Majestic heritage trees and cherry blossoms line the streets of this quiet neighbourhood. With a thriving community atmosphere, the Dunbar region of Greater Vancouver’s Westside is a mix of beautiful single-family residences and a commercial area centered around Dunbar Street. Originally settled by First Nations around 400 B.C., it was the European settlement of the area in 1863 and subsequent introduction of the streetcar that caused the area to flourish.
Bordered by the sprawling Pacific Spirit Regional Park on the West, which features kilometers of trails and the 2,000 year-old wetland Camosun Bog, Dunbar is nestled between West 16th Ave and the Fraser River where it’s sister neighbourhood, the Southlands presides.
The Southlands
Predominately acreages and horse farms, like the Southlands Riding Club founded back in 1943, the Southlands is also home to a number of internationally recognized private and public golf courses and the Southlands Farm. A family-run working farm, it serves to educate about the life-cycles of our food.
Community Spirit
In 2007, The Story of Dunbar: Voices of a Vancouver Neighbourhood released. A compilation of over 350 stories of its residents, the historic Dunbar Theatre was featured on the cover. This little theatre that could boasts spacious legroom and the best popcorn in town. You might also recognize neighbourhood staple breakfast joint, Jethro’s Fine Grub, from the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for its line-ups and plate-sized pancakes. A full list of the locally-owned businesses that run the neighbourhood can be found on the Dunbar Village Business Association website. This active association also oversees a number of community initiatives, such as the community garden project Dig Dunbar.
Want to get caught up on all of Dunbar’s highlights and community happenings? They have their own magazine, Dunbar Life, for your reading pleasure.
Keep an eye out for our listings on Dunbar, and get a feel for our other neighbourhoods, Kitsilano and Shaughnessy. You can always contact us for a consultation, as well.