Thinking of moving to Vancouver. I did, and I did 🙂
Let’s talk about Vancouver first as a city. If you love being active year-round, look no further, this is the city for you. And when I say active, I’m not referring to shovelling snow.
In Vancouver, you can enjoy seeing the snow on the mountaintops, but it seldom snows in Vancouver itself. If it does, look out! Especially on the roads.
The citizens of Vancouver aren’t used to driving in snow. Maybe I should rephrase that, some people aren’t used to driving in winter conditions. Because snow doesn’t fly too often in the city, it is left to melt over time. Usually the same day, or by the next day.
Let’s get back to the active part. Because it doesn’t snow, and it’s mild year-round, you can get out and do things. Those things depend on you. Let me give you some ideas though. Walking on the seawall. Riding your bike, on trails, on city streets.
Yes, the city has amazing infrastructure in place if you like to ride without being struck by cars. How about a run, a hike, yoga, fitness clubs, swimming, the list goes on and on. Oh, I forgot skiing, snowboarding, golfing. All within 10-15 minutes of your front door.
Are you concerned about the Environment? Well, everyone is, well, almost. Anyways, I get the feeling the environment matters to the citizens of Vancouver and BC. I didn’t feel that way in other parts of the country.
Let’s take a look at some of the areas you can see from Vancouver itself:
Ready to move yet? Granted, some of those views required some hiking, but they are definitely worth it.
Here are some reasons why you should consider Kitsilano as your neighbourhood of choice.
I’m originally from Toronto. We don’t have a neighbourhood in Toronto that I could compare to Kits. It has a bit of the Danforth, definitely the beaches, with a much larger beach. Queen Street West, for sure. All of the best areas wrapped into one. Plus much more.
From beaches to gardens, parks, restaurants, and shopping, Kitsilano is Vancouver’s best neighbourhood. A great place to live for those seeking an active and healthy lifestyle.
Kits Beach and Pool. Does it get any better than this combo, well, throw in Kits Tennis Club, Basketball Courts, the fruit market in the spring/summer season. Did I mention the Boathouse Restaurant at Kits Beach!
I think the number one reason has to be proximity to everything. You can ditch the car if you want, or at least not use it as much. In the other neighbourhoods in Vancouver, you will still need a car to get around. Plus you have to deal with traffic on those bridges.
We still have the same in Kits, but the bridges into downtown have a larger capacity, so less congestion. Or, you hop on the bus or use your 2 feet. I can be downtown in 15 minutes from my front door on foot. By bus, 5 minutes.
You have access to shops, restaurants, the beach, the ocean, and even downtown. All on foot.
Healthy local Shopping and Dining has to be number 2. The options are endless in Kits. You have so many different pockets that you can venture to. Let’s start with the obvious, 4th Avenue and West Broadway.
If you want to go out for a walk and do some window shopping. These are the streets to head to. A little bit of everything all in one place. And the best part, if you get hungry you have access to just about every restaurant option you could want. The difficult part is choosing. But that’s ok, it just means another option for another day.
Also, any type of shop that you can imagine. Don’t stop there. We also have great Restaurants on Yew, Burrard, Cornwall Street, 1st Avenue, and the list goes on.
We have all types of street events and festivals year-round. Here are some of my favourites.
- Kitsilano Farmers Market
Kitsilano Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 10am to 2pm at 2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue in the parking lot of Kitsilano Community Centre. You will find all sorts of yummy produce in season from local vendors. If you like to shop fresh and local, this is the place to go.
2. Bard on the Beach
Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare Festivals. Bard on the beach runs from June – Sept at Vanier Park. My favourite part is Kits is the backdrop for this event, but of course.
3. Greek Day on Broadway
Kitsilano has a large Greek Community. Come out and enjoy the festivities with amazing food and drinks, enjoy live music and Greek culture. This event runs annually in June on West Broadway in Kits.
4. Khatsalano Music & Arts Festival
Another amazing street party that runs in Kits in July on 4th Avenue West. The street is closed down for the day and everyone comes out and parties. Enjoy and sample some of the amazing food on 4th, music, food trucks and retail vendors. It’s a great day in a great community.
5. Kitsilano Show Boat – Cornwall Avenue beside Kits pool
Launched in 1935, Kitsilano Showboat is a live performing arts theatre on the shores of Kits Beach. Check out the free shows every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night during July and August at 7:00.
Health is wealth. If you look around the neighbourhood, it’s all about being healthy which I love. If you want to get into great shape and stay that way, this is the place. It’s has a great community feel, and everyone is pulling on the same rope.
The city has done a great job of keeping green space alive and well. We have numerous parks and gardens that are used year-round by the residents, those with 2 feet and those with 4 feet.
I could go on and on 🙂 Come check it out for yourself, and perhaps stay awhile.
Check out some listings if you are interested:
