538 Best Places to Shop in Canada

In a perfect setting for wildlife art, this studio sells prints by the late Lars Larsen. His New Brunswick scenes in particular make excellent souvenirs.

Once a stately railway station, this unique, clock-tower-fronted location of Ontario's provincially owned chain of liquor stores is where oenophiles, scotch lovers, and other locals with a taste for the finer things go hunting for rare bottles. The store also frequently hosts tastings. Keep customs limits on alcohol purchases, as well as whether you'll be checking a bag, in mind before you stock up.

A neighborhood grocer that goes back more than a half century, Summerhill Market is now one of the bougiest shopping experiences you can have in the city. Not so much the "pop in for a couple of things" market unless your grocery budget is very high, it's the spot to get fancy culinary condiments, fish, meat, produce, and prepared foods. 

Renowned worldwide for its distinctively designed, high-quality quilts and fashions by Nova Scotia designer Vicki Lynn Bardon, the company displays its colorful goods on two floors of a heritage building.

Books on advertising, art, architecture, and urban planning pack the shelves of this aesthetically pleasing store, fittingly located in the arty 401 Richmond heritage building. Part of the store is devoted to modern gifts, including elegant writing tools, modern jewelry, and Pantone-theme everything.

This fairy-tale-like store where flowers and herbs dry in bunches hanging from the ceiling sells jams, jellies, and vinegars made on-premises, as well as delicacies such as rose ice cream. From mid-May to November you can tour the acres of delightful gardens and a seven-circuit flower labyrinth for C$10.  

The mops, brooms, and multicolor bins and buckets stacked outside make this kitchenware and restaurant equipment store appear much like all the other Chinese knickknack shops along Spadina. However, once you're inside you'll find endless aisles stacked to the rafters with rice bowls and bamboo steamers, and restaurateurs piling up their shopping trollies with glasses and servingware to feed the masses. A gap halfway along the north wall leads to the industrial-scale equipment.

Tucked away on the second floor of the already hidden Textile Museum, this shop is one of the city's best-kept secrets and an absolute treasure trove. It overflows with textile-based art from Canadian artisans, as well as works by craftspeople from around the world keeping traditional, and often disappearing, skills alive. There are loads of books, scarves galore, unusual bags and hats, and crafty stuff for kids, too; many items are accessibly priced. Check out the changing exhibition on the second and third floors while you're here (admission charge) to develop a taste for the shop's featured items; past exhibits have included Finnish designer Marimekko and Afghan war rugs.

The owner's clay creations are created in the studio here and sold in the on-site shop alongside works by more than 20 other local artisans. There are also classes and workshops, but advance booking is highly recommended. 

Good things come in little blue boxes, and this two-floor Tiffany location is filled with them—namely, rows and rows of classic, wearable fine jewelry designs. As at other Tiffany locations, the sales staff has a reputation for being patient, helpful, and friendly.

Stop in for a mini cocktail in the Tasting Room at Tofino Craft Distillery. This craft spirit distiller makes hand-crafted organic flagship spirits, including small-batch vodka, West Coast Gin, Old-Growth Cedar Gin (made with western red cedar tips and organic botanicals), Rose Hibiscus Gin, and a Psychedelic Jellyfish Absinthe. Tasting Room infusions change weekly.

Head to the Village Green on Campbell Street for food, crafts, and entertainment every Saturday from mid-May to October.

Find bargains aplenty on brand-name suits and shirts from brands like Calvin Klein, Armani, and DKNY at this remnant from the market's old-world textile industry days. The larger-than-life Tom Mihalik, the store's owner, keeps his prices low (and will often go lower, if you ask politely). The sales staff can quickly navigate the selection and help you put together a complete and well-accessorized look.

This sporting goods store has you covered with a wide selection of outdoor rental gear, including skates, cross-country skis, snowshoes, canoes, and SUP boards.

Hardcore bikers, Sunday riders, and fans of leather jackets will love this shop that's jam-packed with motorcycle gear. On top of those stylish biker jackets, there's an impressive selection of helmets, goggles, gloves, and boots, as well as motorcycle-themed posters by local artists and a slew of T-shirts.

Whether you need travel gear to get you through your vacation or a pleasant memento for when you get home, this little shop has lots of charming finds. From travel bags to eco-friendly toothbrushes, plus locally authored books, it's worth a browse. 

A few vintage gems and pretty silk scarves may be found among the army jackets, cub scout uniforms, and 1970s polyester shirts and cowgirl attire, but most of the inventory is simply fun and kitschy. Imported Thai and Indian trinkets, body jewelry, tiaras, and wigs are part of the charming and eclectic mix.

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.

Young, fashion conscious locals flock to this boutique in Old Montréal, which is stocked with avant-garde finds from North America and Europe, with an emphasis on Montréal and Canadian brands. Here, Cydwoq and Canada Goose hang alongside coats from the sleek Montréal label Mackage and pieces from U&I's own label. The three other locations of U&I are also in Old Montréal: U&I Man at  215 rue St-Paul Ouest, U&I Dream at  445 rue St-Sulpice, and U&I Love at  235 rue St-Sulpice.

Young Quebecois designers like Barilà, Valérie Dumaine, and Mélissa Nepton are the stars of this beautiful Mile End boutique, which also stocks unique national and international labels. All the black and white in the window display hints at the minimalist aesthetic within.

An eclectic collection of household gifts, furniture, loose-leaf teas, organic coffee, gadgets, and gizmos of exemplary design will keep you browsing here.

Vancouver's most stylish supermarket brims to the rafters with mouthwatering food displays that come from all corners of the globe, plus upmarket everyday items and lots of foodie gift ideas. The eat-in deli is a great spot for a budget lunch. In addition to this Downtown store, there are also branches at 305 Bute Street (Downtown), 177 Davie Street in Yaletown, and at 1688 Salt Street in the Olympic Village, just west of Main Street.

Founded in 1991 by Odile and Antoine Nasri, Ça va de soi champions slow fashion and responsibly produced clothing. This ready-to-wear boutique, focused entirely on natural fibers, offers an exquisite array of knitwear—sweaters, scarves, socks, and other cold-weather essentials—embodying a luxurious sense of meticulous craftsmanship.

This shop carries a stylish selection of household items by local and international designers and stocks an eclectic assortment of books about art, architecture, and design.

What this diminutive shop lacks in size, it makes up in quality. The shelves are stocked with a strong selection of wines, beers, and liquors, with an emphasis on regional products. Beer and spirits tastings are regularly held on Friday from 5 to 8; wine tastings are held Saturday at the same time.