I recently spent a week test driving the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport around metro Vancouver while visiting some favourite eateries, catching up with friends and checking out some of the newly opened cafes.
Started the week catching up with my friend Ajay over a delicious dinner in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood at one of our mutual favourite spots Carp Sushi where I had the Tuna and Salmon on rice bowl.
The next day I was driving through the Fraserhood neighbourhood and stopped off at Mishmish for a Halva latte which was the perfect afternoon treat. This is one of my favourite bakery cafe’s that specializes in Middle Eastern baked goods with a fusion spin along with savoury plates, espresso drinks and more.
I had heard about a brewery in East Village and drove over to Threefold Beer for dinner to try their Sardegna pizza that is topped with a San Marzano base, spiced sardines, capers, castelvetrano olives, fior di latte, pecorino Romano, fresh basil, pickled serrano, Sicilian extra virgin olive oil. The brewery brews up a wide selection of beers, they also offer some non-alcohol drinks as well.
Although it took me awhile to visit, Pho in Love was one that I fell in love with and can’t wait to return, a Vietnamese hidden gem in the Westend having their delicious Chicken salad rolls and the PHỞ GÀ- CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP. In order to find it, the restaurant is located down a flight of stairs from the street front.
The 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport has officially arrived, and it’s a big deal. For the first time, Honda is bringing its “rugged” trim to the CR-V lineup, pairing off-road aesthetics with the efficiency of their award-winning hybrid powertrain.
Here is everything you need to know about the most adventurous CR-V yet.
It is built exclusively on Honda’s 4th-generation two-motor hybrid system.
- Horsepower: 204 hp (combined)
- Torque: 247 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Standard Real-Time AWD with Intelligent Control
The next night, I was back in Mount Pleasant for a fun, interactive and tasty experience at Tamaly Shop for an event that I organized for the Travel Media BC/Yukon Chapter. Everyone participated in this interactive experience first learning the Nixtamalization process of the corn, making of the masa (corn dough) and then we each made our own tamale. We also enjoyed a welcome drink, learned about their Horchata and Mango drinks; learned how they make their guacamole and enjoyed tasting some Guac and chips, enjoyed a bowl of Tortilla soup, had a cup of their Cafe de Olla and then ate our tamales.
A Tech-Forward Interior
Inside, the 2026 refresh brings major upgrades across the entire CR-V line, and the TrailSport gets the best of them.
- The Screens: You get a standard 9-inch HD touchscreen and a massive 10.2-inch digital driver display.
- The Comforts: Look for TrailSport-exclusive orange contrast stitching and embossed logos on the seats. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger are all standard.
- Safety: The full Honda Sensing® suite is included, featuring Traffic Jam Assist and a Blind Spot Information system.
Over the next few days, I drove around the city between Mount Pleasant and the Fairview neighbourhoods to check out some recently opened cafes. Started off at Sula Cafe (260 E 5th Avenue) the tiny cafe is a beauty inside and fits the theme of an Indian cafe with lots of food offerings, they also have South Indian filter coffee made with @alai.coffee and a range of Chai drinks. We had their Classic masala chai along with some snacks that included a Cardamom loaf and an Almond cookie.
Another spot that I visited was @yarcafeart (1128 W Broadway #6) small Persian cafe with art adorning the walls, they have unique and specialty drinks, some food as well as jewelry for sale. I had a cortado while Lawrence had an americano.
When I was in Thailand a couple of years ago, I discovered Cha Tra Mue Café for Thai tea drinks and they had just opened a branch here in Vancouver and of course this was a must visit, Cha True Mue is located at (736 W Broadway). I had the Milk Thai slushy while Lawrence had the Vegan green tea with boba.
The last café we visited was in Richmond and it was incredibly busy on opening weekend @crumbl.ca located in the Ironwood plaza in Richmond with a long line for their overly sweet cookies.
The Honda CR-V Trailsport is for the driver who wants the reliability and fuel savings of a hybrid but doesn’t want to be stopped by a foot of snow or a rutted-out dirt road.
It’s stylish, surprisingly capable, and—most importantly—ready for your next detour.
By: Richard Wolak
Disclosure: Honda Canada provided me with the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport for a week to test drive, and photograph.