Grandview-Woodland

Grandview-Woodland is one of Vancouver's most beloved neighborhoods, centered around the vibrant Commercial Drive corridor known simply as 'The Drive.' In 2026, it remains a delightfully eclectic mix of old-school Italian heritage, LGBTQ+ culture, young families, artists, and everyone in between—all drawn by the neighborhood's unpretentious, community-focused vibe.

The area's Italian roots run deep. Post-WWII immigration brought waves of Italian families who established bakeries, cafes, and social clubs that still anchor the neighborhood today. But Commercial Drive has evolved into Vancouver's most multicultural street, where you'll find Latin American grocers next to Vietnamese pho shops, organic co-ops beside old-school trattorias, and punk rock bars around the corner from family-friendly gelaterias.

What sets Grandview-Woodland apart in 2026 is its genuine neighborhood feel. This isn't a sanitized, developer-driven community—it's messy, authentic, and deeply local. Residents actually know their neighbors. People linger at sidewalk cafes. The Drive hosts street festivals, protests, drum circles, and community markets. Trout Lake Park serves as the neighborhood's backyard, packed with families, dogs, and paddleboarders on summer weekends.

Living here means embracing diversity, accepting a bit of grit alongside the charm, and joining one of Vancouver's most tight-knit communities. The transit is excellent (Commercial-Broadway is the busiest SkyTrain station in the system), rents are more reasonable than downtown, and you'll have some of the city's best coffee culture at your doorstep.

Grandview-Woodland was originally inhabited by the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. European settlement began in the 1890s, and the neighborhood developed around Vancouver's streetcar lines. The name 'Grandview' comes from the spectacular views from the higher elevations near Grandview Park. Post-WWII Italian immigration transformed the area, with Commercial Drive becoming known as 'Little Italy.' Italian families opened cafes, bakeries, delis, and social clubs that became neighborhood anchors. The Italian Cultural Centre, opened in 1977, remains a vital community hub. In the 1970s and 1980s, The Drive became a focal point for Vancouver's counter-culture movement, attracting artists, activists, and the LGBTQ+ community. This era established the neighborhood's progressive, inclusive reputation. The 1990s brought Latin American immigrants, adding another cultural layer. Today, Grandview-Woodland maintains its multicultural character while facing gentrification pressures. Community organizing remains strong, with residents actively involved in preserving the neighborhood's independent, local business culture. The Drive continues to host street festivals, protests, and community gatherings that reflect its activist roots.

Demographics: Grandview-Woodland is one of Vancouver's most diverse neighborhoods. The population includes established Italian-Canadian families, young professionals, artists, families, students, and a significant LGBTQ+ community. About 32% of residents are aged 25-44, with strong representation across all age groups including families with children and older long-term residents. The neighborhood has a higher-than-average proportion of renters (approximately 65%) and a well-educated population, with about 35% holding university degrees. Income levels are mixed, ranging from students and artists to established professionals, contributing to the neighborhood's economic diversity.