Kitsilano: It’s a Vibe

Where Sun, Sand, and Community Spirit Meet

Welcome to Kitsilano—Kits for short—the neighbourhood where urban grit meets sandy feet, and every day feels just a little bit like Saturday. With its legendary Kits Beach (Lonely Planet’s pick for Canada’s top urban beach!), leafy green streets, and an irresistible blend of vintage charm and modern buzz, Kits is arguably the heartbeat of Vancouver’s west side]

A Stroll Through Time

Let’s hop into our time machine for a moment. A century ago, Kits was a wild patchwork
of forests, salmon canneries, and tent-dotted beaches that drew summer vacationers
like bees to honey. Back then, Greer’s Beach (now Kits Beach) was the place for
sunseekers and campers, while the Kitsilano Indian Reserve (now Vanier Park) and the
historic Coast Salish village Sen̓áḵw rested nearby. Today, these historic lands are
home to some of Vancouver’s iconic cultural institutions.
Fast-forward through the roaring arrival of streetcars, the grand opening of Burrard
Bridge in 1932, and the post-war influx of young dreamers, and you’ll see Kitsilano
transform into an eclectic, energetic community. When city planners tried to pepper the
beach slopes with apartments, Kits’ passionate residents stood up to preserve the soul
of their neighbourhood. Through grassroots activism in the ’70s and ’80s, and
collaborative planning with city staff, Kitsilano built its reputation as a neighbourhood
with a mind—and heart—of its own.

Quirks and Curiosities

• Kitsilano’s streets are named after trees—Elm, Cypress, Birch—but if you’re
  hunting for alphabetic order, good luck! An old mapping oopsie gave us a
  delightfully random arrangement.
• Meet Sam Greer: one of Kits’ original residents, who camped on the beach from
  1882 to 1890 before a legal tussle with the CPR left him landless and
  momentarily behind bars. Talk about local legend!
• The signature Craftsman homes, with their low-pitched roofs and chunky beams, hail from the building boom of 1910 to 1912. They still sprinkle Kits with their cozy
  charm.
• Tatlow Park made its cinematic debut in the Robert Altman film “That Cold Day in
  the Park” (1960)—one more reason to take a stroll!
• The towering totem pole at the Maritime Museum, crafted by Mungo Martin, once
  reigned as the tallest in the world. It’s a replica of the one gifted to Queen
  Elizabeth II in 1967.
• The Kitsilano branch of the Vancouver Public Library has been serving
  bookworms since 1927, making it the oldest in BC.

Streetscapes and Skylines

Change is the name of the game in Kitsilano. Over the past three decades, the city’s
skyline has sprouted up with new developments, especially on the old gas station lots
and around apartment blocks. Yet, tucked between bustling avenues you’ll find classic
Craftsman homes holding their ground, thanks to neighbours who care deeply about
Kits’ heritage.
As Vancouver’s density grows, city council trying to help residents preserve Kits’ historic
homes, offering incentives for renovations that keep the neighbourhood’s unique
character intact. Is it working? The Jury is still out… so stay tuned

Pathways to Fun: Urban Upgrades

• Seaside Greenway & York Bikeway: Stretching 28 kilometres from the Vancouver Convention Centre to Spanish Banks, this scenic route makes walking and cycling a breeze—thanks to wider sidewalks and smoother paths.
• Sen̓áḵw Development: At the foot of Burrard Bridge, a new project led by Indigenous partners is bringing seven and a half acres of public spaces bursting with Squamish Nation art and culture, plus handy new transit stops and walkways.
• Arbutus Station & UBC Connection: Soon, Kits will be even easier to reach with enhanced transit links connecting the neighbourhood to the rest of the city—and beyond!
• Jericho Development: Big plans are underway. (Check out our previous article!)

Community Services & Hangouts

If Kitsilano were a person, it would be that friend who always has a suggestion for
something fun, active, or delicious. Here’s a sampling of local gems:

• Kitsilano Community Centre & Ice Rink: Whether you’re in the mood for skating, swimming, lifting weights or knitting, you’ll find it here.
• Kitsilano Pool: Vancouver’s only outdoor saltwater pool—take a dip with a view!
• Kitsilano Branch of the Vancouver Public Library (VPL): The oldest branch in BC, where stories are waiting for you.
• Hadden Park’s Off-leash Dog Area: Happiness for you and your pup.
• Parks Galore: Playing fields, playgrounds, and green spaces for every whim.
• Kitsilano Farmers Market

And let’s not forget Kits’ star-studded line-up of institutions:

• Museum of Vancouver
• Vancouver Maritime Museum
• JR Macmillan Space Centre
• Vancouver Academy of Music

Community Spotlight

• St. James Community Square: Kits’ secret social hub, hosting concerts, theatre, dance, and youth programs, plus a licensed childcare centre. Whether you’re tiny or tall, there’s something for everyone.
• Kitsilano Farmers Market: Every Sunday, year-round! Come for organic produce, fresh flowers, mouthwatering baked goods and piping-hot food truck eats—stay for the vibrant community vibe.

Festival Fever

When the sun decides to shine (which, let’s be honest, is most of the summer), Kitsilano
hosts a string of fabulous festivals. Whether you’re a Shakespeare buff, a Greek food
lover, a music festival fan, or just someone who wants to stroll car-free streets, Kits has
a party for you:

• Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
• Greek Days
• Khatsalano Festival
• Car-Free Day

So, whether you’re chasing the perfect sunset, sampling artisanal treats, or simply
soaking up the laid-back west coast energy, Kitsilano invites you to join the fun. After all,
in Kits, every day’s a little brighter, tastier, and more playful.

Some Fun Fast Stats

https://www.wbn.digital/kitsilano-has-a-walk-score-of-92-100-2/#:~:text=It%20has%20a%20Walk%20Score,shops%2C%20restaurants%2C%20and%20parks.
https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/vancouver-bc/kitsilano
https://www.kitsilano.ca/2020/03/03/kitsilano-parks/
https://welovekits.ca/real-estate-blog/kitsilano-real-estate-market-update-june-2025-houses-condos-townhouses-duplexes-what-you-need-to-know/