^{Apr 29, 2022}
South Vancouver | Vancouver Neighbourhood Guide

With so much to see and do it’s hard to fit it all in when you’re talking about a city like Vancouver. To make things that little bit easier, we’re going to focus on introducing you to the finest south Vancouver has to offer. Let’s dive right in and take a closer look…

Marpole

For those looking for an authentic community that’s always ready to extend a warm welcome, look no further than Marpole. In the centre you’ll find a unique selection of family-run shops, neighbourhood restaurants, and more green space than you can explore in a single visit. When you add in the quick and easy transport links to the bustling Downtown area you have a corner of the city that’s sure to welcome you with open arms and make you feel like you never want to leave.

The core of the area is the residential setting that Marpole is known for. One of the few drawbacks are the large jams that can quickly appear during rush hour. The Oak and Arthur Laing bridges are iconic landmarks in Marpole but they are often the catalyst for these types of slow periods. If in doubt, you’ll have a whole host of public transport options to choose from too.

When it’s time to shop and treat yourself you’ll want to head on over to the southern portion of Granville Street. There you’ll find the core of the area with eateries and boutiques stretching right down the street. If you’re in the mood for fast food or need to pick up some essentials from a big box store, Marine Drive is the place to go. It’s easy to get to from all corners of Marpole and saves you the time and effort of having to venture further afield if you want to take it easy and stay local.

For those looking for a touch of history you can take in the sight of the old Fraser Arms Hotel and the Great Marpole Midden. There’s also a range of new condo style apartments going up all over Marpole, offering young couples and aspiring professionals with plenty of affordable living options when they want to base themselves in the area.

Sunset

Sunset is more than just an area with a great name, it also hosts a variety of bustling commercial districts over on Fraser Street. This is what gives the area its energetic charm and character while also offering a wide range of different employment options for people from all walks of life.

Dive a little deeper into the culinary options on offer in Sunset and you’ll find a rich blend of South Asian, Chinese, Filipino and traditional European stores and eateries. Ideal if you want to get to know some of the locals by trying the traditional recipes from their homelands. It’s one of the highlights of a trip into Sunset and the main reason it’s acquired a reputation as a highly diverse and warmly welcoming corner of the city.

The Punjabi Market, also known as Little India, can be found on Main Street and 49th Avenue and is a place not to be missed. By offering a traditional range of herbs and spices, it fills the air with an authentic aroma that you will never have experienced. From the moment you arrive you’ll feel your senses come to life and your culinary imagination spark into life. Ideal when you want to take some traditional recipes home and cook up a feast in the kitchen. You can also get a whole host of recipe ideas by talking to the sellers who are always more than happy to share their experience with you.

Victoria-Fraserview

This is the place to come when you want to dive into the rich history of the family-run Avalon Dairy. The area was shaped for over 100 years by a once small business that grew into the largest dairy in all of BC. It left for nearby Burnaby in 2011 but many still speak fondly of the way it tied the community together for generations. Today the old building stands as a heritage site, offering a window into times gone by and a way of life that many thought was long gone. There are also plans to redevelop the site and make it the setting for 60 affordable townhouses. This is testament to the forward thinking and community spirit you’ll find in this part of the city.

Alongside the rich history you’ll find eight green spaces and public parks that are open all year long. There’s also a variety of walking trails alongside the river, a public library that’s always busy and a highly regarded secondary school. Perfect when you want to make a home for yourself in a corner of Vancouver that’s sure to continue going from strength to strength.

Killarney

Killarney is a green and relaxed area known most of all for Everett Crowley Park. Once home to a ravine and natural waterfall, it’s since been reshaped into an open green space that’s perfect for families looking to get away from it all. In a similar vein, you’ll also find Fraserview Golf Course and the Olympic ice rink that was opened for the games in 2010. They’re both great options to go and explore whether you’re based just around the corner or coming from further afield.

The centre of Killarney is the Public Market that has been run by a succession of families for decades. It’s the hub for local community events and news, allowing the area to maintain something of a small town feel despite its growing population and diverse culture. Ideal when you want to feel at home while also having plenty of opportunities to try new things and meet new people.

South Vancouver is a rich and eclectic cultural area that has a little something for everyone, and there are some HighStreet accommodations listed in the area. If you want a nice blend of residential living, history and culture, contemporary food and drink, plus some boutique shopping thrown in for good measure, South Vancouver is the area you need to visit sooner rather than later. Enjoy and have fun!