This Vancouver street has been named one of the world's 'coolest'
Vancouver’s Commercial Drive has been ranked as one of the “coolest” streets in the world by an international travel magazine, which describes it as “hip by default.”
Time Out recently published its ranking of the 30 coolest streets and the eastside thoroughfare was one of only two Canadian locations on the list, taking the number five spot. “Streets are the heart of local life; they’re where communities come together, where new local businesses become go-to staples and where urbanites go out, hang out and have fun,” the magazine says, adding that the ranking was compiled by consulting its global team of editors and contributors.
Some of the standout features of The Drive, according to the magazine, are the independent and local businesses that include vintage shops, record stores, pizza joints, cafes, restaurant and a family-owned bowling alley.
“In a city of rapid change, Commercial Drive remains defiantly ungentrified,” the magazine says.
The street was not immune to the impacts of the pandemic on the hospitality industry, resulting in the closure of some long-established and beloved spots, but its vibrancy remains and “it’s still the best hang-out-and-people-watch show in town,” according to Time Out.
In terms of specific recommendations for where to eat, the magazine singled out Lunch Lady – a Vietnamese restaurant with a menu designed in collaboration with and in homage to Nguyen Thi Thanh, who impressed Anthony Bourdain with her famous soups on his trip to Saigon. The side of the building is decorated with a mural of the pair and there is almost always a line up to get in, whether it’s for lunch or dinner.
Commercial Drive was historically the heart of Vancouver’s Little Italy and the magazine recommends toasting that legacy with a visit to Bar Corso for a negroni or a glass of grappa.
The Drive Canteen also gets a shout out, with the magazine recommending a visit to check out its “local and exotic eats, house-made sweets, and a large selection of non-alcoholic beer, wine, and mixed drinks.”
The Vancouver street is ranked just below Guatemala Street in Buenos Aires and just above Jalan Petaling in Kuala Lumpur. Saint-Hubert Plaza in Montreal is the other Canadian location on the list, ranking 27th.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.