Shopping In Vancouver

"You can't have EVERYTHING-----where would you put it "?

If you can dream it, you can buy it in this city. A very cosmopolitan city, Vancouver’s multicultural flavour is reflected in the many stores with varying merchandise.This is a city made up of many distinct neighbourhoods each with its own shopping area. Listed are a few of the major shopping districts favoured by our many visitors.

Chinatown: Although you won’t need Dim Sum after your breakfast at Arbutus House, head to Chinatown for its great smells, sights and fun shopping. The second largest area of its kind in North America, you will find all the Oriental specialties here as well as the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens---the only classical Chinese garden outside China.
Location: East and west of Main street on Keefer and Pender Street.

Commercial Drive : The young [and the young at heart] have rediscovered this ‘Little Italy’ neighourhood. Funky shops, Italian coffee houses and bistros blend to create an interesting place to shop.
Location: Along Commercial Drive from Hastings Street to Broadway.

Fourth Avenue: Once the home of the ‘Flower Children’of the 60's, Fourth Avenue has become a trendy street of specialty stores and restaurants.
Location: Along Fourth Avenue between Burrard Street and Alma Street

Gastown : The oldest commercial area of the city. Mostly a collection of " tourist shops" but with some good restaurants and pubs. Try Hills Indian Crafts for that "special " gift---caution---this is where Bill C bought that "special " gift for Monica, and look where it got him.
Location : Water Street between Seymour and Carrall

Granville Island: Old warehouses and factories have been reconfigured to create a public market and craft-/artisan shops along the docks.This is a place to listen to street musicians, buy fresh produce and gourmet items, and enjoy the sea and gulls while eating on the docks of the Granville Island restaurants. Many guests spend several hours wandering here and want to go back the next day. It is the shopping spot that best expresses the spirit of our Westcoast city.
Location : Under the Granville Street bridge. Easiest access off Burrard on 2nd Ave.

Kerrisdale: This is "main street" for the residents of the Kerrisdale residential district.All the stores are related to "community" shopping.
Location : On 41st Avenue at West Boulevard

Main Street:Old treasures are the reason to seek out Main Street. It is the antique or collectables lover’s dream with great coffee houses and cafes to enjoy while you ponder the best way to have that antique stuffed wingback chair delivered back home.
Location : On Main Street between 18th and 33rd

Robson Street: Filled with worldwide visitors, Robson Street in the downtown core houses designer "everything". A great place to see and be seen, it's on every visitor’s list as a place to spend money. Enjoy!
Location : On Robson Street west of Granville Street.

South Granville: One of the oldest commercial areas in the city, this area is now being transformed into a mixture of upscale shops, art galleries, theatre, antique stores and restaurants. This is the shopping street for Arbutus House’ Shaughnessy neighbourhood.
Location : Between the south end of the Granville Street bridge and 16th Avenue

MAJOR SHOPPING MALLS

Oakridge Shopping Centre: Located 10 minutes from Arbutus House, Oakrigde is an upscale mall with the Bay department store as its base. There are several specialty shops as well as three movie theatres.
Location : On 41st Avenue between Oak and Cambie Street

Pacific Centre: Two major department stores, Eaton’s and the Bay, frame this underground mall in the centre of downtown.A great place for rainy afternoon shopping.
Location : At Granville and Georgia Street.

Richmond Centre: Across the Oak Street bridge you’ll find this large suburban mall with all the amenities you might expect including movie theatres and restaurants.
Location :South over Oak St.Bridge, left on No.3 Road

West Vancouver: Here you will find a large shopping mall, Park Royal. Continue your drive along Marine and come to a quaint village with outstanding boutiques, antique stores and restaurants. Rest those sore ‘shopper’s feet’ with a picnic dinner [from one of the delis] on a bench on the seawall. The most peacefully beautiful sunsets vistas are here!
Location : Across the Lions Gate Bridge, turn left to West Vancouver.