02 The story
Beaches, forests and the edge of the city
West Point Grey sits at the western tip of Vancouver, between Kitsilano and the University of British Columbia. With English Bay to the north and Pacific Spirit Regional Park to the west, it feels more like a seaside village than part of a big city.
Jericho, Locarno and Spanish Banks
A chain of beaches runs along the north shore: Jericho Beach, with its park, sailing centre and summer folk music festival; Locarno Beach, quieter and popular for picnics; and Spanish Banks, where low tide reveals wide sand flats with views of downtown and the mountains. Together they are some of the most relaxed beaches in Vancouver.
Point Grey Village
West 10th Avenue is the neighbourhood’s village high street, with independent bookshops, cafés, bakeries and everyday shops. Many residents are connected to UBC, and the area has a calm, academic feel.
History and nature
The Hastings Mill Store Museum, in Pioneer Park on Alma Street, is the oldest surviving building in Vancouver; it was floated here by barge from its original site on Burrard Inlet. Next door, Pacific Spirit Park offers kilometres of forest trails between the neighbourhood and the UBC campus.
Who it suits
Families, academics and nature lovers are drawn to West Point Grey for its quiet streets, large lots and easy access to beaches and forest.
