Arbutus Greenway: Vancouver’s Historic Railway Transformed into a Vibrant Urban Path

Vancouver, BC - January 31, 2025 - The Arbutus Greenway is a vibrant urban corridor transforming Vancouver’s west side, offering pedestrians and cyclists a scenic, car-free route from the Fraser River to False Creek. Once a key railway line, the 8.5-kilometer stretch is now a green, accessible space that promotes active transportation and community engagement.

The greenway follows the former Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) right-of-way, which played a significant role in Vancouver’s history. Trains ran through Kitsilano and down to Granville Island, supporting both industrial and passenger transit for decades. Initially part of a larger CPR network, the line carried freight to industries along False Creek and beyond. By the mid-20th century, passenger service diminished, and freight traffic slowed as industries moved or shifted to trucking.

In 2016, after years of negotiations, the City of Vancouver purchased the corridor from CPR for $55 million, launching the Arbutus Greenway Project. The vision for this space includes enhanced landscaping, public art, and connections to major transit hubs like the Broadway SkyTrain extension. The interim path, completed in 2017, already sees heavy use from cyclists, joggers, and walkers.

Future plans include a fully developed greenway with separated bike and pedestrian lanes, Indigenous cultural recognition, and gathering spaces. The project is a testament to Vancouver’s commitment to sustainability and preserving historical pathways while adapting them for modern urban needs. Once a vital railway, the Arbutus corridor is now a green lifeline connecting communities in a whole new way.

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