Two Canadian streets make ‘coolest’ list
Commercial Drive in Vancouver and Saint-hubert Plaza in Montreal have been named among the “30 coolest streets in the world.” In a survey conducted by Time Out, the British Columbia thoroughfare in East Vancouver landed fifth, behind only boulevards in Melbourne, Hong Kong, Austin in Texas and Buenos Aires. The London-based magazine praised the Vancouver street for remaining “defiantly ungentrified” and for boasting a range of shops and boutiques selling vintage and ethically sourced goods. “Sure, there's a low-flying doughnut chain outlet and one of the street's best (former) dives is now a generic watering hole, but nearly everything else is unique and one-of-a-kind,” the editors said. The “Drive” — as it's known — has yet to fully shake off its post-pandemic malaise, however, losing three of its five live-entertainment venues. “But it's still the best hang-out-andpeople-watch show in town,” the publication said. Montreal's Saint-hubert landed in the
27th spot — a “Latin enclave and hipster hot spot” that is
“ripe for exploring whatever the season.” The editors described its vibe as “deliciously relaxed.” Rounding out the top 10 were Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur; Rua da Boavista, Lisbon; Arnaldo Quintela, Rio de Janeiro; Chazawa-dori, Tokyo; and Consell de Cent, Barcelona. Describing streets as “the heart of local life,” Time Out consulted a network of local experts and contributors to compile the guide. It said: “Ticking off the main tourist attractions on a city break is all well and good, but it's only when you veer off down a side street or stumble across a leafy avenue that you really get a glimpse of a city's true character.”