Westside Guide to Mackenzie Heights

All You Need to Know About Mackenzie Heights

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At a Glance

Population

1,724

Population Density

3,592 per km²

Median Age

44.6

Single-Family Homes

95%

Multi-Family Homes

5%

Median Household Income

$169,484

Walk Score

74

Bike Score

89

Transit Score

55

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Mackenzie Heights Community Snapshot

Aerial view of the Mackenzie Heights neighbourhood looking north with the Downtown Vancouver skyline in the background.

MacKenzie Heights is a residential neighbourhood on Vancouver’s West Side characterized by quiet streets, mature trees, and mostly single-family homes. Development began between 1912 and 1930 during the city’s westward growth, when families built Tudor- and Craftsman-style houses on spacious lots. Many of these homes remain, along with newer replacements that follow similar forms and scale.

A small commercial cluster at West 33rd Avenue and MacKenzie Street provides neighbourhood services such as a grocery store, barber, and café, giving the area a modest local hub within an otherwise residential setting. Balaclava Park serves as the main recreation space, with smaller parks at Carnarvon and Trafalgar nearby. With its quiet streets, mature trees, and access to surrounding schools and amenities, MacKenzie Heights remains one of the most stable and low-density parts of Vancouver’s West Side.

Shopping & Services

MacKenzie Heights’ primary commercial area is the small retail block along MacKenzie Street, between 28th and 33rd avenues, which provides daily essentials within walking distance, including Windsor Market, Butter Baked Goods, a barber, dentist, Bigsby the Bakehouse, Quince Fine Florals, and small service businesses.

This walkable strip has been the subject of local redevelopment debate, as it provides an important neighbourhood resource. For greater retail and dining options, residents commonly travel nearby to Kerrisdale or Dunbar.

Westside Guide: Windsor Market in the small commercial area of Mackenzie Heights at Mackenzie Street & West 33rd Avenue.

Education in Mackenzie Heights

Point Grey Secondary is a top Vancouver public school located on the West Side in Shaughnessy.

There are no schools within the neighbourhood boundaries, but Mackenzie Heights is within Vancouver School Board catchments for public elementary and secondary schools in adjacent neighbourhoods.

Civic & Cultural Facilities

Residents have access to a variety of public facilities and recreational clubs, primarily in the surrounding areas.

  • Community Centre: Depending on where residents live, Kerrisdale Community Centre or Dunbar Community Centre will offer the nearest facilities.
  • Library: The Vancouver Public Library’s Dunbar and Kerrisdale branches serve the community.
  • Places of Worship: There are no places of worship within Mackenzie Heights.
Kerrisdale Pool at the Kerrisdale Community Centre on Vancouver's West Side.

Mackenzie Heights Parks & Recreation

The West Side neighbourhood of Mackenzie Heights is centred around Balaclava Park.

Balaclava Park is a 5-hectare green space that forms the focal point of the community.

  • Balaclava Park: Grassy fields, sports fields, running track, soccer/rugby field, baseball, playground, swings, wading pool, off-leash dog area, benches, scenic views.
  • Puget Park: Stairs bordered by landscaping linking Quesnel Drive with Puget Drive.
  • Quesnel Drive Park: Small triangular green space where Mackenzie Street meets with Quesnel Drive.
  • Trafalgar Triangle: a hidden gem — the perfect place for a sunny afternoon picnic with kids.

Community Life

Life in Mackenzie Heights is quiet and residential, with a strong sense of stability and routine. Most homes are single-family and owner-occupied, which contributes to a settled, long-term population. The area doesn’t have much in the way of commercial activity, so residents typically drive or walk to nearby neighbourhoods for shopping, dining, and services.

Social life tends to revolve around family, school, and outdoor activities. Balaclava Park is a common gathering spot for dog walkers, joggers, and kids playing sports. Interaction among neighbours is generally friendly but low-key, with few organized events or public gatherings. It’s a neighbourhood where people value privacy, calm, and a predictable pace of life.

Transportation in Mackenzie Heights

The neighbourhood is well-connected to the broader city, with very favourable scores for walking and frequent transit services.

  • Cycling & Bike Routes: A designated on-street bike route runs along 37th Avenue (Ridgeway Greenway), just south of the neighbourhood’s boundary.
  • Public Transit: The neighbourhood is served by the #25 bus on its north boundary, connecting to King Edward Station on the Canada Line and UBC Exchange. The #2 bus follows Macdonald Street, linking to Kitsilano and downtown Vancouver.
  • Major Roadways: The main north-south corridors are Mackenzie Street and Macdonald Street. The primary east-west corridors are King Edward Avenue and 33rd Avenue.
  • Alternative Transportation: Car-sharing services like Evo and Modo are available in the area. The Mobi public bike-share system has stations located along the northern edge of the neighbourhood.