Area Guide: 8 Best Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Vancouver B.C

Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Photo by Matt Wang on Unsplash

Area Guide: 8 Best Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Vancouver B.C

Vancouver has often been ranked as one of the homiest cities to live not only in Canada but in the continent and the world. It is no doubt that its picturesque views and attractions such as the North Shore Mountains with hiking trails, Jericho Beach, Lonsdale Quay, and Prospect Point add to its magnificence. When moving to a new area, you will always consider several factors that will be of convenience to you and your loved ones. While the cost of living may be slightly higher in Vancouver, there are good things that come with it.

This city has excellent schools, security, affordable child care, hospitals, tranquil tree-lined streets, lush parks, cosy restaurants, and other amazing amenities within reach. Your children and pets will definitely love it here. It is unquestionable then that these are some of the factors that make Vancouver great and liveable. Whether you are looking to buy or rent around Vancouver, the value of a neighbourhood for you and your family is the top priority.

Here are the best family-friendly neighbourhoods in Vancouver based on rent, schools and services available.  

1. Dunbar-Southlands

View from near Dunbar St at W 18th Ave (Vancouver B.C). Photo by rowy – Wikimedia

This is one of the most highly ranked neighbourhoods in Vancouver thanks to it being family-friendly with a tight-knit community.  Dunbar neighbourhood starts from West 16th Avenue to the north, West 41st Avenue to the south, UBC to the west, and approximately Blenheim Street to the east.

Its highlight features are it is forested and sparsely populated. A perfect serene location to raise a family. The streets are lined with the Canadian Plum tree that blooms its beautiful pink flowers in spring and summertime. Several of the houses here are standalone bungalows with natural fences. Furthermore, there are well-marked bike lanes, and pedestrian paths, making it walkable, as well as safe streets.

When it comes to replenishing your pantry or getting new outfits or general shopping, you will find several malls, stores and markets where you can get fresh groceries. Get to mingle with your neighbours at the Dunbar Community Centre for dance, ping pong and fitness classes. This community centre offers other services such as child-minding as well as play-based learning. Catch a movie with your family or a movie date at the Dunbar Theatre, an independent movie, theatre down the street. Enjoy the most delicious popcorn in the whole of Vancouver. What’s more, you can hire the theatre for private birthday parties.

Things to do in Dunbar:

The kids will have a wonderful time at the parks and indoor activity centres. Enjoy a delightful walk in the park with your pets, read a book under the tree and even smell the beautiful flowers that bloom in spring and summer.

You can also sing up the little ones to dance classes, and gymnastics, explore the amusement parks, and enjoy tree lighting during Christmas festivities. The adults can enjoy intimate dinners in one of the atmospheric restaurants in the neighbourhood.

Practical Information:

REGION: LOWER MAINLAND

Rent Average: 1-bedroom: $2,025| 2 –bedroom: $2,800| 3-bedroom: $3,900

Nearby Schools: Southlands Elementary School, St. George’s School, Lord Kitchener School and Bayview Elementary School.

Amenities: Pacific Spirit Park, Dunbar Community Centre, Golf courses, Ice rinks, Restaurants, and Gyms

Transport options: Translink bus that passes through West 16th Avenue, West King Edward Avenue, West 41st Avenue, and MacDonald Street

Skytrains are not available in this area

2. West Point Grey

Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash

There is something nostalgic about old and historic places. One such place in Vancouver is West Point Grey. It is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Vancouver and it is located on Point Grey, its borders being by 16th Avenue to the south, Alma Street to the east, English Bay to the north, and Blanca Street to the west. This quaint area is snuggled amongst the trees as one drives en route to the University of British Columbia. It is, therefore, one of the best neighbourhoods to move to. 

You will meet friendly neighbours and get access to Spanish Banks and Pacific Spirit Park, a great place for the kids to play and walk with their pets.  There are also annual events like the Point Grey Fiesta, which is a weekend-long carnival full of rides, mini doughnuts, and music at Trimble Park. If you love nature, there is something for you too such as lush parks, and sandy Jericho beach where you can catch stunning sunsets on clear days.

When it comes to education, there are several schools in this neighbourhood that offer English and French immersion programs, Canada’s national languages. This program is perfect for families that want to raise bilingual children. One of the best private high schools in the province of British Columbia, West Point Grey Academy is found in West Point Grey. There are excellent high schools both public and private.

This calm and tranquil community also hosts family-friendly events such as carnivals and music concerts.

 Things to do in West Point Grey:

Enjoy the sunset at Jericho beach, play beach volleyball at the Spanish Banks, relish a family BBQ at the park, play tennis or volleyball at the courts in the parks or ride your bikes in the designated lanes. Take an educational tour of the museums, and sign up for a yoga class.

Practical Information:

Region: Metro Vancouver

Rent Average: 2-bedroom:  $3,571| 3-bedroom:  $5,306

Schools: Lord Roberts Elementary and King George Secondary School.

Amenities: English Bay Beach, Vancouver Aquatic Centre, Stanley Park biking the seawall, Vancouver Aquarium

Transport options: Translink bus route no. 14,49,99| SkyTrain | Ferry | taxi .

3. Mount Pleasant

Photo by Rowan Heuvel on Unsplash

If you are looking for a lively and eclectic neighbourhood then Mount Pleasant is the place to move your family. This neighbourhood is popular for its unique stores, antique buildings, artsy community as well as arts-focused festivals. You will also spot edgy galleries lining the streets of this area, indie boutiques, gastro pubs and several charming restaurants.

Outdoor people add especially those who love skiing, kayaking and cycling, will love it here since there are several stores selling gear for these activities. This is a perfect neighbourhood for families, professionals as well as senior citizens.

Its shopping district is located at the intersection of Broadway, Kingsway, and Main Street. Characterized by its vast green spaces, this neighbourhood is bliss for those with young kids and pets.

Strolling or even driving through the neighbourhood, you will be quick to notice the quiet streets and friendly neighbours who have called this place home for several years. What is more pleasing about this location is the great school system, approachable neighbours and other excellent amenities.

Renowned personalities like Ian Hanomansing, Tod Maffin, David Beers and Peter W. Klein have their homes here.

Whichever home you wish to own such as low-rise heritage buildings or modern condos are all available here. The food scene is great for families, date nights and endless fun opportunities for families.

Things to do in Mount Pleasant:

Explore the local community centres, shop for fresh organic produce at the local farmer’s market, admire the creative works of artists in the galleries, and catch a baseball game at the Nat Bailey Stadium.

Practical Information:

Rent Average: 2-bedroom: $3,489 | 3-bedroom: $4,700

Schools: Mount Pleasant Elementary, David Livingstone Elementary and Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School

Amenities: Jonathan Rogers Park, Mt. Pleasant Park, Guelph Park, Robson Park, and the Olympic Village.

4. Riley Park-Little Mountain

A short distance down south from Mount Pleasant is another ideal neighbourhood for someone looking for a serene place to raise a family. Here, you will get to meet neighbours of all ages, and a variety of shops, with a suburban touch. 

Starting from 16th Avenue to 41st Avenue, Riley Park Little Mountain is defined by its immaculate parks like Queen Elizabeth Park, a favourite for picnic lovers, especially on those warm summer days. The parks here are also perfect for the kids to burn their energies while playing with their pets too.

If looking for a good school for your young ones, this neighbourhood offers several options for you.

Things to do in Riley Park-Little Mountain:

Spend some time with the young ones at Queen Elizabeth Park, catch a baseball game at the Nat Bailey Stadium which is also a dog off-leash area, there is also a public library where you can sign up your family, take a walking tour of the neighbourhood and admire the street art by local and international artists.

Practical Information:

Rent average: 2-bedroom $3,150| 3-bedroom: $4,700

Amenities: plenty of restaurants, antique shops, record stores, fashion boutiques, coffee hangouts, butcher shops, bars and live music venues.

5. Edgemont

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

This next neighbourhood attracts families looking for big yards and palatial homes the cherry on top being the breathtaking nature surrounding it. You will not need to worry about your commute to Vancouver as it is a short bus ride away, you can also take the ferry, or drive. The panoramic scenes in Edgemont are a magnet for nature lovers who will enjoy a short stroll along Longsdale Quay or even hiking up Lynn Canyon Park. There is so much to do here if you are active outdoors.

On warm summer weekends, you can take your family for a local day trip, and during winter you can opt to go skiing at North Shore where world-renowned ski resorts are located.

As one of the most prestigious and sought-after areas in Vancouver, it is safe to say that Edgemont is the best place to raise a family. The houses here are majorly single-family homes, condos and townhouses too. The tranquil environment and a family-focused community make this the home you always dreamt of.

Enjoy your time away from the bustle of the city as you stroll through the tree-lined streets.

Things to do in Edgemont:

Visit Giftworks, which focuses on the creations of craftsmen from British Columbia, including potters, candle makers, and a variety of others. Families with kids won’t want to miss BC Playthings, where you will find puppets, art supplies, games, and puzzles created both locally and internationally. Visit the oddly called 32 Novels, which has shelves stocked with Canadian fiction, books about British Columbia, book club picks, and children’s literature. After a tour through the town, you may enjoy lunch or supper at one of the numerous eateries in Edgemont Village, or you can grab a drink and rest on one of the many benches to take in the mountain views. Bjornbar Bakery and Nicli Antica Pizzeria are well-known locations.

Practical Information:

Rent Average: 1-bedroom: $1,900|2-bedroom: $2,375|3-bedroom: $5,499

6. Kensington-Cedar Cottage

Kensington–Cedar Cottage is an ethnically diverse neighbourhood in east Vancouver making it the best area for families. It is close to Riley Park’s Little-Mountain neighbourhood. You will find exquisite ethnic dining options along Kingsway. 

Conveniently located near the main roads, you will have easy access to plush parks, schools and other community amenities. Mingle with your neighbours and immerse yourself in the rich and diverse culture of this neighbourhood. If you love art or are looking to sign up the kids to art clubs, you will find your tribe here. Several of the residents here are artists and have art studios in their homes.

Kensington-Cedar Cottage more than makes up for it with a close-knit family-friendly community, lots of great restaurants and services, fantastic schools, and a great location close to downtown, Main Street, and Commercial Drive. The area was home to a large Vietnamese population for many years, and you can experience this by visiting the Vietnamese grocery stores and numerous restaurants, delis, and cafes that line Kingsway.

Things to do in Kensington-Cedar Cottage:

Go fishing at Trout Lake, catch a movie with your loved ones at Rio Theatre, shop for fresh organic and baked goodies at the nearby farmers market, and challenge yourselves with classic and modern games at Locked Canada. There is so much more offered at Kensington-Cedar Cottage.   

Practical Information:

Rent Average: 2-bedroom: $2,300 |3-bedroom: $3,600

7. Kitsilano

Macdonald St at 5th Ave, Kitsilano. Photo by Flying Penguin – Wikimedia

Kitsilano is a great neighbourhood in Vancouver with easy-going surroundings to raise kids. You will enjoy spending time with your family in one of the several parks, green spaces and beaches. If you have pets, they will love it here since their parks are expanse.

Kitsilano is a very peaceful Vancouver neighbourhood with many good bars, restaurants, clubs, and beaches to enjoy without fear of crime.

You will not need to worry about being locked inside during winter as there is plenty to do in the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. During summer, you can enjoy water sports, volleyball at the beach and so much more.

There is also a public saltwater pool right by the beach which happens to be the longest pool in Canada.

As a parent looking for an excellent school for your kids, there are several schools in this area that offer French Immersion programs, it is best if you want your kids to be bilingual.

Things to do in Kitsilano:

Spend time watching the sunset on Kitsilano Beach and then enjoy some sumptuous pizza. Check out and sign up at any of the exercise studios, and take your dogs to the pet stores for some pet care. You can also get some freshly squeezed juices in the several juice bars.

Practical Information:

Rent Average: 1-bedroom: $2,100|2-bedroom: $3,500|3-bedroom: $4,000

Schools: Gordon Elementary, Henry Hudson Elementary and Tennyson Elementary.

8. Surrey

You will not only enjoy a peaceful environment with your family in this neighbourhood but also get the best services too. The housing is affordable and there are several schools, colleges, universities and diverse cultures. Surrey is loved by newcomers because of its warm and friendly community.

Furthermore, the climate here is mild, it is surrounded by scenic mountains and water too. This gives you endless outdoor activities no matter the season.

Things to do in Surrey:

Surrey also boasts vibrant Heritage Services that celebrate Surrey’s history. Experience living history at Historic Stewart Farm, see artefacts of Surrey’s past and diverse present at the Museum of Surrey or use the Surrey Archives to explore historic photos and documents.

Practical Information:

Rent average: 1-bedroom: $1,463| 2-bedroom: $1,770 | 3-bedroom: $2.065

Schools: Panorama Ridge Secondary School, Kwantlen Park Secondary School