2 minute read
commercial drive
(East VancouVEr)
by Lydia Mcnutt
Equally known for Euro cafés, ethnic eateries and bongo drums, Commercial Drive is often described as “Vancouver’s Greenwich Village.” And if you’ve ever visited either of these places, you instantly get that vibrant, bohemian vibe that puts originality – and dare we say, oddity – on a pedestal. The Drive boasts Vancouver’s second-highest concentration of heritage commercial buildings and an abundance of Edwardian-style homes that bring its history to life. Whether you’re walking the 21-block area between Venables to the north and 13th Avenue to the south or absorbing it all from one of the many street-side patios, there’s lots to take in, in this vibrant east Vancouver pocket.
NEIGHBOURHOOD vIBE
The Drive is home to more than 400 businesses, most of which are one-off, owner-operated and one-of-a-kind, offering everything from vintage clothing, folk art and books, to music, hardware and organic foods. Matching the area’s eclectic commercial profile, the residents here are a diverse bunch from a variety of ethnic, financial
and professional backgrounds. This iconic area is outside of Vancouver’s tourist district, making it a stomping ground for locals, or visitors to get a taste of some true-blue Vancouverites and home-grown flavours.
MEEt tHE NEIGHBOURs
Called “Little Italy” in the 1950s, the neighbourhood has transitioned from a predominantly Italian and Portuguese population to a melting pot of cultures, brimming with bohemian beatniks and hipsters of every kind – students, writers, artists, musicians and laid-back souls.
IN tHE aREa
The Drive boasts some two dozen independent coffee shops, as well as ethnic eateries of every variety. But leave room for a craft beer or three – area bars boast bottles and draughts by local breweries that are worthy of a toast. While shopping, stop by one of many outdoor markets and stock up on fresh fares for a picnic at Grandview Park or John Hendry Park at Trout Lake.
PROs & CONs
Once you see past the gritty facade, you’ll come to appreciate the neighbourhood’s closeknit community spirit shared by hippies and families alike.
PLaNEs, tRaINs & aUtOMOBILEs
Catch the #20 Victoria Drive bus which runs along The Drive, as well as both the SkyTrain’s Expo Line and Millennium Line at Commercial–Broadway Station.
DOLLaRs & sENsE
This downtown-east Vancouver area boasts lower property prices compared to west Vancouver ‘hoods, but offers good city services, social scene, and is a transit hub connecting you to the rest of the city.
