Commercial DriveCommercial 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. Go ice-skating at the Britannia
Community Centre rink or 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 fe Address: Commercial Drive (from Venables to Grandview) Website: www.thedrive.ca Email: info@thedrive.ca Telephone: (604) 251 2884 Transportation: Skytrain, to Commercial Drive or Broadway
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