Commercial Drive

Vancouver

Copyright: Bill Stilwell/cc by-sa 2.0/Flickr (cropped)
DESTINATIONS canada vancouver Shopping Commercial Drive

Commercial Drive

Generations of immigrants and an artistic counter-culture scene have made “The Drive” one of the most diverse areas in Vancouver. After World War II the northern part of Commercial Drive came to be known as "Little Italy". The Drive is also home to sizable Portuguese, Asian and Latino communities. Today, it is the spot to score vintage clothing, vinyl records, smoking paraphernalia and unique books — not to mention, it is the ideal neighbourhood for sampling ethnic and vegetarian cuisine. Commercial Drive is where Vancouver's Car Free Day first took place in 2005. The initiative grew, and now regularly busy streets are closed to car traffic and used for day-long community festivals to promote active transportation, sustainability, and public spaces.

Shopping

The casual shopper will enjoy a stroll along Robson Street with its unique boutiques, coffeehouses and restaurants. Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s shopping hotspots and the hub of epicurean delight. The Public Market overflows with fresh vegetables, fruits and exotic herbs and spices. Art and handcrafted items, custom-built kayaks, wooden musical instruments, blown glass, leather goods and one-of-a-kind toys are a small sampling of items for sale.