West Vancouver is a beautiful waterfront community surrounded by mountains. Located in the western part of the North Shore the city is estimated to have a population of approximately 44,122 according to the 2021 Census.
The city is home to some of the wealthiest people in the lower mainland and is known for hosting magnificent seafood restaurants. West Vancouver embraces mother nature to its full extent, from seaside neighborhoods and parks to Metro Vancouver’s largest ski hill Cypress Bowl, you can do it all in the city of West Vancouver.
About West Vancouver
History of the city
The city of West Vancouver was separated from the District Municipality of North Vancouver and incorporated in 1912. In 1950 Park Royal Shopping Centre was built and at the time was Canada’s first covered shopping mall. In present time Park Royal is the second biggest mall in BC with Metropolis at Metrotown being first.
To this day, there are many traditional spectacles that deliver a historical experience. West Vancouver heritage homes can be found well-preserved. Named after the area Point Atkinson Lighthouse was the first lighthouse built in 1875 . The lighthouse continues to stand strong.
Appeal
Wealthy
Most homes sell for an average of $3,317,500 according to Greater Vancouver REALTORS® and the average cost of rent is between $1,150 for a one bedroom to $3,927 for a 3+ bedroom apartment according to CMHC 2021. West Vancouver is a great city to live in, though the average income for people living here is over $100,000. With a university nearby and many opportunities for work, the city of West Vancouver makes it appealing to the wealthy.
Families
West Vancouver is perfect for families it’s safe, fun and full of many outdoor/indoor activities for all ages. Enroll yourself or your kids in team sports to stay active such as soccer, baseball, field hockey or join a beer league. The wilderness in your backyard, go on hiking trips at Whyte Lake Trail, Cypress Falls and Lighthouse Park, It is common to see families walking at Ambleside Park in the afternoons, take the kids to the playground and then for some gelato. In West Vancouver dream homes start at around $1,000,000 and up.
Top Places to See
Ambleside Park + Neighbourhood
Home to Ambleside Park, the neighbourhood offers all sorts of amenities. From gorgeous walks along the trails of Ambleside Park to the many seafood restaurants located within the neighbourhood.
British Properties
This neighbourhood is located in West Vancouver and has the most luxurious mansions in the lower mainland. The real estate offers mansions that would give the Great Gatsby competition.
Horseshoe Bay
A goregeuos neighbourhood by the water that is home to Horseshoe Bay Park. The park makes a great setting for picnics and offers a scenic view of gigantic ferries that travel the ocean. As you explore Horseshoe Bay, in the park you’ll discover totem poles and a 5,000-pound cast-bronze propeller that was converted from a whaling ship.
Things to do in West Vancouver + Local tips
Ambleside Park
Is a popular coastline park made up of 59 acres that includes a 600 meter long beach. The park has paved walking along the Burrard Inlet with biking trails and was originally designated in 1918. Apart from the gorgeous trails the park contains the Ambleside Golf Course which is an 18-hole, par 3, pitch and putt course. Take a swing while being at the park and then cool off at Sandy Beach.
If golf isn’t your thing you can always enjoy the fitness circuit, tennis courts, basketball courts baseball diamonds and even a skatepark. If you get hungry, there’s quite the selection of local to commercial chain restaurants within walking distance.
Dundarave Festival of Lights
Dundarave village is a seaside neighborhood in West Vancouver that hosts The Forest of Miracles during the Christmas season at Dundarave Beach. A cause that works towards ending homelessness by planting and decorating Christmas trees to light up spirits. The festival is accompanied with concerts and activities for all ages to enjoy.
Park Royal Shopping Centre
This shopping centre offers an indoor/outdoor luxury lifestyle shopping experience with over 280 stores to select from. The mall is the second biggest mall in the province of BC and offers a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Lighthouse Park
The Lighthouse Park is a national historic park with many trails to walk and hike. The park features a lighthouse that dates back to 1874 located on the rocky pier that was once used to guide entrance into the Burrard Inlet. The park offers bird watching and phenomenal views of The Lion’s Gate Bridge and Stanley Park.
Leisure and Hobbies
Cypress Bowl
The Cypress Bowl became a world-famous ski resort after being used in the 2010 Winter Olympics. The ski resort sits on top of Cypress Mountain and was one of the first resorts to allow snowboarding. At Cypress mountain you can enjoy downhill activities or switch it up and try out Nordic activities such as cross-country skiing, snowtubing, lights to the lodge and snowshoeing. After your activities choose from 5 restaurants to dine, all with great views and ambience.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Looking for for suspense? Then we dare you to walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, don’t be scared, look down it’s perfectly safe. The commute is only 10 minutes away by car. Technically in North Vancouver, this is a great activity to check out if you’re in West Vancouver.
Education
There are 14 elementary schools and 4 secondary schools. West Vancouver is the top performing public school district in British Columbia and many student graduates move on to post-secondary with higher than average scores.
Capilano University
Is located in North Vancouver and is a 20-minute commute by car and a 40-minute commute by transit from West Vancouver. Unlike other cities in the lower mainland, there is no Skytrain to facilitate travel within the city, as a result, you’ll have to rely on taking the bus, taxi or using a share ride service. The university offers 5 faculties that include Arts & Sciences, Business & Professional Studies, Education, Health & Human Development, Fine & Applied Arts and Global & Community Studies.
Leisure and Hobbies
West Vancouver has 4 community centres, 3 activity centres, a family friendly 18-hole golf course and an Aquatic centre that caters to all your fitness and family needs.
Go Fishing
West Vancouver is a great place to fish. You can fish at the Ambleside Pier or check out the Watermark Salmon Fishing Charters and Fish Fish Charters.
Take Flight
Get close to the cities most beautiful feathered pals by visiting the Maplewood Conservation Area. The area is home to over 245 types of birds. There’s also the Ambleside Park, the Cypress Provincial Park and Mount Seymour Provincial Park.
Future of the area
Currently there are many projects underway to improve the city such as the Ambleside Waterfront Redevelopment Site, which will increase public access to the beach and waterfront and encourage year round access to the site. The North Shore is also looking to replace the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plan and looking to create a sustainable urban community in Cypress Village which is currently in Phase 3 (community and stakeholder engagement) in 2022.
