As a Realtor, I have the inside scoop on the best (or worst!) kept secrets in the city. From unique local shops to vibrant community spaces, there’s so much to discover right here at home. With the economy being what it is, supporting local businesses has never been more important. This holiday season, let’s shop local, support our neighbors, and help strengthen our community.
I was trying to keep this to a Top 10 but there are so many amazing shops, services, and activities in the community that I have 10 categories. Join me on a tour of some of my favourite finds and let me know what you think. Have I missed one of your favourites?
What neighborhood should I cover next?
Let me know! I’m always eager to help support local businesses and services.
BEST ACTIVITY
East Van Panto
Pantomimes reimagine classic fairy tales with music, contemporary references, and audience participation to create raucous, noisy entertainment that’s fun for everyone in the family. This Panto adds a unique East Van twist, creating a new local tradition for you and your family to enjoy! This year’s production of Robin Hood will play at the historic York Theatre from November 20 to January 5.
639 Commercial Drive
https://thecultch.com/event/east-van-panto
The PNE Winter Fair
PNE, winter-style!
While not a small business, the PNE plays a central role in the community by attracting many visitors, boosting the local economy, and providing employment opportunities for young people in the neighborhood.
This holiday season you can wander through Winter Lights and snap photos; there is skating, rides, live programming like Nutcracker on Ice, and a culinary extravaganza at the Holiday Eats & Treats.
Kids will love the journey to meet Santa Claus, to test toys, leave snacks for reindeers and to ride the PNE Holiday Express.
December 6th-8th and December 12th-23rd
https://www.pne.ca/winter-fair/
BEST DINING OUT
La Tana
From the folks behind Pepino’s, Elio Volpe, and Savio Volpe, The food is amazing, and you’ll feel like you’re in Italy. La Tana is perfect for an intimate dinner with a menu of small plates and pasta to share or brunch with a bestie. Wine bar and cocktails.
35 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W3
11am – late Monday – Friday, and 10am – late, Saturday & Sunday.
Selene
New to the neighbourhood, but created by Petro and Yianni Kerasiotis of Nammos Estiatorio, Loula’s Taverna and Ama Bar, Selene offers an elevated Mediterranean experience. Perfect place to reserve a spot for a large holiday party.
360 Penticton Street, Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z5
Open daily 5 PM – 10:30 PM
Dashi Vancouver
Small, cozy and delicious, Dashi has an excellent winebar, spectacular food and great service.
fun wines, funky ciders, tasty sake, craft beer, and cocktails too. Food is seasonal,mostly smaller sizes meant for sharing. They have a family style tasting menu that includes our favourite a la carte dishes and sneaky off-menu dishes. Plus they have a big patio…and have to look at my giant billboard in front of their door everyday.
2297 E Hastings
Open from 4 pm on Wednesday to Monday (Closed Tuesdays)
BEST HOSTING PROVISIONS
If you plan to whip things up yourself, these spots should be top of your list.
Tall Shadow Bakery
East Van sourdough breads made with sustainably grown Canadian grains.
Their bread is not just delicious, it’s gorgeous rustic looking bread that will look and taste fabulous at your table.
They also do catering and you’ll see them at multiple Farmers Markets.
2474 East Hastings
Monday CLOSED
Tues CLOSED
Wed – Sun 8 am-4 pm
https://www.tallshadowbakery.com
Donald’s Market
No surprise Donalds made the list! Best grocery store for miles, with a great blend of inexpensive, quality produce, organic foods, and natural products.
Bonus: As of spring 2023 Donald’s now houses Chestnut Cafe, a local Tea Shop with a vast selection of loose tea leaves and yummy Japanese tea lattes.
https://donaldsmarkethastings.com/
https://www.instagram.com/chestnutscafe123
Gourmet Warehouse
Great place for foodies! Gourmet Warehouse is a unique specialty food and housewares emporium for both professional and home cooks. They have an amazing selection of everything for the kitchen.
1340 Hastings
Open daily 10-6
BEST GIFT SHOPPING
Make It
Largest selection of local products and handcrafted items all under one roof and within walking distance! Lots of handmade items, great artists and good festive food.
PNE Forum
December 12-15, 2024
Thursday 5pm – 9pm
Friday 11am – 9pm
Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm
Billy Would
Cutest little store right next to Jam, carries reclaimed wood jewelry and accessories, beautiful pottery along with other curated handmade pieces by local independent designers.
2168 East Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1V1
Tues.- Sat. 11am-6pm
Sunday 11am-5pm
Mucker Next Door
Located right next door to Dachi (and my massive billboard), they have curated a selection of beautifully crafted, locally made goods. Their collection includes pieces from talented Vancouver makers like Daisy Brown Ceramics, Homecoming Incense, and Good Mood Bunch Flowers.
2297 East Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1V3
Monday – Wednesday: Closed
Thursday – Sunday: 10am – 6pm
https://www.muckernextdoor.com
Georgia General
Hosting an ever-changing collection of unique and wonderful items, as well as a host of household essentials, grocery staples, plants, gifts & art. Not to mention a whole room full of vintage clothing and jewelry. Great spot for last minute gifts!
706 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC
Sun, Mon, Wed-Sat 12pm-6pm
Tues CLOSED
BEST SPOTS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY GLOW UP
Republic of East Van Barber Shop
Punk rock barber shop where style and attitude meet tradition.
Their mission is to be an important part of the community and not just give great cuts but to host art shows, book releases, events and of course, play pinball.
22564 E Hastings
10 am- 5:30 pm daily
https://www.roevbarbershop.com
The Ravishing Lady Lounge
Luscious lashes! Mia is the best, sweet and meticulous.
3535 E Hastings St, Vancouver, V5K 2A8
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday: by Appointment
https://theravishingladylounge.com
Mintage
Vancouver’s largest vintage clothing store, high-end, quality goods and best spot for wacky Christmas sweaters!
1714 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC
Monday to Saturday 11 a.m – 7 p.m
Sunday and Holidays 11 a.m – 6 p.m
BEST FOR DECKING THE HALLS
Poinsettias, holly, florals create a beautiful festive atmosphere! Plus…chocolate!!
Studio Full Bloom
Holiday FLORALS gifts and décor with BONUS a side of vintage and East Van boho chic.
1319 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC
Mon – Sat: 10:30am – 5:30pm
Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
Jam Florist
Flowers bring happiness which is why the owners of Jam focus on selling joy to all their customers. Great selection, lovely bouquets and they are open Sundays!
2190 East Hastings St, V5L 1V1
10am – 6pm weekdays, 10am-5pm weekends *closed on Tuesdays*
Licorice Parlour
Hand-made licorice treats and chocolates. So good.
1002 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W9
Monday – Friday 11 am – 6 pm
Saturday 11 am – 6:30 pm
Sunday 12pm – 6 pm
https://www.facebook.com/TheLicoriceParlour
BEST LIBATIONS
Liberty wine and Beer
They have been on a mission to provide rare and unique wines to Vancouver since 1986: artisan wines by small-batch producers, from family vineyards that have been passed down through multiple generations, and many of which still use the traditional methods which impart the wines with a true sense of place. They have a great selection and extremely helpful staff with a lot of knowledge!
1622 Commercial Drive
Open until 11pm – 7 days a week
https://www.libertywinemerchants.com/
Resurrection Spirits
Hidden in plain sight, Resurrection Spirits brings Vancouver’s rebellious past to life, crafting small-batch spirits with 100% BC rye grain in the heart of East Vancouver’s industrial district. Each bottle captures the city’s bold spirit and commitment to quality, authenticity, and timeless craftsmanship. Such a cool spot!
1672 Franklin Street
https://www.resurrectionspirits.ca
Brewery Tie! Bomber Brewing, Powell Brewery & Parallel 49 Brewing Company
Full disclosure, I can’t choose because some of my besties run these breweries!
Classic & creative craft beers proudly brewed in East Van, all three have tasting rooms, food trucks parked in or around the Brewery and award winning beer.
Bombers Brewing
1488 Adanac
Open 7 days a week 12-9
Powell Brewery
1357 Powell
Mon: Closed
Tue to Thu: 2pm – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 10pm
Sun: 12pm – 8pm
Parallel 49 Brewing Company
1950 Triumph
BEST PLACE TO WORK OFF HOLIDAY TREATS
Swan Pilates
My fave new workout spot! Swan opened in 2023. If you haven’t tried it, pilates strengthens the mind and body and everyone there is so sweet. They have individual and group classes.
2542 E Hastings St. Vancouver BC V5K 1Z3
Monday to Friday: 8 am- 8 pm
Saturday: 8 am – 3 pm
Sunday: 9 am – 1 pm
Britannia Rink
Even if it’s been years since you last strapped on skates, ice skating is a fun way to spend time with friends or family. Lace up, enjoy some music, and glide around during one of the daily public skating sessions or stick and puck times.
Britannia Community Center
1661 Napier
Pandora Park
Basketball, tennis and, you guessed it- PICKLEBALL! No matter how chilly, you can get moving here, or grab a coffee from Platform 7 and be lazy while you watch your dog get exercise in the dog off leash park.
2325 Franklin
EMERGENCY VET CARE
Canada West Veterinary Specialists
Emergency pet service 24/7 In case your dog steals chocolate from gift bags! I went through on a Christmas Eve, and these people saved my doggo!
1988 Kootenay Street
Open 24 hours/7 days a week
BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER
Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre
Founded by community members and guided by a board of community volunteers, the HSCPC makes the neighbourhood safer, cleaner and more livable. This is a great time to give back to the community!
2620 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z6
Mon-Fri 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Sat 10 am-4 pm
Sun CLOSED
https://hastingssunrisecpc.com/
BEST REALTOR
ME!
Have a wonderful holiday season and best wishes for the new year!
Lara Davis Personal Real Estate Corporation
Vancouver, BC
604-868-8208