Vancouver Shopping Tips by tvor

Name of Shop: Various

Granville Island which isn't really an island but a little piece of land stuck out in an inlet off of English Bay called False Creek. It's south west of downtown and north of the rest of Vancouver proper. It's got a big public market, fruit and veg, which is ringed by fast food kiosks and a seating area. Most of the "island" is craft and designers studios and stores where you can buy the wares. Also there are a number of marine oriented businesses, from rentals to equipment for boating and other sports like scuba gear. False Creek is also a marina and there were so many boats docked that it looked choked and I don't know how any of them can actually maneuver out to have a sail!!!

There are buildings containing assortments of shops and studios, one of which is entirely devoted to children. There are a couple of community theatres, restaurants and cafes and, oddly enough, a cement plant which is what was there before they redid it over to a tourist mecca.

What To Buy: Some of the shops I looked into were one that consisted solely of postcards, one that focused on paper products like bookbinding, origami supplies, stationary and gift cards. There were bookshops, and souvenir shops and little squares where buskers were scheduled.


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Directions: I took a bus up Granville Street from downtown and got off on the other side of the "island" and walked down.
Website: http://www.granvilleisland.com/

Name of Shop: Robson Street and Granville Street

I got off the bus at the Granville station on Seymour street just across from the Bay. I had intentions of shopping my way up and down Robson Street, famed for it's upscale shops. But i kept getting sidetracked. Granville Street has loads of really funky shops, from goth to second hand records and cd's to interesting boutiques. Check it out.

Robson has many upscale designer shops and good restaurants but don't let that scare you off. There are also souvenir shops and chain stores like Chapters books and a huge Winners store.

What To Buy: Haida Native art is stunning! tshirts, wooden carvings, fridge magnets, jewellry, even oven mitts, tea towers and canvas tote bags. There are lots of shops featuring the First Nations art all over the City. Some are very expensive and some are very affordable.


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Directions: Robson and Granville Streets. Skytrain station Granville Station, busses up and down Granville Street crossing Robson.