The Neighborhood beginning
In the 1960s, beachside Kitsilano neighborhood was Vancouver's hippy hangout, drawing comparisons to San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury. Today the Kitsilano neighborhood still has plenty of culture. But its apartments and houses are now occupied by young urban professionals and families. Many who enjoy a modern version of that relaxed atmosphere. It is also the birthplace of the global yoga brand, Lululemon Athletica. Just over the Burrard Bridge from the downtown peninsula, the neighborhood brings together a collection of attractions. Including 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. However, you’ll also find shops and restaurants in the areas close to the beach.
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 neighborhood also host a number of community festivals over the course of the summer. Including Greek Days on West Broadway, and the Khatsalano Festival centered around West 4th Avenue.
The Kits Lifestyle
Lifestyle shopping is where the Kitsilano neighborhood excels. Visit Lululemon 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. As well as 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.
I take great pride living in the Kitsilano neighborhood with so much to do and see in the area, and so close to everything from Granville to Howe Sound and more. If you want to learn more about the area check out this link.
