Robert WebbWE LOVE a good neighborhood. Every time we visit a neighborhood with top-notch facilities, we feel like we’re living in a five-star resort, complete with parks, restaurants, pools, and lush landscapes.
Which leads us to Fairview Vancouver. We know this neighborhood like the back of our hand – the things to know, the hidden gems, and the places that everyone should know about.
Today, we’ll show you why Fairview Vancouver should be your next home, with resort-style amenities that will elevate your everyday living.
What is the history of Fairview Vancouver?
Fairview, Vancouver, is renowned for its stunning views of the city and mountains, vibrant Granville Island, and thriving arts scene.
It’s a cultural hub with diverse dining, shopping, and recreational opportunities, making it a significant attraction for tourists and a beloved neighborhood for locals.
The history of Fairview Vancouver dates back to the 1860s, when it was just a forest until people started logging the place. Then, in 1886, it was named by CPR Land Commissioner L.A. Hamilton.
The area remained mostly undeveloped until the 1890s, when an electric railway made it easier to reach downtown, resulting in rapid development.
Fairview became Vancouver’s first suburb for the city’s powerful and influential after the Granville Bridge opened in 1889, and many heritage homes can still be seen today.
Gentrification throughout the 1970s and 1980s increased the neighborhood’s density. Though it did not become the affordable district anticipated, Fairview is currently a sought-after neighborhood with numerous amenities.
Is Fairview Vancouver a nice place to live?
Fairview, Vancouver, is a nice place to live known for its numerous amenities. The neighborhood offers excellent shopping, world-class dining, beautiful parks, Granville Island, and pleasant tree-lined residential neighborhoods.
Things to Know
Housing
Housing in Fairview Vancouver is about 60% small apartment buildings and 40% large ones. Around 30% of the buildings were built in the 1960s and 1970s, while the rest were built before 1960 and in the 1980s.
In May 2024, the median list price of homes in Fairview was $1,161,925, down from $1,204,933 in April 2024, showing a 3.57% decrease month-over-month.
| Category | Median List Price |
| Single Family Homes | $1,180,622 |
| Condominiums | $994,309 |
| Townhomes | $1,373,900 |
Services
Living in Fairview Vancouver places you near schools that are just a short walk away from most homes.
This includes Blessed Sacrament School, L’Ecole Bilingue Elementary, and False Creek Elementary.Fairview boasts a graduation rate of 97%, which is 13% higher than the average in British Columbia.
Shopping for groceries in the neighborhood is also easy, as it has about 20 supermarkets scattered around the area.
- Sungiven Foods: best choice for natural and less-processed products. Sells nutritious meal kits and They offer weekly specials for specific products.
- Whole Foods Market: natural and organic grocery items, housewares, and other products, including wine. You can shop in-store and online.
- Justin’s NOFRILLS:a much cheaper grocery chain with a range of products from fresh produce, home decor, kitchen supplies, and electronics. Check all their deals on selected products.
Foodies will love the over 150 restaurants and 20 cafes. Plus, there are countless clothing stores, particularly on Broadway, making shopping a breeze.
Accessibility
Fairview Vancouver is a great neighborhood where you won’t need a car to get around. There are two Skytrain stations close: Olympic Village Station Platform 1 and Olympic Village Station Platform 2. Also, there are 10 bus lines nearby.
Living here also means you can carry out daily errands easily by walking as numerous businesses are very nearby. Many people here use their bikes as there are a lot of bike-share stations and the cycling infrastructure is extensive.
Amenities
The Fairview neighborhood is close to many amenities. There are a total of six parks in the area:
- Choklit Park
- Willow Park
- Ron Basford Park
- Laurel Land Bridge Park
- Granville Loop Park
- Ecole Bilingue Big Playground
In addition, Fairview Vancouver has seven entertainment establishments scattered around the neighborhood:
- Pacific Theatre
- The “Little” Amphitheatre
- Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
- Centre culturel francophone
- Granville Island Water Park
- Arts Umbrella
- Waterfront Theatre
What to Do in Fairview Vancouver
Drop by Granville Island
Address: Granville Island, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Phone: 604 666-6655
Granville Island is a must-visit for food lovers. The public market offers a variety of foods: fish and seafood, meat and poultry, cheeses, spices, fruits and vegetables, and drinks from around the world.
There are also many shops selling street food and takeout. On the island, you’ll find plenty of boutiques and shops selling jewelry, books, clothing, and an artisan bakery.
Take a Stroll along the False Creek Seawall
Media credit:rrdancel
Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-682-2222
The Fairview neighborhood is right along South False Creek, where you can stroll along while admiring the waters and maybe even take a bike ride.
The bike route here is quite pleasant and it’s less windy. Along the route, you’ll come across plenty of well-tended gardens and landscaping.
Marvel at the Voxel Bridge
Media credit: jasonthorne_rpp
Address: 535 W 2nd Ave Suite 517, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Did you know that Voxel Bridge isn’t just a mural for you to admire? No, it actually exists in three worlds, rea world, Augmented Reality, and in live blockchain. Pretty cool, right?
The AR experience features twenty different interactive animations that teach visitors about the history of the Kusama Network, also known as the canary experimental network, and how it’s created, funded, and governed.
Snap Photos of the Vancouver Skyline
Media credit: gunairy
The neighborhood is perhaps best known for its stunning panoramic views of Vancouver’s downtown skyline and the North Shore Mountains. Perched on the slopes above False Creek, many of Fairview’s residences offer breathtaking vistas.
You can snap photos of the cityscape and mountains from the comfort of your own home, making Fairview a highly sought-after area.
Relax at Willow Park
Address: Vancouver, BC V6H 2P3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
Willow Park is a pleasant spot to relax alone or with friends. Its elevated position and tasteful plantings make it a comfortable place to sit and have lunch.
There are five benches, three of which are in a sunny corner of the park. It’s very peaceful and restful, but watch out for the wasps, which seem very interested in sugary foods.
Drop by the Stanley Theatre
Address: 2750 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-687-1644
Stanley Theatre is a fantastic local venue with an intimate atmosphere. It’s just big enough for scaled-down major productions, yet small enough to offer a personal experience every time.
We also love the architecture and the amazing interior design. It truly gives a sense of being immersed in culture and history.
Restaurants in Fairview Vancouver
Tojo’s Restaurant
Address: 1133 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-872-8050
Pricing: $$$
This sophisticated Japanese restaurant offers a delectable omakase experience. Every course is a harmonious blend of freshness, skill, and flavor. While it’s on the expensive side, the experience is well worth it.
The bluefin tuna and local tuna are exceptional, and the salmon is very good as well. The rolls and karaage are good, though some rolls stand out more than others.
Vij’s
Address: 3106 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-736-6664
Pricing: $$
Vij’s is a creative Indian restaurant with an extensive cocktail menu. If you’re willing to splurge on excellent Indian cuisine, it comes highly recommended.
Be sure to try their most famous entrée: marinated lamb “popsicles” in fenugreek cream curry. It’s the restaurant’s unique deconstructed take on a rack of lamb.
Cheesecake Etc.
Address: 2141 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3E9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-734-7704
Pricing: $
The cheesecake at Cheesecake Etc. is simply incredible. The flavors are absolutely insane, not too sweet, with the perfect balance of cream cheese and crust.
This place is the real deal; they’ve been in business for 44 years since 1979, and it just keeps getting better. We’d argue it’s the best cheesecake on the West Coast.
Afghan Horsemen
Address: 1833 Anderson St #202, Vancouver, BC V6H 4E5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-5923
Pricing: $$
Having served Vancouver for over 47 years, Afghan Horsemen is the go-to spot for authentic Indian cuisine for both meat lovers and vegetarians.
Try the platter; it comes with two starters, veggies, and a generous serving of lamb kebabs, chicken kebabs, and a shoulder lamb piece.
Shops in Fairview Vancouver
Boboli
Address: 2776 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-257-2300
Boboli is a boutique that exudes conservative elegance and professionalism, offering exclusive international designer fashions at a premium price.
Their striking window displays often showcase coveted items like an original Miyake piece or an Armani suit. They carry well-known fashion brands such as Thierry Mugler, Ferretti, Versace, Armani, and Issey Miyake.
Eileen Fisher
Address: 2721 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-733-5225
Since 1984, Eileen Fisher has been renowned for its elegant simplicity and high-quality fabrics. Specializing in women’s clothing, the brand is committed to sustainable fashion and timeless design.
Initially offering sizes 1 and 2, Eileen Fisher has since expanded its range to be more inclusive, now offering every design in sizes XXS to 3X.
Restoration Hardware & Industrial Design
Address: 2555 Granville St #110, Vancouver, BC V6H 3G7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-731-3918
If you’re relocating to Fairview and looking for interior design services, Restoration Hardware & Industrial Design provides a range of options including interior design, e-design, home staging, and consulting services.
They serve residential, commercial, and real estate clients, offering a team of experienced designers who can assist in creating a space that aligns with your personal style and fulfills your requirements.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Fairview Vancouver
HouseSigma: complete data about real estate in Canada where you can buy, sell, rent, or find out how much a property is.
OpenTable: book a table at popular restaurants in Vancouver and skip the lines.
Transit: access real-time information of buses and trains in Vancouver, with special service alerts, bus capacity predictions, and real time vehicle locations.
Uber: book a private ride in the city with transparent rates and an easy contactless payment experience.
