Circle Craft
Fodor's choice
This artist co-op sells finely crafted textiles, wood pieces, jewelry, ceramics, and glass works. Chosen by juried selection, the artists are all local to British Columbia and all their work must be made by hand.
13 Best Shopping in Vancouver, British Columbia
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Art galleries, ethnic markets, gourmet-food shops, and high-fashion boutiques abound in Vancouver. Shopping here is more interesting and varied than in many other North American cities because of the prevalence of Asian and First Nations influences in crafts, home furnishings, and foods.
Downtown Vancouver has many of the same chain stores that you can find across North America but there is also an exciting community of budding local fashion designers whose creative clothes and accessories fill the smaller boutiques. If you're looking for interesting local shops, head beyond Downtown, especially to the Gastown and Main Street neighborhoods, and to the Portobello West Market. Keep in mind, too, that the word "mall" here can mean more than just generic shopping, particularly in suburban Richmond, where malls tend to cater to an upscale Asian community. It's almost like shopping in Hong Kong, Beijing, or Tokyo.
In the art scene, look for First Nations and other aboriginal art, from souvenir trinkets to stellar contemporary art; many galleries showcasing First Nations artists are in Gastown. Area artisans also create a variety of fine crafts, exhibiting and selling their wares at Granville Island galleries. Some local favorites are included in the listings, and Granvilleisland.com has a complete listing of island galleries and studios.
Food—especially local seafood (available smoked and packed to travel), cheeses from British Columbia and across Canada, and even locally made chocolates, jams, and other goodies—makes tasty souvenirs (or delicious snacking or picnic fare). British Columbia also has a rapidly maturing wine industry, and local shops give advice about the region's offerings (and tastings, too). Remember the restrictions about taking alcohol back into your home country before you stock up.
Outdoor-oriented Vancouver is also a great place to pick up camping and hiking gear. There's a cluster of outdoor-equipment shops on West Broadway between Yukon and Manitoba streets just west of Main Street, and you’ll find several cycling, snowboarding, and skiing outlets on West 4th Avenue, just east of Burrard Street in Kitsilano.
Edible Canada
Granville Island
Fodor's choice
Tucked behind the Edible Canada bistro, this little shop sells jams, sauces, chocolates, and dozens of other edible items from around the country. It's a great place to find gifts for foodie friends.
Granville Island Public Market
Granville Island
Fodor's choice
Locals and visitors alike crowd this indoor market that's part farm stand, part gourmet grocery, and part upscale food court. The stalls are packed with locally made sausages, exotic cheeses, just-caught fish, fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods from handmade fudge to frothy cappuccinos. This is definitely the place to come for lunch. If the sun is out, you can dine on your purchases out on the waterfront decks. The crowds can get crazy, though, so avoid weekends if possible (or come early).
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Artisan Sake Maker
You can learn all about sake (Japanese rice wine), and sample the locally made product, at Vancouver's own sake brewery.
Craft Council of BC Shop & Gallery
Run by the Craft Council of British Columbia, this tiny structure contains a veritable smorgasbord of works by local artisans. The artworks range from jewelry and other small gift items to large investment pieces. For last-minute shopping, visit their location at the Vancouver International Airport, on the Domestic Departures level.
Dream Apparel and Articles for People
This tiny shop showcases a variety of wares by up-and-coming local designers. The creative selections target the hip twentysomething crowd.
Eagle Spirit Gallery
The museum-style gallery showcases some of the finest and refreshingly contemporary First Nations and Inuit art in Vancouver. The collection is constantly changing and although several pieces are geared for the serious collector, others are more affordable. If First Nations art is of interest, then a visit here is a must.
Granville Island Broom Co.
Sisters Sarah and Mary Schwieger, specialists in the art of handcrafted broom making, opened this small artisan studio after learning the craft growing up in British Columbia's Kootenay region. All handmade on-site, their brooms are woven in the traditional Shaker style and each piece is unique. Stop by to watch the brooms take shape, and learn the history of this rare craft.
Granville Island Hat Shop
You name the hat and somewhere on the walls, rafters, or shelves you'll find it. There are fedoras, cloches, toques, sun hats, rain hats, straw hats, and pretty much any other hat you might want.
Lattimer Gallery
Stocking native arts and crafts in all price ranges, this shop, which is designed to resemble a Pacific Northwest longhouse, is a short stroll from Granville Island. Look for masks, jewelry, bentwood boxes, carvings, and other works that reflect First Nations and Inuit designs.
Liberty Distillery
Crafting organic, artisanal vodka, gin, and whiskey from 100% British Columbian grain, this distillery offers tastings in its stylish Granville Island shop. You can take a guided distillery tour (C$15) on weekends at 11:30 am or 1:30 pm.
Liberty Wine Merchants
The helpful employees at this local chain can assist you in selecting wines from British Columbia or around the world.
Paper-Ya
This fabulous little stationery store is tucked in the back corner of the Net Loft across from the Public Market. Here you'll find everything from fine handcrafted sheet paper from around the world, including Japanese and Origami, to cards and gifts, craft and art supplies, and dip pens and inks. This is truly a tactile paper lovers delight.
