Cedar Cottage: From its Beginnings to Now

This bustling East Vancouver neighbourhood has seen plenty of transformation since its inception. 

The area north of Kingsway to Broadway and between Clark (Knight) Street and Nanaimo Street is now known as Cedar Cottage. Residents and visitors enjoy spectacular views year-round at the highest east/west ridge of land in the City of Vancouver. Cedar Cottage views have something for everyone, whether it's the snow-capped North Shore mountains during winter or a busy urban landscape throughout the rest of the year.

A Rich History 

Long before vibrant culturally diverse cuisine and knick-knack stores established themselves, the Cedar Cottage neighbourhood in East Vancouver had a rich history post-settlement. Located close to downtown and the vibrant cultural hub of Commercial Drive, Cedar Cottage developed along a corridor of land purchased by pioneers of the Granville townsite.

Electric Street Cars 

Originally known as Westminster Road, the street today known as Kingsway came to life thanks to new technology. An interurban tram system featuring electric streetcars resulted in a transportation route from Vancouver to New Westminster. This new transportation system catalyzed areas like Cedar Cottage to grow their populations and establish busy commercial and retail hubs.

The Little Saigon Business District 

In 2011, Vancouver City council approved the name “Little Saigon” for the area near Kingsway and Knight Street with many Vietnamese restaurants and stores. Whether you’re seeking a crispy banh mi baguette sandwich with shredded chicken and pickled veggies or a fresh and flavourful bowl of pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), Little Saigon delivers. This area is another example of the many cultural and culinary delights that await you in the Cedar Cottage neighbourhood.   

Cedar Trees and Salmon-Bearing Streams

Before we go any further, let’s rewind to a time before grainy black-and-white photographs began to capture the visual history of the area. Cedar Cottage was named for a spectacular grove of cedar trees that shaded salmon-bearing streams such as Gibson Creek that flowed into the China Creek system.

A Beloved Brewery    

Fast forward to 1901, when George Raywood established the Cedar Cottage Brewery on Kingsway. This establishment later became known as Benson’s. Before there was a Safeway grocery store at Kingsway and Knight, the brewery would deliver bottled beer to your door for 75 cents (not adjusted for inflation).

Enjoy Nature Around Trout Lake Park

The crown jewel of the Cedar Cottage neighbourhood is Trout Lake. Now a large urban park featuring a freshwater lake, Trout Lake is located between Victoria and Nanaimo streets starting north of East 19th Avenue. 

Trout Lake is a popular area for families and people of all ages to enjoy a natural oasis in the middle of an urban area. Trout Lake Park (also known as John Hendry Park) also features a thriving farmer’s market in the summer months packed with thousands of people seeking fresh produce, artisanal goods, and incredible food trucks.

Over time, this east van neighbourhood's ‘cottage’ connotation decreased in relevance as the Kingsway corridor became a major route for commuters. With cars, retail stores, and business establishments along most of its length, Kingsway is a vital transportation artery connecting East Vancouver to areas near and far.

A Vibrant Cultural Mosaic

Cedar Cottage's defining attributes are its social and demographic mix. The neighbourhood is a vibrant mosaic of cultural groups that make a rich and diverse contribution to society. Walking down Kingsway, you'll find a tantalizing array restaurants—everything from Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Mexican, and Italian food, and much more.

Cedar Cottage is a busy urban area with beautiful views and a convenient location close to downtown, Commercial Drive, and much more.

Find Your Home in this East Vancouver Neighbourhood 

A rich culture, great outdoor spaces, and a compelling neighbourhood history help Cedar Cottage stand out—making it an excellent place to call home.

Contact Connie Buna today if you want to buy or sell a home in Cedar Cottage or another unique East Van neighbourhood. You can reach her by phone: at (778) 689-7653 or by email: at connie.buna@gmail.com. 

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