Westside Guide to Kerrisdale

All You Need to Know About Kerrisdale

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At a Glance

Population

16,137

Population Density

2,291 per km²

Median Age

44.8

Single-Family Homes

60.1%

Multi-Family Homes

39.9%

Avg Household Income

$101,925

Walk Score

77

Bike Score

56

Transit Score

86

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Kerrisdale Community Snapshot

Aerial view of Kerrisdale looking north along Balsam Street.

Kerrisdale is a well-established Vancouver neighbourhood known for its tree-lined streets, heritage charm, and strong community spirit. It features a network of parks like Elm, Maple Grove, and Fraser River Park, offering playgrounds, sports fields, and scenic trails—including an off-leash dog area. The Kerrisdale Community Centre anchors local life with fitness classes, art programs, and seasonal events that bring residents together.

Education and culture thrive here, with top-ranked schools such as Point Grey Secondary and Crofton House. Public amenities include libraries, tennis courts, and the McCleery Golf Course. Heritage sites like Shannon Mews and Malkin Park add character, while events like the Kerrisdale Carnival and seniors’ tea socials foster intergenerational connection. Whether enjoying a summer concert or walking the Arbutus Greenway, Kerrisdale blends tradition, nature, and neighbourly warmth in a way few Vancouver communities can match.

Shopping & Services

Kerrisdale’s commercial activity is concentrated in Kerrisdale Village, primarily along West 41st Avenue between Larch and Maple streets, and on West Boulevard. This area functions as an outdoor shopping centre with a wide range of businesses, including grocery stores, bakeries, boutique clothing shops, major banks, and numerous cafés and restaurants. The Kerrisdale Business Association, one of the oldest in Vancouver, manages the area’s streetscape and beautification.

Cafés, restaurants, shops, and services along West 41st Avenue in Kerrisdale Village.

Education in Kerrisdale

Kerrisdale Elementary School.

The neighbourhood is served by the Vancouver School Board and is in proximity to several independent schools.

  • Public Elementary Schools: Kerrisdale Elementary, Maple Grove Elementary
  • Public Secondary School: Point Grey Secondary
  • Nearby Independent Schools: Crofton House School, St. George’s School, Vancouver College, Little Flower Academy
  • Post-Secondary: The University of British Columbia is 5 km to the west and accessible via public transit routes on 41st & 49th avenues.

Civic & Cultural Facilities

Kerrisdale contains a comprehensive set of public facilities that also serve adjacent neighbourhoods.

  • Community Centre: The Kerrisdale Community Centre, one of the city’s largest, includes a fitness centre, gymnasium, seniors’ centre, and numerous programming rooms.
  • Arena: The Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena is a community ice rink offering skating lessons, hockey, and public skating.
  • Library: The Kerrisdale Branch of the Vancouver Public Library is located within the community centre complex.
  • Places of Worship: Catholic and Protestant churches and a mosque.
Entrance to the historic Kerrisdale Arena.

Kerrisdale Parks & Recreation

The boardwalk at Fraser River Park in south Kerrisdale.

Kerrisdale features several public parks and green spaces catering to a variety of recreational activities.

  • Arbutus Park: greenway access, walking paths, benches, landscaped gardens
  • Elm Park: playground, field, tennis courts, picnic tables, shaded trees
  • Fraser River Park: boardwalk, marsh trails, off-leash dog area, river views
  • Kerrisdale Centennial Park: playground, open lawn, benches, near community centre
  • Malkin Park: quiet garden, benches, heritage landscaping, mature trees
  • Maple Grove Park: outdoor pool, playground, sports field, picnic area
  • McCleery Golf Course: 18-hole course, driving range, pro shop, lessons
  • McCleery Park: tennis courts, playground, open field, shaded seating
  • Shannon Mews Park: Italian gardens, fountains, maze, heritage mansion backdrop

Community Life

The community in Kerrisdale is a mix of long-term older residents, who often live in the area’s apartments and condos, and younger families who reside in single-family homes. Community life is highly focused on the activities within Kerrisdale Village and the extensive programs at the Kerrisdale Community Centre. The area’s history is preserved in landmarks like the Point Grey Secondary School building and the annual Kerrisdale Days festival, organized by the local business association.

Transportation in Kerrisdale

The neighbourhood features key transit corridors with express bus and frequent service routes. For cyclists, the Arbutus Greenway is an excellent north-south route. Most day-to-day errands can be done on foot.

  • Cycling & Bike Routes: The Arbutus Greenway is the primary off-street cycling route. Designated on-street bike routes are located on 57th Avenue and Blenheim Street.
  • Public Transit: Kerrisdale is a major transit node. Key routes include the R4 41st Ave RapidBus, the #16 Arbutus/UBC, the #49 Metrotown/UBC, and the #2 Macdonald, providing direct connections to UBC, Oakridge, Metrotown, and downtown.
  • Major Roadways: Main vehicle routes are 41st Avenue, Granville Street, and West Boulevard, which facilitate north-south and east-west travel across the city.
  • Alternative Transportation: Car-sharing services like Evo and Modo are widely available. The Mobi public bike-share system has stations located along the Arbutus Greenway and the northern edge of the neighbourhood.