By connecting to the downtown core – and beautiful Stanley Park – through the world-famous Lions Gate Bridge (which is literally flanked by 2 large stone lions at the entrance), the municipality of West Vancouver undoubtedly enjoys convenient access to the rest of Metro Vancouver. However, it’s the unique charm of this municipality, from the glorious mansions of the British Properties to the sublime waterfront ranchers along its coastline, that makes West Vancouver real estate such a hotly desired commodity. Being connected directly to the resort town of Whistler via the Sea-to-Sky highway definitely makes West Vancouver an appealing place to live for skiers and snowboarders, just as its safe streets and strong economy make it ideal for families and retirees.

Located in downtown Vancouver, Gastown is a truly historic district, having been the founding point of the modern-day city. In the mid 19th century, when Vancouver was still a small pioneer town full of sailors, lumberjacks and gold prospectors, a bartender known as “Gassy Jack” founded a bar on the site of modern-day Gastown. Today, the extravagant condominium buildings and trendy street-level shops that define Gastown retain an aesthetic link to the past in the form of archaic stone architecture, as well as in the form of the world-famous Gastown steam clock, which channels the memory of “Gassy Jack” in a way he’d undoubtedly be proud of.

Real estate in West Mount Pleasant is best understood in the context of this friendly neighbourhood’s status as a “medium density” community. What this means is that housing options in West Mount Pleasant are extremely varied, from high-rise condo buildings and townhouses to single-family ranchers and multi-million dollar mansions. While your chosen style of housing will probably depend upon your family size and income, the important thing to remember is that you’re sure to be able to find something that fits the bill somewhere in this area. If you’re looking for anything in particular, feel free to get in touch and I’ll be happy to walk you through my current listings!

Imagine waking up every morning to sight of the sun’s rays slipping into your sleek new condo through your full-length windows draped with designer furnishings. As you rub your eyes and approach the window, you take in the scene outside: towering snow-capped mountains stand guard to the north, while sloped hills covered with trees, homes, and morning joggers lie below. This idyllic scenario could be your daily morning routine if you were to buy a home in East Mount Pleasant, one of Vancouver’s oldest – and most storied – residential neighbourhoods. From luxurious new condos to rustic single-family houses with big grassy yards for the kids, there is something in East Mount Pleasant for everyone.

From the bustling activity of Lonsdale Quay, downtown Vancouver is only a short trip away via the bridge or SeaBus. Conversely, on the tree-lined slopes of Capilano, nature can literally be found just outside of many people’s doorsteps. Such is the brilliant contrast of North Vancouver: conveniently close to the downtown core, yet also splendidly surrounded by nature and all its beauty. A day trip of skiing on the Coast Mountains or watching indie films at a downtown theatre are both equally possible when you have a piece of North Vancouver real estate to call your own.

As a body of water, Coal Harbour is located north of Stanley Park and the downtown core, although when we discuss Coal Harbour in terms of real estate, we mean the waterfront properties surrounding this scenic and historic harbour. Real estate in Coal Harbour consists primarily of new condominiums and older (1970s vintage) apartment units, although ongoing developments throughout the area mean that new housing options are being added on an almost monthly basis. Even on the North Shore, new waterfront developments have helped transform North Vancouver’s idyllic Lonsdale area into a highly-sought after place of residence.

Located in one of oldest neighbourhoods in Vancouver, West End Vancouver real estate seamlessly blends stylish older buildings with cutting-edge, modernistic new condos. The area’s first major wave of apartment building took place from the 1930s to the 1940s, and consisted largely of Art Deco-style apartment buildings designed to house downtown workers. A second boom, lasting from the 1960s to the 1970s, saw more apartments built, this time with more refined mid-20th century designs in mind. The newest, and current, building boom in the area has seen elegant new high-rise condos erected throughout the area, from Stanley Park to Davie Street.

When you think of Yaletown, a few key words probably come to mind: trendy, chic, glamorous… And above all else, condos! Yaletown real estate has been one of the hottest commodities in Vancouver for the past decade or two, and once you experience life in this bustling community, it’s not hard to figure out why! The condos are among the most luxurious in the world, with many boasting in-house fitness rooms, swimming pools, concierge services, and more. Even better, many of the city’s most stylish boutiques are within walking distance, as are countless trendy cafes and restaurants.

As any realtor, shop owner or marketer can tell you: location is everything! With this in mind, Dunbar real estate is without a doubt some of the most appealing in the Metro Vancouver area. Calling Dunbar a “centrally located” neighbourhood would be an understatement, as this area boasts ample access to countless bus and SkyTrain routes, making transit to work and pleasure easy and convenient for most residents. Housing options in Dunbar are as varied as the transit options, with single-family detached homes on the outskirts and many condominium buildings – most of them relatively new – occupying the centre. If you want everything to be within arm’s reach, Dunbar may be the place for you!

Stretching from downtown Vancouver’s lively Davie district to the trendy Yaletown neighbourhood and Science World, False Creek North encompasses some of the most sought-after property in all of Canada. With fantastic transit options heading in every direction and countless local amenities in the fields of shopping, fitness, sports, parks, and more, it’s hard to argue against the convenience of life in Vancouver’s downtown core. Luxury condos abound in this revitalized region, with young professionals, retirees, and families alike settling in for the long term. If gorgeous waterfront condos with exquisite ocean/mountain views sound appealing to you, False Creek North real estate should be right up your alley!

But if you live in Vancouver, choosing a resort to ski at year-round can be even more difficult; each resort offers different justifications for a season-pass purchase. Take Whistler Blackcomb, for example – the resort provides access to more than 8,100 acres of snow-covered ground. And with 200 trails spanning every experience level, everyone from timid beginners to headstrong experts will have plenty of ground to explore. Whistler Blackcomb also offers ample opportunities for trick boarding and skiing, with three terrain parks on each of its namesake mountains, and two half-pipes on Blackcomb. And don’t worry, there is enough snow to go around; Whistler Blackcomb receives more than 34 feet of snow each year. Both mountains at this resort top out at more than 7,000 feet in elevation and provide more than 5,000 feet of vertical range. Don’t let the size intimidate you into thinking you won’t be able to get around, however; the park has 37 lifts that can serve more than 65,000 skiers per hour. While Whistler Blackcomb can keep you satisfied all year long, you may get tired of driving 90 minutes to the resort from the city center.

Cypress Mountain overlooks Horseshoe Bay, and with an elevation gain of 2,010 feet, it is the highest of the mountains on the North Shore. Cypress Mountain offers 53 ski runs that share more than 45 feet of snowfall annually. Cypress isn’t as beginner-friendly as other ski areas, with 19 runs classified as Black Diamond and 18 considered intermediate. However, there is a lot of room to roam over the 600 acres of skiable terrain on the mountain. In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, other available activities on Cypress Mountain include snowshoeing, snow tubing and cross-country skiing. Be sure to check out the Solo terrain park for high-flying fun, and note that on this mountain you will enjoy a more reasonable price on season passes than Whistler Blackcomb due to the smaller area.

Mt. Seymour is another of the North Shore Mountains, and this park – located just 35 minutes drive from downtown Vancouver – provides 21 runs, with 40 percent for beginners and 20 percent for experts. The vertical drop is more than 1,000 feet, but the park is fairly small, with 200 skiable acres. Mt. Seymour does offer a terrain park and has five lifts to service skiers and snowboarders. Mt. Seymour can be preferable if you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate resort rather than a crowded, perhaps overly commercialized one. You can also enjoy snow tubing, tobogganing and snowshoeing at this quaint alpine retreat. If you’re looking to avoid tourists, Mt. Seymour can be a great place to ski year round, so consider purchasing a season pass here.

Finally, Grouse Mountain is another viable option, with 120 inches of annual snowfall spread over 25 trails representing all levels of experience. Grouse Mountain is conveniently located – just 15 minutes from downtown by car – and has 1,260 feet of elevation gain. This resort offers not only top-quality skiing and boarding, but breathtaking views of Vancouver as well, since the peak reaches 4,000 feet above sea level. Although not as massive as Whistler Blackcomb, Grouse Mountain packs in a lot of attractive features, including two terrain parks and the brand new “The Cut XL Jump Line,” which features four huge jumps and an XL down rail. Grouse Mountain also provides opportunities to engage in a plethora of cold-weather activities, including ice skating, sleigh rides, snowshoeing and even taking a ride on the mountain zipline. Because of the wide variety of activities and its convenient location, you may find Grouse to be a great place to get a season pass.

There is no limit to the reasons why Vancouver is a great place to live, but even with all of the city’s entertaining incentives, you may find yourself drawn outside the city limits from time to time. If so, a wide range of world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities await!

Stretching from the quiet, tree-filled communities of Point Grey and Kitsilano to the downtown core’s chic Yaletown and Davie districts, False Creek real estate is as varied as can be. While the south side of False Creek is famous for its ample green spaces, luxury homes and proximity to the University of British Columbia (UBC), the north side of False Creek is known for its condos and fast-paced urban living. With attractions like Science World and BC Place Stadium on its periphery – not to mention some of the finest waterfront views available – it’s no wonder so many people are happy to call False Creek “home”!

Built in the 1950′s, the Dal Grauer Substation was the brain child of architect Ned Pratt and artist B.C. Binning. Constructed with the purpose of marrying industry and culture, the building showcased the building’s infrastructure and a brilliant colour scheme, seen through glass walls. The striking modernist structure became a Vancouver real estate landmark and a center of civic pride. The vibrant colours have since been covered over, and the glass replaced with plexiglass that is graying as it ages. Once slated for renovation through Vancouver’s heritage-rehab program, the Dal Grauer Substation is now on the endangered list due to cutbacks, as bringing the landmark up to present fire codes and standards for accessibility would be very expensive. The building, however, is irreplaceable both for its aesthetic value and for the pride it brought to the community.

The Pantages Theatre was built in 1907 as a vaudeville theatre and was the oldest theatre in Vancouver until demolition began in 2011. Owner Marc Williams has lost his fight to save the threatre, because while he sought approval of a “heritage bonus density transfer,” which would have allowed the developer to expand the building’s tenant space while preserving its historic structure, the crumbling landmark deteriorated until it had to be condemned as both dangerous and beyond repair. The theatre, located in the city’s downtown eastside, featured an ornate interior with great acoustics. Scenic paintings on the sidewalls were subsequently hidden under plain coverings, and the building had been undergoing demolition by hand to secure some of the architectural features. Losing this fine example of theatre architecture was a serious blow to both the neighborhood and tourism, and one can only hope that attempts to save some of its architectural features are successful.

While not a single building but an architectural heritage area, Strathcona North of Hastings continues to struggle to retain the character of its neighbourhood. Many historic buildings still exist in this area, including the Heatley block. This two-storey neighborhood of retail businesses and residential apartments was slated for demolition but saved through public protest and the efforts of the Heatley Block Preservation Society. This heavily industrialized area once welcomed new immigrants to Vancouver. The mixed cultural heritage of those residents resulted in a unique and irreplaceable combination of historic residences and storefronts. Investing in the preservation of these valuable buildings would enhance the ambiance of the area and bring in much-needed revenues from customers attracted to local businesses.

Built in 1969, the Bloedel Conservatory overlooks Vancouver from its perch high on the hills at 500 feet above sea level. The 1,490 acrylic glass bubbles that make up the triodetic dome are illuminated so they shine like a golden bowl against the night sky. The dome houses 500 species of exotic plants and 100 species of beautiful birds, and welcomes visitors every day of the year except Christmas. This popular tourist destination has been used as a location for various films. Slated for closure in March of 2010, the conservatory has been championed by several citizen groups, and due to an increase in attendance, it remains open to the public. The conservatory is now managed by a collaborative effort between VanDusen Botanical Garden Association and the Vancouver Park Board. Funds are still needed for a roof replacement and other maintenance issues.

Built in three stages, the Kitsilano Senior Secondary School showcases Collegiate Gothic, Modernist and more recent architecture of the 1970’s. The school building grew with the expanding neighborhood and houses the memories of thousands of alumni. The building has been featured as the location for several Hollywood movies, including Juno. Royal blue and gold – the school colors chosen by the first classes to attend Kitsilano – were incorporated into the school’s original crest by their first art teacher. The school was named for Chief August Jack Khatsahlano, who was famous for his knowledge of oral history and his work with the first European settlers in the area. Built atop a hill with columned staircases leading to the school grounds, this living monument to the educational history of Vancouver may be demolished in favor of a new structure. The building requires a seismic retrofit, but the city limits funds for this process to 70 percent of the cost of putting up a new building. The school board has voted to keep only the font face of the building, plus a few windows, doors and hand railings. Many other school buildings in British Columbia have received seismic retrofitting instead of replacement. This is a cost-effective alternative and deserves careful consideration and public discourse. The “UBC Renew” project has proposed a retrofit that would preserve the historic structure and make the building safe in the event of an earthquake. This renovation would actually cost less than demolishing and replacing the building. Common sense would thus suggest that a retrofit would be preferable to a more costly replacement.

Heritage BC works to preserve the buildings of the past that house Canada’s historic legacy and to educate the public on their value, while the Heritage Vancouver Society maintains a list of endangered historic buildings in the city and works to preserve these structures that speak of Vancouver’s character and past.

Individuals interested in keeping alive Vancouver’s architectural heritage can take several actions:

- Write an article for the local newspaper
- Attend public meetings and make your views known
- Join the Vancouver Heritage Society
- Research the history of a building and/or take photographs of historic structures
- Help organize a tour and talk with friends about the importance of preserving these buildings
- Make a donation to preservation funds

1. Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way)

Any true NHL fan already knows that Rogers Arena – the Vancouver Canucks’ home stadium – is a truly spectacular place to watch a game. Nothing beats experiencing the excitement live, and with the arena’s well-designed layout, every seat has a good view of the action. In addition, the new LED scoreboard and sound system have transformed Rogers Arena into a truly first-class venue. There is also lots of good food to choose from, including the excellent Captains Room restaurant. Finally, parking is a breeze since there are over 7,000 parking spaces within a 15 minute walking distance.

2. G Sports Bar and Grill (1208 Granville Street)

As one of downtown Vancouver’s only all-HD sports bars, G Sports Bar and Grill is an ideal location for watching the Canucks live on TV. Indeed, there are 24 HD TVs, and sports are always shown on their seven satellite feeds. Truly dedicated fans can even host a Canucks party by renting out the 35-seat VIP room. There are many good food and drink specials here, too; the “Canucks special” is a pint of Budweiser for $4.25 or a jug for $14.99. Furthermore, every day has different deals, including the popular all-you-can-eat-wings on Wednesdays for $12.

3. Kingston Taphouse and Grille (755 Richards Street)

Located on a prime piece of downtown Vancouver real estate, the Kingston Taphouse and Grille lets you watch the Canucks in a classic pub setting, or – if you prefer – in their traditional restaurant. While watching hockey, you can sample one of their many wines or beers, and chow down on a steak or nachos. Better yet, you can order off of Kingston’s special events menu on game nights. The delicious prime rib burger is only $11, and for an appetizer, a heaping plate of chips and salsa will cost you a scant $6.

4. Red Card Sports Bar and Eatery (900 Seymour Street)

Another top-notch spot in downtown Vancouver for hockey is the Red Card Sports Bar and Eatery. In fact, the TVs will be tuned to the Canucks every time the team plays. And for those who want to go all-out, Red Card even offers to host private parties, complete with a custom menu. But among all the downtown Vancouver bars, this is possibly the best for beer; in fact, one of Red Card’s slogans is “we consider beer to be sacred.” So it’s only natural that they offer over 40 beers, ranging from popular favorites to exotic imports. They have several fine cocktails as well, and the menu has many Italian delicacies, including their renowned pizza.

5. Shark Club (180 West Georgia Street)

Even though the Shark Club is a chain sports bar, it’s still one of the best – and cheapest – places to watch the Canucks in downtown Vancouver. Actually, it’s an excellent place to watch any hockey team, since just about every game will be shown at the Shark Club. And for those who don’t mind attractive waitresses, there are the famous Shark Girls working there every day of the year. Whenever the Canucks are playing, there are always good food and drink specials to take advantage of. However, at the Shark Club beer is king, so there will always be plenty of tasty brews on tap. Additionally, the food there is surprisingly sophisticated, as it has Asian and Italian hints to it. Their Thai stir-fry is an especially good main course.