Only ten minutes from downtown Vancouver by car or Skytrain, there is a lively and fascinating street by the name of Commercial Drive - or simply, The Drive as the locals dub it - which acts as the multi-cultural and counter-culture hub of an otherwise affluent city.
An Ethnic and Cultural History of Commercial Drive
Due to an influx of Italian immigrants in the 1960s, Commercial Drive became known as “Little Italy”. And though there are still plenty of signs of its Italian heritage in terms of restaurants, cafes, and residents, waves of immigrants from Asia and Latin America eventually settled around the Drive to commence the blending of cultural diversification.
In the 1980s, a host of counter-cultures such as political activists, punks, lesbians, hippies and artists were drawn to the area, adding a real melange of colorful characters to the already flavorful atmosphere it offered. It is safe to say that the Drive boasts a plethora of interesting characters that would not be spotted anywhere else in Canada.
Annual Commercial Drive Events: Car-Free Day and Parade of Lost Souls
The Drive is also home to a number of unique events. Car-Free Day i s an especially festive day where the street is barricaded off for several blocks in an effort to promote awareness for alternative modes of transport. Aside from information kiosks, there is also plenty of entertainment in the form of bands, djs, food stalls, and even such random activities as roller derby.
Around Halloween of each year, the Parade of Lost Souls is an annual event which draws many visitors. Locals will spend weeks preparing for the decoration of their houses in honor of the special event. The costumed up visitors - the more ghoulish and spooky the better - wander around the neighborhood admiring the special displays. Again, music also has an important role on the night as marching bands, local bands, and even Brazilian samba squads add to the raucous atmosphere.
Ethnic Restaurants nad Foods on Commercial Drive
Gourds and bombillas for yerba mate, authentic Thai chili pastes, Indian spices, authentic French baguette, and other exotic goods from faraway lands can be found on the Drive. One of the busiest little supermarkets around is Santa Barbara, where people make special trips across town to buy from their wide variety of deli meats and cheeses at affordable prices.
The Drive also offers a special dining experience, no matter the indigenous food one seeks. Below is a list of just a select few tasty spots:
- Belgian Fries offers “the best poutine outside of Quebec”
- The Reef is touted as one of the best Caribbean restaurants in the city
- Marcello's has fine pasta and is worth going to for the massive pizza oven shaped in the form of a giant face which cooks fine thin-crusted pizzas
- Harambe serves up delicious Ethiopian food
- Parents can enjoy yummy food while their young ones are free to roam in the play area at Little Nest, a restaurant catering towards families with young children
The Drive also possesses some of the most reputed coffee shops in the city - quite a feat considering the coffee shop is one of Vancouver's trademarks. Joe's Cafe always has a steady stream of customers dropping in for a capuccino and the old Italian favorite, the Abbruzzio Cafe, attracts soccer fans of all nationalities to enjoy the big matches while sipping on some of the city's finest and strongest cups of coffee.
Live Music and Music Stores Found on Commercial Drive
Music afficionados are recommended to Highlife Records for a fine selection of cds, vinyl and DVDs, or if wishing to purchase tickets to some of the hottest and most diverse acts in town. Audiopile, is another store offering a large selection of cds and vinyl for music lovers.
Live music is another feature of The Drive. The Libra Room is open every night of the week with live acts and quirky cocktails. And just a few doors down, a staple on The Drive for years, Wasubeez features some of the best local djs spinning their suff every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and also features the work of local artists for clients' viewing pleasure.
As the signs of spring are abound, many Vancouverites have just one thing on their mind: find a patio to sit down and enjoy a beverage with friends. Havana's, Stella's and the Charlatan are among the three prime locations on the Drive for this life affirming way in which to spend an afternoon.
There are no shortage of interesting and unique things to see when making an excursion to Commercial Drive and it is a must-see for any visitors seeking an alternative, more local experience of Vancouver.
Chris Pady - One word that best describes Chris Pady: versatile. His knowledge and expertise in many walks of life has seen his work published in ...
