If you walked down Commercial Drive recently looking for a specialized soda or a “glizzy,” you were likely met with a sad sight.
The Drive Canteen has cleared out its space.
It appears to be another quiet casualty in Vancouver’s hospitality scene.
In a move that has confused regulars, the business didn’t just close its doors; it seemingly vanished from the digital world too.
The shop’s Instagram account has been completely deactivated.
Their Facebook page hasn’t seen an update since April.
While there was no “official” goodbye letter posted to the community, Google Maps has marked the location as “Permanently Closed.”
A recent Google review indicates that the shop actually stopped serving back in late October.
This is a tough loss for the neighbourhood.
Established in 2021, The Drive Canteen was more than just a convenience store; it was a “third space” that felt distinctly East Van.
It was arguably ahead of the curve.
The shop was one of the first in B.C. to create a dedicated “sober bottle shop” experience, offering premium non-alcoholic wines and spirits long before the trend fully took off.
It was also a snack lover’s paradise.
Locals flocked there for the “Vancouver Glizzies” (hot dogs), “Na’Cho” nachos, and their famous house-made freeze-dried candy experiments.
We’ve definitely made a pit stop or two during summer for their screamers, too.
It was a rare spot where you could buy a bag of exotic chips, a non-alc beer, and a treat for your dog all in one run.
However, there might be a small silver lining.
Rumours suggest that the owners may be looking for a different location back on the Drive, though nothing has been confirmed.
For now, though, the shelves are bare and the lights are off.
The Drive Canteen now joins a growing list of recent closures in the city, following the exits of Bar Haifa, Coo Coo Coffee, and Chewies.
We will keep an eye out to see if they resurface.
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Address: 1111 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X3