COAL HARBOUR

The neighbourhood of Coal Harbour curls around the north side of Vancouver proper and is buffered on the southwest by the West End and on the southeast by Vancouver’s downtown. It is one of Vancouver’s smaller neighbourhoods and has a well-balanced mix of commercial space and residential homes all characterized by their close proximity to the waterfront. Coal Harbour has a unique industrial history, and for being near Vancouver’s downtown core, it is a notably calm and quiet area. What you’ll find in the Coal Harbour area is a community which is surprisingly interconnected for such an urban and tourist popular area. Throughout, you’ll discover both visitors and residents intermingling and enjoying several highly rated restaurants, exploring the exciting area around the pier, and lounging in abundant green space. Additionally, the Harbour’s adjacency to downtown Vancouver means prime access to the best eating, drinking, and nightlife in all of British Columbia. Coal Harbour is a beautiful symbiosis between activity and peace, community and independence, and more importantly, it’s a lovely place to live.

Location

Coal Harbour’s location is a huge reason why it’s one of the most coveted areas in Vancouver proper. The immediacy of the waterfront makes for shoreside restaurant seating, some aqua related activities which are fun for families, and increased transportation access. The ferry landing at the east side of the port serves as the stop-and-go point for the Seabus, a 375 person capacity ferry which runs consistently throughout the day between Coal Harbour and the Lonsdale Quay of Northshore. The Quay area is supremely exciting and features the Lonsdale Quay market, one of the most lauded outdoor markets in Canada. The ferry provides rapid and convenient transportation to anywhere on the Northshore. Right next to the bay is Harbour Green Park, which features the Seawall Water Walk, a must-see for both locals and visitors in the Coal Harbour area.

Further to the north, you’ll find Devonian Harbour Park which feeds into the sprawling Stanley Park, a massive green space enveloping highway 99 which includes beaches, lagoons, rivers, tributaries, and kilometres upon kilometres of hiking and walking trails. Even more enticing, the park consists of the Vancouver Aquarium and Stanley Park Rose garden on its southeast side. Few urban populaces are so close to such expansive and gorgeous green space. With beautiful wilderness and outdoor activities to the west, a mountain of the best fine dining and drinking to the east, and a flourishing harbour area on its north side, Coal Harbour’s locale is absolutely divine.

Out and About

The Coal Harbour neighbourhood is rife with prime eating spots, destinations to explore, cozy cafes, and fun things to do. Beyond the close by hot-spots, the area’s proximity to the waterfront makes it alluring to walk around and sightsee. Industrial remnants ingratiate with contemporary architecture making for an authentic feel as you watch ships and freights bob to and fro in the waves. This view is even accessible from some of the ports most choice restaurants. Cardero’s is an outstanding seafood restaurant right on the water which has a marina side patio on which they serve delicious burgers and other sea fare. Lift Bar Grill View is another water-side destination with polished decoration and a busy rooftop bar. Coal Harbour is also home to the Vancouver Convention Center, a massive event space worth visiting and walking around.  For homebodies, Urban Fare is an all needs serviceable grocery store with gourmet and organic options, making in house cooking a primary option any night of the week, whereas Fujiya Japanese Foods will allow you to expand your culinary repertoire. Finally, Sabai Thai Day spa can help you relax during stressful work periods; however, so can the breathtaking views you’ll be greeted with every single day thanks to the mountainous ranges across the bay. The above are but a tiny sampling of what Coal Harbour has to offer its residents, not to mention the entire other world of options which await you in downtown Vancouver itself. In terms of selection for food, drinks, and activities, Coal Harbour is a place where it’s genuinely impossible to get bored.

Keeping in Touch with your Surroundings

It’s easy to become disconnected from some form of cohesive community in a hectic urban area. Cities can be strangely isolating, and one as big and happening as Vancouver is no exception. However, there are aspects of Coal Harbour which exist primarily to maintain an established community and facilitate a sense of care and wellbeing between friends and neighbours. One example is the Coal Harbour community center, which includes multi-purpose rooms, dance studios, a gymnasium, and a playground, as well as offering classes and events for anyone in the community to attend. Additionally, Coal Harbour is also home to the Vancouver Club; a prominent social club open both to members and the public which is a lovely spot to meet up and have drinks or catch up with friends. Coal Harbour has a singular sense of community which has been historically established through industrial practice and work ethic and is now maintained through neighbourhood connections and institutions like these, making it a truly welcoming place to live.