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Eastside Neighbourhoods

MOUNT PLEASANT

In the early days, Mount Pleasant was Vancouver’s first suburb, but since the 1990s the area has undergone significant gentrification, resulting in a remarkable assortment of historic buildings and modern developments. Spectacular views of the North Shore Mountains resting behind the dazzling cityscape add much to the splendor of this vibrant neighbourhood, which is home to the celebrated Olympic Village. Storefronts along Main, Broadway, and Kingsway offer an eclectic mix of more than 350 shops and services, including unique boutiques, trendy eateries, hip cafés, and a number of emerging local craft beer breweries. With its lively character, diverse cultural landscape, and proximity to downtown, it is no wonder why Mount Pleasant is one of Vancouver’s hottest residential markets. Click for FACTSHEET

KENSINGTON-CEDAR COTTAGE

Kensington-Cedar Cottage is located in the middle of East Vancouver.  It is one of the most ethnically diverse neighbourhoods in the city and offers an exemplary selection of authentic worldly cuisine to match. Restaurants, shops, and amenities are situated mainly on Commercial/Victoria Drive and Kingsway.

Though duplexes account for almost half of the housing in Kensington-Cedar Cottage, there are also many single-family bungalows and low-rise apartments.  This neighbourhood’s population is growing faster than most other communities in the city.  Many young professionals and families are attracted to the area for its relative housing affordability, proximity to downtown, great schools, and plentiful parks — most notably John Hendry Park, which is home to Vancouver’s only lake.  Click for FACTSHEET

GRANDVIEW-WOODLAND

Grandview-Woodland stretches from the Burrard Inlet to Broadway, and is built on a rise with “grand views” of Downtown to the West and across the water to the North. This hip, culturally diverse neighbourhood encompasses the iconic Commercial Drive area where locally-owned boutiques, independent cafes and eateries, organic food markets, and eclectic entertainment venues offer patrons a truly unique experience.

This neighbourhood is well connected by public transportation, including two SkyTrain lines. Homes in Grandview-Woodland consist of a mix of low-rise apartments, duplexes, and single-family dwellings. Many residents this area of have opted to renovate existing properties rather than replace them. As a result, colourful heritage homes and charming cottages characterize this vibrant community.  Click for FACTSHEET

VICTORIA-FRASERVIEW

Victoria-Fraserview slopes up from the Fraser River to 41st Avenue in Southeastern Vancouver between Knight Street and Vivian Drive.  Residential homes dominate the landscape here with several duplexes and low-rise apartments concentrated along the South end.  This quiet neighbourhood features an assortment of ethnic groceries, imported goods, and international cuisine along Victoria Drive — and is also within reasonable driving distance to Richmond and Burnaby.

Many grassy fields and playgrounds can be found in Victoria-Fraserview.  There are also two beautiful trails in the area that offer residents a generous slice of nature — one around the perimeter of the nearby Fraserview Golf Course and the other along the river’s shore at Gladstone Park.  Click for FACTSHEET

SUNSET

Sunset is located in Southeast Vancouver.  Many independent restaurants, grocers, and retail stores cater to the diverse population here — notably the Punjabi Market which stretches six blocks along Main Street around East 49th Avenue.  Shopping areas can also be found along Marine Drive and Fraser Street.

Housing in Sunset mostly consists of duplexes and single-family homes, however there are also a number of low-rise apartments in the area.  Residents enjoy access to many amenities including the Sunset Community Centre which is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness facilities and a year-around ice rink.  To add to the recreational variety, Memorial South Park offers an outdoor rubber running track, tennis courts, and plenty of green space for sports of all kinds.  Click for FACTSHEET

RENFREW-COLLINGWOOD

Renfrew-Collingwood is a diverse East Vancouver neighbourhood, bordering Burnaby between Broadway and 41st Avenue. Housing styles are mixed in this area, ranging from single-family homes to high-rise apartments. Well served by public transportation, this neighbourhood has two SkyTrain lines running through it. Centrally located in the Metro Vancouver area, it also offers easy access to many other municipalities in the region.

There are thirteen parks in Renfrew-Collingwood – most notably a
fifteen-acre forested area covering Renfrew Ravine Park, where native plant restoration gardens and a labyrinth can be found along the trail. This neighbourhood’s smaller restaurants and shops are located in the South along Kingsway, with its big-box retail chain stores along Grandview Highway in the North.  Click for FACTSHEET

HASTINGS-SUNRISE

Hastings-Sunrise is located in Vancouver’s Northeast corner bordering the Burrard Inlet and Burnaby. Housing here consists mostly of duplexes and single-family homes. With the Trans-Canada Highway running along the East edge of this neighbourhood, residents benefit from easy access to the nearby North Shore Mountains. A diverse selection of restaurants, retail stores, and services are primarily concentrated along Hastings Street.

Hastings-Sunrise is well known for its large recreational area at Hastings Park which is home to the Pacific National Exhibition, Playland Amusement Park, and the Hastings Racecourse. Fun for the whole family, Hastings Park also has outdoor fitness equipment, a rubber running track, and sports fields and courts. There’s even an outdoor swimming pool and beach at the nearby New Brighton Park.  Click for FACTSHEET

STRATHCONA AND THE DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE

Residential areas in Strathcona and the Downtown Eastside (DTES) extend from Prior Street to the port-lands of Burrard Inlet – where Railtown is redeveloping East of Gastown with raw industrial style. Colourful heritage homes with vibrant gardens surround the family-friendly MacLean Park in Strathcona, and apartments and condos cover the landscape in the DTES. Housing tends to be less expensive in these neighbourhoods compared to other areas surrounding Downtown Vancouver.

Strathcona and the DTES have a socially and culturally diverse population with a strong sense of community. This area is well-served by local businesses, including a number of historic corner grocery stores and cafes. An array of shops and services can also be found clustered near Downtown and along East Hastings Street.  Click for FACTSHEET