Renfrew St Project

One of the hallmarks of East Vancouver is its cultural diversity. The area is home to a wide variety of ethnic communities, including large populations of Italian, Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Indigenous residents. This mix of cultures is evident in the neighborhood’s bustling markets, family-owned restaurants, and community events, where you can sample everything from authentic Italian espresso and dim sum to Vietnamese pho and Latin American pupusas. Commercial Drive, often called “The Drive,” is particularly known for its multicultural vibe, with an array of international grocery stores, cafés, and eateries lining the street.

East Vancouver is also a major center for Vancouver’s arts and music scene. The neighborhood is known for its galleries, live music venues, and street art, especially murals that celebrate the area’s history, diversity, and activism. The Eastside Culture Crawl, an annual event, opens up hundreds of local artists’ studios to the public, showcasing the creative talents of the community. Street festivals and markets, such as Car-Free Day on Commercial Drive and the Italian Day Festival, bring the neighborhood to life with music, art, and food, creating a true celebration of East Van’s identity.

The area is deeply rooted in social and environmental activism, with a long history of grassroots organizations advocating for affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Many residents actively participate in urban gardening initiatives, community clean-ups, and housing advocacy groups. Community spaces like Trout Lake Park offer a green oasis for families, and farmers’ markets provide access to fresh, locally-sourced produce.