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The Metro Vancouver transit network is quite efficient, and it’s a good tool if you’re looking to do some grocery shopping in the region.
Grocery shopping specifically can be a drag when there’s a ton of travel involved, particularly if you don’t drive a vehicle or are trying to cut down on driving due to crazy gas prices in Metro Vancouver.
Thankfully, you don’t need to carry heavy bags around for great distances in these transit-friendly shopping areas.
Commercial Drive
Italian flag-coloured crosswalks on Commercial Drive to celebrate Vancouver’s Little Italy district. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
Let’s get some of the obvious ones out of the way first, starting with Commercial Drive, which is one of the best areas to go grocery shopping in all of Metro Vancouver, not just because it’s transit-friendly, but because there are so many options on The Drive.
If you’re looking for produce, there’s no shortage of independent and multicultural spots on Commercial, like Persia Foods Produce Markets, City Avenue Market, Mediterranean Specialty Foods, and Solo Market.
If you’re looking for a larger grocer, Safeway is steps from the SkyTrain entrance. Though that Safeway might soon be a relic of the past.
Broadway-City Hall
FIFA World Cup street banners on Cambie Street outside Broadway-City Hall Station, as seen on May 21, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
The Broadway-City Hall Station is a very convenient place to get to via the Canada Line, and it features some nice options.
With a short walk from the station, you can find a Whole Foods, a No Frills, a Save-On Foods, and a Canadian Tire. There’s also a SunGiven Foods inside City Square Market.
If you need a coffee to fuel your shopping trip, there’s no shortage of options in the area.
Chinatown
“Humanity Heals” heart mural at Keefer House hotel in Vancouver Chinatown. (Keefer House)
Vancouver’s Chinatown is a treasure trove of history, but also delights for the senses.
Chinatown isn’t quite as convenient as Commercial Drive when it comes to transit proximity, but it’s definitely not a far walk from the Main SkyTrain Station and Stadium SkyTrain Station, depending on the part of the neighbourhood you’re trying to get to.
Chinatown is where you can find one of the city’s most beloved grocery stores, Sunrise Market. Tin Lee Market is another shop that offers high-quality produce at affordable prices. There is also a T&T, which is right next to Stadium SkyTrain Station.
Another plus: it happens to be home to Vegan Supply, one of the only fully plant-based grocery stores in B.C.
The Vancouver Chinatown area also boasts what is presumably the most transit-friendly Costco in the entire world, as there’s one located right at Stadium-Skytrain.
Lonsdale Quay
Lonsdale Quay Market
Who says grocery shopping can’t be fun? In fact, you can have a little adventure over the Burrard Inlet on the SeaBus over to North Vancouver to the Lonsdale Quay, which is a great destination to get some shopping done.
That includes the Lonsdale Quay Market, which is home to a food hall and various vendors.
There’s also the Farmers Market, which runs from June to September every Wednesday afternoon.
Since we’ve mentioned a public market, we’d love to include Granville Island in this piece, but unfortunately, it’s not really the most transit-friendly destination.
The New West Quay
“We Are One Mural” in New Westminster. (Downtown New West BIA)
The New West Quay is right next to New West SkyTration Station, which is actually a bustling and thriving little area full of hidden gems.
At New West station, there’s a Safeway, and it’s one of the nicer ones in Metro Vancouver. Closer to the water, you’ll find another City Avenue Market location, where there are often deals to be had on groceries and other goods.
Then there’s the main River Market area, which features over 20 vendors, including Great Wall Tea, a tea-lovers paradise. The market also has a shop called Pamola Bakery & Deli, an affordable spot for savoury and sweet treats.
Richmond
Koshiro K/Shutterstock
If you find yourself in or near Richmond and remember you need some things for dinner, there are actually a few areas of the island city that are convenient and transit-friendly.
Near Aberdeen Station, you’ll find the T&T Osaka Branch, which is inside Yaohan Centre. Additionally, Yaohan Centre itself has a plethora of shopping options.
There’s another T&T near Lansdown Station, and then by Richmond-Brighouse Station, you can find a PriceSmart Foods.
While not quite Richmond, Marine-Gateway Station also has a T&T.
Surrey
The platform level at the Expo Line’s Surrey Central Station. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
We couldn’t put out this post without showing Surrey some love.
Both Surrey Central and King George SkyTrain stations are great spots to do some shopping. It also emphasizes just how many T&T’s there are across the region that are transit accessible. There’s a T&T inside Central City Shopping Centre, just a few minutes away from Surrey Central Station.
If you’re looking for shops that specialize in Indian food, the King George and Surrey Central areas have plenty of options that are within walking distance, including Big Bazaar and Lucky Supermarket.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list of transit-friendly grocery destinations in Metro Vancouver, we hope it’s a helpful starting point.