You TL;DR Guide to Shopping in Vancouver
TL;DR: While Vancouver is known for its many outdoor activities and restaurants, there are also several places to go shopping. With Vancouver’s comprehensive public transportation, you won’t need a car to get to any of these destinations (although parking is available if you need it!). Whether you prefer browsing through small shops on the street, finding a deal at an outlet, or walking around a traditional mall, read on to see a few options for you.
- Before you go
- Park Royal Shopping Center
- Downtown Vancouver
- McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Vancouver
- Granville Island
- Explore More of Vancouver
When traveling, some people love to get out and explore nonstop. Others prefer to sit poolside and focus on a little r&r. And others (like you!) are all about scoring a great deal and spending a bit of money. If you are a leisure-style tourist who loves to shop or just need to pick up a few things, then read on for a few places you should check out when visiting Vancouver.
Before you go
Getting around Vancouver is fairly easy with public transportation. While most of these locations do have parking structures or dedicated lots (with the exception of Downtown), it may be easier to use public transit and walk. If you are staying in downtown, then you’ll find the Downtown locations are within walking distance from your hotel. Granville Island and Downtown have paid parking options. Park Royal and McArthur Glen offer free lots.
Park Royal Shopping Center
Address: 2002 Park Royal South, West Vancouver, BC V7T 2W4, Canada
If you were to leave Stanley Park and cross Lionsgate Bridge (be warned, the views are beautiful but it is a very long bridge to walk across – public transit works just as great), you’ll find yourself in West Vancouver, home to Park Royal Shopping Center.
As an upscale shopping center, Park Royal boasts over 200 retailers, eateries, and service businesses. With local brands, such as Roots in addition to international favorites like Lush, there is something for everyone here.
You can also find a few places to eat at various prices points including: Nando’s (a must-try if you haven’t before), McDonalds, Whole Foods, and The Cactus Club. I recommend stopping by Angus T for a specialty latte and one of their famous croissants (they are worth it).
Downtown Vancouver
Address: Various – Robson, Burrard, Howe, Hastings and Georgia Streets
Downtown Vancouver is a treasure trove of local businesses, delicious cafes, and luxury shopping.
From Downtown (Denman and Robson) to the Financial District (Howe Street), with the waterfront as a guide, you’ll find plenty of fun places to check out. Downtown Vancouver has a great mix of high-end brands or more expensive eateries (especially the closer you get to the Financial District) as well as local spots that you’ll love to peruse through. My favorite thing to do in this area is search for great cafes and eateries, but there are plenty of other retailers as well.
For fun souvenirs, check out the area around Burrard Landing/Canada Place. Snowggle Gifts is a great place to stop by if you are looking for classic souvenirs (just be aware that prices are on the higher end due to the location). You can also visit Tap & Barrel for a bit of Canadian cuisine.
Great eateries and small businesses are scattered throughout, but be sure to stop by Drenman and Robson for delicious meals and smaller shops. If you’re in the area, check out local favorites Breka or Unni for a delicious treat.
For upscale and luxury shopping, then you’ll want to focus your attention on West End/the Financial District, which has international brands like Gucci. You can also swing by CF Pacific Centre, a shopping center, to check out another shopping mall with stores like Canada Goose.
McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Vancouver
Adress: 7899 Templeton Station Rd #1000, Richmond, BC V7B 0B7, Canada
Conveniently located just outside of the airport, McArthur Glen Outlet is a convenient stop-over for anyone arriving to or leaving from Vancouver. Located in the neighborhood of Richmond, the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet has various international retailers, like Nike or Coach, and eateries that will surely entertain travelers. If you live near an outlet mall in the U.S.A, you may find that the mall has similar offerings to what’s located near you.
Granville Island
Address: Public Market, 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
If you’re looking for a unique place to explore and do some shopping, Granville Island is a must-see. In addition to the public market, with local vendors offering all sorts of amazing goodies, Granville Island is also quite the place for the arts. Stop by the Kids Market for gifts that will delight the little ones in your life or browse Eagle Spirit Gallery for local indigenous art work.
For a full listing of what’s in the area, check out Granville Island’s directory here.
With so many great shopping districts to check out, Vancouver is sure to delight anyone who loves to shop when traveling. What other shopping spots would you add to this list?
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