Finding The Start
driveTREEmap is a circular walk so you can pick it up at any point. However, it has been designed to be taken clockwise and the recommended starting point is just one block north from the main public transport hub at Commercial Drive and Broadway. Here you will find the Sky Train and bus stops to get in and out of the area. For public transport information use Translink
How long does the walk take?
2 – 3 hours
This self-guided walking route is approximately 8km in length, which if you walked without stopping to enjoy the action, would probably take you around 2-3 hours. To really enjoy the trees and the Drive we recommend taking a whole day.
Start in the morning and enjoy lunch on The Drive. With loads of restaurants and cafes to choose from, you will not be short of options. Afterwards, continue the walk taking in all the wonderful view points across the city as you reach the southern end of the walk. Take a break at Trout Lake where you can relax and enjoy neighbourhood life in full swing. Sunset at the lake is always nice, but be sure to leave enough daylight to complete the route and end up back at Commercial Drive in time for dinner.
Theme – The Roots of a Name
Each of our tree maps have a theme and for this one we have chosen to look more closely at the naming of trees. Often the roots of common names are interestingly clever and tell you much about the tree. Once you have mastered the common name, you can then really show off by learning the scientific or botanical name. These are usually long Latin words but when translated are often very simply constructed. By understanding where names came from and learning english translations it becomes easier to remember which tree is which. It also help with tree identification if that is your goal. Often the common names of flora vary around the globe and between different indigenous and non-indigenous peoples of the same region. The Latin names are there to try to overcome this in particular for science, where a universal nomenclature is used to avoid confusion. A good example is the tree Horse Chestnut, which in some countries it is known as a Buckeye. In science everyone calls it Aesculus hippocastanum.
What is Commercial Drive like?
Commercial Drive is a well known part of town. So much so that it’s often just referred to as The Drive. No visitor should leave Vancouver without having experienced this exceptionally special street and the neighbourhood of East Vancouver that surrounds it. Over the years, it has garnered a bit of a reputation. Perhaps once unfairly thought of as a slightly dubious locale, these days the community of Commercial Drive has shown that cultural difference and alternative endeavour are the cornerstones of a great community. Like the best parts of all cities, its multi-cultural inhabitants are maybe a bit more creative thinking than you might find elsewhere. Proud of its history of political and social counter-culture, Commercial Drive continues to radiate energy and life-force in abundance. These days outsiders want in on the action, and the influx of wealth and gentrification of the area have perhaps made The Drive a bit more presentable as a likely day-trip for tourists visiting Vancouver. With now close to 100 restaurants, funky gift and clothing stores, delis and other speciality food stores, Commercial Drive attracts many visitors. In addition to all that goes on on the Drive, which is a lot, there are some great parks and green spaces just off it, and in nearby streets. These parks are also a hub of community activity and an insight into cultural life. Just by hanging out here you will pick up the vibe of the area and how the locals live. We will introduce you to some other great things that the area is known for along the way but be alert to the fact that there is an incredible amount of creativity on every corner.
