Car free day in Vancouver

Every summer, varying neighborhoods in Vancouver host a car free day, where locals are encouraged to come out (sans car, of course) and mingle with their fellow city-dwellers. This year’s car free day just so happens to fall onto Fathers Day, June 20. The neighborhoods that will be partaking in this event are Kitsilano, Commercial, Main St, the West End and new-comer, North Van!

Photo by : jmv on Flickr

Main St will shut down from 16th to 33rd avenue and you can count on different vendors, musicians and other entertainment to keep you busy as you walk those blocks. Main St has tons of great shops and cafes, so make sure to take a peek and see if you can find any lovely treasures. The street will be open (closed to cars) from 10am to 10pm and the actual event will start at noon and finish around 8pm.

Commerical Street started in inaugural event and they continue to press on. This year it’s expected that 30,000 people will attend Commercial’s car free day. Commercial will be closed down to cars from 1st to Venables, from 10am to 8pm, but the festivities will happen between noon and 6pm. I know it sounds redundant, but Commericial has some amazing spots to grab a coffee, a bite to eat, or to sit back and watch the world go by. We’re lucky to live in a city where there’s no shortage of great stores, cafes and restaurants.

The West End car free day is where I have spent my time each year, as it’s closer to my ‘hood’ and I can say that I’ve always enjoyed wandering down Davie and seeing what’s on tap. Located in Vancouver’s gay district, there are plenty of fab personalities and warm welcomes all around. There’s a stage where musicians jam for eager ears and plenty of vendors set up along Davie. Denman St will be closed from Robson to Davie St, while the Nelson St. intersection will remain open. There are tons of great cafes, restaurants and shops in the area, so take advantage of them while you’re there.

Kits’ car free day is a little different because the highlight is the 25 block parties planned for the day. Bop around from outdoor living room to outdoor living room and enjoy dancing, music and potlucks! And, if the weather’s nice, why not head down to Kits, Jericho or Spanish Banks beaches to soak up some sun and have stellar views of the bay and North Shore?

This is North Vancouver’s first year hosting their own car free day and it’s sure to be a  hit! They will be closing down 3rd to Esplanade on Lonsdate Ave and they too will be hosting it from noon to 6pm.

The best part about Car Free day in the city is that it’s totally free! Vancouver’s public transportation (Translink) will be adding in extra buses to their regular services to accommodate all us non-driving folk. Walk, ride your bike, Rollerblade or skateboard your way to the festivities, but whatever you do, don’t drive.

For more information, head over to Car Free Vancouver Day’s website. I highly recommend that you go and check at least one of the neighborhoods out.

Follow them on Twitter: @CarFreeYVR