[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places to Go Shopping in Vancouver

Shopping in Vancouver is the perfect place to find unique and interesting items for every budget. It offers diverse stores, from small boutiques with one-of-a-kind items to big department stores. No matter what your budget is, each neighborhood has something special to offer. 

Granville Island is one of the city’s most popular shopping areas. You can find almost anything you need here, from fresh flowers and artisan cheese to art and jewelry. 

The long-awaited Nordstrom store has finally opened its doors in Vancouver. This department store has everything you need, from high-end labels to three dining options. It’s easy to spend a day here.

If you’re looking for cheaper designer goods, visit the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport. Here you can find famous brands like Coach, Cole Haan, Hugo Boss, and Armani at discounted prices. What’s more, the Canada Line station is conveniently located near the outlet, so you can leave the car at home.

The Best Places to Go Shopping in Vancouver

1. GASTOWN

Gastown is one of Vancouver’s oldest areas and was the original downtown core. It was named after “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a seaman from the United Kingdom who arrived in the City in 1887 and founded the first saloon. Today, the cobbled streets of Gastown lead to a variety of restaurants, pubs, cafes, boutiques, and galleries.

Gastown is a popular destination for local and visiting artists and fashion designers. Visitors can explore the local flair and pick up one-of-a-kind pieces from the galleries and boutique shops. This makes Gastown a top recommendation for the best shopping in Vancouver, as it is the only place to get hold of these unique pieces.

2. Metropolis at Metrotown

Metropolis at Metrotown is the largest mall in British Columbia, offering a wide variety of retail and dining outlets. It is renowned as one of the top shopping experiences in Vancouver. With three floors of fashion boutiques, Silver City cinemas, and dining outlets, this mall has something for everyone. It also features an impressive Grand Court, which regularly hosts exhibitions, events, and performances.

From the outside, the mall may not look very large. However, you will be surprised by the magnitude of the complex once you enter. Metropolis at Metrotown is a half-hour drive southeast of downtown Vancouver, but it is conveniently located within a short walk from the Metrotown station.

3. NORDSTROM

Nordstrom’s flagship store in Vancouver offers 230,000 square feet of retail space, making it the go-to destination for all your shopping needs. With a vast selection of items for men, women, and children, such as fragrances, beauty products, shoes, handbags, and clothing, Nordstrom has something for everyone.

In addition to its extensive retail selection, Nordstrom offers three different dining options. Ebar is a great spot for those who are in need of a quick and casual meal, offering coffee, pastries, smoothies, sandwiches, and salads. Habitant is a casual lounge with a full bar serving handcrafted cocktails and light meals. Bistro Verde is their full-service restaurant and bar, offering starters, salads, entrees, and desserts prepared with local ingredients.

For these reasons, Nordstrom’s flagship store in Vancouver is highly recommended for some of the best shopping in Vancouver. With everything from clothing to dining under one roof, it’s the perfect place to find whatever you need.

4. THE HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY

The Hudson’s Bay Company has a long and storied history, dating back to 1670. Throughout the years, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of its customers. Their location in downtown Vancouver, at the intersection of Granville Street and West Georgia Street, is expansive and offers a variety of items. Home goods, clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty products, and more can all be found here. It also houses the second largest TopShop, a popular clothing chain from the UK. This department store is conveniently connected to the Pacific Centre and easily accessed from the street or the mall.

The Hudson’s Bay Company is recommended for the best shopping in Vancouver for a few reasons, one being its frequent sales. Whether looking for something luxurious or on a budget, there is something here for everyone.

5. Oakridge Centre

Oakridge Centre is an iconic fashion and lifestyle center located in Vancouver. It has been around since 1959 and has gone through gradual developments over the years. Plans are in the pipeline to expand beyond its current role as a shopping center. 

The center is home to a range of fashion and lifestyle stores, including Apple, DKNY, Hudson’s Bay, and Tiffany & Co. The food court features a selection of popular fast-food franchises offering a wide range of cuisine. 

The mall is easily accessible via the nearby Oakridge 31st Avenue subway station, part of the SkyTrain network.

6. MCARTHURGLEN DESIGNER OUTLET VANCOUVER AIRPORT

The Vancouver Airport Authority has partnered with the London-based McArthurGlen Group to develop a luxury designer outlet center on YVR land. The McArthurGlen Group is Europe’s leading owner, developer, and manager of designer outlets and is known for its expertise in this area.

The outlet center features European-style piazzas, tree-lined streets, and pedestrian-friendly walkways. The unique architecture and public art pieces make it a pleasant shopping experience. Customers can find a mix of North American and European luxury and designer labels and enjoy up to 70% savings. 

The outlet is conveniently located near the Canada Line, meaning no car is needed to get to and from it. With its great selection and discounts, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport is a great place for designer goods.

7. Chinatown

Vancouver’s Chinatown is the largest in Canada and is a great place to visit for sightseeing. Located on Pender Street, the entrance to Chinatown is marked by the grand Millennium Gate. With its rows of specialty stores, Chinatown is a unique shopping experience. Among its heritage shops, the Chinese Tea Shop sells exquisite tea blends and teamaking tools, perfect for souvenirs. The Bamboo Village is also a great place to visit, offering imported goods from the Far East.

8. Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island Public Market is a popular tourist destination located on the south side of False Creek, across from downtown Vancouver. It is the main highlight of Vancouver’s namesake shopping district-peninsula. Strolling through the market gives visitors the opportunity to purchase fresh, locally sourced goods at a reasonable price. Not only is it a great place to shop, but it is also a dining destination.

The market is full of activity and attracts locals and visitors during lunchtime. Those looking for unique farm items such as homemade syrups, honey, and jams will be pleased with their selection. There is also an array of souvenirs for sale from craft vendors.

9. PACIFIC CENTRE

Pacific Centre is a shopping mecca located in the core of Vancouver, covering three city blocks. This mall provides an indoor shopping experience that comes in handy on those notorious wet days in Vancouver. There is a wide range of stores, including well-known brands like The Gap, Guess, Hollister, Coach, Michael Kors, and Sunglass Hut, in addition to The Hudson Bay Company’s department store.

If you get hungry while shopping, there’s a food court with a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. You can choose from salads, sushi, pizza, and Vietnamese food, to name a few. Pacific Centre is conveniently located with easy access to many hotels, buses, and public transportation.

For these reasons, Pacific Centre is the perfect spot for shopping in Vancouver, particularly on a rainy day. It is covered and sheltered from the outdoors, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to brave the elements.

10. HOLT RENFREW

Holt Renfrew is a fashionista’s dream come true. What began as a small hat shop in Quebec City in 1837 has grown into a nationwide empire. Holt Renfrew’s Vancouver location is attached to the Pacific Centre and spans three levels of designer apparel, accessories, make-up, shoes, and jewels. The selection of brands available is impressive, ranging from high-end labels like Gucci, Christian Dior, D&G, Jimmy Choo, and Christian Louboutin to more mainstream brands like Marc by Marc Jacobs and popular denim names. Although it is not a store for frequent shopping trips, it is worth visiting to take a walk-through and be inspired for your next wardrobe purchase.

Holt Renfrew’s shoe department is especially noteworthy and is worth splashing out on. You will not regret it if you can make it to their shoe sale. For this reason, Holt Renfrew has been recommended as one of the Best Shopping Locations in Vancouver.

11. Lonsdale Quay Market

Lonsdale Quay Market is a waterfront market located overlooking Vancouver Harbour. It offers over 90 specialty shops and services, including a fresh food market. Visitors can explore the stalls and sample a variety of local products, such as fresh fruits and jams.

In addition, the market has many retail stores offering a variety of fashion items, accessories, and souvenirs. The international food court is also a popular destination. It features a wide selection of vendors and fast food chains, providing an ideal spot to grab a bite and enjoy the views of the harbor.

12. MAIN STREET

F As In Frank Clothing is a vintage-only clothing store on Main Street, Vancouver. It is known for having a great selection of unique, well-taken care pieces. Front & Co. is another great shop to visit along Main Street. It offers funky accessories, new frocks, and a second-hand section for shoppers to browse.

After a long day of shopping, there are plenty of cafes on Main Street to grab an Americano and a sweet treat. There are also several breweries in the area that are worth checking out. Main Street is the perfect place for anyone looking for a great selection of vintage clothing and accessories.

13. ROBSON STREET

Robson Street is the most popular shopping area in downtown Vancouver. It stretches from downtown into the city’s West End and offers a wide array of shopping options. Along the street, shoppers can find stores like The Gap, Zara, Forever 21, lululemon, BCBG, and Club Monaco, as well as shoe stores, sunglasses shops, souvenir stores, and jewelry stores. 

After shopping, visitors can stop by one of the many restaurants on Robson Street. There are fine dining restaurants and quick and affordable take-out options. This makes it easy to satisfy any appetite. 

Robson Street is close to the city’s main transportation hubs, making it easy to get to by public transportation. For these reasons, it is recommended as one of the best shopping destinations in Vancouver.

14. SOUTH GRANVILLE

South Granville is a bustling shopping district that has something for everyone. It contains a variety of stores, such as high-end clothing, expensive antiques and art galleries, banks, restaurants, cafes, and popular stores like Chapters, Williams and Sonoma, Anthropologie, and Pottery Barn. Therefore, it caters to practically all needs with its wide selection of shopping options. 

The art galleries, in particular, are worth a visit even if one cannot afford to purchase anything. For example, Scott Landon Antiques has some beautiful pieces of antique furniture that, although expensive, is worth admiring. 

For these reasons, South Granville is often recommended for the best shopping experience, as it is a delightful mix of high-end and affordable boutiques.