Top Rated Shopping in Vancouver

Brimming with a delightful vibrancy, Granville Island is a veritable haven of shopping, entertainment and culture located only a few minutes away from Downtown Vancouver. At the crack of dawn, water taxis can be seen ferrying across False Creek, bearing local wares and fruit crates ready to be sold at the Public Market. The Island's colour, warmth and jubilant personality are fed by each of the 300 businesses and vendors that inhabit its charming stretch. Whether it is the assortment of handicrafts, Aboriginal Art and locally curated souvenirs sold at its homegrown shops and galleries or the pull of culture on display at its performing arts venues, Granville Island saves something for everyone. Notable among its many landmarks is the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, the Vancouver Theatresports League and the Granville Island Brewing Company.

Spanning three city blocks above and under ground, this shopping center will leave mall lovers reeling with consumption-induced joy. Located in the centre of the downtown action, this popular place has nearly every store and service. From cosmetics, gifts and souvenirs to kids clothing, flowers and furniture, it's here. Some of the notable stores include Mexx, Holt Renfrew, Banana Republic and the ubiquitous Gap. The upscale Holt Renfrew department store is on site, and the large food fair offers everything from tacos to sushi.

The biggest shopping center in the city, Oakridge located about 20 minutes outside of Downtown. The complex includes shops like Banana Republic, MaxMara, Aritzia and two major department stores: The Bay and Zellers. Other major fashion brands are also represented, and the mall also contains a multiplex movie theater, babysitting services and a large food fair. The tower above the mall has business offices, a large pharmacy, dentists, doctors and other medical services.

Main Street, is one of the most happening streets in the city. The street extends right from Waterfront Road up to Kent Avenue. Located on this street are most of the city's top shopping centers, restaurants and bars. Visit the website to know more on offers and promotions for individual places.

Record lovers rejoice! This humble neighborhood shop stocks both new and used CDs and vinyl, specializing in rarities and local stuff like the masterful "Rock is Hard" by Vancouver's own Rodney Graham. In addition to the compelling music selection, Red Cat also plays host to gallery openings by local artists and in-store concert performances by local acts and even international superstars such as the Black Lips. Perhaps most important, the staff is eminently helpful, and gracious as can be. Check website for event announcements, ticket sales, online shopping, and adorable photos of Buddy, their cat.

Stuck indoors on a rainy day? Get off that couch and head over to Skoah, a famous spot among Canadians, to rejuvenate and revitalize. The uninitiated may well ask for advice, for the range of services available is extensive. Facials are the specialty, albeit a bit pricey, and a quick one is available for those on the run. Skincare products abound here, from toners to astringents and creams to sunscreens. The website and staff provide many useful beauty tips; a good reference for those unsure of what their skin needs. The best part is that Skoah is eco-friendly. Towels and linen are reused or donated, plastic is recycled, while the paper they use is 100% recycled.