DUNDARAVE

Dundarave is a small neighbourhood which sits perched on the northwest shore of Vancouver, west of Ambleside but east of Sandy Cove. This area overlooks the water directly on its south side and is a beautiful place to make your home. Like many shore-side communities in northwest Vancouver Dundarave has a commercial stretch along Marine drive near the waterfront but is primarily residential as it trails towards highway 99 and even farther north towards the mountains. By the bay, Dundarave boasts several beachfront parks with plenty of green space which is a massive draw for the area.

Additionally, the neighbourhood is pleasant simply to walk around and explore, as you’ll encounter majestic houses with architecture that melds contemporary style and historical authenticity. Dundarave is a seaside community which is both cohesive and welcoming. Events are held throughout the year, which bring residents out of their homes and join them happily together to celebrate the beauty of their surroundings. Indeed, sunsets across the water have a spectacular reputation in this neighbourhood. Concisely, Dundarave is a quiet, affluent, safe, and comforting place to live. It embodies many of the critical characteristics on which the north shore has built its reputation, and does so in an area which radiates natural beauty.

Location

Another thing Dundarave has in common with some of the other seaside neighbourhoods in the north shore is an effortless commute to Vancouver proper. By way of either the Trans Canada Highway at the north end of the area or by Marine drive at the south, a quick jaunt in the car can have you in downtown Vancouver in under 20 minutes. For those who plan to take advantage of the numerous opportunities for work in central Vancouver, or those who want to enjoy the world-class recreation, dining, and drinking downtown has to offer, Dundarave offers supremely easy access. Also, Dundarave’s proximity to the waterfront is a huge plus. At the very south of the neighbourhood sits Dundarave Park, one of the most widely visited parks in all of the north shore. It’s likely so because the park connects to a gorgeous and sprawling sandy beach with ample room for lounging, playing, and swimming. This park is also the starting location for the Centennial Seawalk which runs along the Vancouver Seawall stretching to Ambleside in the east. Dundarave also has other green spaces ripe for relaxation, namely Irwin and Brissenden park. Conveniently, Dundarave is almost as close to the mountains as it is to the sea. A brief drive up the  Cypress Bowl road will put you at the base camp of Cypress Mountain in no time at all. Not only is this supreme for hiking and walking trails of all skill levels during the warmer months, but it also makes for a massive selection of top-notch ski trails in the winter. In terms of outdoor activities, there is no stone left unturned in Dundarave. Finally, the last of Dundarave’s locale benefits is its residential nature. There is no space for gratuitous commercialization in this petite neighbourhood, which gives it a homely and serene atmosphere.

Out and About

While Dundarave is undoubtedly independent of excessively commercial areas, that’s not to say that it suffers from a lack of selection when it comes to eating, drinking and shopping. Just 7 minutes down Marine Drive you’ll run into the Park Royal Village, an expansive shopping center with a plethora of stores, eateries, watering holes and more. However, Dundarave residents need not escape to Park Royal to find things to do or places to eat. Just along Marine Drive is Feast Neighbourhood table, a highly rated restaurant with outdoor seating and outstanding cocktails. Farther to the north you’ll find Salmon House on the Hill, a celebrated seafood restaurant which overlooks downtown. Finally, if there is one must-visit joint in Dundarave, it is The Beach House restaurant in Dundarave Park which serves sustainable game and seafood and looks out onto the Howe Sound. Additionally, peppered along Marine Drive are a whole slew of other quaint cafes, bars, independently owned shops, and unique ventures to explore. In particular, those with a green thumb will want to stop by the Maple Leaf Garden Centre which has served the botany enthusiasts of the north shore for over 50 years.

A Complete Community

The people who live in Dundarave are the sort who make great friends and neighbours. The proof is in the number of people who gather on the south shore to watch the fireworks every year for Canada Day. It’s in the cheery atmosphere as you join others in Dundarave Park during Christmas time to enjoy the Dundarave Festival of Lights and live music. It’s in the safety and trust you feel as you return home each night, surrounded by people who share the same values and care for their community as you do. These may seem like small examples, but they are accurate reflections of the sort of integrity found in the Dundarave community, and they are significant parts of why Dundarave is such a wonderful place to live.