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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 ch
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 furni
Art galleries, ethnic markets, gourmet-food shops, and high-fashion boutiques abound in Vancouver. Shopping here is more
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.
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
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
In addition to quality Inuit art like the signature carvings in soapstone and antler, there's also an excellent collection of Northwest Coast native art such as baskets, totems, bentwood boxes, and masks.
120 Carrie Cates Crt., Vancouver, British Columbia, V7M 3K7, Canada
More evidence of Vancouver style making its mark on the world hangs at the Gastown flagship of this homegrown brand. Billed as "elevated essentials for real life," Kit and Ace's stylish, washable, and packable styles take Vancouverites (and anyone else) from work to dancing till dawn.
165 Water St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1B2, Canada
One of only two lululemon labs (the other is in New York), this test site for Vancouver's iconic yoga wear brand is the place to pick up the company's latest athleisure and streetwear looks before they hit the malls. You can even see the designers at work in the open-plan shop.
50 Powell St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1E7, Canada
Located just a block away from the Gastown Steam Clock, Nettle's Tale is a welcoming shop that designs and manufactures ethically made and size-inclusive (4X to XS) swimwear and clothing. You can mix and match their locally made swimsuit tops and bottoms, or opt for a full-piece.
306 W. Cordova St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1E8, Canada
Based in Vancouver, with locations elsewhere in Canada, Oak + Fort sells simple (but stylish) locally designed women's clothing and accessories, plus a small selection of menswear and home decor items, at its spacious storefront.
355 Water St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1B8, Canada
The clothing and accessories here, from local and international makers, may not be one of a kind. But as the name of this funky little shop attests, you won't see the designs at mass-market retailers either.
354 Water St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1E6, Canada
Design students and celebrities flock to this airy, white gallery of highly curated clothing, accessories, jewelry, and art books. The constantly evolving collection favors cutting-edge European designers over household names.
1 Water St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2H9, Canada
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