strathcona Tag

Vancouver has so many great places to grab a cup – here are the best coffee shops in Strathcona.

Strathcona is filled with exceptional coffee roasters and cozy cafes serving up great cups of coffee with incredible ambiance. Here you can find everything from in-house roasters to perfectly pulled espresso to the loveliest of latte art. It’s truly a coffee connoisseur’s dream *insert heart-eye emojis here*.

Some of Vancouver’s best coffee shops live in the heart of Strathcona. We’re proud to have almost a dozen unique and inviting cafes in our little neighbourhood alone. You will find exceptional blends and delicious aromas from locally-owned coffee shops and cafes. Each space represents a little piece of the heart and soul of Strathcona.

However, it doesn’t stop there. If java isn’t your thing, rest assured you can find plenty of delicious snacks, lunch items, teas, and tonics as well – something for everyone!

Here’s a full list of Strathcona’s best places to find coffee and more.

@oidecoffee

From the folks behind the former Gastown coffee stand Iktsuarpok Coffee Stand, Oidé Coffee took over the old Agro Roasters on Clark Drive this past Spring. According to their Instagram, they are still in their soft opening phase however you can still enjoy delicious coffee, teas and baked goods from Thursday to Sunday.

550 Clark Dr.

Hours:

Thurs – Sun: 10am – 4pm

Mon – Wed: Closed

@coastedencafe

They consider themselves more than a cafe. Eden is a social enterprise dedicated to providing the DTES with great coffee and food. They strive to provide a welcoming space for people from all walks of life.

643 East Hastings Street

Hours: Mon – Thurs: 8am – 4:30pm

Sat: 8am – 2pm

Sun: Closed

@thegardenstrathcona

The Garden is top of the list for aesthetically pleasing cafes in Strathcona. Aside from delicious coffee they also have amazing food, a curated retail section, and an entire banquet space that is rentable to the public.

868 E Hastings St. 

Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 am – 4 pm

@palletcoffee

There are few calmer vibes than the ones you experience walking into Pallet Coffee’s Strathcona location. High ceilings and wonderful daytime light make this Powell St. cafe one of our favourites to sit and stay awhile. You can also score their locally roasted beans to take home or order them online.

395 Alexander St. 

Hours: Mon – Fri: 8 am – 3 pm

Sat – Sunday: Closed

@riseupmarketplace

Rise Up Marketplace is a wonderful community gathering place where neighbourhood folks pop by for morning pick-me-up or come to settle in for a quiet lunch break. You can find freshly baked goods, yummy lunch specials, and of course a fine cup of coffee.

704 Vernon Dr.

Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 am – 6pm

Sat – Sun: 9 am – 4 pm

@prototype.coffee

Considered a micro-roastery Prototype is a unique space where you can find a perfectly designed roasting bar and brewing station all in one. The result is one fantastic cup of coffee. You’ll also find take-home beans, cold brews and best waffle-donut hybrid treat.

883 Hastings St.

Hours: Mon – Fri: 8 am – 4 pm

Sat – Sun: 9 am – 5 pm

@scavengercoffee

This quaint little coffee cart lives in Strathcona but can be found at various farmer’s markets, parks and events throughout the city serving hand-pulled espresso and a variety of tea-based drinks.

Various locations and times

@railtowncafe

Upon entering the Railtown Cafe the inviting smells of home-cooked comfort food will instantly tell you that this is so much more than a coffee shop. Serving local Moja beans Railtown Cafe is also not a place to sleep on when it comes to a coffee. We just recommend you arrive hungry.

397 Railway St. 

Hours: Mon – Fri: 8 am – 6 pm

Sat – Sun: 10 am – 4 pm

For an extensive list of Strathcona businesses visit our business directory here. 

Trick or Treat? Halloween Hop returns to Strathcona 🎃

It’s that time of year! The Strathcona Community Policing Centre and RayCam Co-operative Centre, in partnership with Strathcona BIA, will be hosting the third annual Halloween Hop in Strathcona. Several of our local businesses will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters in the 800 Block of East Hastings from 3:30pm to 5pm on October 31 Halloween Day.

Join Strathcona’s most colourful block for a fun and spooky afternoon! This event is free to attend and all are welcome. The Strathcona Halloween Hop walking route starts at RayCam Co-operative Centre at Campbell Ave and East Hastings St. Enjoy treats provided by local businesses, a photo booth, and an activity zone with fun for the whole family.

It’s the perfect event to kick off your Halloween festivities! We hope to see you there.

Strathcona is a hub for creative agencies of all kinds.

From branding and marketing to VFX and animation there are so many unique businesses to discover that work within this space. 

You can find at least a dozen businesses located in our Vancouver neighbouhood that can get the job done for almost all of your creative needs. Keep reading for an extensive list of creative agencies in Strathcona – we hope you discover something new!

If you are a creative agency in Strathcona and would like to be added to the list please contact info@strathconabia.com

weareskeletoncrew.ca

A creative studio specializing in brand and communications. Whether they’re building a brand from the ground up, or creating a campaign that makes one famous, crafting ideas that have real depth and relevance is what puts wind in their sails.

mondaycreative.co

Brand and marketing strategists, writers, and designers who’ve honed their craft at fast-moving direct-to-consumer brands and agencies. They’ve come together to help boundary-pushing performance brands reach new heights. 

burnkit.com

Burnkit is brand and digital. Driven by ideas, inspired by technology, and passionate about elevating design, they are a creative studio that works with best-in-class brands across a variety of sectors and industries. They provide services for interactive, brand development, graphic identity, packaging and print design.

form3.com

At Form3, industrial designers work together with product engineers, resulting in a powerful union of technical and aesthetic expertise. They share a passion for design and a desire to make the world a better place through long-lasting, high-quality products. Their diverse team of international designers come from a mixture of disciplines, including Industrial Design, Product Design, and various engineering backgrounds.

wethecollective.com

We the Collective helps entertainment brands better understand, engage, and relate to youth audiences through digital experiences. They create fun, educational and immersive marketing experiences that are never about the hard sell, and always about connecting to the brand. Specializing in Video Games, Toys, Movies & Television, and Music. A digital-first creative agency.

higharchy.com

Brand builders, believers in the magic of an idea and driven to win. They are people who love what they do, where they do it and that their work is driven by purpose. They build and invest in cannabis brands that give back to people and the planet.

goldtooth.com

Goldtooth is an award-winning creative agency, production company, animation, live action and VFX studio, based in Vancouver, BC.

fuseinteractive.ca

A seasoned group of planners, designers & developers with years of experience making simple and complex websites & applications (and everything in between).

thebannermen.com

The Bannermen design banner ads for websites, social media & programmatic advertising campaigns. They are the digital display, MPU & rich media specialists. With offices in London, UK and Vancouver, Canada, they have not one but two offices ready to help you get your digital display campaigns out the door.

hotsoupgroup.com

Hot Soup Marketing Group is a vertically integrated network of creative teams, aligned to help you navigate today’s complex marketing systems. As a group, their mission is simple: they build relationships with clients to drive progress, process, and change. Hot Soup Marketing Group provides its clients with strategic marketing services, branding and campaign management. But more importantly, they believe in nurturing a relationship that fosters growth.

domain7.com

Domain7 is a change agency fostering innovation through people-centric methods. Their vision is to co-create a more empathetic world. They offer a holistic set of services to achieve meaningful organizational change, including digital transformation, facilitation and workshops, organization design, and digital civic engagement.

wearejunction.com

Junction builds digital from the inside out. Services include digital strategy, social media strategy, training program development, workshops, coaching, and team development.

Every week, Junction authors The Brief, a thoughtful email about what’s happening in digital, what you should (or shouldn’t) be paying attention to, and why it matters. Visit their website to learn more.

Chapel Arts creates one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces using local hardwood.

With a team of local makers from all walks of life Chapel Arts is located in the heart of Strathcona and produces beautiful hardwood pieces made from walnut, oak, maple and reclaimed fir.

Their stunning furniture and collector pieces are created from ethically sourced urban and rural hardwood trees, not from deforestation and traditional logging practices.

Read more about the Chapel Arts and the impact they are making in Strathcona and beyond.

When did your love for woodworking begin and when did you decide to turn your passion into a business?

How does your work impact or engage with the community?

Where can we find you?

Studio and shop at 305 Dunlevy Avenue.

Our showroom, West Coast Wood Slabs by Chapel Arts at 79 W 3^rd Ave.

Or online at chapelarts.com, Instagram at @chapelarts and @westcoastwoodslabs

Interested in meeting more Strathcona makers? Learn more about Settlement Brewing, Birdies, Scavenger Coffee, Orii Jewelry, Yardi Grabz, Living Lotus Chocolate and Awesome Sauce Designs.

From artist and maker spaces to meeting rooms and more here are 4 co-working spaces operating in Strathcona.

Co-working space and space sharing in Strathcona are on the rise. As the freelance economy grows in our city, so does the selection of uniquely wonderful co-working spaces.

Strathcona has long attracted those that are adaptable, inventive, non-conformist and genuinely creative. If you are a freelancer, entrepreneur, maker, or artist looking for the perfect workspace to build something meaningful, one of these Strathcona spaces may be for you. 

Here is a breakdown of the different features and amenities you’ll find.

If you are a co-working space in Strathcona and would like to be added to the list please contact info@strathconabia.com

Location: 308-877 E Hastings

Inviting, clean, and comfortable, MakeShift Work Space is a beautiful thirds floor space that gets flooded with natural light and boasts great views of the City and mountains. The space is designed to inspire productivity (think defined quiet work spaces, functional meeting rooms, private phone booths) while also encouraging members to connect in the social areas throughout the space.

Size:4250 sq ft

Services: shared or dedicated desk,  Private offices, virtual office, meeting space, event space rental

Special Features:

• Managed reception
• Super-fast wifi
• Innovative technology 
• 24/7 access
• Sit-stand desks
• Printer/copier/scanner
• Secure Bike Storage
• Equipped Kitchen

Pricing: https://makeshiftworkspace.com/coworking/

Location: 209-1275 Venables Street

Werklab is a hub for personal and professional development. With a focus on integrative wellness, Werklab provides members with a host of services and resources to ensure they are living their best lives all day every day. The space is carefully curated to allow spirituality, mindfulness, and wellness to flourish and in turn, inspire productivity and growth. 

Size: 3800 Sq ft  

Services: shared and dedicated desk space, private office, event space rental, photo studio rental, meeting space

Special Features:

• 24/7 access
• Mediation zone
• Daily wellness class
• Change room and beauty bar
• Aromatherapy station
• Secure bike room
• Printer
• Organized lunch service
• Discounts at partner businesses

Pricing: http://www.werklab.com/

Location: 780 E Cordova St

MakerLabs is a maker space in Vancouver that provides the tools, space and skills to make almost anything. The communal areas include a wood shop, metal shop, CNC router table, laser cutters, sewing machines, Design Lab with 3D printer, and electronics area. Each tool and work area has corresponding safety and orientation classes. In addition, MakerLabs has a coworking space, the CoLab, where members can work together in a quiet space. MakerLabs is a space of collective innovation with several access options, from drop-ins to full private studio space. 

Size: 42,000 sq ft

Services:, shared tool and work area space, private studio, meeting space, event space rental 

Special Features:

• Classes and Workshops
• Front Desk Reception (12pm-9pm)
• 24/7 access 
• Physical mailing address
• Communal social space
• Cooking space
• Tool Dashboard (to check status of tools)

Pricing: https://www.makerlabs.com/membership

Location: 552 + 554 Clark Drive

All are invited to come to play. SPACE seeks to foster a culture of innovation where connections between members generate new possibilities for projects and allow for ideas to become realized. The people at SPACE represent a diversity of disciplines, specialties and practices, including industrial design, biotech, woodworking, textile design and many more.

Services: Shared space access, designated desk, larger designated space for teams

Special Features:

• 24/7 Access
• Use of shared spaces
• Use of hand tools
• Storage for your tools and basic supplies
• Discounts at partner businesses
• Event space opportunities
• Emerging Artist Residency

Pricing: https://www.spacetospace.co/

Perspectives from our Executive Director

The Strathcona BIA is embarking on a strategic planning process centered on the future vision for economic development in the district. We caught up with our Executive Director, Vincent Kwan, to gain his perspectives on the exciting work ahead.

“Among the different conversations I have been having with SBIA members, the best description I have come across about Strathcona is that it is an imperfect yet resilient district that never stops evolving in order to adapt. It is a place where we can find points of tension between people who come with their own ideals, often looking towards the same goal but sometimes may diverge on the path to take. Ultimately, Strathcona is a district that can accommodate diversity.

The diversity of people and businesses within Strathcona is one of our key assets as an urban industrial district and an aspiring complete community.  This diversity is rooted in Strathcona’s unique history and continues to be shaped by entrepreneurs, investors, residents, planners, artists, community activists, political officials and, of course, the people who fuel the local economy as part of the workforce. This diversity of businesses and workforce is the economic driver of not only Strathcona but the local economy of the city and larger region of metro Vancouver. This diversity is what differentiates the Strathcona district and what anchors its competitive position for employee retention and market access. However, one must not lose sight of the fact that diversity, on its own, does not guarantee health and prosperity. Diversity is not the end goal but, instead, an essential condition for a resilient local economy that can benefit the entire community.

This diversity is a gift, but it is not permanent if we do not invest into caring for it. Nurturing this diversity requires investment into largely three areas of work. Firstly, we have to develop a continuous and deep understanding of the key economic drivers (people, organizations, infrastructures, policies) that make up this diversity. Only by fully appreciating the fundamental make-up of the economic drivers can we determine what we need to protect and where we need to attract investment. Secondly, we need to be strategic. We have to prioritize where we focus our development efforts so that Strathcona’s local economy can connect to the priorities, policies and potential of the wider city and regional economy. Lastly, we need to be effective in telling the Strathcona story as an urban industrial district and an economic driver for regional industry clusters. We need to be articulating our vision, goals and the values that Strathcona brings so that we can further attract entrepreneurs, investment and talents to the district and to continue to add to the diversity of this urban industrial district.

I often view Strathcona as a microcosm of the City of Vancouver. The tensions found in Strathcona also manifest in a similar fashion in the city and across the metro Vancouver region. On the same level, the economic potential and constraints of Strathcona also point to the opportunities and challenges of the city and region with inaction being our biggest collective threat in the near term. If Strathcona is an indicator for Vancouver’s performance, I am undeniably optimistic about the future while staying realistic and pragmatic towards the range of issues that are part and parcel of an imperfect society. 

In the next 12 months, our team at SBIA looks forward to the chance of working closely with our members through a visioning and planning process as we strive to define our district’s economic development priorities. Participation, input, ideas and guidance from Strathcona BIA members will be critical in this process. I can’t wait to get to work.”  

Bonnie is the founder of Make Nice Company – an eco-friendly dish soap company that aims to reduce plastic consumption worldwide.

Make Nice Company’s products are made right in Strathcona and use natural ingredients and delicious scents like citrus, eucalyptus and mint. Their ultra-concentrated dish soap replaces up to 3 bottles of traditional dish soap and their product line also includes accessories like scrub brushes and soap trays.

Get to know Bonnie and her journey below.

Tell us a bit about your business and what you do?

When did your love for soap begin and how did you decide to turn it into a business?

How does your work impact or engage with the community?

Where can we find you?

Check us out at makenicecompany.com or on social @makenicecompany. 

Interested in meeting more Strathcona makers? Learn more about Settlement Brewing, Birdies, Scavenger Coffee, Orii Jewelry, Yardi Grabz, Living Lotus Chocolate and Awesome Sauce Designs.

Vancouver Mural Festival 2022

It’s been another successful year of Vancouver Mural Festival and we’re thrilled to welcome some brand new murals to the Strathcona neighbourhood for 2022, including one sponsored by the Strathcona BIA. In total, four new murals came to the Clark Drive area this year as part of Vancouver Mural Festival in partnership with local property owners and businesses, adding a whole new level of vibrancy to this corridor. Along with traditional wall murals, 12 Strathcona BIA tree-planter murals in and around East Hastings were refreshed with a new mural design by Zac George.

Public art has the power to help strengthen the connections between all who share space here. We are proud to be a part of supporting more vibrant public murals for all to enjoy, in particular focusing on uplifting Indigenous artists and dedicating more visual space in Strathcona to their impactful work. 

To learn more about Strathona’s murals you can book a walking tour via Vancouver DeTours or visit vanmuralfest.ca for city-wide updates and info. Be sure to download their app for an up-to-date map of murals throughout the city. 

Here’s where you can find new Strathcona Murals.

VMF Map 

620 Clark Drive (at Frances St.)

Artist: Jennifer Clark

Title: Imaginal Discs

Jennifer Clark’s paintings explore themes around the natural world, psychology and the polarities of what it means to be human in our contemporary culture.  

Artist Statement:

This mural is located on a building that is home to Canada’s first Recovery Cafe operated by the Kettle Society. This space is a refuge for individuals seeking recovery from homelessness, poverty, isolation, substance use and other mental health challenges.

Butterflies and moths are the primary imagery representing symbols of transformation. Through the process of metamorphosis, they are changing, shifting, and forming. The same can be said for the community at Kettle, their lives are shifting in new directions. The flight of the butterfly is symbolic of hope, the yellow and blue squares reference light, matter, pixels, stars and individuals in a community, together. The white shapes in the background bring light, something necessary to illuminate a path forward. Nature carries within its design a kind of poetry that we can learn from.

Perhaps if we study and appreciate the complexity of nature we will take good care of it, as well as ourselves because the two are connected and are part of a bigger whole.

620 Clark Drive (at Frances St.)

Artist: Corey Bulpitt

Title: This is an Invitation to Leave Your Armour at the Door

Corey Bulpitt also known as Ta’kiid Aayaa or “Gifted Carver” by the Haida of the Naikun Raven clan, is from the Naikun Raven Clan. He completed his studies at Langley Fine Art School, apprenticed for Haida artist Christian White, and worked for Haida master carver Jim Hart at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, BC. Corey is a multimedia artist with a background as a graffiti artist and practice in totem pole and mask carving. 

Artist Statement:

This mural depicts a scene of sea, land and sky, with mountains and the moon in the background, with a killer whale fin, paddlers in a canoe and a cedar branch in the foreground.

The mountains represent what the Dudes have overcome, the paddlers represent the Dudes on their journey, the killer whale fin represents those that have gone on before them.

The moon represents the female energy which is important to them all even in this male-based group. The cedar branch represents medicine.

1295 Frances Street (Meridian Landscaping)

Artist: Caleb Ellison-Dysart

Title: miskinâhk

Caleb Ellison-Dysart is a nîhithaw (Cree) artist living on Coast Salish territories. His family comes from O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation & Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba, and the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Caleb specializes in 3D Animation, Murals, Design & Illustration. His process-driven work is finely crafted to celebrate Cree culture and incorporate stories that centre around physical and spiritual connections to land.

Artist Statement:

Turtle Island is the name that various Indigenous nations have always called “North America” since time immemorial. The name comes from oral histories and creation stories that tell of a turtle who holds the world on its back. It is important, now more than ever, that we take care of Turtle Island and all its inhabitants. Let’s not forget our responsibility to the life around us.

912 Clark Drive (Fujiya Japanese Foods)

Artist: Mia Okhi

Title: Protect Our Trees

Mia Ohki is a Métis-Japanese-Canadian Artist specializing in illustration.

Artist Statement:

“Protect Our Trees” features three bonsai trees: the first is a cherry blossom tree, the middle pot has a person in a kimono tending a fir tree sapling, and the last features a Japanese maple tree. The kimono is adorned with traditional Métis beadwork designs that connect to the roots of the sapling. The cherry blossom with the image of Japan’s Mount Fuji on the pot is protected by a shimenawa warding off evil spirits. The Japanese maple tree’s pot has Vancouver’s “The Lions” mountain range carved on its surface.

“千樹の森を守ろう” on the center pot roughly translates to “Protect Ancient Trees”, with emphasizes the importance of protecting sacred trees. Considering the long history of Fujiya in Vancouver, the title of the design has two meanings: we must protect the trees in British Columbia, pillars of the coastal forest, and we must support the pillar businesses of the Vancouver community.

Various locations

Artist: Zac George

Zac George is a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. He was born and raised in North Vancouver and now lives in Chehalis, BC. His work is inspired by his late grandparents, Chief Dan and Amy George, and Robert and Betty Edge. Zac studied carving with Don Joe of Chehalis and is proud to use the Coast Salish artistic style. He lives the rich cultural lifestyle of the Salish People: he is a hunter and a fisherman and follows the traditional spirituality practiced by his people for centuries.

Artist Statement: The sacred mountain sees everything and has the ability to pray for and watch over the people of Vancouver. Our mountains hold a lot of history and strength and if you look over to the North Shore, you’ll understand.

Bike To Shop returns this summer from August 13 – 21.

Hub Cycling’s Bike To Shop event is back this August 13 – 21. Local businesses in neighbourhoods across Metro Vancouver are offering amazing freebies and sweet deals for people biking to their businesses. 

Get on your bike and come join the Bike to Shop movement with us! As always, registration is 100% free. 

Register here and find the full schedule, including all participating businesses, here.

Visit these Strathcona businesses during Bike To Shop for great deals and delicious freebies.

Map of Itinerary

AWEN HAUS

780 E Cordova St

10% discount for anyone who bikes to Makerlabs.

Awen Haus is a collective of makers focused on beauty, function, quality, creativity, innovation and ingenuity. Come discover their products showcased under one roof at MakerLabs.

COASTAL EDEN CAFE

643 E Hastings St

One free baked good with a purchase of a coffee, tea, or smoothie. Until sold out. 

The Eden Cafe is a social enterprise, dedicated to providing great coffee and food in a welcoming space for people from all walks of life. All proceeds from the Eden Cafe go directly into the Eden DTES program.

CONTAINER BREWING

1216 Franklin St

Buy a beer to stay and get a free cookie. OR buy beer to go and get 15% off.  

Industrial-chic brewpub with a two-level tasting room and lounge, plus one of the best outdoor brewery patios in the city. Munch on eats from the Burdy food truck, including their legendary Chicken Parm sandwich.

ENTERPRISING WOMEN MAKING ART (EWMA)

800 E Hastings St

Complimentary coffee/iced tea. Plus enter to win an original art item from the EWMA Store with each purchase of $20 or more. 

EWMA supports emerging women artists and artisans in the Downtown Eastside community – over 30 local artists are featured at their store! When you shop local here, you support their programming that lifts women up in the community. Find greeting cards, specialty ornaments, pottery, beautiful jewelry and more.

LIVLITE

807 Powell St

Complimentary snacks and a coupon.  

Livlite provides zero waste groceries for delivery or pick-up in Strathcona. They carry everything from quality pantry staples, specialty brands, and tons of local produce and essentials. Goods are stored in returnable, reusable, or compostable vessels.

LUPPOLO BREWING

1123 Venables St

Buy a pizza and get a free beer.  

Your home away from home in the East Van brewery district. Enjoy their craft beers and delicious food – including incredible pizza by Mordimi Bite of Italy – in a warm and welcoming environment.

STRATHCONA BEER

895 E Hastings St

Buy a pint of beer and get an order of our garlic bites for free while quantities last daily. 

World class brewery right in the heart of Strathcona. The brewery focuses towards traditional European styles, global IPA styles, fruit beers, radlers and seasonal offerings. Their gourmet pizza is a neighbourhood favourite!

MAKERLABS

780 E Cordova St

The first 50 visitors who cycle to their Summer Social event will have the opportunity to paint and take home a free laser-cut coaster.

Only on August 13 from 3pm to 8pm. 

A maker space in Vancouver that provides the tools, space and skills to make almost anything. Communal areas include a wood shop, metal shop, CNC router table, laser cutters, sewing machines, Design Lab with 3D printer, and electronics area.

SETTLEMENT BREWING

55 Dunlevy Ave

Brewery Open House with summer beers. 

Only on August 14 from 2pm to 5pm. 

Brewing from the historic Settlement Building, this brewery is a place of collaboration, innovation, and fermenting friendships. Enjoy their beers at neighbouring Belgard Kitchen, or pick-up beers to-go from their retail shop.