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Everything You Need to Know about Commercial Drive in Vancouver 

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We love Commercial Drive because it’s quintessential Vancouver. With its eclectic mix of unique shops and delicious eateries, multi-ethnic markets, and charming cafés, this neighborhood is our haven! 

Known for its artsy vibe and welcoming atmosphere, it’s definitely a must visit for anybody in Vancouver. So let’s take a look at what makes this neighborhood so special! 

Where is Commercial Drive?

commercial-drive-map

Commercial Drive is on the Eastside of Vancouver. Often referred to as the “Drive,” this street extends from Powell Street, the Grandview-Woodland neighborhood, to the Victoria Diversion near Trout Lake.

What is the main street in Commercial Drive?

Powell Street is the ultimate spot to kick off your adventure along Commercial Drive! With 22 blocks brimming with over 300 unique shops, you’re in for a treat. 

There are charming boutiques, a diverse array of restaurants, and a lively nightlife with music, lounges, pubs, and bars. Add in theaters, coffee houses, specialty food stores, and bakeries.

How to Get to Commercial Drive

Closest Skytrain stop: To get to Commercial Drive on public transit, ride the Skytrain and get off at Main Street – Science World Station. From there, head south on Main Street toward Terminal Avenue. Take a right onto E Hastings and head to Powell Street.

What to Do and See in Commercial Drive

Go to Little Italy with a Big Appetite

Media credit: luisma_go

Address: Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A3, Canada

Phone: +1 604-873-7000

Website

Commercial Drive is often referred to as Vancouver’s “Little Italy,” a legacy from the wave of Italian immigrants who settled there after World War II.

While the nickname may be less commonly used now and perhaps less accurate due to the Drive’s diverse community, there remain many Italian-owned and operated businesses on the Drive, keeping a connection to its rich heritage alive.

Here are a few Italian restaurants in the Drive that you may want to check out:

Catch a Flick at the Rio

Address: 1660 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5N 1W1, Canada

Phone: +1 604-879-3456

Website

When it comes to iconic spots on Commercial Drive, the Rio Theatre is a must-mention. This gem stands out as one of Vancouver’s few remaining old-school single-screen theaters, steeped in history since 1938.

Throughout its journey, the Rio has transformed from a movie theater to a bowling alley, then an Asian language cinema, and now a celebrated venue showcasing everything from cult classics and indie films to live streams of major sports events.

Catching a show at the legendary Rio Theatre is undoubtedly one of the best experiences you can have on Commercial Drive.

Buy a Used Book at Pulp Fiction

Address: 1744 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A3, Canada

Phone: +1 604-251-4311

Website

Pulp Fiction has curated a smart and diverse selection that stays current. Their used books are neatly organized by genre, making it easy to browse and find hidden gems, especially those hard-to-find old fiction novels.

It’s also wonderful to hear about their great Indigenous section, which is regularly updated with new books.

Head to Trout Lake

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Address: 3360 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC

Phone: 604-257-6955

Website

Year-round, this city sanctuary in Vancouver is a haven for nature photographers and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s the perfect spot to bring your dog for off-leash fun, enjoy jogging, picnics, and plenty of family activities. 

The view of the mountains is simply breathtaking, and the serene lake and surrounding trees create an atmosphere where you can easily forget you’re in bustling Vancouver.

Explore Grandview Park

Media credit: districtlocal

Address: 1657 Charles St, Vancouver, BC V5L 2T4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-257-8158

Website

Grandview Park, nestled in a serene suburban setting, is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and families alike. This charming park features well-maintained walking trails that wind through lush greenery.

At the heart of the park lies a small, picturesque lake that mirrors the surrounding trees and sky, making it an ideal spot for tranquil moments of reflection or leisurely picnics.

Check out Open Mic Night at Café Deux Soleils

Address: 1393 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X5, Canada

Phone: +1 604-254-1145

Website

A standout event that has solidified Café Deux Soleils’ reputation is their Thursday Open Mic Night, where performers of all kinds grace the stage to showcase their talents.

Whether you’re a performer or an audience member, experiencing open mic night at Café Deux Soleils is one of the most quintessential “Commercial Drive experiences” you shouldn’t miss!

Where to Eat and Drink in Commercial Drive 

Havana Vancouver

Address: 1212 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-253-9119

Pricing: $$

Website

First off, the ambience at this restaurant is exquisite. There’s nothing quite like dining under cherry blossoms with a view of Grandview Park and the city. 

It’s the perfect spot for a Sunday afternoon to enjoy some people watching and savor a super tasty sparkling sangria.

We tried the Paella, which tasted just like the ones in Spain, and the Mussels with Chorizo were absolutely delicious. Overall, the flavors and atmosphere were spot on!

Absinthe Bistro

Address: 952 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W7, Canada

Phone: +1 604-566-9053

Pricing: $$

Website

This charming local spot is perfect for French food lovers in a great neighborhood. The space is lovely, and with a rotating menu every couple of weeks, each visit promises a new culinary adventure.

The portions are generous, especially the foie gras and the tuna tartare, and everything is delicious—from the crunchy-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside bread to the cool preparation of absinthe with the water drip and sugar cube.

The Lunch Lady

Address: 1046 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W9, Canada

Phone: +1 604-559-5938

Pricing: $$

Website

If you’re in Vancouver, this place is a must-try! It’s one of the best Vietnamese restaurants we’ve ever visited. It’s extremely crowded, with many people waiting for a table.

Be sure to try the Crispy Spring Rolls, Wagyu Phô with Bone Marrow, and the Crunchy Soft Shell Crab with Lettuce Wrap, mint leaves, and an exquisite dipping sauce.

Bombay Kitchen + Bar

Address: 1018 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W9, Canada

Phone: +1 604-336-1111

Pricing: $$

Website

This is one of the best Indian restaurants in Vancouver. The food is incredibly tasty and spicy—they really make it “spicy” when you ask for it. We opted for the all-you-can-eat option, and it was honestly some of the best Indian cuisine we’ve ever had.

Our favorite dishes were the onion bhaji and lentil daal, but the absolute standout was the butter chicken. It was so moist and succulent, not stringy at all, and the breast meat had a texture that was almost like thigh meat.

Kin Kao

Address: 903 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 2H2, Canada

Phone: +1 604-558-1125

Pricing: $$

Website

This Thai restaurant is one of the best in town, offering fresh ingredients and authentic cuisine at a decent price! You can taste all the classic Thai flavors—sour, spicy, and salty.

The Pad Thai is perfectly fried to just the right texture, the pork belly skewers are juicy and flavorful, and the mango sticky rice has a strong mango flavor (make sure to choose the right mango).

Where to Shop in Commercial Drive

Mintage

Address: 1714 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A3, Canada

Phone: +1 604-646-8243

Website

This vintage shop is absolutely fantastic! The decor is sweet and beautifully curated, creating a vibe that really enhances the whole experience. The store itself is spacious, clean, and impressively well-organized, making it a joy to browse.

What really sets this place apart is its attention to detail. From the carefully selected 60s surf music playing in the background to the thoughtfully arranged displays, everything adds to the ambiance.

Their clothing selection is a treasure trove, featuring vintage band shirts (priced accordingly, so don’t expect cheap deals!), 90s baseball tees, and elegant 60s dresses. They also offer accessories, sunglasses, and shoes.

Attic Treasures

Address: 944 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W7, Canada

Phone: +1 604-254-0220

Website

This antique shop in Vancouver is quite impressive. Despite having a large inventory, everything is meticulously organized and displayed, allowing you to appreciate each piece fully. 

The items are in beautiful condition, which might explain the slightly higher prices. It seems like the perfect place to discover and purchase unique and specific creations, rather than looking for bargains.

Audiopile

Address: 2016 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A9, Canada

Phone: +1 604-253-7453

Website

This record store in Vancouver is top-notch, especially for vinyl enthusiasts. They stock a wide array of new records and reissues, and it’s hands down the best organized store we’ve visited in the city. 

Everything is meticulously sorted by genre and alphabetically. Their selection is pretty solid overall, with a focus that leans less towards newer pop albums, which might be a refreshing change for some.

Where to Stay near Commercial Drive

Hotel At The Waldorf

Address: 1489 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1S4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-253-7141

Pricing: $

Book Now

Hotel at the Waldorf is East Vancouver’s creative hotspot! This place is a cool blend of contemporary art, music, food, and culture, all under one roof. Each room has its own unique vibe, complete with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers.

You can grab some delicious Italian food, like wood-fired pizzas, at their island-inspired cafe. And don’t forget to swing by their fun tiki bar for some live entertainment!

Atrium Inn Vancouver

Address: 2889 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 2A1, Canada

Phone: +1 604-254-1000

Pricing: $$

Book Now

Located in the East Village, this straightforward hotel is a solid choice for your Vancouver visit. The bed was comfy, and everything worked just as it should. The hotel is right across from Hastings Park, which has something for everyone.

While it’s closer to the Wild Bird Trust and Mountain Forest than to Stanley Park, Granville Island, and downtown, the bus service is safe and super convenient.

Skwachàys Lodge Indigenous Hotel and Gallery

Address: 31 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1R3, Canada

Phone: +1 604-687-3589

Pricing: $$$

Book Now

Opened in 2012, Skwachàys Lodge Indigenous Hotel and Gallery is an urban boutique hotel offering an authentic Indigenous art and cultural experience right in the heart of Vancouver.

Each stylish, modern room has a unique theme and the amenities are endless: a cozy lounge with a fireplace, where you can have breakfast, light bites, and wine, or use the communal kitchen. 

Don’t miss the rooftop smudge room with hand-painted murals and the vibrant Aboriginal art gallery.

The Cambie Hostel

Address: 310 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N3, Canada

Phone: +1 604-684-6466

Pricing: $

Book Now

The Cambie Gastown is a famous backpackers hostel in Vancouver. It offers simple private rooms with either en suite or shared bathrooms, along with free linens and WiFi.

You can enjoy the lively on-site bar and cafe, complete with a sidewalk patio, and unwind in the common room with cable TV.

The music is loud until 2-4 a.m., which is to be anticipated given the location just over the pub. Just have some heavy cocktails and stay up late so you can fall asleep fast!

Victorian Hotel

Address: 514 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2V6, Canada

Phone: +1 604-681-6369

Pricing: $$

Book Now

Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, The Victorian is a charming boutique hotel in a beautifully renovated 1898 Victorian-era building. The rooms blend antique furnishings with modern decor, featuring flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi.

Some rooms showcase original hardwood floors, classic rugs, and chandelier lighting. Inside, you’ll find a casual restaurant with an open kitchen serving modern European cuisine.


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