The University of British Columbia (UBC) neighbourhood includes eight distinct neighbourhoods: seven on the UBC campus (Hampton Place, East Campus, Hawthorn Place, Chancellor Place, Wesbrook Place, North Campus and University Boulevard) plus the University Endowment Lands.
The central feature of the area is, of course, the University of British Columbia Vancouver campus, with its almost 50,000 students. A university that large brings lots of sports and cultural facilities to its neighbourhood, including the Museum of Anthropology, the UBC Botanical Garden and Nitobe Memorial Garden, Thunderbird Stadium, the UBC Farm and the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.
There’s plenty of green space, with several smaller parks located right on campus and the magnificent Pacific Spirit Park in the University Endowment Lands. Bike paths run throughout campus, and there are more than 73 km of walking/cycling trails in Pacific Spirit Park. The UBC area boasts some stunning views of English Bay and the Howe Sound, and is also home to one of Vancouver’s most famous beaches, the infamous clothing-optional Wreck Beach.
Despite being on or near campus, University-area real estate prices are far from student-targeted: One-bedroom condos start at about $400,0001, and single-family homes sell for several million dollars. View UBC MLS® listings for houses, townhouses and condos.
University of British Columbia Amenities
UBC shopping
The University Village Marketplace and Student Union Building offer smaller shops, including an organic food store, and the larger Wesbrook Village is a major retail complex anchored by a Save-on Foods grocery store. Of course, the UBC Bookstore makes an interesting shopping stop for UBC memorabilia and clothing – and books!
Schools and education in or near the University neighbourhood
Primary school
Secondary school
UBC cafés and restaurants
On-campus eateries targeting students serve up sandwiches, Chinese food, pizza and other fast-food items late into the night. Pubs include Mahony & Sons Irish Pub and Biercraft, with its collection of more than 120 craft beers. Sage Bistro offers fine dining next to the Chan Centre.
UBC sports and recreation
Pacific Spirit Park has 73 km of walking/biking trails, and there are plenty of opportunities for indoor recreation, too. From aquatics to ice sports to racquet sports to yoga, UBC offers a comprehensive sports and recreation program open to the public, and available to residents of the on-campus university neighbourhoods at discounted rates.
UBC transportation
TransLink buses travel from the city onto campus along various routes, including the 99 B-Line express.
University Property Statistics
Average home price1 $1,328,712
The average home price is based on a representative mix of condos, townhouses and single-family homes.
Rental information2
Average rent for a private apartment
$1,633
Private apartment vacancy rate 1.1%
The rental information does not include university-owned student housing.
University Demographics
Population3 12,777
Other demographic information for the University area is not available at this time.
Neighbourhoods surrounding the University of British Columbia
1REW.ca Interactive Map, incorporating data from the Chilliwack & District Real Estate Board, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, and Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, December 2014.
2CMHC Rental Market Report, Vancouver and Abbotsford-Mission CMAs, Fall 2013.
3Metro Vancouver Electoral Area A Community Profiles, incorporating data from Statistics Canada, Census 2011.
