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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  • 2856 W 21 Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2819581

    2856 W 21 Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1K6
    Main Photo: 2856 W 21 Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2819581
    $4,399,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2819581
    Bedrooms:
    5
    Bathrooms:
    6
    Floor Area:
    2,930 sq. ft.
    You’ll fall in love with this 5 Bedroom 6 Bathroom home located in Arbutus. Incredibly beautiful, functional, family & entertaining home with a sophisticated flair. Architecturally divine luxury, inspired in a Victorian style with modern smart home features. The Gourmet & Wok kitchen boasts Miele appliances. Lower floor has the 2-bedroom in-law suite. Recreation room has a home-theatre setup. Detached 2 car garage is Level 2 EV Charging ready. Call agent for a viewing. More details
    Listed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd.
  • 2398 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2820952

    2398 W 19TH Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1C6
    Main Photo: 2398 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2820952
    $3,988,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2820952
    Bedrooms:
    7
    Bathrooms:
    5
    Floor Area:
    3,660 sq. ft.
    North south corner home in the heart of Arbutus. 17' high ceiling living room. bright natural skylights. exceptional floor plan. radiant heating. At least 24 hr notice for all private showings. More details
    Listed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp.
  • 2326 OLIVER Crescent in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2821296

    2326 OLIVER Crescent Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1S5
    Main Photo: 2326 OLIVER Crescent in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2821296
    $3,799,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2821296
    Bedrooms:
    5
    Bathrooms:
    5
    Floor Area:
    3,787 sq. ft.
    Updated home in Prime Arbutus area. Renovations in 2009 include: kitchen - granite counter tops, S/S appliances, double pane windows, blinds, H/W floors, carpet, roof. 2023 full interior paint + complete repiping project (replacement of all Poly B to PEX). 5 bdrm & 5 baths with generous layout & beautiful enclosed solarium leading to garage. Magnificent mature garden in a park like setting, perfect for entertainment & garden party. Walking distance to Prince of Wales, Trafalgar Elementary & Trafalgar Park. Close to all vicinity, shopping & transit. Call today for your private viewing! More details
    Listed by RE/MAX Westcoast
  • 2115 W 18 Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus Land for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2821377

    2115 W 18 Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1A3
    Main Photo: 2115 W 18 Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus Land for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2821377
    $3,999,999
    Land Only
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2821377
    Attention to Builders and Developers on this vacant land property situated in a desirable Vancouver West Arbutus location. Many options to build an estate home, townhouses, multiplex or multifamily development on this property. This corner building lot is substantial with lane access has Frontage 63.5 ft x Depth 149.6 ft = (9500 sqft) making it one of the larger lots in the area. Building plans are available & permits has been expired. The property's convenient access to UBC, YVR airport & Downtown Vancouver makes it an ideal location for those who need to commute to these destinations regularly. Schools nearby, parks, transportation and shopping centers. The Arbutus Greenway is located across the street. Future Arbutus sky train station only blks away. Act Fast!! More details
    Listed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty
  • 2206 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2822169

    2206 W 21ST Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1J5
    Main Photo: 2206 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2822169
    $5,500,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2822169
    Bedrooms:
    5
    Bathrooms:
    6
    Floor Area:
    4,154 sq. ft.
    It's at the south-east corner Lot over 6,130sf with Luxury Custom Built home located in the most prestigious area of Arbutus neighborhood, over 4,154sf living space, spacious gourmet kitchen and wok-kitchen, top brand appliances, 3 on-suite bedrooms on the upper level, large Master bedroom with walk-in closet. Lower level offers 2 bedrooms, media area and recreation area, wet bar and sauna, large wine cooler with temperature control. Close to transit and shopping, walking distance to well known Trafalgar Elementary and Prince of Wales Secondary. Open House 3rd,Dec Sunday 2-4pm. Video: https://youtu.be/-oTbYkIBkQs More details
    Listed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp.
  • 2526 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2823092

    2526 W 18TH Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1B1
    Main Photo: 2526 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2823092
    $4,198,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2823092
    Bedrooms:
    7
    Bathrooms:
    5
    Floor Area:
    3,817 sq. ft.
    Freshly renovated 7 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms in Arbutus. New roof, skylights, kitchen, appliances and bathrooms. New kitchen cabinets and draws. New large kitchen island can seat for 4 persons. Engineering hardwood floors on main and upper floors. All new tiles in kitchen, family room and the 4 bathrooms. All new light fixtures and blinds in the house. Updated security system with video cameras & monitor. Freshly painted exterior, interior and ceilings. Walkout basement. Could be a potential legal suite. Just come in to appreciate all the updates in the house. Close to Trafalgar Elementary and Prince of Wales Secondary. Walk to transit and park. Easy to show. More details
    Listed by Macdonald Realty Westmar
  • 2793 ALAMEIN Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus Townhouse for sale in "Westbury" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2823645

    2793 ALAMEIN Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 0C2
    Main Photo: 2793 ALAMEIN Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus Townhouse for sale in "Westbury" (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2823645
    $3,180,000
    Residential Attached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2823645
    Bedrooms:
    4
    Bathrooms:
    3
    Floor Area:
    1,877 sq. ft.
    One of 6 Luxurious townhome in Arbutus Ridge! 1877sq ft house like 3 level living space. 3 bedrooms up and one at entrance level(good for rental/elderly/guest).High ceiling grand foryer. Chef's dream kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, 3" Quartz countertop, wood-veneer cabinetry & eating area. Over $48,000 upgrades: bright living room with sliding door for privacy & living room wall shelves. Spacious dining room/recreation room. Mountain & city view from private rooftop deck. Engineered oak hardwood flooring, custom shelfing with LED lighting, Control 4 smart home systems, side by side 2 car parkin with EV charging station. One block to Trafalgar Elementary & park. One of a kind. Show & sell. Agent open: 08 Nov 10:30am to 12pm More details
    Listed by Macdonald Realty
  • 2487 W 23RD Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2824248

    2487 W 23RD Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1N7
    Main Photo: 2487 W 23RD Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2824248
    $3,598,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2824248
    Bedrooms:
    5
    Bathrooms:
    2
    Floor Area:
    2,640 sq. ft.
    Incredible Arbutus Ridge location facing directly onto Trafalgar Park. Enjoy an unobstructed park view every day. The 53 by 122 foot lot offers the opportunity to build your dream home or to hold for potential future redevelopment. This property is the perfect canvas for your next exciting project. It's a great location for a family home, or a multifamily property within the new zoning rules. The area is fantastic, close to private schools, Arbutus Village, transportation and recreation. School catchment: Trafalgar Elementary and Prince of Wales Secondary. Lined with majestic trees and facing Trafalgar Park, this neighborhood offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to everyone who visits. Please do not walk on the property without an appointment. Showings are available by appointment. More details
    Listed by One Percent Realty Ltd.
  • 2817 OLIVER Crescent in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2825034

    2817 OLIVER Crescent Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1T1
    Main Photo: 2817 OLIVER Crescent in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2825034
    $5,380,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2825034
    Bedrooms:
    6
    Bathrooms:
    8
    Floor Area:
    5,169 sq. ft.
    Elegant home in Quilchena's heart offers stunning views. Tailored with superior craftsmanship, it features three ensuite bedrooms on the upper floor overlooking the Prince of Wales Park and mountains. The landscaped ground highlight a peaceful pond. The modern kitchen showcases a granite island and top-tier Miele appliances, accompanied by a six burner gas cooktop and potent Thermador hood. Interior finishes include premium wall paper, blinds, stone flooring, and a unique entrance pattern. Amenities encompass sensor bathroom lighting, a jacuzzi, radiant heating, advanced ventilation, air conditioning, and a security system. More details
    Listed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty
  • 3611 GALIANO Road in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2825611

    3611 GALIANO Road Arbutus Vancouver V6L 2W4
    Main Photo: 3611 GALIANO Road in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2825611
    $3,988,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2825611
    Bedrooms:
    4
    Bathrooms:
    4
    Floor Area:
    3,051 sq. ft.
    Incredible opportunity to start building your dream home immediately. Approved plans for a modern masterpiece of 4,364 square feet by BLA Design Group. Spectacular view lot of approximately 6,454 square feet with unobstructed city and mountain views. In addition to the building plans, the engineering work and full landscape plans have also been completed. Save yourself the two year process of getting this project approved by COV and take advantage of this turnkey opportunity to build right away. Current home is gutted to the studs and not livable. Note that in addition to plans and engineering work, full landscape plans have also been completed, and have received board of variance for approval to have a double garage attached to the property /house. Call for more details. More details
    Listed by WESTSIDE Tom Gradecak Realty
  • 4492 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2828243

    4492 QUESNEL Drive Arbutus Vancouver V6L 2X6
    Main Photo: 4492 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2828243
    $6,580,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2828243
    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. Open House Nov 25, Saturday 2-4pm. More details
    Listed by eXp Realty
  • 2885 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale in "ARBUTUS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2831233

    2885 W 20TH Avenue Arbutus Vancouver V6L 1H4
    Main Photo: 2885 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale in "ARBUTUS" (Vancouver West)  : MLS®# R2831233
    $3,480,000
    Residential Detached
    Status:
    Active
    MLS® Num:
    R2831233
    Bedrooms:
    4
    Bathrooms:
    4
    Floor Area:
    2,727 sq. ft.
    Prime Arbutus Ridge! One-of-a-kind luxury home! Lot size 5,004(41 x 122.05), inside total 2,602 sq. ft. with beautiful mountain view balcony. Spacious 4 bdrms + 4 bathrooms+ 3 Covered Garages. Basement has a bedroom, a large recreation room with separate entry which can be easily converted to a rental suite as a great mortgage helper. Owner spent a big fortune on adding two new full bathrooms in master bedroom and basement in 2013, and built a detached triple garage in 2014. Easy to show! School Catchment: Carnarvon Elementary & Prince of Wales Secondary .Open House: Nov 25, Sat, 2-4PM. More details
    Listed by RE/MAX Westcoast
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Data was last updated November 30, 2023 at 03:05 AM (UTC)
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