Welcome to Marpole and South Vancouver—two of Vancouver's lesser-known but historically rich and culturally diverse suburbs. Nestled near the Vancouver International Airport and away from the hustle of the city, these areas offer a unique blend of history, culture, and lifestyle opportunities that are often overlooked but undoubtedly rewarding.
Marpole's history dates back at least 4,000 years, with its roots as a Musqueam village known as c̓əsnaʔəm. This ancient village and burrial site, known as the Great Marpole Midden, is home to one of North America's largest archaeological sites and has been a National Historic Site since 1933. The area saw its modern beginnings in the 1860s, when non-native settlers moved to the area and began calling it Eburne Station. Marpole soon became a hub of industrial activity after the Vancouver Lulu Island Railway was constructed in the early 20th century. Named after Richard Marpole in 1916, the area eventually joined Vancouver in 1929, becoming an important industrial center for the region.
Literature aficionados would be interested to know that Marpole also plays a role in Canadian literature. Japanese-Canadian author Joy Kogawa's bestselling novel, Obasan, partially takes place in a small Marpole bungalow. This house has been preserved by the Land Conservancy of British Columbia, serving as a poignant reminder of Canada's internment of Japanese-Canadians during WWII. For some outdoor respite, don't miss Winona Park. Spread over three football-field-sized levels, it's a perfect spot for picnics, games, and more.
Encompassing Marpole to the north is South Vancouver, another gem worth exploring. This sprawling district is most notable for the Punjabi Market—a vibrant community where the scents of samosas and biryani fill the air and shops are brimming with colorful saris and intricate jewelry. The area became a significant cultural hub in the 1970s, following a mass influx of Punjabis, solidifying Vancouver’s Indo-Canadian community's role in the city's cultural landscape.
The Punjabi Market isn't the only thing South Vancouver has to offer. The verdant Kerrisdale area has a charming, village-like atmosphere with cozy cafés, indie bookstores, and trendy fashion shops along West 41st Avenue. For nature enthusiasts, Fraser River Park is a must-visit, offering boardwalks that traverse restored tidal marshes, providing a quiet respite from city life.
Looking for more to do? South Vancouver offers cultural explorations like the Metro Theatre, a mainstay of Vancouver's arts scene, and the Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, preserving and sharing the history of Jewish life in British Columbia.
Marpole and South Vancouver are waiting to be discovered. These neighborhoods showcase Vancouver's ability to seamlessly blend the old with the new, the east with the west, and the natural with the urban. Step off the beaten path and find yourself in these remarkable suburbs that so distinctly encapsulate Vancouver's multifaceted personality.
