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Vancouver is a thrilling destination for shoppers, with its leading fashion boutiques and vibrant urban districts at the heart of downtown. Let us guide you through the city to uncover the best shopping experiences in Vancouver and assist you in achieving that quintessential Pacific West Coast style for your wardrobe.
Robson Street and Downtown Vancouver
Robson Street stands out as Vancouver’s premier shopping hotspot. Here, you’ll encounter the city’s largest and most renowned stores. The stretch between Burrard and Jervis is where the action is, boasting around 150 shops including the flagship Lululemon store, Aritzia, and Zara.
Venture into Vancouver’s Luxury Zone just a block north of Robson on Alberni Street. Kick off your luxury spree at the newly opened Prada store or browse through Canadian staples at The Bay, Roots, or Holt Renfrew. Looking for something unique? Get Plenty is our go-to for adorable tees and snug sweaters.
Granville Island
Skip the car ride, hop on a ferry or the vibrant Aquabus, and head to Granville Island for an authentic Vancouver arts and crafts shopping experience. The island is also famed for hosting Vancouver’s most beloved food market.
Granville Island exudes a unique charm, blending the salty sea breeze with the freshest produce and a slightly eccentric community of artisans and vendors. A hit among both locals and tourists, deciding where to start can be tough. Our top picks include The Farmers Market, the Net Loft Building, and Paper-Ya, a charming paper shop nestled in Net Loft.
South Granville
Just across the Granville Bridge and a short drive from downtown, South Granville is emerging as a hotspot for fantastic indie shops, chic home decor, and an array of upscale art galleries. Once a wilderness camping spot before the bridge’s construction, South Granville has transformed into a sophisticated urban district, where wilderness has made way for metropolitan vibes.
Yaletown
Yaletown’s hip, industrial ambiance, once the heart of Vancouver’s brick warehouse sector, is irresistible. With the departure of heavy industry, the neighborhood now thrives with trendy boutiques, Martini bars, and fashionable galleries. The remaining beautiful brick warehouses, now repurposed along Pacific, Homer, and Nelson streets, feature patios that are perfect for lounging. For the discerning shopper, Global Atomic Designs and Hollywood Boutique offer exclusive fashion finds, while Cross Décor has the ideal accessories for sprucing up your home.
Gastown
Gastown, recognized as the fourth most stylish neighborhood globally in 2012 and a National Historic Site in 2009, is the historic heart of Vancouver. Born from the establishment of Gassy Jack Deighton’s first tavern, Gastown retains its Victorian allure, attracting both tourists and locals.
A short stroll from downtown, Gastown is now a favored spot for its upscale restaurants and boutiques. Wander along Water Street to see the iconic Steam Clock, snap a photo with Gassy Jack’s statue, and explore Angel Vancouver on Powell Street for exquisite handbags and Artemisia on Cordova West for accessible high fashion. For exceptional First Nations Art, the Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, Hill’s Native Art, and the Coastal Peoples Fine Art Gallery are must-visits, ensuring you find Vancouver’s most distinctive crafts and artwork.
