Artisan Sake Maker
You can learn all about sake (Japanese rice wine), and sample the locally made product, at Vancouver's own sake brewery.
6 Best Shopping in Vancouver, British Columbia
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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.
Liberty Distillery
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.
Liberty Wine Merchants
The helpful employees at this local chain can assist you in selecting wines from British Columbia or around the world.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Long Table Distillery
Yaletown
Vancouver's first microdistillery brews small batches of gin and vodka, along with a changing selection of seasonal spirits. Stop in for free tastings Tuesday through Saturday.
Swirl
Yaletown
To learn more about British Columbia wines, or to pick up a bottle (or a few), visit the knowledgeable staff at this Yaletown store that stocks more than 750 varieties produced in the province. There are complimentary tastings offered weekend afternoons.
Viti Wine and Lager Store
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.
