Neighborhood Scores
About Main Street
Main Street, located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, has emerged as Vancouver's creative and cultural epicenter. What was once a working-class industrial area has transformed into one of the city's most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, beloved by artists, young professionals, and indie entrepreneurs.
The Main Street corridor (particularly between Broadway and 16th Avenue) is lined with vintage clothing stores, independent boutiques, craft breweries, international restaurants, and some of the city's best coffee shops. This is where you'll find locally-owned businesses that refuse to conform to corporate chains—each storefront tells a story.
Famous for its annual Car Free Day festival in June, which draws over 100,000 attendees, Main Street embodies Vancouver's creative spirit. The neighborhood seamlessly blends heritage homes and character buildings with new condo developments, creating an authentic urban community that values authenticity over polish.
In 2026, Main Street continues to be the neighborhood where creatives can still afford to live, work, and play—a rare find in increasingly expensive Vancouver.
May not be ideal for:
- • Those seeking quiet suburban lifestyle
- • Ultra-luxury seekers (mid-market predominates)
- • Car-dependent commuters (parking challenging)
- • Those avoiding gentrifying neighborhoods
Rental Prices in Main Street
Where to Eat, Drink & Work
Coffee Shops
Local roaster with excellent espresso and pour-overs. Main Street institution.
3010 Main Street
Cozy, artistic atmosphere with fair trade coffee, loose leaf teas, and a loyal local following.
2525 Main Street
Vancouver-based roaster with industrial-chic space and killer flat whites.
639 E 15th Avenue
Japanese-inspired pastries, excellent coffee, and minimalist aesthetic. Weekend lines wrap around the block.
Award-winning roaster with friendly vibe and pour-over perfection.
Restaurants
Intimate omakase-style sushi bar. Some of the best sushi in Vancouver with premium ingredients.
4510 Main Street
Malaysian and Singaporean hawker-style comfort food. Authentic and delicious.
4127 Main Street
Upscale vegetable-forward cuisine. Award-winning and innovative. Not just for vegetarians.
3995 Main Street
Elevated Chinese small plates in a sexy, moody atmosphere. Reservation essential.
Fresh, authentic Mexican with killer tacos and margaritas. Casual and vibrant.
Beijing-style dishes and hand-pulled noodles. Neighborhood institution since the 80s.
Bars & Nightlife
One of Vancouver's best craft breweries. Rotating taps, industrial space, and serious beer culture.
2148 Main Street
Neighborhood brewery with patio, food trucks, and community vibe. Dog-friendly.
261 E 7th Avenue
Intimate craft cocktail bar with knowledgeable bartenders and creative drinks.
1898 Main Street
Upscale comfort food and cocktails in a warm, wood-accented space.
Kitschy tiki bar with elaborate tropical cocktails and a fun, campy atmosphere.
Fitness
Popular yoga studio with hot yoga, vinyasa, and restorative classes.
2420 Main Street
Community-focused CrossFit gym with experienced coaches.
Large chain gym with cardio equipment, weights, group classes, and pool.
45-minute functional training classes with varied daily workouts.
Hot yoga in a green, eco-conscious studio. Community-oriented classes.
Getting Around
Commute Times
Transit Stations
- • Main Street-Science World Station (Millennium/Expo Line)
- • Broadway-City Hall Station (Millennium/Canada Line interchange)
- • Olympic Village Station (Canada Line)
- • Multiple bus routes: #3, #8, #19, #99 B-Line
Is Main Street Safe?
Main Street is generally safe, especially along the main commercial corridor. The northern sections near Prior and Hastings require more awareness due to proximity to the Downtown Eastside. The core area (Broadway to 16th) is very safe with active streets and strong community presence.
During the Day
Very safe. High foot traffic, busy shops, and active community create a secure environment. Main corridor is extremely walkable.
At Night
Generally safe along the main corridor, especially south of Broadway. Northern sections (near Prior/Hastings) require more caution after dark. Well-lit commercial streets feel secure, but side streets can be quieter.
Areas to Be Aware Of
Northern edge near Prior Street and East Hastings intersection can feel sketchy, especially at night. Otherwise, the main corridor is very safe.
History & Culture
Mount Pleasant was originally an industrial and working-class neighborhood, home to breweries, mills, and factories in the early 1900s. The Main Street corridor became a commercial hub for the surrounding residential area. In the 1990s-2000s, the neighborhood began gentrifying as artists and young professionals discovered affordable rents and character buildings. Today, it represents Vancouver's creative class—those who work in design, media, hospitality, and tech startups. The annual Car Free Day festival, started in 2011, celebrates the neighborhood's independent spirit and community values.
Demographics: Young professionals and creatives (25-40) dominate. Mix of renters and homeowners. Increasing number of young families. High concentration of service industry workers, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. Ethnically diverse with significant Asian, LGBTQ+, and artistic communities. Gentrification has increased average income levels in recent years.
- • Main Street Car Free Day (June)
- • Main Street Farmers Market (Saturdays, June-October)
- • Vancouver Mural Festival (August)
- • Craft brewery events and tap takeovers
- • Live music at various venues year-round
- • Dude Chilling Park picnics (summer)
Explore Nearby
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Last updated: 2026-01-05 • By Vancouver Sublets
Sources: Walk Score, Rentals.ca, Zumper, City of Vancouver, Reddit r/vancouver, TransLink, Main Street Business Improvement Association, Local knowledge and observation