123 Best Shopping in British Columbia, Canada

First-rate Asian restaurants, food vendors selling everything from kimchi to cream puffs, clothing stores stocking the latest styles, and Daiso—a Japanese bargain-hunters' paradise—make this swank mall a good introduction to Vancouver's Asian shopping experience. Take the Canada Line south to Aberdeen Station, about 20 minutes from Downtown.

This is Canada's ritziest department store; a swanky showcase for international high fashion and accessories for men and women. Think Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and other designer labels.

You might have seen John Fluevog shops in New York and Los Angeles, but did you know that these funky shoes were created by a Vancouverite? The Gastown location is worth a look for the store itself, with its striking glass facade and soaring ceilings. There's another branch at 2156 West 4th Ave.

If you love cheese, don't miss the mind-boggling array of selections from British Columbia, the rest of Canada, and elsewhere at this family-run shop of delicacies. Owner Allison Spurrell and her extremely knowledgeable staff encourage you to taste before you buy. The fromagerie is located between Granville Island and Kitsilano Beach—useful to keep in mind if you're assembling a seaside picnic. There's a second location at 843 East Hastings St. on Vancouver's East Side.

Power-yoga devotees, soccer moms, and anyone who likes casual, comfy clothes covet the fashionable, well-constructed workout wear with the stylized "A" insignia from this Vancouver-based company. In addition to the flagship location at 2123 West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, there are several branches around town.

Vancouver's go-to outdoor store since the 1970s, MEC stocks a good selection of high-performance clothing and equipment for hiking, cycling, climbing, and kayaking—and for just looking good while hanging around outdoors. You can rent sports gear here, too. A one-time C$5 membership is required for purchases or rentals. 

Nordstrom Vancouver, the chain's flagship store in Canada, sizzles with fashion buzz alongside the well-known Nordstrom-style service. Three elegantly designed floors showcase label boutiques (think Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Stella McCartney), lots of Canadian designers, and themed pop-up shops, and include a restaurant, a lounge, and a wealth of concierge services, from personal stylists to free Downtown delivery.

For outdoorsy clothes that double as souvenirs (many sport maple leaf logos), check out these Canadian-made sweatshirts, leather jackets, and other comfy casuals for men, women, and kids. In addition to this Downtown flagship store, there's a smaller branch down the street at 1153 Robson Street, and on West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, and a number of outlet stores, called Roots 73, in the suburbs.

Check out this chain of Asian supermarkets for exotic produce, baked goods, and prepared foods. You can assemble an inexpensive to-go lunch from the extensive hot food counter. In addition to this Chinatown location, there are several other branches around Metro Vancouver.

This gallery showcases contemporary Canadian art from both established artists and emerging talents. It features a cross-section of contemporary, landscape, wildlife, figurative paintings, and sculpture. You'll usually be able to find some affordable pieces.

Amid the endless sweater shops, this one stands out. The handmade sweaters and dresses have offbeat designs and fabulous colors. They're really comfortable, especially those made with silky-soft merino wool.

Bees receive a lot of TLC at this operation. A small demonstration area shows you the bees. Of course, there's a shop filled with honey-related items. And tours are available, too.

You can learn all about sake (Japanese rice wine), and sample the locally made product, at Vancouver's own sake brewery.

The freshly roasted almonds, pistachios, and cashews from this pretty Persian-style shop make excellent snacks; try them with the signature lime-saffron seasoning. Boxes of nuts and sweets make excellent gifts, too. There are other locations at 2048 West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano and 1332 Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver.

This cute shop offers a creative take on '40s-style glamour and boho chic. Look for feminine clothing (dresses, dresses, and more dresses), jewelry, and bags—some by local designers—as well as vintage linens and decorative accessories.

Named for the Boboli Gardens, this lavish space, complete with an atrium-like shoe department, focuses on high-end Italian labels for men and women, such as Valentino, Etro, and Giambattista Valli.

This local lifestyle brand prides itself on using natural materials with timeless design to create a more mindful way of living. Carefully curated clothing and home decor pieces are displayed, gallery-like, in the airy atrium of the beautiful two-level store, with light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. An in-house florist produces exquisite floral designs, and the handcrafted jewelry and select home goods make the perfect gift.

The drive to Carmelis is up the side of the mountain, so bring your camera to take photos of the stupendous views. Save some shots for the goats—they're responsible for some of the cheeses you can sample (and buy, of course). They also serve a goat milk gelato.