February 07, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Shopping
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Like most Vancouverites, I’m a big fan of exploring the local mountains. I’m also a fan of staying warm, dry, well-fed and not-lost. So, before I gallivant into the forest, I head to the stretch of outdoor supply stores clustered around the intersection of Broadway and Manitoba Street.
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) tops my list, as it has everything from bird identification books and dehydrated food to bicycle lights and wool socks. In addition to the oodles of stuff they have for sale, they also have rental gear, such as snowshoes, kayaks and ice axes.
If MEC doesn’t have what I’m looking for, I venture into one of many other outdoor shops in the area. This is often the case when I’m shopping for a specific item (such as hiking boots or bike gloves) or are looking for popular rentals (such as snowshoes on a powder day). Tip: 3 Vets, just a few blocks from MEC (at Yukon St. and 6th Ave), is jam-packed with inexpensive outdoor goods.
If you're an outdoor gear geek, you could spend many hours and dollars in this part of town. Don't say I didn't warn you. :)
December 14, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Shopping
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It's not hard to tell that most British Columbians love to get
outdoors. One of the worst-kept secrets for outdoor adventurers in BC is a store called
Mountain Equipment Co-op (also known as MEC). Founded in Vancouver, this large store stocks outdoor technical clothes, backpacks, bike parts, backcountry ski equipment, kayaks and paddles, and much more. The prices are the lowest you'll find anywhere for the same standard of quality. Case in point: a friend who lives in New Zealand and travels regularly to see his sister in the UK, always makes sure his flight has a stopover in Vancouver to stock up at MEC. The store sees a steady stream of out-of-towners checking out the gear, and the logo is almost as common a symbol as the maple leaf, identifying Canadian travellers when they head out on excursions. (When I was hiking in Spain, a fellow traveller noticed I was Canadian when she spotted my MEC socks!) The store requires all shoppers to purchase a $5 membership, and the co-op structure means MEC's pricing is fair and mark-ups are minimal. You'll find two MEC outlets in
Vancouver, one on Broadway and one in North Vancouver.
November 25, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Shopping
Find more information about Vancouver - Shopping
When I visit a new city, I love to discover items I'll never find at home. Here's a few of my favourite local clothing shops in Vancouver that'll have your friends asking "Where'd you get that?" when you get home: Dream in Gastown boasts that 98% of the store is stocked with local designers. The funky boutique has clothes, handbags, jewelery and other accessories. This is truly a favourite of mine, especially for the
Funk Shui felted wool hats and scarfs, and
Angelfish necklaces and earrings. South Main Street - dubbed "SoMa" by some, has a growing collection of fantastic independent stores.
Narcissist Designs is hands down my favourite for simple - yet unique - dresses. just a few doors away is the
Barefoot Contessa, where 'pretty' is given an edgy side. And
Eugene Choo is so darn cool it hurts. For shoe afficianados,
Gravity Pope on 4th Avenue is like coming home. Shoes that only existed in your wildest dreams live here. My most recent purchase is a colourful pair of rubber boots, perfect for the west-coast weather - they make a rainy day very fun. If you need some help navigating the choices, there'a tour company that'll take you to the best finds.
Shopabout Tours has a range of half-day excursions to different neighbourhood to check out the merchants.
August 25, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Shopping
Find more information about Vancouver - Shopping
If you're planning to visit
Granville Island while in Vancouver, do what the locals do and leave your car behind. Unless you go early in the morning or late at night, traffic down there is a nightmare. Lots of free parking (a plus) coupled with very few throughways (a minus) means total gridlock most of the day. But there are lots of alternative ways of getting there though, and more scenic too. Hop aboard one of the ubiquitous Aqua Buses that dot the waters of False Creek and take a sea cruise before getting there. One of my favourites methods is to walk to Granville Island along the Seawall; great views of the city, fresh ocean breeze and lots of benches for you sit and take it all in (no one said you had to rush). Bicycles and Rollerblades are also allowed on the Seawall.
Public transit is another option. If you must drive, consider using the metered parking outside the entrance to Granville Island instead of driving in. It means you'll do a little walking, but believe me it's a small price to pay to avoid the congestion. Plenty of metered parking is available on 1st, 2nd, 3rd Avenues between Fir St and Burrard St. If you`re lucky there are a few unmetered spots to be had, but those aren't vacant very often.