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Commercial Drive

Commercial Drive is as non-commercial as it gets, though it has become one of Vancouver's most eclectic, and increasingly trendy, neighbourhoods. What started out as a skid road for the lumber industry in the late 1800s, swiftly became a neighbourhood of English tradesmen and shopkeepers with the birth of the interurban railway. World War I brought an influx of Chinese, Italian and Eastern European immigrants and World War II saw a vast increase in the Italian population, earning the Drive the moniker 'Little Italy' for many years. Diversity and energy are still the hallmarks of this area, and an afternoon is well spent exploring its various treasures, from all types of food to chic boutiques, second-hand stores, live music venues and more. Join a drum circle in Grandview Park, go ice-skating at the Britannia Community Centre rink, go bowling at the Grandview Lanes, enjoy a delicious Italian gelato or espresso, or simply grab a table at one of the many bars or restaurants, and people watch. There are always plenty of festivals and events going on, too, such as the Parade of Lost Souls on the Saturday before Halloween, the Drive Festival in June and the Eastside Culture Crawl in November.

Address: Commercial Drive (from Venables to Grandview)
E-mail: info@thedrive.ca
Website: www.thedrive.ca
Telephone: (604) 251 2884 (Commercial Drive Business Society)
Transport: Skytrain to Commercial Drive or Broadway stations