Vancouver

Kitsilano

Overview

In the 1960s, beachside Kitsilano was Vancouver's hippy hangout, drawing comparisons to San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury. Today, Kitsilano still has plenty of culture, but its apartments and houses are now occupied by young urban professionals and families who enjoy a modern version of that relaxed atmosphere – this is the birthplace of global yoga brand, lululemon athletica. Just over the Burrard Bridge from the downtown peninsula, the neighbourhood brings together a collection of attractions, beach and parks, residential streets, and a couple of main commercial districts. “Kits,” as it’s known locally, is bordered by the waterfront to the north and West 16th Ave to the south; Burrard Street to the east and Alma Street to the west. Most of the commercial activity is along West 4th Avenue and West Broadway, but you’ll also find shops and restaurants in the areas close to the beach.

 

 

Seeing and Doing

From Burrard Bridge, look north and you’ll glimpse a large waterfront greenspace known as Vanier Park. This spot is home to some of Vancouver’s best family-friendly attractions including the Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum, as well as being the venue for the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare festival from June to September each year. Continue along the waterfront and you’ll hit Kitsilano Beach, which is a hotspot during summer, complete with volleyball tournaments, picnicking families, lots of the beautiful people on parade, and the mammoth Kitsilano Pool – an outdoor saltwater public pool right by the beach. The neighbourhoods also host a number of community festivals over the course of the summer including Greek Days on West Broadway, and the Khatsalano Festival centred around West 4th Avenue.

Arbutus Coffee

Photo: Ruth Hartnup / Flickr

Eating and Drinking

True to its hippy roots, Kitsilano is home to one of the city’s oldest vegetarian restaurants, The Naam. Open 24-hours a day, the restaurant’s yam fries with miso gravy have inspired many a late-night stop after a night out on the town. You’ll also find plenty of other healthy, organic and farm-to-table options. Down by the water, along the foot of Yew Street and along Cornwall, are lots of casual, neighbourhood bars and restaurants, many of which do a great job with seafood, along with wines and cocktails to match. West Broadway is where a lot of Vancouver’s Greek immigrants originally settled, and you won’t go wrong choosing something inspired by the Mediterranean in that part of the neighbourhood. Along West 4th, expect more polished dining, but still with lots of multicultural flavour.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Lifestyle shopping is where Kitsilano excels. Visit lululemon’s store on West 4th (right opposite the original upstairs location) to browse the company’s range of high-end yoga and active-wear. Along the same stretch, you’ll find a number of outdoor apparel companies, fashion boutiques, cafes, beauty and skincare stores, and spas. If you’re looking for gourmet items to take home, you’ll find a great selection of wine as well as specialty grocers – you can even take home a bottle of The Naam’s famous miso gravy. West Broadway is a little more locally-focused, but the strip still offers lots of independent boutiques and gift shops that make for a great afternoon of perusing.

For more information, visit the Kitsilano West 4th Business Improvement Association, and the West Broadway Business Improvement Association online.

 


 

Most Instagrammable Photo Spots in Kitsilano

 

While you're enjoying the chill vibe that Kitsilano has to offer, make sure to visit these Insta-worthy spots 


#KitsWings

Orange Google  Location 

The #KitsWings murtal is perhaps the most famous mural in Kitsilano, and the most photographed spot. The massive wings span an impressive 40ft by 25 ft, making them a stunning backdrop for selfie.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by HanhSoulo (@hanhsoulo) on

 

 

 

Kitsilano's Secret Swing

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While #KitsWings might be the most popular photo op, the secret beach is swing is definitely the most beautiful. It's all the more spectacular because you have to work to find it. No spoiler from us on the exact location, but our location link above gives you an approximate hint to it's location. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Tiana | Travel✖️Lifestyle (@passportofmemories) on

 

 

 

Kitsilano Pool

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Another stunning spot found in Kitsilano, but much easier to find. Kits Pool is the longest swimming pool in Canada at 137-metres, is heated saltwater, and is situated right on the bay with a backdrop of sea and mountains. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Kits Beach

Orange Google  Location 

One of the most popular beaches in Vancouver, especially during summer. The volley ball courts towards the northern edge of the beach make the perfect sunset photo op. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Colette Soros (@colettesoros_parliament) on