Commercial Drive

Commercial Drive is located in East Vancouver and is reachable by car, bus or Skytrain (Vancouver's monorail system). "The Drive", as locals call it, was once a skid road for dragging logs to the harbor. Today, it is a residential area that is littered with coffee shops, ethnic restaurants, grocery stores and bakeries. The Drive was once known as Vancouver's "Little Italy", and Italian influences can still be savored in an espresso from one of the cafés. The Drive is heavily focused on creating diversity and welcoming new cultures, and annual events, such as the Vancouver Dyke March and the Parade of Lost Souls, evoke this sentiment. The shopping in the area is reflective of this attitude and you will find stores that promote fair trade and local brands.