The waterfront community Nestled between the North Shore mountains and the Pacific Ocean, West Vancouver is a short drive across the Lion's Gate Bridge from downtown Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.
This picturesque community of more than 42,000 is renown for its seaside walks, hiking, skiing and rugged beauty. The Municipality spans 89 square kilometres and is bordered by Howe Sound to the west, the Capilano River to the east, the mountains to the north and Burrard Inlet to the south.
West Vancouver separated from the District of North Vancouver in 1912, and since then, has remained primarily residential. Several neighbourhood business areas throughout the community serve the needs of area residents. The small town atmosphere is a result of careful planning, even though the area has seen a population growth characteristic of the Greater Vancouver region.
West Vancouver is fortunate to have dedicated residents and staff. We're proud of our beautiful community and will continue to preserve the characteristics that make it such a desirable place to live and work.
West Vancouver’s distinctive setting - on the south slope of the Coast Mountains with waterfront views and proximity to downtown Vancouver - makes it a desirable place to live, attracting new residents from all over the world.
West Vancouver has, over time, grown and developed from a sparsely populated cottage community to a "place of excellence" where residents enjoy a high standard of living, with one of the highest average family incomes in Canada. Land values and housing prices are also among the highest in the country. In the past, most residents came from Great Britain and other northern European countries. However, people from all over the world are now making their homes here, resulting in a more diverse community.
West Vancouver, "The Waterfront Community", is nestled on the lush south-facing slopes of the Coast Mountains on the North Shore of Burrard Inlet. The area enjoys over 34 km of foreshore, with parks, spectacular residential neighbourhoods, quaint commercial districts, marinas and sandy beaches. The natural setting and proximity to downtown Vancouver attracts visitors from all over the world.
The diverse landscape allows enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of west-coast experiences in a single day. Enjoy an exhilarating mountain hike, a kayak or sailing trip along the coast, or world-class cold-water snorkeling. Perhaps a café lunch and shopping, tanning on the beach, or a stroll through the rugged beauty of Lighthouse or Whytecliffe Park. For golf fans there’s the public
Gleneagles Golf Course. Finish the day in style by watching the sun set over the water from one of the many fine restaurants sprinkled throughout the area.
In the winter, there’s snowboarding, downhill or cross-country skiing at C
ypress Bowl or one of the other North Shore hills. And, depending on the date, there’s the
Harmony Arts Festival, Community Day, Dundarave Hoedown, North Shore Heritage Weekend - just a few of the annual community events. The only thing you might lack is enough time to take it all in!
West Vancouver truly does have it all, and it’s easy to access. The Lions Gate Bridge connects West Vancouver to the
City of Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, and the United States border (a one-hour drive). The Upper Levels Highway (Highway No. 1) connects West Vancouver to North Vancouver and the remainder of B.C.’s Lower Mainland, while the Sea-to-Sky Highway provides a direct connection with the world-class ski resort of
Whistler-Blackcomb. The Horseshoe Bay
Ferry Terminal serves the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver Island.
West Vancouver has a wide variety of commercial and retail services ranging from large regional shopping facilities to boutiques and restaurants in the smaller shopping villages.
Within this mix, West Vancouver combines the best of local merchants and internationally acclaimed stores. West Vancouver's commercial districts are bustling & attractive focal points of the community.
