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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.
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.
You'll find everything from traditional leather sandals to fanciful purple pumps at this family-run store that's been a fixture on Commercial Drive since the 1960s. Fine Italian shoes are a specialty.
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.
More than 60 vendors set up in the Kitsilano Community Centre parking lot every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, from mid-May through mid-October. Cheese, chocolate, wine, coffee, baked treats, and food truck snacks are all available, along wtih live music and a festive vibe.
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.
The helpful employees at this local chain can assist you in selecting wines from British Columbia or around the world.
At this two-level indoor market—less frenzied than its Granville Island counterpart—vendors sell prepared foods, just-caught seafood, and fresh produce. The on-site Green Leaf Brewing Company makes a range of ales, spirits, and even kombucha. Also, look for arts and crafts, toys, kitchenware, and delicious pastries that can be enjoyed on the terrace, which offers views of the city skyline. The market is a short ride from Downtown on the SeaBus.
The place where it all started in 2000 was at this stand-alone shop on West 4th in Kits. Since then, the behemoth of yoga wear has stretched itself into a multibillion-dollar company with locations worldwide and an ever-expanding line of technical athletic apparel. The original store has expanded, too, with a multilevel renovation that took over an auto repair shop next door and added a new rooftop deck. The full range of women's and men's technical athletic apparel is available here. And in the men's department, kombucha, and occasionally beer, is on tap.
One of the city's best antiquarian and used book stores, this jam-packed shop is a treasure trove of titles from mainstream to wildly eclectic.
Local chefs and Downtown foodies do their midweek shop at this busy market in front of Vancouver's VIA Rail Station. Dozens of vendors selling produce and other locally raised fare set up shop here Wednesday 2 to 6 pm, from June to October. The market is close to the Main Street--Science World SkyTrain station.
Last-minute bargain hunting? This outlet mall, just three minutes on the Canada Line from Vancouver International Airport and 20 minutes from Downtown, has a wealth of brand outlets, such as Coach, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Nike, Levi's, Hugo Boss, Armani, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren, all housed in a European village-style outdoor space. There's free parking and storage lockers, as well as free travel on the Canada Line between YVR Airport and the outlet.
Vancouver's biggest vintage shop is a treasure trove of style from decades past. Collections of wedding dresses, cowboy boots, hats, jewelry, menswear, and party frocks galore share space with upcycled designs made from vintage fabrics. A second location, Mintage Mall, is at 245 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.
Worth a visit for a photo of the park sign alone, this compact market along Guelph Street borders the delightfully named Dude Chilling Park. It brings a few dozen farmers, bakers, brewers, and food trucks out each Sunday 10 am to 2 pm, from late May until late October.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This lively market between the South Main shopping area and Queen Elizabeth Park runs almost year-round. Dozens of vendors including bakers, farmers, and florists set up shop each Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Premium teas, as well as skin and body products, are made with quality ingredients and organic botanicals at the Vancouver outpost of this popular Victoria tea company. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide you through every sip and help you choose from the many varieties of leaves on offer.
Vancouver's oldest and biggest farmers' market is crowded with East Siders on Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, mid-May to mid-October. There are prepared foods, baked goods, and often crafts to tempt shoppers, in addition to produce. The market is about a 15-minute walk from the Commercial Drive SkyTrain station.
The quality of the previously owned clothing here is so good that "used" is almost a misnomer at this long-established luxury resale clothing store. They sell upscale women's wear from labels like Gucci, Missoni, and Prada. Other branches, in Kitsilano and on Main Street, sell more casual clothing, as well as men's clothes.
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