Feb 25, 2025
Explore East Vancouver: A Guide to Its Best Neighborhoods
East Vancouver, also called the East Side or East Van, is a vibrant area full of diverse neighborhoods, local culture, and hidden gems. Historically, it was known as a more affordable area and was traditionally home to much of Vancouver’s working-class population. East Vancouver has always been defined by its diversity—across family income levels, land use, ethnicity, and languages spoken. However, with rising housing prices and ongoing gentrification, the landscape of the area continues to evolve.
Whether you’re a visitor or planning to stay long-term, East Vancouver offers a rich mix of history, arts, food, and outdoor attractions. From historic streets to bustling markets, each neighborhood has something unique to offer. Let’s explore the best places to visit in East Vancouver.
Strathcona: Vancouver’s Oldest Neighborhood
Strathcona is Vancouver’s oldest residential neighborhood, known for its rich history and strong sense of community. It is located just east of downtown, making it a convenient yet peaceful place to explore. Along the sleepy residential streets you’ll find plenty of local stores and family businesses that are a throwback to times gone by. Here is what you can find in Strathcona:
Heritage Homes & Quiet Streets: Strathcona is known for its charming heritage houses and tree-lined streets, offering a glimpse into Vancouver’s past.
Local Shops & Family Businesses: Small boutiques, independent cafes, and family-run stores give Strathcona a warm and welcoming feel.
Boutique Art Galleries: The area is home to many independent galleries showcasing local artists, making it an ideal spot for art lovers.
Community Vibe: The Strathcona Community Garden and nearby parks provide a tranquil escape from the city hustle.
For those who appreciate history and a tight-knit community, Strathcona is a perfect place to visit or live.
Grandview-Woodland: Culture and Creativity
Once known as Vancouver’s Little Italy, Grandview-Woodland has transformed into one of the city’s most dynamic and culturally rich neighborhoods. This area is best known for Commercial Drive, a bustling street packed with unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The highlights in Grandview-Woodland are:
Commercial Drive (“The Drive”): This lively street is lined with eclectic boutiques, international restaurants, coffee shops, and independent bookstores.
Diverse Food Scene: You’ll find authentic Italian pizzerias, Mexican taquerias, Middle Eastern eateries, and more.
Local Breweries & Pubs: If you enjoy craft beer, stop by some of the neighborhood’s renowned breweries.
John Hendry Park (Trout Lake): This scenic park features a lake, a sandy beach, walking trails, and plenty of space to relax.
Grandview Park: A popular gathering spot known for its drumming circles, live music, and community events.
If you love culture, food, and a vibrant social scene, Grandview-Woodland is a must-visit.
Hastings-Sunrise: Local Charm and Outdoor Fun
Explore this primarily residential area and you’re sure to come across the eclectic strip of shops and eateries that runs right along Hastings Street. It’s a great little highlight that makes you feel like you have everything right on your doorstep when you want a relaxing way of life where you always have the option of staying local. In Hastings-Sunrise you can do:
Hastings Park & PNE: Home to the Pacific National Exhibition, this park hosts amusement rides, concerts, and agricultural shows in the summer. It also features the Hastings Racecourse, where visitors can enjoy horse racing with stunning mountain and city views, and the Italian Gardens, a beautifully maintained space with walking paths and a serene atmosphere.
New Brighton Park: A waterfront park with a sandy beach, outdoor pool, and stunning views of Burrard Inlet.
Local Shops & Restaurants: Hastings Street is lined with diverse eateries and specialty shops.
For those who enjoy a mix of urban convenience and outdoor recreation, Hastings-Sunrise is an excellent choice.
Riley Park: A Haven for Sports Fans
Riley Park is a vibrant neighborhood centered around sports, recreation, and local markets. It is home to some of Vancouver’s top sporting venues and green spaces. The best attractions in Riley Park are:
Nat Bailey Stadium: Watch the Vancouver Canadians baseball team play during the summer months.
Vancouver Olympic & Paralympic Centre: A legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics, this facility offers public skating, swimming, and fitness programs.
Queen Elizabeth Park: One of the city’s most beautiful parks, featuring gardens, walking trails, and stunning city views.
Riley Park Farmers Market: One of Vancouver’s best farmers markets, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.
For sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Riley Park offers an exciting mix of activities and events.
Kensington-Cedar Cottage: A Cultural Hotspot
Kensington-Cedar Cottage is one of Vancouver’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods, known for its wide range of international cuisine and cultural events. Due to the large amount of immigration into the area you’ll find that English is much less widely spoken as a first language than many other parts of the city. This all adds to the character and charm of the place and gives you a great alternative to the array of major chains and malls that many cities are dominated by these days. This Neighborhood offers various activities:
Authentic Ethnic Restaurants: From Chinese dim sum to Filipino adobo and Latin American arepas, the food scene is rich and varied.
Cultural Centers: The Croatian Cultural Centre and the Italian Cultural Centre offer unique cultural experiences, community programs, and events.
Local Markets & Shops: Kensington-Cedar Cottage has a mix of small specialty shops and international grocery stores.
If you love food and cultural diversity, this neighborhood is a fantastic place to explore.
Work Opportunities in East Vancouver
East Vancouver is home to a diverse job market, ranging from small businesses to large industrial employers.
Tech & Creative Industry: Many startups and creative agencies have set up in East Vancouver, providing opportunities in design, marketing, and software development.
Retail & Hospitality Jobs: Local businesses, restaurants, and markets offer steady employment opportunities, particularly along Commercial Drive and Kingsway.
Manufacturing & Industry: The Port of Vancouver, one of Canada’s busiest ports, provides jobs in shipping, logistics, and trade.
Education in East Vancouver
The Eastside is home to many top-rated schools and learning institutions.
Public & Private Schools: Notable schools include Britannia Secondary, Templeton Secondary, and St. Francis Xavier School.
Higher Education: Vancouver Community College (VCC) offers programs in business, healthcare, and trades. Emily Carr University of Art & Design is ideal for those pursuing careers in arts and media.
Libraries & Learning Centers: The Vancouver Public Library branches in Hastings, Collingwood, and Mount Pleasant provide excellent resources.
Transport and Connectivity
East Vancouver is well connected to the rest of the city, making commuting easy.
SkyTrain Stations: Major transit hubs include Commercial-Broadway Station, Renfrew Station, and Joyce-Collingwood Station, providing quick access to downtown and the suburbs.
Bus Routes: Bus routes like the 99 B-Line along Broadway and the 20 Victoria connect key areas of East Vancouver.
Cycling Infrastructure: Bike-friendly streets such as the Adanac Bike Route and the Central Valley Greenway make cycling a popular choice.
Discover the Best of East Vancouver
Each of these neighborhoods has its own distinct charm and attractions. Whether you’re drawn to history, culture, food, or outdoor activities, East Vancouver has something for everyone. Take the time to explore these unique areas, and you’ll soon discover why this part of the city is so beloved. Enjoy your adventure in Vancouver’s East Side!
If you’re looking for short-term accommodations in East Vancouver, Highstreet Accommodations offers fully furnished, serviced housing designed to meet your needs. Whether you’re staying for work, leisure, or relocation, we provide comfortable and convenient accommodations in some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
