Shopping in British Columbia is an exciting, diverse experience – each region offers something different to suit every taste.
Aboriginal arts and crafts such as woven baskets, cedar wood carvings and intricate silver jewellery highlight the rich history and storied tradition of First Nations in BC and can be found all over the province.
Learn more about shopping in BC’s regions and cities:
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains: Farmers markets, wineries, antiques, Asian specialties and the largest shopping mall in BC.
Vancouver Island: Big name retail mixed with independent boutiques, eclectic studios and galleries, some featuring Aboriginal work, and locally produced food and wine.
Thompson Okanagan: Diverse shopping experiences, award-winning wines produced at local wineries, and fresh fruit and artisan food products.
Northern BC: Artisan galleries and boutiques, Aboriginal arts and crafts, and jewellery made from local jade.
Kootenay Rockies: Downtown shopping, a Bavarian platzl, and quaint lakeside artisan communities.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Aboriginal arts and crafts on the coast, cowboy culture in the interior and unique shops in historic Barkerville.
Vancouver: Something for everyone – high end fashion, indie boutiques, outdoor stores, artisan crafts and more.
Victoria: Trendy shopping districts, fine art studios and galleries, shopping malls and souvenirs with British flair.
Whistler: Pedestrian-friendly walkways and plazas lined with boutiques, art galleries, and shops selling everything to outfit a day on the slopes.
Popular Shopping Areas
On Vancouver’s Robson Street, discover international chains and local boutiques, mixed with restaurants, spas and gift shops. Browse trendy boutiques set in colourful heritage buildings on Victoria’s Lower Johnson Street – or “LoJo” – and pop into the open air courtyard Market Square.
The Cow Bay Shopping District in Prince Rupert offers an eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries and coffee shops in a backdrop of restored heritage buildings and a picturesque marina. Stroll the pedestrian-friendly village in Whistler to shop with mountain views or take in the funky heritage streets of downtown Nelson.
Want one stop shopping? Explore the second largest mall in Canada, Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, or hundreds of stores at Orchard Park in Kelowna.
Unique Shopping Experiences
Sip local wines in tasting rooms overlooking sunny vineyards and sparkling lakes – the Thompson Okanagan’s burgeoning wine industry provides a unique opportunity to buy BC wine where it’s produced. Stop in at Coombs Country Market on Vancouver Island for ice cream or creative gifts and make sure to look up – there are goats on the roof!
In the shops of Barkerville, browse fascinating items that recall the historic town’s heydays in the nineteenth century. Head to Richmond’s Aberdeen Centre mall for a modern shopping experience that reflects the city’s Asian culture or wander the Granville Island Public Market for one-of-a-kind arts and crafts.
Aboriginal Arts & Crafts
Aboriginal artists produce beautiful arts and crafts that can usually be found in cultural centres and museum gift shops. On Vancouver Island, pick up a distinctly patterned Cowichan sweater, or a colourful carved mask at the U’Mista Cultural Centre. At the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay, browse black argillite carvings set with abalone, gleaming silver and gold jewellery at Vancouver’s Bill Reid Gallery or silk scarves printed with animal motifs at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
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