Hooman Bozorgnia - Integrity is my repuation. Phone Number: 604-880-6800

Discover West  Vancouver

One of Vancouver's landmarks is the Lions Gate Bridge, and it is this magnificent structure that links West Vancouver to Downtown Vancouver. Although it is an affluent area boasting some of the most prestigious homes in the Vancouver area, West Van (as the locals call it) maintains a feeling of community as it is a succession of smaller villages that are fronted by the Georgia Straight and overlooked by residential areas sprawled on the mountain slopes to the north. Marine Drive - the lower road that follows alongside the water and the Upper Levels highway which cuts across the entire North Shore as part of the Trans Canada Highway form the thread that connects these villages together. Many properties feature breathtaking vistas stretching from the Vancouver waterfront and cruise ship terminal, across to Stanley Park and Jericho Beach, and southwest to Vancouver Island.

Horseshoe Bay has some quaint residential areas, and features a marina with moorage and boat rentals, as well as some great seafood restaurants. However, it is most recognized as a gateway for the BC Ferry system's 46 ports of call, including the unique community of Bowen Island which is only accessible by water. Above the village is the sea to sky highway - the road to Whistler.

Moving east is Caulfeild, with its magnificent homes nestled amidst rocky crags and towering conifer trees and overlooking Howe Sound and beyond to Vancouver Island. The area also has a picturesque golf course and access to the Cypress Mountain ski area. Next are the shops and cafes of Dundarave, and the beginning of a wonderful seaside walk that can take you all the way to Ambleside beach. Here you will find a wide variety of stores, services and an array of restaurants offering almost every ethnic cuisine imaginable. Ambleside provides a good mix of single-family homes as well as stunning condominium developments that take full advantage of the spectacular sea and mountain views. In the highlands above are the showcase homes of the legendary British Properties, first developed by the famous Guiness family, which provided the impetus for construction of the Lions Gate Bridge to give the north shore access to the rest of the Lower Mainland.

West Vancouver's newest 'village' has been created alongside the Park Royal Shopping Centre which is divided into north and south mall areas by Marine Drive. The Village at Park Royal features a number of higher-end clothing, grocery and home furnishing stores, trendy restaurants and some outdoor patio areas for relaxing and stopping for refreshment while you shop.

Private membership is available at Hollyburn Country Club and the Capilano Golf and Country Club. There are three public moorage areas for sail and power craft that are perfect starting points for exploring the protected inlets of the north coast, or heading across the Straight to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. There are two public recreation centres, one with an ice rink and indoor pool, a well-stocked and well loved library and providing public and private schools that enjoy an enviable scholastic reputation. The relatively new Kay Meek Theatre, named for the long-time West Vancouver resident and benefactor who provided funding for its construction, has begun to attract some nationally-recognized performers and is also a popular showcase for local musical and theatrical groups.

Certainly, West Vancouver is one of the most desirable areas of the Lower Mainland, yet it is still affordable.

For more information, visit www.westvancouver.com