Everything You Need to Know About Living in West Vancouver

Welcome to West Vancouver

Over time, West Vancouver has become the epicenter of innovative residential design, setting a tone for many surrounding areas. Common elements are influential and often reflected in many West Coast-style homes. 

Because of the natural climate and surroundings in West Vancouver, building sites were sometimes constructed on top of a rocky surface with gorgeous views of the ocean and forests. 

Even though these constraints could make it challenging to construct homes, the opportunities motivated designers and architects to get creative with designing layouts that embraced unique geometric elements rather than traditional builds. Many of the most luxurious homes in the district favor natural light, using a combination of windows, skylights, and open concepts to create expressive and vibrant spaces.

Among the most prevalent characteristics you'll find in West Coast-style homes are exposed timber, integrated interior and exterior spaces, flat or canted roofs, integration into the natural setting, orientation to views of the surroundings, wood finishes, and post and beam construction.  

So while West Vancouver is one of the most exclusive and expensive places to live, it comes with dozens of benefits that make the cost worthwhile. It's an extravagantly beautiful location, as the natural beauty cannot be understated. Families are also drawn to the area because of the excellent public schools, the best in Metro Vancouver. Everything is easily accessible, including hiking trails, parks, the beach, and parks.  

West Vancouver Shopping

Canada's first enclosed shopping center, Park Royal Shopping Centre is West Vancouver's central shopping and entertainment hub. A unique indoor/outdoor destination, Park Royal offers an exciting mix of designer brands, cute boutiques, restaurants, services, home goods, groceries, and more. Try one of the 37 restaurants, catch a movie at the Cineplex VIP Cinemas, or peruse luxury vehicles in the Tesla showroom. There is always something to do or see at Park Royal. 

Adjacent to the Park Royal Shopping Centre is The Village at Park Royal, an award-winning lifestyle center featuring more than 35 shops, including Western Canada's first Whole Foods Market. This upscale urban complex encompasses nine buildings and evokes the old-school fishing villages along the coastline.

Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, trendy fashions, art, home decor, and other eclectic items at the Oracle Emporium. A holistic space offering psychic readings and holistic healing, the emporium is a genuinely unique experience with items imported from worldwide. 

For boutique shopping, there is no better spot than LeslieJane. Here you'll find various stylish clothing and accessories from the world's most fashion-forward cities such as Milan, Paris, and London. They also feature exclusive items, so you're guaranteed to create a look that no one else will have. Other local boutiques include Marilyn's in Caulfeild Village and Ami Boutique on Marine Drive.


Speaking of Caulfeild Village, the Caulfeild Village Shopping Centre is a one-stop shopping destination boasting more than 20 stores and services. Shop for apparel, gifts, health, and beauty here while enjoying convenient access to services like a post office, cleaners, a bank, a veterinary clinic, and a dentist's office. The center regularly hosts holiday-themed events and activities, too.

Best Restaurants in West Vancouver

West Vancouver is a high-end location with some of the best restaurants and bars on the North Shore. Many of the hottest local dining establishments line Marine Drive, where you'll find a diverse mixture of upscale and casual restaurants. There are plenty of options to choose from that even the pickiest eater should find something appealing.

Dine on the water at the Beach House Restaurant, where they serve seafood, steak, and some of the best regional wines. Carmelo's Ristorante Italiano is a cozy stalwart with a great atmosphere. A mainstay in the Ambleside Village for more than two decades, Carmelo's has excellent pasta, thin-crust pizza, and meat dishes. Mangia E Bevi Ristorante is another great Italian spot. 

Village Tap House, located near Park Royal Mall, is ideal for those looking for a casual pub after a day running errands. Then on Marine Drive, you can get sushi and excellent sashimi dishes at Zen Japanese, while Ginger & Soy is for those who prefer authentic Chinese cuisine. 

If you like fish and chips or seafood, then Olive & Anchor in Horseshoe Bay and The Salmon House near Cypress Mountain are local favorites. Olive & Anchor is a waterfront establishment with great value in a traditional tavern setting. Overlooking the vibrant downtown, Salmon House on the Hill is perfect for a date night, thanks to its romantic atmosphere. A crowd-pleaser, Salmon House features aboriginal art and local seafood fare.


Stop by for a slice of pie and coffee at the Savary Island Pie Company after a day of shopping. A quaint, family-owned bakery open for more than 30 years, Savary Island is the neighborhood sweet spot.

Things to Do in West Vancouver 

We've mentioned Salmon House on the Hill, but visiting the restaurant is more than a chance to enjoy a fantastic meal. The restaurant sits over the water with glass windows displaying a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean. Sip from an award-winning wine while watching the sunset crest over the horizon. 

Instead of going to a traditional grocery store, change things up by visiting the Ambleside Artisan Farmers' Market, open every Sunday. Amid the vendors, you'll find amazing farm-fresh vegetables, produce, and a broad range of people selling artisanal crafts, gifts, jewelry, and more. 

If you're outdoorsy, there are some great spots to go fishing and hiking in West Vancouver. Cypress Falls Park is a lush place with low elevations ideal for year-round walking. As a bonus, it's dog-friendly and easy to access via public transit. For fishing, Sewell's Marina gives visitors the chance to learn about the area's history and wildlife. You can explore the fjords with a guide, charter a fishing boat, or rent a private boat. 

Other notable parks and stunning lush green spaces include Lighthouse Park, John Lawson Park, Memorial Park, Ambleside Park, Caulfield Park, Cypress Falls Park, Dundarave Park, Horseshoe Bay Park, and Whytecliff Park. Cypress Mountain is ideal for those who enjoy winter sports like snowboarding and skiing.  

Golfers have their choice between two public golf courses, including Ambleside Par 3 and Gleneagles Golf Course, a challenging nine-hole course. 

West Vancouver hosts multiple annual community events like the Bridge Festival, a 2-day event with many family-friendly activities. Other festivals include Canada Day and National Indigenous Peoples Day, and the Harmony Arts Festival, which celebrates the spirit, lifestyle, and natural beauty of West Vancouver.


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Overview for West Vancouver, British Columbia

44,767 people live in West Vancouver, where the median age is 50 and the average individual income is $214,499. Data provided by Statistics Canada.

44,767

Total Population

50 years

Median Age

Medium

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$214,499

Average individual Income

Around West Vancouver, British Columbia

There's plenty to do around West Vancouver, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

4
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
21
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score
38
Some Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Capilano River Regional Park, and The Comedy Department.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Active 3.64 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Nightlife 4.76 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for West Vancouver, British Columbia

West Vancouver has 18,127 households, with an average household size of 3. Data provided by Statistics Canada. Here’s what the people living in West Vancouver do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by Statistics Canada.

44,767

Total Population

Medium

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

50

Median Age

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
18,127

Total Households

3

Average Household Size

$214,499

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Schools in West Vancouver, British Columbia

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby West Vancouver. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by Statistics Canada.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

Property Listings

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