Summary
All roads lead to Fairview. Indeed, all significant routes into downtown Vancouver from the south seamlessly converge in this vibrant neighborhood. Fairview’s boundaries encompass the entrances to the Burrard Bridge in the west, the Cambie Bridge in the east, and the Granville Bridge at its heart.
For both families and couples, especially where one partner works downtown and the other anywhere south, Fairview serves as an ideal location. Access to downtown—by car, bus, or bike—is remarkably efficient, with main commuter roads like Granville Street and Oak Street integrated into the neighborhood. Additionally, east-west arterial roads such as Broadway, 12th Avenue, and 16th Avenue enhance connectivity, providing bus routes that reach UBC in approximately 20 minutes.
Fairview also boasts two essential Canada Line stations: Olympic Village Station and Broadway – City Hall Station. This rapid transit system effectively connects downtown Vancouver with the Vancouver International Airport, making travel convenient for both locals and visitors.
Fairview Boundaries
Located just south of downtown and adjacent to the Granville Bridge, Fairview lies between Burrard Street to the west and Cambie Street to the east. The neighborhood is bordered by False Creek to the north and 16th Avenue to the south.
Fairview or South Granville
While “Fairview” is the official designation used by the City of Vancouver, long-term residents, and real estate professionals, the neighborhood incorporates several areas with unique local names. These designations may appear on Craig’s List, MLS, or other housing platforms. Examples include Fairview Slopes—generally defined as Broadway to 2nd Avenue, as well as False Creek near Granville Island, Burrard Slopes, and Fairview Heights.
Colloquially, Fairview is sometimes referred to as South Granville. This term specifically identifies the shopping district along Granville Street, stretching from the Granville Bridge to 16th Avenue. As this area becomes increasingly popular and widely marketed, many people inadvertently refer to the entire neighborhood as South Granville.
Fairview Restaurants and Shopping
Fairview is renowned for housing some of Vancouver’s best dining establishments. For fine dining, try West, a four-time recipient of Vancouver Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year Award, or the acclaimed Vij’s, frequently recognized by The New York Times as “among the finest Indian restaurants in the world.” On Broadway, you can find the ever-popular Cactus Club, Memphis Blues BBQ, and the Malaysian restaurant, Banana Leaf.
Additionally, one of Vancouver’s premier urban shopping streets, South Granville, runs through Fairview. This vibrant street is famous for its array of art galleries, antique and contemporary furniture stores, as well as a diverse selection of home décor shops. Moreover, South Granville features a delightful mix of high-end and mid-range fashion boutiques.
Fairview Parks
Parks are abundant throughout Fairview, providing numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking dogs, playing tennis or soccer, and playgrounds tailored for children. If city views are your preference, Charleson Park is a must-visit. The stunning sight of downtown, particularly at night with shimmering city lights, is breathtaking.
Fairview Landmarks
Fairview’s most iconic landmark is Granville Island, one of Vancouver’s top attractions. Once an industrial hub, Granville Island now welcomes around 10 million visitors annually. The area is brimming with shops, dining options, and beautiful vistas, including the renowned Granville Island Public Market and the Arts Clubs Granville Island Stage, which hosts music and theater festivals along with various cultural events.
Another noteworthy landmark in Fairview is the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, which serves as the primary venue for the esteemed Arts Club Theatre Company—one of the city’s most prominent live theater venues and a recognized heritage site.
