02 The story
Commercial Drive and East Van spirit
Grandview-Woodland is the neighbourhood around Commercial Drive, known simply as The Drive. It is one of Vancouver’s most diverse, artistic and community-minded areas, where espresso bars, global restaurants and independent shops share the street with murals and buskers.
Little Italy and beyond
After the Second World War, many Italian families settled around Commercial Drive, and their cafés, delis and social clubs earned it the nickname Little Italy. Italian Day still fills the street every June. Over the decades, Portuguese, Caribbean, Latin American, Vietnamese and many other communities have added their own flavours.
Parks and views
Grandview Park, on the Drive, is a lively community space with views of downtown and the mountains. Britannia Community Centre combines a pool, rink, library and school in one busy hub, and the streets north of the Drive lead to Burrard Inlet viewpoints.
Homes
Character houses, many split into suites, line the side streets, with apartments and co-ops closer to the Drive. The neighbourhood has a strong tradition of activism, arts and community organizing.
Getting around
Commercial–Broadway Station, where the Expo and Millennium Lines meet, is at the south end of the Drive, putting downtown about 10 minutes away by SkyTrain.
