CapU's Guide to the Neighbourhood

Find housing, essentials, recreation, transit, and student support near Capilano University.

Going to university far from home for the first time can feel overwhelming, with a lot to consider, from finding living accommodations to buying essentials. But as part of our student community at Capilano University, we want to make that transition seamless, not just through our services, but with pointers to help you find your footing in the neighbourhood.

Find a place to live

Figuring out your accommodations is the most important step to getting started, and we have resources to help you with just that. Your first option is the Treehouse apartment complex through CapU Student Housing, where you'll have the benefit of moving into a fully furnished room, with on-site dining options covered through your rent, access to high-speed wireless internet, shared TV lounges, study rooms, free laundry, events, programming and support. The Capilano University Students' Union Housing Registry is a great resource if you want to live off campus; a Facebook group where you can join, browse, and post about available rental opportunities in Greater Vancouver. We also partner with Global Education City, Vancouver's largest provider of off-campus student housing with both short- and long-term options.

Pick up everyday essentials

Day to day, Park & Tilford Shops & Gardens is a convenient stop for your grocery shopping, banking, a spa day, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee. You can shop for essentials at Save-On-Foods or Shoppers Drug Mart, and grab a coffee and a light snack at J.J. Bean or Starbucks, or dine at Edo Japan, White Spot, or Mumbai Masala Restaurant. Secret Sustaining Nails & Skin Care and Select Hair Design are nearby if you want a touch-up or a refresh. And if you're looking for new clothes, you're within walking distance of Winners.

Plan a night out

What about a night out by yourself or with your friends? Seymour's Pub is conveniently right in front of the Holiday Inn at the mouth of Purcell Way. With a friendly staff, they serve fresh, homemade menu items and twenty-two international and domestic local craft beers and draughts.

Explore the outdoors

If you want to be out in nature, Maplewood Flats is a great place for nearby birdwatching, especially if you live around the Burrard Inlet. For mountain biking, the Inter River Bike Park has a paved pump track, advanced dirt, and a BMX track when open to the public. But if you don't have a mountain bike, Essential Cycles offers rentals from brands like Commencal, Giant, and Guerrilla Gravity, as well as tours. On the other hand, Endless Biking provides guided rides ranging from scenic cross-country to all-mountain.

The Seymour River Regional Greenway is closer to the campus along Monashee Drive and a convenient place to walk or cycle in forested areas and open fields, connecting you to the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, the Sea-to-Sky - Baden Powell Trail runs along Lynn Creek to Lynn Canyon Park, which you can access through the Inter River Bike Park.

Get around Metro Vancouver

And if you're finally looking to get out of the neighbourhood for the day and enjoy the rest of the Lower Mainland without driving, scheduled buses from Phibbs Exchange (PDF) connect Capilano University with the North Shore, Vancouver, and Burnaby. And as an enrolled student, you're also eligible for the U-Pass; your tuition costs will cover your SeaBus and SkyTrain fares in Metro Vancouver, eliminating the need to pay out of pocket.

Connect with the CapU community

If you want to know more about life on campus, learn how Student Life can support you in feeling connected, supported and empowered to succeed. Capilano Students' Union is another great resource, working to advocate for you, support our community, and provide you with valuable leadership opportunities.

And if you'd like to get a feel for the campus yourself and plan, you can take a look at our Campus Tours or Talk to an Advisor.