility and beauty - contact me now! More details
    Listed by Real Broker
  • 3630 TRAFALGAR Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale in "ARBUTUS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2777756

    3630 TRAFALGAR Street Arbutus Vancouver V6L 2M2
    Main Photo: 3630 TRAFALGAR Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale in "ARBUTUS" (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2777756
    $5,190,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2777756
    Bedrooms:
    5
    Bathrooms:
    6
    Floor Area:
    4,338 sq. ft.
    A spectacular luxury home in Arbutus featuring over 4,300 sqft of spacious living on a 53x120 lot. Main floor offers open living & dining areas, a large office, gourmet kitchen with Sub-Zero & Wolf appliances including a WOK kitchen & mud room. 10 ft ceilings, large windows & H/W floors throughout. Top level features 4 spacious bedrooms & 3 ensuites, spa inspired master bathroom & large W/I closet. Basement contains a fully finished 1 bdrm suite with laundry, a large media room, wine room, rec room & powder room. 4 covered parking. This home is designed with exquisite finishing's and lots of potentials. Walking distance to Trafalgar Elementary and PW Secondary. Best location to access everywhere. Tenant Occupied. Showing by appointment only. More details
    Listed by RE/MAX Masters Realty
  • 2862 W 24TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2785207

    2862 W 24TH Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1R4
    Main Photo: 2862 W 24TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2785207
    $2,500,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2785207
    Bedrooms:
    2
    Bathrooms:
    1
    Floor Area:
    756 sq. ft.
    Attention builders! A golden opportunity awaits in the prestigious Arbutus neighborhood of Vancouver West. This property has a 4026 SqFt lot space, providing the perfect canvas for your next project. The existing house on the lot serves as a blank slate for your creative vision. Nestled in a prime location, this property is surrounded by an array of amenities, including schools, shops, parks, and convenient public transportation options. Lined with majestic trees and boasting beautiful parks, this neighborhood exudes a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place to call home. School catchment: Trafalgar Elementary, Prince of Wales Secondary and Kitsilano Secondary. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity! More details
    Listed by 1NE Collective Realty Inc.
  • 3229 TRUTCH Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2785230

    3229 TRUTCH Street Arbutus Vancouver V6L 2T3
    Main Photo: 3229 TRUTCH Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2785230
    $5,990,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2785230
    Bedrooms:
    10
    Bathrooms:
    10
    Floor Area:
    5,924 sq. ft.
    GORGEOUS custom-built Villa, sits on a corner lot in prestigious area Arbutus & designed by award-winning Interior Designer Karin Bohn. 5924 sqft living space includes LANEWAY HOUSE (924 sqft) with 2 bedrooms suite & 3 bdrms super designed suite in the basement! Offers quality supreme finishing workmanship & fixtures. Huge gourmet kitchen w/ high-end cabinetry & top-of-line appliances, media room with designer wet bar, sauna/steam rm, radiant heat flooring, A/C, private fenced yard with basketball court (meets all your outdoor entertainment needs), ROOFTOP deck with breathtaking mountain views, primary ensuited bdrm on main flr is perfect for seniors. Just steps away from Carnarvon Elem., transit & park. Centrally located & close to amenities, shops, restaurants. Open house: Sep 17, 1-3pm. More details
    Listed by Dracco Pacific Realty
  • 2871 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2786651

    2871 W 20TH Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1H4
    Main Photo: 2871 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2786651
    $3,598,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2786651
    Bedrooms:
    5
    Bathrooms:
    2
    Floor Area:
    2,688 sq. ft.
    Fantastic sitting north and southing facing single family home , 2,688 sf. living area with 41 x 122.05 sf. lot in prestigious Arbutus area in Vancouver West. Located on a quiet tree-lined street. New roof in 2010, and h/w tank 2012 & furnace in 2009. Close to all levels of top schools, UBC, shopping, recreation and public transit. School catchment: Carnarvon Elementary; Prince of Wales Secondary; French Immersion: Kitsilano Secondary. More details
    Listed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp.
  • 3008 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2790081

    3008 W 21ST Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1L1
    Main Photo: 3008 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2790081
    $2,680,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2790081
    Bedrooms:
    2
    Bathrooms:
    1
    Floor Area:
    1,579 sq. ft.
    One of the best flat corner lots in the Arbutus area - W21st & Carnavon Street. Build your dream home or hold for potential re-development into multiplex home. If newly built there is a good chance for an upper floor view. This is a great location close to private school, Arbutus Village, transportation and recreation, perfect for families. Currently leased to a long time tenant who is willing to stay. Property is to be sold at land value. Please do not walk on the property without prior arrangement with the listing agent. More details
    Listed by Royal LePage Sussex
  • 4492 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2793254

    4492 QUESNEL Drive Arbutus Vancouver V6L 2X6
    Main Photo: 4492 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2793254
    $6,998,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2793254
    Bedrooms:
    4
    Bathrooms:
    5
    Floor Area:
    4,201 sq. ft.
    PANORAMIC VIEWS! One of the best view properties in Vancouver!!! Stunning views of the whole northshore, water & downtown Vancouver from all 3 levels. This home was substantially rebuilt in 2004. The main floor features elegant rooms that flow into one another & onto a large north deck. The gourmet kitchen opens onto a sunny Mediterranean patio with built-in BBQ. Upstairs, 3 bedrooms with A/C. The master BR is a peaceful oasis. Downstairs, bedroom with ensuite & a family room with the bar that opens onto the garden area with an O/D kitchen, pool & pond, BI stereo system indoor & outdoor. Close to top schools & UBC. More details
    Listed by eXp Realty
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Data was last updated October 3, 2023 at 03:05 AM (UTC)
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