02 The story
Beach town in the city
Kitsilano, or Kits, stretches along English Bay west of Burrard Street, with views across the water to downtown and the North Shore Mountains. It is named after August Jack Khatsahlano, a Squamish leader, and has grown from a streetcar suburb into one of Vancouver’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.
In the 1960s and 70s Kits was the centre of the city’s counterculture, and Greenpeace was founded here in 1971. Today the same relaxed, outdoorsy spirit lives on in yoga studios, running groups and busy beach days.
West 4th and Broadway
West 4th Avenue is the main village street, with boutiques, brunch spots, bakeries and outdoor gear shops. Broadway, a few blocks south, is busier and more practical, with grocers, services and plenty of casual restaurants.
Kits Beach and Vanier Park
Kitsilano Beach is one of the city’s favourite summer hangouts, with volleyball courts, a long sandy shore and the outdoor saltwater Kitsilano Pool, the longest pool in Canada. To the east, Vanier Park holds the Museum of Vancouver, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and hosts Bard on the Beach Shakespeare every summer.
Living in Kits
Character houses, low-rise apartments and leafy streets make Kits popular with young professionals and families. The Arbutus Greenway and seaside bike routes make it one of the most bike-friendly parts of the city.
