Introduction
Sometimes conflated with Commercial Drive, the neighbourhood’s shopping district, Grandview-Woodland’s northernmost point is the south shore of the Burrard Inlet and its southernmost point is Broadway. It runs from Clark Drive on the West to Nanaimo Street in the east. Because most of the neighbourhood is built on a rise, it offers some great views of the city and the Burrard Inlet.
Lifestyle
The Grandview-Woodland area was cleared by owners of the local mill just before the start of the 20th century, but the neighbourhood really developed with the construction of the Interurban train line. Grandview-Woodland became a key transportation hub as Vancouver developed. After the WWII, the area became known as “Little Italy,” because of an influx of immigration, not from Italy heritage, but also from China and Eastern Europe, among others.
The Vibe
This is a bustling middle-class neighbourhood that’s got great ethnic diversity that is reflected in the wide array of shops and restaurants here. There’s also a good mix of residential, commercial and industrial in this area so, with a little luck, people can live, work and play here. Add to that the fact that it’s centrally located and it’s a pretty great place to live.
Meet the Neighbours
Grandview-Woodland has an ethnically diverse, mostly middle class population. At the time of the 2011 census, the population of Grandview-Woodland was 27,297. Between 1971 and 2011, the population of this neighbourhood only grew by 2 per cent, quite a lot less that Vancouver’s overall growth of 36 per cent over that same time period.
In the Area
There’s plenty to do in Grandview-Woodland. You can get your shopping fix or indulge your inner gastronome on Commercial Drive. If you’d rather relax in a park, there’s plenty of greenspace in Grandview-Woodland: Alice Townley Park, Garden Park, Grandview Park, Mosaic Creek Park, McSpadden Park, Pandora Park, Templeton Park and Victoria park each provide a slice of nature for city dwellers.
4.3 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Grandview-Woodland is well served by public transportation. There are several busy streets served by TransLink busses that run through the neighbourhood and allow easy access to other parts of Greater Vancouver. The area also has two SkyTrain stations: VCC-Clark, which provides access to the Millennium Line and Broadway Station, which provides access to the Expo Line.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Depending on what side of the argument you’re on, this is either good or bad: residents of Grandview-Woodlands have fought tooth and nail against projects that would bring densification to the area. Current residents also cite the fact that Grandview-Woodlands has the lowest amount of greenspace per person as a reason densification should be given more consideration.
Dollars & Sense
Grandview-Woodlands has a mix of cheap eats and higher-end dining. One thing’s for sure: the hot-spots along Commercial Drive are serious about their coffee, and this is a case of you-get-what-you-pay-for. Seriously. Go to Continental Coffee or Turks Coffee Lounge and have a coffee that will transport you. You only live once. For more lowbrow palates, there’s a Tim Horton’s down the street.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Real. Italian. Coffee. If you’re serious about your espresso, you’ll want to bypass all the Starbucks and head straight for Continental Coffee, which is a neighbourhood institution for good reason.
more infoBring your foodie friends to this charming Indian restaurant. They won’t be disappointed. Sula serves up authentic Indian food made according to tradition. There’s also a lunch buffet on Thursdays and Fridays.
more infoNever enough whiskey in your life? Fets has over 750 types of whiskey to choose from. That’s not a typo. On top of that, this hot spot serves up a whiskey-infused menu.
more infoIf you live in Grandview-Woodland, La Grotta del Formaggio is sure to become your favourite neighbourhood cheese shop. This Italian deli has been transporting its customers’ palates to Italy since 1977.
more infoThe kind of bakery you stop at to pick a loaf of bread on the way home, and somehow find yourself leaving with a chocolate bundt cake and peanut butter cookies. Dangerously good.
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