Vancouver, March 10, 2025 - West 4th Avenue in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighborhood earned the nickname "Rainbow Road" in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a hub for counterculture movements, attracting artists, activists, and free spirits who embraced psychedelic culture and environmentalism. The "rainbow" symbolism reflected the eclectic, vibrant nature of the community, emphasizing peace, love, and diversity—core values of the hippie movement. The avenue featured vegetarian cafés, alternative bookstores, music shops, and health food stores, establishing itself as a cultural epicenter for those rejecting mainstream consumerism.

The Cafe

Among the founding businesses was The Naam, established in 1968, which reinforced the neighborhood’s reputation as a haven for health-conscious individuals, serving both vegetarians and vegans. Although Kitsilano has evolved into a more upscale area, traces of its "Rainbow Road" legacy remain, particularly in its community-oriented, environmentally conscious culture.

The Bookstore

During this transformative era, West 4th Avenue was home to notable bookstores like Banyan Books, which opened in 1970. This iconic spot became a gathering place for those interested in spirituality and holistic wellness, stocking books on yoga, meditation, and Eastern philosophy. Along with vegetarian cafés and music shops, these bookstores enriched the vibrant cultural fabric of Rainbow Road.

The Music Scene

The lively music scene of the 1960s saw the emergence of prominent stores like Rohan's Records, which not only offered a diverse selection of vinyl but also evolved into Rohan's Rockpile, a live music venue that became integral to the local music culture. It was the very first local club that had it's own sound system and lights. The place was tiny, no more than a storefront. Service was self-serve for the polite, and table service if you had patience to wait for your order. The Rockpile was across the street from Naam, now the site of the Karma Indian Bistro.

First Neighbourhood Pub

Finally, Bimini's Bar and Pub, which opened in 1974, holds the distinction of being the first neighborhood pub in British Columbia, named after the scenic Bimini Islands in the Bahamas. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Bimini's became a meeting place for Greenpeace activists. Today, it features a games room, jukebox, and patio, serving craft drinks and locally sourced pub food. The pub faced a significant setback in 2007 when a fire, ignited by a contractor, destroyed it just before a scheduled reopening after renovations.

Now under new ownership, Bimini's is re-emerging as “Bimini's Since 1975.” Owner Harsh Sharma, noted for his other Vancouver ventures like Bombay Kitchen + Bar and The Main, aims to honor the pub's rich history while also looking to the future.

Although the vibrant scene of "Rainbow Road" may exist only in people's memories, its legacy lives on through the enduring establishments, businesses, and pubs that continue to thrive in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighborhood. Each store and venue stands as a testament to the spirit of creativity, community, and alternative lifestyles that defined the era. From vegetarian cafés to iconic pubs, these establishments preserve the essence of that vibrant counterculture, connecting past and present while fostering a sense of belonging and shared ideals among both old-timers and new generations.

WBN News - Kitsilano Edition

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#Rainbow Road, #Kitsilano, #Vancouver History, #Counterculture, #Community Legacy, #Local Businesses, #Cultural Heritage, #Vancouver Eateries, #Hippy Movement #WBN News - Kitsilano Edition #Elke Porter

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