Commercial Drive Vancouver: Things to Do, Places to Eat, & More

Lonely Planet recently named Commercial Drive one of the world’s top 50 neighbourhoods, and who am I to disagree?

But in an area that’s just as famous for its diverse bohemian character and fervent political activism as its rich Italian roots, it can get confusing as to exactly why that is.

Is that where the charm lies? Let’s figure out this epic Vancity street together.

Here’s your VP neighbourhood guide to becoming a Commercial Drive pro.

Where is Commercial Drive?

You’ll find Commercial Drive (‘The Drive’ to locals) in east Vancouver (‘East Van’) about 8 kilometres from downtown.

The 3.5 km street starts at 18th Avenue to the south and stretches all the way north to the container ports of Vancouver Harbour. However, the strip that will most interest visitors can be found between Broadway and Venables.

Commercial Drive is an easy trip from downtown Vancouver via public transit using the Skytrain or the R-5 Rapidbus.

Expect to pay about $26.00 to get there with a Vancouver taxi.

How to Get to Commercial Drive from Downtown

• By Skytrain: The drive is served by the Expo Line) via Commercial-Broadway Station, which is located at the intersection of Commercial and Broadway, about a ten-minute walk from the neighbourhood’s heart. The station is just five stops (10 minutes) along the Expo Line from Waterfront Station, Vancouver’s largest transit hub.
• R-5 Rapid Bus: The R-5 Rapidbus serves the Hastings corridor. If you board at the intersection of Granville and Hastings, Commercial Drive will be just three stops (10 minutes) away. You can then walk South towards Venables in about 5 minutes.

Before you attempt to navigate the Vancouver public transit system, be sure to check out our Vancouver Public Transport mega guide.

Things to Do on Commercial Drive

Hit up an Italian Deli

Commercial Drive is Vancouver’s Little Italy, but forget Ferrari or Fellini: when I think of classic Vancouver food, I think about going here for meat between bread.

La Grotta del Formaggio is arguably the best sandwich in the city – they’ll fill two pieces of pillowy focaccia with all the imported meat and cheese you can handle.

If you want to go all out, then go for the porchetta sandwich.

Unwind in a Commerical Drive Cafe 

Vancouver is a city where residents take their coffee seriously. And Commercial Drive is the proverbial front line in the war between classic cafes and the modern espresso elite. Where do you stand?

For classic it’s Caffe Calabria with its fake marble pillars and Roman statues that’ll take you right back to 1970’s Vancouver – including the lack of WiFi.

If you’re looking for a perfectly crafted brew and attention to detail, it’s Prado. It’s actually owned by a four-time Canadian Barista Champion, so you know it’s top-notch.

Take in a Flick at a 1930s Movie Theatre

Vancouver’s #1 independent movie theatre has been rolling projectors since 1938 – and has recently been upgraded to digital with surround sound.

The Rio is so influential that it convinced the government to change its liquor laws in 2012. There’s now full bar service, a local rarity in the theatre business.

You’ll get a great combination of Hollywood blockbusters, classic movies, and local independent films to enjoy.

It has also expanded to offer concerts, comedy nights, burlesque, and more.

Take a Culinary Walking Tour

It goes without saying that to truly experience Vancouver’s Little Italy you have to sample the food.  

If you’re a fan of Italian food, there is no better way to do so than by taking the exciting Little Italy Walking Food Tour. Join your passionate local guide and a group of like-minded travellers to sample the best that the Drive has to offer.

From sweet to savoury, you’ll try it all at 8 different stops, including pizza, pasta, gelato, and fresh cannoli. Then, finish up with a frothy cappuccino at a local café.

There is simply no better way to experience Vancouver’s “OG” Italian community.

Check out John Hendry Park

This 27-hectare park just off of Commercial Drive is known locally as ‘Trout Lake Park’. However, it’s actually a wildlife habitat that tends to make you forget you’re even in the city.

Here it’s all about being active. You’ll find a basketball court, a jogging trail, tennis courts, two playgrounds, and a picnic site.

If the weather gets cold enough, you’ll also be able to skate on Trout Lake, though thankfully, that is a rare occurrence.

In Vancouver in summer it’s a great alternative to Vancouver’s best beaches as the lakeside has a small sandy area to soak up the rays.

Arts Off Main

One of Vancouver’s best art galleries is found on Commercial Drive, though you wouldn’t know it from its less-than-arty exterior.

Started as a coop-run by seven local artists, Arts Off Main’s gallery and shop has unique art, jewellery, cards, and other gift items that make great local souvenirs.

Prints by self-taught digital artist Gary Nay are great for Vancouver vibes, the Steveston, Gastown and Granville Island ones being particularly pertinent.

Sample the Local Brews

Affectionately known as “Yeast Van,” the East side of our city has become the beating heart of the rapidly expanding Vancouver craft beer scene.

So it should come as no surprise that the area around Commercial Drive contains well over a dozen breweries fighting for the crown of having the best pint in the neighbourhood.

The best way to sample the local suds is to take part in an exciting and informative craft beer tour. You’ll get behind-the-scenes access along with a group of like-minded travellers at three different breweries throughout the city.

Because, after all, beer always tastes better with friends!

 

Get Vintage Vesture at Mintage

A fashionista friend recently told me that this unique clothing and footwear emporium was the ‘Cadillac of vintage stores’ – and the 3000 sq. feet of retail space doesn’t lie.

Mintage has the perfect mix of new, vintage, and reworked clothing for most occasions. Whether it’s a vintage band shirt, a leather jacket or an old pair of cowboy boots, you can find it here.

There are also two jewellery stands with a strange emphasis on animal themes.

Ranging from a minimum of $24.00 to $3,000.00 is where super vintage score dreams are made.

The Best Restaurants & Bars on Commercial Drive

• Via Tevere: The area’s top Neapolitan pizzeria is located two blocks east on Victoria Drive.
• Sula Indian Restaurant: A mix of northern and southern Indian dishes crafted with the finest house-made spice mixes.
• Rinconcito Salvadoreno: One stop shop for El Salvadorian food. Try the pupusas stuffed with spiced beef or pulled pork.
• Oca Pastificio: Handcrafted pasta using seasonal & local ingredients. Modern Italian that stays true to the area’s roots.
• Bar Corso: A slick, modern, dimly lit Italian spirit and cocktail lounge. A wide selection of Italian digestivi and small plates.
• St. Augustine’s: Popular local craft beer bar with over 60 rotating taps.

Commercial Drive Festivals

Italian Day

This 300,000+ visitor street festival held on the second weekend of June in Vancouver closes off Commercial Drive from traffic and turns the city red, white, and green!

At Italian Day you’ll find wine tastings, eating competitions, three music stages, food trucks, a fashion show, DJ tent, and more.

All of the Drive’s best restaurants and bars open up and create patios on the street, giving it a true Italian piazza atmosphere.

Car Free Day

This 15 block long street party does exactly what the name says: ban cars on Commercial Drive for an afternoon and give it back to the people.

The dream here is a greener, cleaner city free of cars and a focus on public spaces – where artists, residents, performers, artisans, non-profits, and businesses interact car-free.

Locals literally pull up chairs and set up shop in the street. There are also parades, food trucks, shopping, live music, and more.

The event also takes place on Main Street, Cambie Street and the West End at different times throughout the year.

Shopping on Commerical Drive

Commercial Drive has always been an area nearly devoid of chains, so much like Kitsilano, you can expect a lot of local boutiques

This is one of the best shopping centres in Vancouver, and unlike other areas, it’s primarily sustainable, environmentally friendly, and Canadian-made.

The main shopping area on Commercial Drive is between 7th Avenue and William St.

Here are a few of the top shops:

• Spank on the Drive: This local boutique is all about feel-good clothing, individuality, and local flare. It’s a great place to find beautiful dresses, skirts, and blouses.
• Kalena’s: This Italian shoe shop has been doing its trade on the Drive for over 50 years. The store’s distinct Italian charm and quality remain.
• Found & Freed: Antique store where you’ll find all sorts of interesting furniture, artifacts, clothing, appliances, and more.

Commercial Drive History

Like much of Vancouver, the road was originally used to service the logging industry. It was originally a skid road to get logs down to the harbour.

Much development came with a streetcar line, and the area experienced some heavy development leading up to the Great Depression.

It was only after WWII that the area really started to blossom with the arrival of Italian immigrants who opened up businesses in the area.

The downtown gentrification of the 1980s brought lower-income residents and counterculture to the area: lesbians, punks, activists, musicians and more.

Today you still see a mix of demographics mentioned above with a distinct Latino and Asian influence as well.

Commercial Drive FAQ

Where is Commercial Drive in Vancouver?

You’ll find Commercial Drive in East Vancouver. It starts at 18th Avenue to the south and ends at the container ports of Vancouver Harbour, just past Powell Street.

However, the most important sights are generally found between Broadway and Venables. 

How far is Commercial Drive from downtown Vancouver?

It’s about 5.0 km from Vancouver’s City Centre to Commercial Drive.

Expect it to take about 10 minutes by car or 25 minutes using Skytrain.

It will take about an hour to walk, though this will take you through the troubled Downtown Eastside area, so it’s not recommended.

Is Commercial Drive safe?

Vancouver, in general, is safe, and Commercial Drive is no different as a neighbourhood where violent crime is rare.

With a new police station in the area, crime has decreased even more.

Looking for Things to Do on Commercial Drive?

My Commercial Drive brain has run all but dry for now, but maybe I forgot something that you’re just dying to know.

If something isn’t clear or you need some custom advice then get at me ASAP.

You can do this by following us and messaging us on our Facebook page or by writing in the comments below.

Enjoy the Drive 🙂