February 11, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Shopping
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I’ve firmly attached myself to the Olympic gear bandwagon. It started with a pair of red mittens, and I’ve since added a hoodie, a maple leaf toque, a t-shirt, and face paint. Whew.
Here’s where to gear yourself up for the Games:
Clothes: Plenty of shops are selling Canada-themed items. The Olympic Superstore at The Bay is well-stocked with official Olympic gear. Some stores have options for other countries; try Roots and lululemon. Customize your own tee at Bang-On or Cherry Bomb.
Flags: Head to the Flag Shop!
Face Paint: Face paint shows the team – and anyone you accidently rub up against – that you’re a true fan. Dressew and Party Bazaar are my favorite places in town to pick up good quality face paint – Dressew was almost sold out, so move quickly!
Olympic Superstore at The Bay: Granville & Georgia; Roots: various locations; lululemon: various locations, Bang-on (961 Robson St or 1062 Davie St); Cherry Bomb (841 Granville St); Flag Shop (1615 Powell St); Dressew (337 W Hastings St); Party Bazaar (215 W 2nd Ave).
February 09, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Shopping
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Stores in Gastown are an eclectic mix: there’s everything from independent designer boutiques to vintage stores, high-end galleries displaying Aboriginal art and Euro-centric furniture stores. Oh, and seemingly more souvenir shops than Starbucks coffee shops (if that’s possible).
Walking down the cobbled streets made me feel like I was exploring a quaint European alleyway and I enjoyed window-shopping almost more than actually shopping. Partly this was because prices can run a lil’ high in some stores.
I first ventured into Fluevog. This international shoe store started its origins in Vancouver and its funky shoes have been worn by people like Madonna and Scarlet Johanssen. It has such a cult following that there is even an International Fluevog Day (May 15th). I’m assuming it’s celebrating wearing your ‘vogs(as they're fondly called) but I'm not entirely sure.
Next I headed to One of a Few. Like the name suggests, there are only a few of each item of clothing, which is great if you’re looking for something unique. If you want slightly more selection head next door to their aptly named sister shop, Two of a Few.
In search of a good deal, I visited Army & Navy (Canada’s version of Wal-mart). If you’re willing to hunt you can find some pretty good stuff here. Also: their annual shoe sale is a HUGE deal – line-ups usually start forming at 6am and in 2009 they sold 75,000 pairs of shoes in just 12 days!
Also worth checking out: Koolhaus for higher quality, Ikea-esque furniture (but with a heftier price tag); and the OK Boot Corral, a small shop jam-packed with all things Western - including rows and rows of cowboy (and cowgirl!) boots.
Happy shopping!
Locations: Fluevog, 65 Water St; One of a Few, 354 Water St; Two of a Few, 356 Water St; Army & Navy, 36 West Cordova; Koolhaus, 1 Water St; OK Boot Corral, 205 Carrall St.
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. :)
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Shopping
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Recently, when reading the introduction to Gordon Ramsay’s latest cook book, “Cooking For Friends”, he mentioned something that caught my attention. His young children save a portion of their allowance to spend on food from their local farmer’s market. He also said that they not only enjoy the rich organic food more but it also teaches them to value the food they eat.
Support the Vancouver’s farmers markets and enjoy the rich taste experience of locally grown ‘natural’ foods normally picked inside of 24 hours. The market is for people who love fresh food in a festive gathering and among a like-minded community.
Explore different markets in Vancouver. Go for a wander around the neighbourhood and be a tourist in your own back yard. For example, as the name suggests the “
Trout Lake Farmer's Market” is set to the back drop of Trout Lake located within John Hendry park. The Trout Lake Community Centre offers an indoor skating rink, fitness centre, preschool, youth centre, sauna, whirlpool, pottery studio. playground, gym and a games room. The ice rink is currently closed for a beautiful renovation. If you like architecture this is well worth the visit.
The Trout Lake market is open from 9am - 2pm each week. From May 16 - October 10. It is located at 15th Avenue & Victoria Drive in the Parking Lot of Trout Lake Community Centre.
March 08, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Shopping
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t’s a fact. Hidden gems can often be unearthed in your very own backyard. And for Vancouverites, we know a thing or two about the fabulous finds rife for discovery in the little pockets and funky neighbourhoods which define our fair city. The booty to be bought in one of my favourite spots falls under the categories of frocks, formal wear and even a bit of frivolity. Indeed, for the serious shopper, one need venture no further than Main Street. On Main and 21st Avenue in particular, browsers can stumble upon a host of tiny shops bursting at the seams – and all within a short stroll from one other. Think local designers, jewelers and the like. Fine frocks and trinkets for the home define Barefoot Contessa www.thebarefootcontessa.com. A dress for every occasion can be snagged at Narcissist www.narcissist.com. One-of-a-kind pieces promise pleasure at Smoking Lily www.smokinglily.com. Need shoes with that? Scoot over to Umeboshi www.umeboshishoes.com for the perfect fit. And after mining each locale for the latest and greatest and this season’s must-haves, stop in at Liberty Café, a family-run bakery which offers yummy homemade soups and killer cookies. Perfect for re-fueling should you decide to go back for yet another look.
March 04, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Shopping
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Wonderful market and kids market. Childrens stores are well stocked. Especially like store called Chameleons? Store owner very knowledgeable.
Organic coffee shop next to duck pond and kids market also very family friendly. Kids play area and change table in washroom.
Water park also great fun!
February 28, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Shopping
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When visiting Vancouver don't hesitate to go beyond the city core. A short distance away from the city centre is Granville Island a mecca of artisan shops. We strolled through one of the green areas close to the water's edge and captured some great shots on film.
February 21, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Shopping
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My husband and I visited British Columbia in the fall of 2005. We were totally mesmerized by all the attractions we enjoyed. A most memorable one was visiting Chinatown in Vancouver. It is so interesting to look in on cultures other than our own. The shops were so different and especially the Tibetan store where we experienced the "singing bowls". The storekeepers were so friendly and helpful and let us try out numerous ones. Also in the same shop we could not resist the hand crafted Tibetan jewellery that has so many hidden meanings. It was indeed a very pleasurable experience and one that we would love to repeat in the very near future.
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
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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.