Located on the city’s west side, Kitsilano offers breathtaking views of the North Shore Mountains and English Bay, making it a hub for beachgoers, cyclists, and fitness enthusiasts. As one of the top neighbourhoods in the country, this highly desirable beachfront community truly has it all!
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Nestled between the shimmering waters of English Bay and the urban pulse of Vancouver’s west side, Kitsilano—often simply called “Kits”—is a neighbourhood where beach culture meets city sophistication. Known for its laid-back vibe, historic hippy charm, and a strong sense of community, Kitsilano blends natural beauty with a vibrant lifestyle.
This is ground zero for Lululemon and Greenpeace, this picture-perfect community is home to one of the best city beaches in North America, Kitsilano Beach (check out the virtual tour).
Whether it’s early morning jogs along the seawall, boutique shopping on West 4th Avenue, or sunset dinners overlooking the ocean, Kitsilano offers a distinctly West Coast experience that feels both effortlessly relaxed and unmistakably alive.
Kitsilano is located on the west side of Vancouver and bordered by Point Grey, Arbutus Ridge and Fairview.
For those who love being outdoors & active, Kitsilano is truly paradise. Anchored by the world famous Kitsilano Beach, most of the outdoor activities in the area include biking, running, walking, swimming, playing basketball, tennis or beach volleyball. The list of things you can do here are endless and most off scenic views of English Bay, Downtown and the North Shore Mountains.
A defining feature of Kits Beach is Kitsilano Pool, an 137-meter-long heated saltwater pool that runs along the edge of the shoreline. Open seasonally from late spring to early fall, it offers a stunning place to swim with uninterrupted ocean and mountain views. It’s popular with lap swimmers, families, and anyone wanting a less chilly alternative to the Pacific waters.
The area also boasts some of Vancouver’s top attractions including the Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Every year, the community also hosts for the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare festival from June to September.
Parks and pathways are plentiful, including seaside parks like Vanier Park to centrally located Connaught Park! You can also take a cruise on your bike on the Arbutus Greenway that runs through the city!
Kitsilano offers a strong and diverse educational landscape. The area is home to well-regarded public schools such as Kitsilano Secondary, which features French Immersion and Advanced Placement programs, and several elementary schools like Bayview, Henry Hudson, and Lord Tennyson, many of which offer French Immersion or specialized learning support. Kitsilano also hosts independent schools such as St. John’s School, an International Baccalaureate institution, and Fraser Academy, which specializes in learning differences. With its mix of public, private, and alternative education options, Kitsilano provides families with a range of high-quality learning opportunities in a welcoming, community-oriented environment.
Nestled between the beach and the city’s bustling west side, it offers an eclectic mix of shopping and dining experiences. From iconic yoga-wear stores to artisan cafés and ocean-view eateries, the district’s main streets—West 4th Avenue, West Broadway, Yew Street, Cornwall Avenue, and 1st Avenue Village—each bring their own unique flavor.
West 4th Avenue is the commercial heartbeat of Kitsilano, well-known for its blend of upscale fashion, wellness brands, and lively dining spots. It’s home to the original Lululemon store and other top-tier outdoor and athletic retailers like Arc’teryx and Patagonia. Shoppers can wander through independent boutiques like Gravity Pope and browse home décor, gifts, and books. The street also offers a culinary journey with popular stops like Fable Kitchen, Trattoria, and Rain or Shine Ice Cream. Each summer, the avenue hosts the Khatsahlano Street Party, Vancouver’s largest free music and arts festival.
Known for its historic Greek influence, West Broadway blends multicultural flair with a local vibe. The annual Greek Day celebration is a lively event filled with music, dance, and Mediterranean flavors. The shopping scene includes indie bookstores, lifestyle shops, and kids’ boutiques. On the food front, you’ll find everything from casual cafés and bubble tea shops to specialty groceries and renowned pâtisseries.
Popular pockets of shops & diners are dotted along Yew Street, Cornwall Street and 1st Avenue, offering up everything from cozy cafés, organic grocers, buzzing patios and specialty shops. It’s the perfect place to grab a post-beach brunch or an evening cocktail.
The area features a mix of charming heritage homes, contemporary single-family residences, low-rise condominiums, and modern townhouses. Tree-lined streets are dotted with character homes that reflect the neighborhood’s historic roots, while new developments provide sleek, urban living spaces for professionals and downsizers.
This variety caters to a broad demographic, including young professionals, families, and retirees seeking a vibrant yet relaxed urban lifestyle.
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Here are some more neighbourhoods that you may be interested in.
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