If you’re wondering if west vancouver is a good place to live, there are several factors that should be considered. First, you should consider where you want to work and what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for.
Vancouver has a lot to offer, from world-class outdoor activities and sports to fantastic dining options. It’s also extremely well-developed in terms of public transportation.
West End
The West End is one of Vancouver’s most vibrant and unique neighbourhoods. Bordered by the waters of English Bay on its south, Georgia Street on the north, Stanley Park to the east and Burrard Street on the west, it has a lot to offer.
The area’s many enticing attractions include a variety of restaurants and shopping along Robson Street, English Bay Beach and the Seawall, as well as Stanley Park, a world-famous green space that can easily fill up an entire day. Locals and visitors alike gather here to sunbathe, swim in the ocean, or go kayaking, biking or strolling on the infamous seawall.
There’s also a wealth of heritage buildings and residential heritage neighbourhoods in the area. Among these are two unique community led heritage preservation projects, Barclay Heritage Square and Mole Hill.
The West End also has plenty of shops, cafes and bars to enjoy during the evening. From delicatessens, bakeries and noodle shops to Asian-inspired eateries, the neighbourhood has something for everyone. In addition, there are a number of high-end dining options, such as CinCin Ristorante and Cactus Club, which can be found on Robson Street. Lastly, Davie Street is home to the city’s most famous gay nightclubs and gay bars, including Celebrities and Numbers. This makes the West End an ideal place to live for people of all ages and backgrounds.
South Main
South Main is a neighborhood that has undergone serious revitalization in recent years. Its many cafes and breweries, coupled with the nearby beaches, make it an ideal place for anyone looking to live in Vancouver’s west end.
The neighbourhood has an eclectic mix of independent studios, bars and shops that reflect a bohemian spirit. It’s home to third-wave coffee, craft beer and cocktail bars, vegan restaurants, record stores and high-end vintage fashion.
It’s also a good choice for those looking to live in Vancouver’s west end, especially those with young children who want to enjoy the beach and parks. The neighborhood sits along the renowned Seawall, so it’s easy to grab a bike or run and take in the picturesque views of the city skyline and False Creek.
This area is also popular among students, thanks to its proximity to UBC. It’s a short bus ride to the university, and is close to Kitsilano and Marpole.
One of the most dynamic areas in North America, this neighbourhood has a unique yet authentic mix of shops and services. It’s a vibrant area filled with third-wave cafes, craft beer and cocktail bars, vegan restaurants, high-end vintage fashion and cherry-blossom lined surrounding streets.
It’s also home to many family-friendly breweries and tasting rooms. These places are a great way to taste local beers and socialize with other people, and some of the more family-friendly ones even have playgrounds for the kids!
West Point Grey
West Point Grey is a quiet neighbourhood with a large selection of restaurants, shopping and other amenities. It’s also an attractive place to live if you’re looking for a peaceful and safe area of Vancouver to raise your family.
Families with young children will find a good variety of schools in West Point Grey, as well as a few daycares and preschools. There are also many recreational and cultural facilities in the area.
One of the most popular attractions in West Point Grey is Jericho Beach, a long beach along English Bay that attracts a wide variety of birds and marine life. In addition, a number of parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking trails and beach volleyball.
Residents can easily walk to shops and other amenities from their homes in West Point Grey, and there are also several bus routes that run through the neighbourhood. The main commercial strip, located between Discovery and Tolmie streets on West 10th Avenue, has a mix of old and new stores and restaurants.
As with most affluent neighbourhoods, crime is low in West Point Grey. However, caution should be exercised in deserted areas and in places that are not well lit at night. There have been reports of some sexual assaults in the area.
Horseshoe Bay
Located on the western tip of West Vancouver at the entrance to Howe Sound, Horseshoe Bay is a picturesque village that marks the end of Trans-Canada Highway #1 on the mainland (and also the start of the Sea-to-Sky Highway). The community is also home to one of BC Ferries’ two main terminals that link the Lower Mainland with Vancouver Island, offering sailings to Nanaimo and Bowen Island.
The village is a pretty little place to spend some time, with shops and restaurants that offer excellent views of Howe Sound and the Georgia Straight. There are also plenty of activities to do in the area if you’re feeling adventurous.
Another great thing to do in Horseshoe Bay is a trip to Whytecliff Park, which has an impressive view of Howe Sound. Its distinctive rocky island is a beautiful focal point, and you can even walk out to it during low tide.
While the park is beautiful at any time of day, it’s especially impressive during sunset, when the view is awe-inspiring and the light from the nearby Cypress Mountain is breathtaking. We highly recommend spending a few hours here if you can – the views are unbeatable.
Aside from its gorgeous beaches, the resort also offers world-class amenities, including four championship golf courses, a full service spa and marina, multiple dining options, several pools, the Yacht Club and a variety of other facilities. There are also a number of rooms available, from standard guestrooms to luxurious villas that come with everything you need for a perfect stay.
Ambleside
West Vancouver is home to Ambleside, a beachfront community that boasts a charming farmer’s market and plenty of green spaces for families. It also offers views of the beautiful Lions Gate Bridge, which lights up at night.
The area’s main beach is an excellent spot for a day in the sun. However, you’ll want to make sure that the water is safe to swim in.
Ambleside Beach is a 24 hectare (59 acre) waterfront park that features a long sandy beach and 1.2 kilometre seawalk. It is also a great place to see marine wildlife.
You’ll find a pier on Ambleside Beach, which is a popular fishing spot for residents and visitors alike. Fishing for salmon is best during early summer and fall, when the Capilano River levels are at their lowest.
Another activity that can be enjoyed by everyone is golf. Ambleside Beach is home to a scenic 18-hole pitch and putt course. It is open from April 1 onwards, giving you the chance to play a round and admire spectacular views of the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park.
Aside from the beach and the pier, Ambleside has plenty of shopping to keep you busy as well. The Ambleside Farmer’s Market is a fun place to stop and enjoy fresh produce. There’s also Park Royal, a large indoor and outdoor shopping center that is home to a variety of stores and restaurants.
Chartwell
A prestigious neighbourhood with spectacular panoramic views of Vancouver and the surrounding ocean, Chartwell is known for its luxury homes. It’s also a highly sought after community for retirees.
This west-end neighbourhood is home to a number of condominium developments, including the iconic Lioncrest and Chartwell Towers, which are both among the most desirable buildings in the area. They offer high-end amenities like a gym, library, lounges, spa and wellness center and more.
Chartwell is also home to Stonehaven, a retirement community that offers the most spacious suites of any senior living option in the area. Residents can enjoy activities like billiards, a book club, guest speakers and outings to local attractions and shopping.
The neighbourhood is also within walking distance of Denman Street, Davie Street and Robson Street. Each of these streets is packed with shops, restaurants and bars, making them a popular destination for many people.
This upscale community is surrounded by parks and beaches, and is close to Stanley Park. The neighborhood is also known for its affordable housing and reliable transit. Its proximity to downtown makes it a great place to live for anyone who wants the convenience of city life without sacrificing their independence.
Among many other things, David A. Grantham is a contributing author to UmassExtension West Vancouver Blo. He is a renowned expert on real estate in BC.
Born in North Vancouver, Louisiana, Dr. Grantham grew up in Lower Lonsdale. He then went on to complete his business degree at the University British Columbia. As of this writing, Grantham has completed over 100 projects, including the development of a high rise building in Vancouver.
He is a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a dedicated outdoorsman and enjoyed sports such as hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and snow skiing. His wife, Alison Grantham, and their two daughters survived him. He is survived by his wife Alison Martin Grantham and two daughters.