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First-rate Asian restaurants, food vendors selling everything from kimchi to cream puffs, clothing stores stocking the latest styles, and Daiso—a Japanese bargain-hunters' paradise—make this swank mall a good introduction to Vancouver's Asian shopping experience. Take the Canada Line south to Aberdeen Station, about 20 minutes from Downtown.
4151 Hazelbridge Way, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6X 4J7, Canada
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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.
1–1666 Johnston St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3S2, Canada
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Granville Island
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.
1596 Johnston St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3R9, Canada
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Granville Island
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).
1689 Johnston St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3R9, Canada
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Mt. Pleasant
This highly respected store has Vancouver's largest selection of First Nations art. The place is crammed with souvenirs, keepsakes, and high-quality pieces, including carvings, masks, and drums. If you think that's impressive, head for one-of-a-kind collector pieces and limited editions. Its recent move from Gastown to East Broadway makes it a 10-minute cab ride from Downtown, but the larger and brighter space makes for easy browsing.
120 E. Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1V9, Canada
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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This is Canada's ritziest department store; a swanky showcase for international high fashion and accessories for men and women. Think Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and other designer labels.
737 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V7Y 1E4, Canada
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You might have seen John Fluevog shops in New York and Los Angeles, but did you know that these funky shoes were created by a Vancouverite? The Gastown location is worth a look for the store itself, with its striking glass facade and soaring ceilings. There's another branch at 2156 West 4th Ave.
65 Water St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1A1, Canada
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The helpful staff at this cheery shop is happy to make recommendations about books appropriate for young people ranging from toddlers to teens. Choose from the many titles by Canadian authors—excellent for take-home gifts or on-the-road reading.
2557 W. Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6K 2E9, Canada
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If you love cheese, don't miss the mind-boggling array of selections from British Columbia, the rest of Canada, and elsewhere at this family-run shop of delicacies. Owner Allison Spurrell and her extremely knowledgeable staff encourage you to taste before you buy. The fromagerie is located between Granville Island and Kitsilano Beach—useful to keep in mind if you're assembling a seaside picnic. There's a second location at 843 East Hastings St. on Vancouver's East Side.
1752 W. 2nd Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6J 1H6, Canada
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Power-yoga devotees, soccer moms, and anyone who likes casual, comfy clothes covet the fashionable, well-constructed workout wear with the stylized "A" insignia from this Vancouver-based company. In addition to the flagship location at 2123 West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, there are several branches around town.
970 Robson St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 1B2, Canada
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Vancouver's go-to outdoor store since the 1970s, MEC stocks a good selection of high-performance clothing and equipment for hiking, cycling, climbing, and kayaking—and for just looking good while hanging around outdoors. You can rent sports gear here, too. A one-time C$5 membership is required for purchases or rentals.
111 2nd Ave. E., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5T 1B4, Canada
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Nordstrom Vancouver, the chain's flagship store in Canada, sizzles with fashion buzz alongside the well-known Nordstrom-style service. Three elegantly designed floors showcase label boutiques (think Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Stella McCartney), lots of Canadian designers, and themed pop-up shops, and include a restaurant, a lounge, and a wealth of concierge services, from personal stylists to free Downtown delivery.
799 Robson St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V7Y 0A2, Canada
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For outdoorsy clothes that double as souvenirs (many sport maple leaf logos), check out these Canadian-made sweatshirts, leather jackets, and other comfy casuals for men, women, and kids. In addition to this Downtown flagship store, there's a smaller branch down the street at 1153 Robson Street, and on West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, and a number of outlet stores, called Roots 73, in the suburbs.
1001 Robson St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 1A9, Canada
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Check out this chain of Asian supermarkets for exotic produce, baked goods, and prepared foods. You can assemble an inexpensive to-go lunch from the extensive hot food counter. In addition to this Chinatown location, there are several other branches around Metro Vancouver.
179 Keefer Pl., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 6C1, Canada
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You can learn all about sake (Japanese rice wine), and sample the locally made product, at Vancouver's own sake brewery.
1339 Railspur Alley, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 4G9, Canada
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The freshly roasted almonds, pistachios, and cashews from this pretty Persian-style shop make excellent snacks; try them with the signature lime-saffron seasoning. Boxes of nuts and sweets make excellent gifts, too. There are other locations at 2048 West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano and 1332 Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver.
986 Denman St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6G-2M1, Canada
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This cute shop offers a creative take on '40s-style glamour and boho chic. Look for feminine clothing (dresses, dresses, and more dresses), jewelry, and bags—some by local designers—as well as vintage linens and decorative accessories.
3715 Main St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5V 3N8, Canada
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Vancouver's link in this Canada-wide chain of high-end jewelers—a national institution since 1879—is in a neoclassical former bank building.
698 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1P1, Canada
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Named for the Boboli Gardens, this lavish space, complete with an atrium-like shoe department, focuses on high-end Italian labels for men and women, such as Valentino, Etro, and Giambattista Valli.
2776 Granville St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3J3, Canada
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This local lifestyle brand prides itself on using natural materials with timeless design to create a more mindful way of living. Carefully curated clothing and home decor pieces are displayed, gallery-like, in the airy atrium of the beautiful two-level store, with light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. An in-house florist produces exquisite floral designs, and the handcrafted jewelry and select home goods make the perfect gift.
3345 Cambie St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 2W6, Canada
