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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.
The Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza at Georgia and Hamilton Streets is the venue for this lively urban market. Baked treats, artisanal food, crafts, and local beer, wine, and spirits share space with fresh fruit and veggies. The market runs Thursday 3 to 7 pm, from June through October.
Christmas wreaths, hot chocolate, food trucks, artisanal cheese, and more draw Vancouverites to this winter farmers' market. It runs Sunday 10 am to 2 pm, from early November through late April at Hastings Park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hot food and coffee, prepared foods, crafts, and local produce fill the stalls at this laid-back market running Saturday 9 am to 2 pm from May through October in Nelson Park.
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