Westside Guide to the University of British Columbia

All You Need to Know About UBC Homes

YouTube player

At a Glance

Population

18,162

Population Density

1,565 per km²

Median Age

28.8

Single-Family Homes

7.5%

Multi-Family Homes

92.5%

Avg Household Income

$145,000

Walk Score

73

Bike Score

93

Transit Score

65

Browse University Endowment Lands UBC Homes For Sale

UBC Community Snapshot

Aerial view of the tip of Point Grey, showing the University Endowment Lands and the University of British Columbia campus.

Its unique status defines the University Endowment Lands (UEL) as an unincorporated community administered by the provincial government, distinct from the City of Vancouver. Its character is a blend of a world-class academic institution, the University of British Columbia, and a series of planned residential communities set within the vast temperate rainforest of Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

Life here is shaped by the academic calendar, a youthful, diverse demographic, and unparalleled access to nature, including extensive trail networks and rugged coastline. The area functions as a self-contained community, with its own schools, commercial hubs like Wesbrook Village, and world-class public facilities, from the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts to the Museum of Anthropology.

Shopping & Services

Commercial activity in the UEL is concentrated in several nodes. Wesbrook Village, located in the southern part of the area, is the largest and most comprehensive town centre, featuring a grocery store, banks, cafes, a pharmacy, restaurants, and various professional services. Nearby UBC Farm hosts a weekly farmers market.

The University Village area, located near the central bus loop, offers a grocery store, food court, and other essential services specifically designed for students. Additionally, smaller commercial pockets exist within the UBC campus, such as the bookstore and various food service outlets inside the AMS Student Nest.

Wesbrook Village at UBC is a mixed-use, master-planned community that includes retail, such as this Save-On-Foods supermarket.

University Endowment Lands Education

Birdseye view of the University of British Columbia campus.

The UEL is a major centre for education, from primary to post-secondary levels.

  • Public Elementary Schools: Norma Rose Point School
  • Public Secondary School: University Hill Secondary
  • Nearby Independent Schools: St. George’s School (Senior Campus, for boys)
  • Post-Secondary: UBC is a globally recognized public research university. The Vancouver School of Theology and Regent College are also located on the grounds.

UBC Civic & Cultural Facilities

The UEL and UBC campuses host a wide array of world-class public and cultural institutions.


  • Museums & Galleries: The Museum of Anthropology, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, and the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery.
  • Performing Arts: The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, the Frederic Wood Theatre, and the UBC Opera.
  • Community Centre: The Wesbrook Community Centre offers a fitness centre and multipurpose rooms. The Old Barn Community Centre serves the Hampton Place residential area.
  • Hospital: UBC Hospital, part of Vancouver Coastal Health, provides urgent and primary care services.
  • Library: The various branches of the UBC Library system serve as the primary libraries for the community.
  • Places of Worship: St. Anselm’s Anglican Church, St. Mark’s College (Roman Catholic), University Chapel (Evangelical), and Hillel House (Jewish).
The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is a world-class centre for First Nations art & culture, also noteworthy for its iconic modernist architecture by Arthur Erickson.

UEL Parks & Recreation

Surrounding the University of British Columbia, is the 860-hectare Pacific Spirit Regional Park with over 50 kilometres of trails and scenic shoreline that includes Wreck Beach.

The UEL is renowned for its vast natural spaces and extensive recreational opportunities.

  • Foreshore Park: beach access, trails, viewpoints
  • Michael Smith Park: playground, trails
  • Nobel Park: playground, sports fields, picnic areas
  • Pacific Spirit Regional Park: 874 hectares, extensive trail network, temperate rainforest, Camosun Bog, conservation areas
  • Rhododendron Wood: botanical collection, trails
  • Smithford Park: trails, green space
  • Tower Beach: clothing-optional beach, trails, WWII lookout towers
  • UBC Botanical Garden: 44 hectares, themed gardens, Greenheart TreeWalk, research collections
  • Wesbrook Fields: sports fields, baseball diamond
  • Wreck Beach: 7.8 km clothing-optional beach, trails

Community Life

Community life in the UEL is intrinsically linked to the University of British Columbia. The population is highly diverse and international, with a significantly younger median age than the rest of the metro area due to the large student population. Life is structured around the academic year, with a noticeable shift in population and activity levels between semesters and the summer break.

Residential life is concentrated in distinct enclaves like Wesbrook Village, Hampton Place, and faculty housing areas. The University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA) acts as a form of community governance for residents, managing community centres and advocating on their behalf.

Transportation In UBC

The UEL is a major transportation hub, particularly for public transit, serving as the western terminus for many of the region’s busiest bus routes.

  • Cycling & Bike Routes: UBC has an extensive network of separated bike lanes, shared-use paths, and on-street bike routes. Major routes run along Wesbrook Mall, University Boulevard, and through Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
  • Public Transit: The UBC Exchange bus loop is a high-volume transit hub. Key routes include the #99 B-Line and the R4 41st Ave RapidBus to SkyTrain stations. Routes #4, #9, #14, #25, #33, #44, #49, #84 connect to all parts of Vancouver..
  • Major Roadways: Key access routes include NW Marine Drive, SW Marine Drive, 16th Avenue, and University Boulevard.
  • Alternative Transportation: Car-sharing services like Evo and Modo  have a very high concentration of vehicles and designated parking. The Mobi public bike-share system has a dense network of stations throughout the campus and Wesbrook Village.