Archie MontroseWhen my partner and I started looking for a new home in Vancouver, we knew we needed more than just online listings to find the perfect neighborhood.
So, we reached out to friends, family, and anyone who would listen for their advice. The overwhelming consensus? Dunbar Southlands was the place to be.
After countless conversations, visits, and a mountain of research, we discovered why this area is hailed as the epitome of luxury living in Vancouver’s Westside. Here’s everything we found out about Dunbar Southlands!
Things to Know
Location
Dunbar’s location is one of its biggest draws. It’s located on Vancouver’s west side, which places you near the Arbutus Ridge, MacKenzie Heights, Southlands, Point Grey, and the University of British Columbia (UBC).
With its peaceful tree-lined streets, abundant parkland, community shopping, and convenient access to downtown, Dunbar offers a wonderful living experience.
Vibe
Dunbar’s vibe is characterized by its small town, strong sense of community where everyone knows each other. The community hosts a lot of outdoor events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of togetherness.
It’s also a quiet and tidy neighborhood, epitomizing that classic image of most people on Vancouver’s west side. It’s also one of the city’s greenest areas, with eight parks and several riding tables.
The neighborhood is also renowned for its well-maintained and scenic golf courses. Additionally, residents appreciate its proximity to the downtown core.
Community Initiatives
Dunbar is brimming with community initiatives, led by the Dunbar Community Centre Association, which offers a wide range of programs for residents. These include indoor cycling, group fitness, summer day camps, and many more activities.
What’s great is that they cater to all age groups, from preschoolers to seniors. A notable program is “Happy Hearts,” a self-managed exercise class for recent graduates of medically-supervised cardiac rehabilitation programs.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Dunbar Southlands is significantly lower than in other neighborhoods in the city, according to the 2023 Vancouver Police Department neighborhood statistics.
The table below shows that Dunbar Southlands has one of the lowest rates of reported incidents:
| NEIGHBORHOOD | REPORTED CRIME INCIDENTS |
| Dunbar Southlands | 49 |
| Fairview | 170 |
| Grandview-Woodland | 1,364 |
| Hastings: Sunrise | 73 |
| Kensington-Cedar Cottage | 132 |
| Kitsilano | 109 |
| Mount Pleasant | 209 |
| West End | 239 |
| Renfrew – Collingwood | 247 |
| Strathcona | 264 |
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Dunbar is quite expensive compared to other neighborhoods in Vancouver. The most expensive factor is housing, with the average price of a detached home being well above the city average.
| Index | Dunbar Southlands | Vancouver | British Columbia |
| Goods and Services | 187 | 136 | 123 |
| Groceries | 110 | 110 | 110 |
| Health care | 102 | 102 | 102 |
| Housing | 375 | 206 | 170 |
| Transportation | 102 | 103 | 102 |
| Utilities | 103 | 103 | 103 |
Additionally, groceries and services tend to be pricier in Dunbar compared to other areas in Vancouver.
Goods & Services
As seen below, goods and services in Dunbar Southlands cost more than in other areas of the city due to its high demand and limited supply.
| Item | Vancouver | National average |
| Personal Care | $108.00 | $94.33 |
| Recreation | $110.00 | $102.33 |
The affluent neighborhood attracts wealthy residents who are willing to pay a premium for the convenience and exclusivity it offers.
Groceries
Groceries in Dunbar Southlands tend to be more expensive than in other Vancouver neighborhoods. This is largely due to the area’s higher cost of living and limited competition among grocery stores.
| Item | Vancouver | National average |
| Meat, Poultry and Fish | $106 | $102.27 |
| Dairy Products and Eggs | $100 | $104.67 |
| Bakery and Cereal Products | $102 | $111.67 |
| Fruit and Vegetables | $104 | $113.40 |
| Alcoholic Beverages | $111 | $105.80 |
The neighborhood’s affluent demographic and the distance from major supermarkets contribute to the higher prices for everyday items.
Health Care
Seeing a doctor in Dunbar Southlands is a little cheaper than the national average, which makes healthcare more accessible to residents in the area.
| Item | Vancouver | National average |
| Doctor | $97 | $101.07 |
Transportation
Gasoline prices in Dunbar Southlands are typically higher than in surrounding areas. This is due to the neighborhood’s higher cost of living and limited competition among gas stations.
| Item | Vancouver | National average |
| Gasoline | $133 | $102.07 |
Utilities
Electricity in Dunbar Southlands is known to be more costly than in other areas of Vancouver. This is primarily due to higher distribution and maintenance costs associated with the neighborhood.
| Item | Vancouver | National average |
| All Electricity | $101 | $98.60 |
Average Rent
As of July 2024, the median rent for any type of property in Dunbar, Vancouver, BC is $3,000, which is quite steep, and 54% more than the national average.
The average rent for a one-bedroom unit is around $2,927, while a two-bedroom is at $3,217. Three bedroom units come at a whopping $4,125, and renting a four-bedroom will cost you around $9,288.
| One-bedroom | $2,927 |
| Two-bedroom | $3,217 |
| Three-bedroom | $4,125 |
| Four-bedroom | $9,288 |
How to Get Around
Trains: The most efficient way to get around the West End is the SkyTrain, Vancouver’s rapid transit system. This network connects various neighborhoods in the West End, as well as downtown Vancouver and other parts of the city.
Buses: Vancouver’s bus system offers a great alternative to the SkyTrain for getting around the West End. A single bus fare ranges from $3.10 to $6.05 and allows passengers to travel to different parts of the West End and beyond.
Taxis: There are several taxi companies in Vancouver. Yellow Cab, the largest taxi company in the city, operates over 355 cabs, including eco-friendly and hybrid cars. Another option is Black Top & Checker Cabs, which offers 6-seater vans.
Car Service: For a more personalized and convenient transportation option, consider using a car service like Excel Limousine or Bookalift.
Schools in Dunbar
- Crofton House School: located in the nearby Kerrisdale neighborhood, is an excellent choice for families moving to Dunbar.
Established in 1898, this independent all-girls school offers education from junior kindergarten to grade 12 with a girl-centered approach. This approach nurtures each student’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual potential.
The school also provides enriching activities such as overnight camping trips to Gambier Island, meetings with acclaimed authors, athletic competitions, and much more.
- St. George’s: independent boarding and day university-preparatory school for boys. This institution offers a diverse curriculum with over 100 courses, 24 AP subjects, 50+ clubs, and 35+ sports options.
Utilizing approaches such as the Harkness method and project-based learning, the school provides an ideal learning environment for boys.
Each year, approximately 150 students graduate from St. George’s, receiving around 700 university acceptances from top universities in Canada, the USA, and overseas.
- Immaculate Conception School: a Catholic institution that emphasizes academics, language, sports, music, drama, technology, and community service.
The school also offers a licensed after-school childcare program, providing daycare during winter, spring, and summer breaks.
Additionally, their “Parent Participation Program” fosters collaboration between families and the school to support student learning and involvement in school activities.
- Bayview Elementary School: originally named West Kitsilano, Bayview Elementary School was renamed in September 1914. The school maintains a stable population and a strong sense of community, embodying the close-knit atmosphere of a neighborhood school.
Bayview offers Indigenous-focused field trips to enriching destinations such as the Museum of Anthropology, VanDusen Gardens, and outdoor camp summits, enhancing students’ learning experiences with cultural and environmental education.
- Kerrisdale Elementary School: a multi-program institution offering English, French Immersion, and the District FI MACC Program.
With PAC-funded playgrounds, an outdoor classroom space, and community gardens, students have numerous opportunities to engage with the school community.
There are community-based activities such as class buddies, volunteering, leadership programs, extracurricular activities, and fundraising initiatives, fostering a strong sense of involvement and collaboration among students.
Where to Eat in Dunbar
Bells & Whistles Dunbar
Media credit: guacally
Address: 4497 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC V6S 2G4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-558-4770
Pricing: $$
Bells & Whistles is a contemporary pub in Dunbar Southlands, known for its hanging taps and upscale, locally sourced pub fare.
The Baja tacos are a standout, with well-constructed flavors and complementary textures. The classic burger is fresh and delicious, and the fries are perfectly crisp on the outside while moist on the inside.
Cosy Inn Cafe
Media credit: dunbarlifevan
Address: 4455 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC V6S 2G4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-3133
Pricing: $
This sunny breakfast inn café truly lives up to its name with its warm and inviting atmosphere. The aroma of coffee lingers in the air, thanks to unlimited refills, and the fantastic food makes it a must-visit spot.
We recommend trying the turkey bacon club on sourdough with fries. It’s delicious and affordably priced.
Kuma Japanese Restaurant
Media credit: strawberrymocha80
Address: 3446 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC V6S 2C2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-739-0170
Pricing: $$
This great Japanese gem in the Dunbar area offers a cozy dining experience with limited seating and a thriving take-out business. If you choose to dine in, be sure to try the seafood okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake with cabbage).
Dunbar Pizza & Indian Food
Address: 3348 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC V6S 2C1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-732-4999
Pricing: $
Dunbar Pizza & Indian Food is a hidden gem! The Indian dishes are incredibly flavorful, and our favorite is the chicken biryani, which comes in generous portions at reasonable prices.
La Notte Restaurant
Address: 3307 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC V6S 2C1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-222-4033
Pricing: $$
La Notte Restaurant is an Italian eatery offering great deals on pasta every Tuesday and a delightful 3-course set menu every Thursday. As an added bonus, a piano player enhances the ambiance every weekend.
The Linguine Alla Vongole and the Fettuccine served with my Eggplant Parmigiana were both perfectly al dente and paired with flavorful sauces. Add a few glasses of white wine, and you’re all set.
Things to do in Dunbar
Spend a Day at Balaclava Park
Media credit: caobecky
Address: 4594 Balaclava St, Vancouver, BC V6L 2T2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
This expansive park offers a pleasant environment for walking or jogging. It features a large, level track and field green space, clean bathrooms, a playground with swings, an empty wading pool, and a soccer/rugby field with a corner for baseball.
This park is ideal for reaching your 10,000 steps goal or simply relaxing on one of the many benches while enjoying the scenic views of the North Shore Mountains framed by the park’s trees.
Admire the Camosun Bog
Address: 4102 W 16th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6R 3E3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
Camosun Park offers a diverse array of forest trails, making it an excellent destination for hot days. Parking is available along Imperial Drive.
From there, you can walk along the Camosun Trail to and around the Camosun Bog, eventually reaching the Top Trail Pass to Crown Street, where you’ll encounter the serene Camosun Bog.
Hike Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-5739
Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a stunningly maintained park with winding trails perfect for walkers, runners, cyclists, and pets alike. Its well-marked intersections offer endless opportunities for exploring and enjoying a unique experience with each visit.
Set in the serene Pacific Northwest Coastal rainforest, the park showcases the region’s distinctive beauty. You’ll encounter plenty of fellow dog owners and walkers, making it a friendly and social environment for outdoor enthusiasts.
Check out a Film at the Dunbar Theatre
Address: 4555 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC V6S 2G7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-222-2991
Dunbar Theatre is a longstanding venue in the neighborhood, maintaining its vintage charm while offering updated, spacious, and comfortable seating in the auditorium.
While it may not have the flashy appeal of a Cineplex, Dunbar Theatre provides a great atmosphere for a night out at the movies. For optimal sound quality, it’s recommended to choose seats on the main floor rather than in the balcony.
Read Your Next TBR at the Dunbar Branch
Media credit: robeeena
Address: 4515 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC V6S 2G7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-665-3968
This charming neighborhood library boasts a substantial collection of borrowable books. While not the largest selection, they have streamlined the process with convenient online ordering for any titles not immediately available.
Where to Shop in Dunbar
H-Mart Dunbar
Address: 5557 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC V6N 1W5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-264-5950
H-Mart is a growing Korean food grocery chain that caters to all your basic needs, including a variety of Asian items, cosmetics, and cookware. In addition to grocery essentials, H-Mart offers prepared dishes such as kimbap, bento boxes, and snacks.
You can also utilize a small microwave and find seating at a few tables. Conveniently located near W 41st and Dunbar, it serves as a go-to spot for Asian groceries in the area.
Snack Street
Address: 3378 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC V6S 2C1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-566-2772
Snack Street, a new exotic snack and convenience store, is set to open at 3378 Dunbar Street at the beginning of June. Featuring a wide array of snacks, you can satisfy any craving with their extensive selection.
Christina’s Flower Shop
Address: 5615 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC V6N 1W5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-263-3011
Christina’s Flower Shop offers a nice selection of bouquets and gifts for all occasions, from anniversaries, birthdays, to weddings and graduations. They can even arrange a custom bouquet based on your preferences!
Apps to Download for a Trip to Dunbar
GPSmyCity: Self-guided walks over 1,000 cities in Vancouver, with built-in GPS navigation functions. Works both online and offline.
iOs | Android
Vancouver Travel Guide: Interactive city guide with tourist info on all must-see attractions in Vancouver.
iOs | Android
Vancouver Transit Live: Live bus schedules that use your GPS location to get the times of TransLink bus stops.
Paybyphone: Pay for meter parking with the touch of a button, set text reminders, and have your receipts emailed to you.
iOs | Android
