Strathcona is one of Vancouver’s earliest neighbourhoods, known for its rows of restored Victorian and Queen Anne-style homes, overflowing patches of flowers, vibrant arts scene, and welcoming corner stores that have withstood the test of time, becoming only more and more charming and inviting as the years roll by.
According to the City, Strathcona grew out of the shacks and small buildings that once sat around the original Hastings Mill site. What started in 1865 as a single pioneer store where locals would swap stories and provisions blossomed into a diverse community of Vancouver and Victoria-born residents and immigrants from the U.S. and the Caribbean.
The origins of “Hogan’s Alley”
The neighbourhood also plays a significant role in Vancouver’s Black history, as the majority of the city’s Black population lived in Strathcona from around 1910 to 1940, according to the Vancouver Black Library (VBL).
At this time, local businesses were established around a “T” intersection at Park Lane and what would become known as “Hogan’s Alley.” The VBL explains that before Hogan’s Alley existed in Vancouver, it was the name of a wildly popular, racist comic in Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World, which started in March 1895.
The comic depicted highly stereotyped children’s lives in the slums of the Lower East Side of Manhattan, known for its central character, “the Yellow Kid.”
“Since then, the name ‘Hogan’s Alley’ has been used to refer to neighbourhoods perceived as criminal, poor, and usually racialized,” adds the VBL. Another example of this is B.C.’s former “red light district,” Rossland, which was also known as “Hogan’s Alley” during the mid-20th century.
In both cases, the name was meant to stigmatize and discriminate against Black residents and reduce the community to a ghetto. But its incredible restaurants and nightlife always proved otherwise.
Before the 1950s, Strathcona was known simply as the “East End,” with a streetcar running along East Georgia Street from Main Street to Victoria Drive. Once the ’50s rolled around, urban planners tried to designate the neighbourhood as a “slum,” putting forth a motion to demolish homes in favour of a freeway and other housing projects. While Strathcona’s residents ultimately organized and prevailed, it wasn’t before 15 blocks of the neighbourhood were destroyed.
Despite this heavy loss, the community managed to stand up to the City, saving Gastown and Chinatown from similar redevelopment. In 1968, Strathcona’s residents convinced federal, provincial, and municipal governments to back a $5-million rehabilitation project that included homes, street and sidewalk repairs, and the creation of new parks.
Their efforts are the reason why Strathcona has retained its strong sense of community today, continuing to flourish as a lively urban village, according to the Strathcona Residents Association.
A common misconception is that Vancouver’s Black community settled solely in the small area of Hogan’s Alley. On the contrary, the community’s influence can be seen throughout Strathcona and Vancouver at large. Just as the XwMuthkwium (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Tsleil-Waututh Nations long preceded the creation of Canada, so too did the Black community in Strathcona.
Public art
Today, vibrant murals adorn Strathcona’s neighbourhood streets and alleys, telling stories of the area’s past, present, and hopes for the future. While the scene is always evolving with new street art on display, there are a handful of longstanding murals to check out the next time you’re in the area.
One great way to immerse yourself in the local arts scene is to attend one of Strathcona’s many beloved annual events. This includes the Eastside Arts Fest, which typically takes place in July, and the iconic Eastside Culture Crawl in the fall. The latter opens the doors of hundreds of artist studios and creative spaces over a weekend, allowing artists and makers of all kinds to showcase their work and engage with the community.
Neighbourhood coffee shops and corner stores
We don’t know about you, but we’re big coffee and matcha lovers, and Strathcona has both in spades.
Some of our personal favourite spots include Union Market, a beloved cafe-bakery that’s become a fixture in the community for its amazing sourdough, authentic pastel de nata, and inventive sips like the Sour Cherry Matcha and Espresso Tonic. Situated adjacent to a bike path, it’s a great spot to slow down, catch some rays (or shade) on either their front or back patio, or catch up with a friend.
Less than five minutes away by MacLean Park, you’ll find another adorable coffee shop called Wilder Snail, which doubles as a neighbourhood grocer.
Rise Up Marketplace (in the spot of the former Vernon Drive Grocery) is another local fixture that marries Caribbean flavours with Strathcona’s affinity for community pop-up events. While they’ve only been open three years, Rise Up has already amassed the love and support of the entire Strathcona community and beyond, and pays the same forward with a welcoming, inclusive environment where people can gather for a bite to eat on their patio, a couple of rounds of Pac-Man, or one of their monthly block parties.
Here, their most popular menu items include their Jamaican patties, Jerk Chicken Sandwich, and snickerdoodles.
Benny Foods has been family-owned and operated for over 100 years, celebrated for its famous “Benny Burger” and a variety of imported and local specialty grocery items.
The Garden Strathcona is an absolute haven for plant lovers and coffee aficionados, and of course, Finch’s baguette sandwiches are always a hit.
You’ll find one of the best cappuccinos in the city by far at Yuán Coffee, which imports its coffee beans directly from Japan.
Looking for a grassy spot to call your own for the afternoon? Pull up to MacLean Park for three more Sunday afternoons of live music on the following days:
- Aug. 24, 2025: Accordion Noir Fest (2 to 5 p.m.)
- Sept. 7, 2025: Jamie Macdanger, Arsenic & Old Lace, Likewise Band (2 to 5 p.m.)
- Sept. 21, 2025: Sight Curve, The Continentals, The Side Project (2 to 5 p.m.)
Oh, and don’t forget to grab a scoop from the iconic La Casa Gelato, which has been a staple for 40 years.
Food and drink
Once it’s time for dinner, you’ve got a variety of global cuisines to choose from.
- Axum Restaurant has the best Ethiopian food we’ve ever tried.
- Fujiya Foods has delicious sushi rolls and bowls to enjoy on the go, and they’re made fresh daily.
- Bodega on Main is a staple for Spanish paella and happy hour.
- Sarashpaz is a must-visit for lovers of Turkish and Persian food.
- The Boxcar is famous for its craft cocktails, beer, and pizza. Pro tip: Check out their back patio for the Grape Vibes natural wine bar pop-up!
Those looking to hit up one or a handful of craft breweries have plenty of options within and adjacent to Strathcona. From zesty, unique sours to boundary-pushing IPAs, Strathcona is practically the centre of the Yeast Vancouver craft beer community:
Whether it’s a pint, a coffee walk, or a community block party you’re after, you’re sure to find it all in Vancouver’s Strathcona.
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