Get energized on The Drive

Commercial Drive

Get energized on The Drive

Ask me anything about Commercial Drive! 🇮🇹🍝🍕

An essential slice of East Van

Locally known as The Drive, this multicultural and bohemian street has hundreds of local gems to explore.

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Named one of the coolest streets in the world

by Time Out

The Drive is home to Vancouver’s officially designated Little Italy, eight blocks representing over 60 years of Italian heritage as well as a tapestry of other cultures. To celebrate, The Drive hosts Italian Day every June, one of the city’s largest annual cultural festivals.

The Drive hosts the Dyke March every year, celebrating its community of queer women.

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In a city as diverse as Vancouver, Commercial Drive stands out for its range of global flavours. Where else can you find a Vietnamese restaurateur endorsed by culinary legend Anthony Bourdain and spicy chicken so fiery and delicious that people line up for it? It’s all mixed in with a neighbourhood known for hosting some of the best Italian food in the city, if not the country.

This is Commercial
Drive

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Enjoy Nature Nestled within the Community at Trout Lake

Pepino’s Spaghetti House

Pepino’s Spaghetti House

The Cultch (Vancouver East Cultural Centre)

Arts & Culture

The Cultch (Vancouver East Cultural Centre)

Take it in with
your senses

Delicious day-to-night food scene

Savour brunch on a sun-filled patio with eggs on a fresh-baked potato bun. Grab a frothy cappuccino and crunchy biscotti. Opt for artfully delicate, locally sourced sushi or the clean flavour of vegan pho. Finish your perfect day of dining with an expertly crafted cocktail at a buzzing Commercial Drive nightspot.

Caffe La Tana
Bar Corso
La Mezcaleria

Packed with culture and entertainment

Stroll along The Drive’s 22 colourful blocks. Hear a rich multitude of languages spoken. Check out posters promoting Queer events. Start at scenic Trout Lake on the south side. Move north to the York Theatre, a live performance venue, and take in the peekaboo views
of the North Shore mountains.

Trout Lake Farmers Market
Rio Theatre

Stay within walking distance of the action

Want to be surrounded by Victorian homes on quiet tree-lined streets? Or stay in quirky, artistic accommodation close to the action? From a hotel with a retro Tiki Room, to a heritage home with a cozy guest house, the options are as unique as the neighbourhood.

Hotel at the Waldorf
The Ivy on Parker Guest House

Find something different on The Drive

From ducking into an apothecary, to buying jewellery made of lucky green jade, you’ll have a lot of fun exploring the area’s stores. Ginseng grown in BC is prized for its quality and is available in many of the apothecaries for anyone who might need an energy boost!

Ask

me

about

our

hidden

gems

Ask me anything about Commercial Drive!

Explore more of
Commercial Drive

Go where

you’re called

Walk score

Daily excursions do not require a car
  • 20 min to Hastings Sunrise

  • 27 min to Strathcona

  • 38 mins to Gastown

Bike score

Biking is convenient for most trips
  • See Vancouver Cycling Map

Driving

  • 11 min to Davie Village

  • 14 min to Coal Harbour

  • 16 min to Granville Island

Transit score

Many nearby public transportation options
  • See Translink Skytrain

  • See Translink Bus