Commercial Drive Tours and Activities

Commercial Drive
Commercial Drive showing markets and food
Photo by greg h
Photo by Lez See the World


Often a pleasurable way to get to know a city is through its food culture. Find myriad flavours within a relatively short distance in this Vancouver location.

Commercial Drive in East Vancouver is perhaps not in the most travelled tourist area of the city, but it’s worth the effort to find. Follow your nose to “The Drive,” as it’s affectionately known, as the heady aromas of food and coffee permeate this area.

Eat your way around the world on Commercial Drive with a full representation of cuisines from the Middle East, Ethiopia, Greece, Japan, Italy, the Philippines, the Caribbean and, of course, the West Coast. Meet local residents who eat here and enjoy an eclectic setting of what was once collectively known as Vancouver’s Little Italy. One large section still has an obvious Italian presence.

Sit down and spend some time beside Trout Lake in John Hendry Park. Buy a tasty snack in the park at the farmers market, which is open from May to October. At the opposite end of Commercial Drive is Grandview Park, a popular venue for impromptu sessions by street musicians, and a great place do some people-watching.

Continue exploring this area’s 22 blocks of businesses, from Venables Street to East 12th Avenue, with something for every taste and whim. Step into the many stores that offer unique items made by local craftspeople, as well as artwork that perfectly captures the atmosphere of this lively street.

Quench the inevitable thirst you will create from walking by ducking into one of the many coffee shops. At one intersection alone you have a choice of coffeehouses on three corners. Down a draught or a craft beer from a large selection of ale houses. Nights on Commercial Drive offer a variety of entertainment keeping this part of Vancouver alive around the clock.

Park your car on a side street, which is probably your best chance of finding a spot. Otherwise Commercial Drive is thoroughly served by public transit. Wear good walking shoes and take time to experience this diverse street.

Plan a trip to see Commercial Drive

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Hotel at the Waldorf
OPUS Hotel Vancouver
Paradox Vancouver

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Best Lodging Options Near Commercial Drive

Hotel at the Waldorf

Hotel at the Waldorf

2 out of 5
1489 Hastings St E, Vancouver, BC
Hotel at the Waldorf
Commercial Drive Middle Room

Commercial Drive Middle Room

Vancouver, BC
Commercial Drive Middle Room
Commercial Drive Private Upper

Commercial Drive Private Upper

Vancouver
Commercial Drive Private Upper
Entire Guest Studio Suite w/King-Bed | Bathtub | Parking

Entire Guest Studio Suite w/King-Bed | Bathtub | Parking

Vancouver
Entire Guest Studio Suite w/King-Bed | Bathtub | Parking
Historical gem suite 2 queen beds with spa-Like bathroom & garden patio fountain

Historical gem suite 2 queen beds with spa-Like bathroom & garden patio fountain

Vancouver
Historical gem suite 2 queen beds with spa-Like bathroom & garden patio fountain
YWCA Hotel

YWCA Hotel

2.5 out of 5
733 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC
YWCA Hotel
Cozy and Calm: Modern Studio with Private Entrance

Cozy and Calm: Modern Studio with Private Entrance

Vancouver
Cozy and Calm: Modern Studio with Private Entrance
Atrium Hotel Vancouver

Atrium Hotel Vancouver

3.5 out of 5
2889 Hastings St E, Vancouver, BC
Atrium Hotel Vancouver
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Commercial Drive

Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Commercial Drive, where you can enjoy biking along scenic routes, catching stunning sunsets, and immersing yourself in local hockey culture. This lively district offers diverse travel experiences, from eclectic shopping destinations to an exciting nightlife scene filled with entertainment options. Whether you're indulging in unique eateries or soaking up the outdoor experiences, Commercial Drive is a must-visit for any tourist seeking a taste of Vancouver’s local charm.

Shopping

Experience shopping on Commercial Drive with the vibrant Granville Island Public Market, just 4.8km away, showcasing local artisans and fresh produce. Also nearby is the Pacific Centre Shopping Mall, featuring a mix of entertainment and family-friendly shops, and South Granville, known for its unique boutiques and galleries.

Recreation

Experience the exhilarating atmosphere at BC Place Stadium, only 3.2km away, where you can enjoy various sports events. For a musical treat, head to Commodore Ballroom, 4.8km away, featuring vibrant live performances. Unwind at Burnaby Lake Park, 8.0km away, perfect for relaxation and nature walks.

Adventure

The Capilano Suspension Bridge offers thrilling views as you walk among the treetops, located 9.7km from Commercial Drive. For a challenging hike, tackle the Grouse Grind, 12.9km away, where adventure meets stunning scenery. Families can enjoy the excitement of Watermania, a water park located 14.5km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife on Commercial Drive is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, dive into fun at Playland Amusement Park, or catch an indie film at the Vancouver International Film Centre. Each venue offers unique experiences to make your night memorable.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Commercial Drive

Commercial Drive in Vancouver offers a vibrant mix of attractions for every type of traveller. From cultural experiences to family-friendly activities, you can explore various points of interest, including urban parks and event venues. This eclectic neighbourhood is perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying the lively atmosphere and numerous tourist attractions that make it a must-visit destination.

  • Canada Place: Experience the iconic Canada Place, a hub for conferences and events that boasts stunning architecture and waterfront views. Its business vibes make it a perfect spot for networking or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
  • Vancouver Waterfront: The Vancouver Waterfront is a family-friendly destination that offers scenic views, outdoor activities, and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the promenade, dine at waterfront restaurants, or engage in family-friendly events.
  • Rogers Arena: Home to thrilling sports events and concerts, Rogers Arena is an entertainment hotspot. Its lively atmosphere is perfect for families and fans alike, making every visit an exciting experience filled with energy.

Best time to go to Commercial Drive

The best time to visit Commercial Drive can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Commercial Drive falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Commercial Drive falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with frequent rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.3°F (3.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February37.8°F (3.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August65.3°F (18.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October50.9°F (10.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December37.2°F (2.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Commercial Drive

To save money during your visit to Commercial Drive, plan your trip between January to February or November when prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, and check for last-minute deals on Expedia for potential discounts. Stay on a Monday for the lowest rates, and consider Eco-certified accommodations for sustainability. Use Expedia's tools to filter by budget and sort prices from lowest to highest. Combining your hotel with flights and activities can also yield savings, providing a more economical travel experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Commercial Drive are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Commercial Drive is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Commercial Drive is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Commercial Drive is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by combining your hotel stay on Commercial Drive with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia