MacKenzie Heights, Vancouver Westside | Neighbourhood Profile

Vancouver’s Hidden Gem.

This picturesque hidden gem of Vancouver’s Westside is a much coveted and tenderly appreciated neighbourhood. An elegant tree-lined enclave of single-family homes only minutes from the downtown core.

Schools

Although no schools are contained in the MacKenzie Heights boundaries, there are many alternatives in close proximity. Carnarvon Elementary and Trafalgar Elementary offer the facilities for the younger members of the family, while Prince of Wales Secondary, Point Grey Secondary and Magee Secondary accommodate the older children.

Also within a 10 minute drive of this neighbourhood are a number of the most prestigious private schools in the Lower Mainland. These include Immaculate Conception, St. Georges, Crofton House, York House, Little Flower Academy and Vancouver College.

Location

MacKenzie Heights is an enclave of single family homes on beautiful tree lined streets dotted with green space and centred in and around Balaclava Park. An affluent neighbourhood MacKenzie Heights offers superb views of the North Shore Mountains, the downtown core and English Bay.

Bordered by King Edward Avenue to the north, West 37th to the south, Blenheim to the west and Larch to the east, MacKenzie Heights is one of those “hidden gem” areas in the Greater Vancouver area.

In its original natural state, the area previously designated as Arbutus Ridge consisted of uplands surrounding a low-lying marsh. The “uplands” or ridge component of this larger designation is what has now been defined as MacKenzie Heights.

Housing

The single-family oriented MacKenzie Heights offers an eclectic mix of old and new housing. Many of the homes have been built to take full advantage of the availability of the spectacular views. The tree-lined streets and numerous green spaces lend the area a quiet, peaceful and elegant atmosphere. Settlement of this area began between 1912 and 1930 and many of the gracious homes built during this era have been lovingly kept up and are interspersed with the newer homes of today. More recently, with the construction of new townhouse developments, there are signs of a move to denser housing options that still will fit into the elegant old-world feel of the neighbourhood.

Recreation

The beauty and expanse of Balaclava Park in the heart of MacKenzie Heights, combined with the numerous green spaces and walkways, offers residents innumerable opportunities for walking, jogging and dog-walking. The nearby Dunbar Community Centre offers a myriad of indoor activities and facilities.

Shopping

MacKenzie Heights has very few commercial properties within its boundaries. One little block of shops along MacKenzie Street, located between 28th and 33rd, is making its mark on the area. Windsor Meats, Bigsby Bakery, Heights Cafe, a childrens’ store and a pet store make up the mix of neighbourhood shops. Within close proximity there is the Kerrisdale shopping area on 41st Avenue to the south, and the Arbutus Village shopping area to the east. These two shopping areas offer MacKenzie Heights’ residents all the conveniences they may require.

Transportation

MacKenzie Heights is within easy driving distance of the downtown core and has superior access to the north/south arteries which will get you to anywhere on the Lower Mainland. Public transportation also offers moderately good access to the downtown core and surrounding districts.