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Photo of Vanier Park view from Kitsilano Beach.
Words by Dennis Begin
What most visitors don’t realize about Metro Vancouver is it consists of a variety of individual neighbourhoods with their own history and unique culture. Of the city’s 22 districts, Kitsilano has been rated number one by The Georgia Straight newspaper.
Kitsilano (or Kits as it’s known among locals) comes from August Jack Khatsahlano of The Squamish Nation who lived along the shore of English Bay. When the Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR) wanted to establish railyards and residential property they selected Kitsilano.
The first stores were along Arbutus and Yew streets, and then more businesses opened down West 4th Avenue, which is a major route today. Kitsilano extends from English Bay in the north to 16th Avenue in the south. It also runs from Burrard to Alma streets from east to west.
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Trendy West 4th Ave.
Kitsilano West 4th ave
Kitsilano has evolved into an upscale four-block shopping district that’s now dominated by successful businesses including Lululemon and a number of other fashion boutiques, yoga shops, home décor and jewellery stores as well as high-end restaurants. Trendy shops and dining options include (but are certainly not limited to) Sophie’s Cosmic Café, Lush Fresh Soap Hand Cosmetics, Hip Baby, and Two of Hearts.
Kits Attractions and Diverse Demographics
The vibrant, robust atmosphere and multicultural atmosphere are truly what makes Kitsilano ‘eclectic.’ The district is also a major tourist attraction and a very trendy area in the city.
Located nearby is Vanier Park, the Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. On the east side of Burrard Street Bridge are Granville Island, False Creek and Science World. Kits Beach is another great attraction with its sand beach as well as a 137 m (500 ft) outdoor heated saltwater pool and basketball/volleyball courts.
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The dog park at popular Kits Beach.
Dog beach at Kits beach
It’s the perfect place to enjoy watersports and don’t be surprised to see enthusiasts carving through the water on an SUP or kayak. The beach also has ‘million-dollar’ panoramic views of the West End of Vancouver, Stanley Park and English Bay.
Kitsilano’s population has evolved over the years. Starting in the 1950s, it was a major residential area for students attending The University of British Columbia. In the ‘swinging sixties,’ it was the hippie- and counterculture that made Kits thrive, along with peace, love and protests.
Generation Xers moved into the area followed by millennials and the demographic continues to progress with families, businesses, young urban professionals and diverse ethnic groups.
Dennis Begin
The Old Hastings Mill Store Museum, Vancouver’s oldest building that’s located at 1575 Alma Street.
More Points of Interest
Near the west end of Kitsilano is Old Hastings Mill Store Museum, Vancouver’s oldest building, which is located at 1575 Alma Street and Point Grey Road. When the Hastings Mill on Dunlevy Street was demolished in 1928, the Hastings Mill General Store was scheduled for the same fate.
It took two years for the Native Daughters of BC to relocate the store by barge and convert it into a museum. It now showcases a collection of antiques and relics of Vancouver’s history. It’s well worth the visit.
Kitsilano truly is an eclectic neighbourhood with its diverse and unique culture. It’s one of the city’s highlighted districts and worth visiting for those snowbirds staying in the area during the winter or when passing through during the 2023 RV season.
Patrick-Boucher
Kitsilano is also near many other city attractions including Granville Island and its famous market.
Easily Accessible RV Parks
Should your travels lead you to Vancouver over the next several months or in the summer of 2023 two top city RV parks include:
Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and Campground
Distance to Kitsilano: 33 minutes driving time
Services and Highlights:
- 212 paved, level, and full hookup sites with picnic tables and privacy hedges.
- Free park-wide WiFi with a Shaw Go WiFi Hotspot.
- Heated washrooms with hot showers and handicapped facilities.
- 929 sq m (10,000 sq ft) clubhouse with lounge area, heated indoor pool, fitness centre, jacuzzi, laundry facilities, and sunbathing deck.
- On-site Mini Mart
- Barbecue grills and gazebo
Capilano River RV Park
Distance to Kitsilano: 25 minutes driving time
Services and Highlights:
- 15- or 30-amp power hookup sites with water/sewer and a picnic table.
- 50-amp sites
- Level concrete pads
- Gated and supervised 24-hour security.
- On-site laundry facilities and Wi-Fi.
- Outdoor seasonal pool and four-season hot tub.