02 The story
Mansions, gardens and grand boulevards
Shaughnessy is one of Vancouver’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, set on the hill south of 16th Avenue between Granville and Oak Streets. It was developed by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 1900s as an exclusive residential area and named after Thomas Shaughnessy, the railway’s president at the time.
Heritage homes
Curving streets such as The Crescent are lined with grand Arts and Crafts, Tudor Revival and Edwardian mansions set on large lots behind hedges and old trees. Much of the area, known as First Shaughnessy, is protected as a heritage conservation area, so its historic character has been carefully preserved.
Gardens nearby
Shaughnessy is one of the greenest parts of the city. VanDusen Botanical Garden, with its collections of plants from around the world, is close by, and Queen Elizabeth Park’s views and flower gardens are a short drive east.
Shopping and dining
Shaughnessy itself is almost entirely residential. For shops and restaurants, residents head to South Granville, just north, or Kerrisdale and Oakridge to the south.
Exploring
The neighbourhood is best enjoyed on a quiet walk or bike ride, admiring the architecture and gardens. Please respect residents’ privacy, as the homes are private property.