Neighbourhood Guide: Dunbar

by Kristina Ikavalko - September 27, 2019

DUNBAR LOWDOWN:

Dunbar is a quintessential, leafy Vancouver neighbourhood on the city’s western edge bordering the University Endowment Lands. The streets are lined with single-family homes for the most part though some density can be found in Dunbar Village and along 16^th. Laneway homes are also popping up throughout the area offering some alternative housing options. The area is affluent and houses are costly but there are some affordable, shared housing options suitable for UBC students.

Houses line the street of Dunbar neighbourhood in Vancouver, BC on May 29, 2018. (Photograph by Jimmy Jeong)

LOCATION:

Bordered on the North by 16^th Ave and on the South by 41^st, and UBC to the West and Blenheim/Quesnel (approximately) to the East.

LIVING:

Dunbar is well serviced by key Translink bus routes moving people quickly and reliably both east and west as well as North into downtown. They run along 16^th, 25^th (King Edward), 41st and MacDonald Streets.
Park space is abundant. Chaldecott Park at the western end of King Edward Blvd. features a fun water park for young children while Balaclava Park is buzzing with baseball. Balaclava and Camosun Parks both also have running tracks and large grassy infields.
Pacific Spirit Park is crown jewel of Dunbar green spaces. Thought technically part of UBC, the Pacific Spirit trails are easily accessed from trailheads at the western ends of King Ed, 33^rd, 37^th and 39^th streets
Dunbar Village is a quaint ‘high street’ offering every shop, service and convenience necessary. Shops and services can be found running the length of Dunbar Street from 16th to 41st Ave.
The Dunbar Community Centre is a lively hub of activity offering a full range of activities for all age groups.
Tucked behind the Dunbar Community Centre in Memorial West Park is the Dunbar Lawn Bowling Club. Founded in 1926, this friendly club hearkens back to a bygone era and offers lawn bowling and croquet on a perfectly maintained natural grass green.
One of the few remaining single screen cinemas is still in operation in Dunbar. The Dunbar Theatre features regularly updated, first run movies all week long.
The Dailey Method at Dunbar and 41^st will keep you strong and lean offering some of the best barre and cycle fitness classes in the city.
Feed your mind and the rest will follow – visit the Dunbar branch of the Vancouver Public Library 2 blocks from the Dunbar Community Centre.

St. Georges Junior School | Photo: Flickr

LEARNING:

Some of Vancouver’s best private and public schools are located in Dunbar including St. George’s, Crofton House (just outside the 41^st border), Lord Byng Secondary, Jules Quesnel Elementary (French Immersion), Lord Kitchener Elementary, and Queen Elizabeth Elementary.
University of British Columbia (UBC), one of Canada’s top post secondary institutions is 5 minutes further west of Dunbar.