Must-see shopping in Vancouver Island

  • Munro's Books

    Victoria

    The name is no coincidence. Victoria's cathedral to reading was established in 1963 by Nobel-prize-winning Canadian author Alice Munro and her husband Jim…

  • Haunted Books

    Vancouver Island

    An agreeably Dickensian bookstore stuffed to the rafters with random busts, faded old maps, a grandfather clock and piles of dusty old tomes. Despite its…

  • Regional Assembly of Text

    Victoria

    This branch of Vancouver's charming hipster stationery store is socked into a quirky space resembling a hotel lobby from 1968. You'll find the same clever…

  • Cherry Bomb Toys

    Victoria

    The nostalgically inclined will love this large toy emporium of collectibles, especially if they head upstairs to the mezzanine-level toy museum. It's…

  • Rogers' Chocolates

    Victoria

    This charming, museum-like confectioner serves the best ice-cream bars, but repeat offenders usually spend their time hitting the 20-flavor-strong menu of…

  • Dark Side Chocolates

    Vancouver Island

    Testament to Cumberland's hipster revival, this artisan chocolate shop is a delicious delight. Everything is made on-site but don't miss the dainty salted…

  • Tanner's Books

    Vancouver Island

    You can easily spend a leisurely afternoon perusing the selection at this cavernous corner bookstore with its large array of magazines and comprehensive…

  • Ditch Records

    Victoria

    A favorite record store among Victoria's retro-minded, Ditch is lined with iconic vinyl, plenty of CDs and many furtive music fans perusing releases by…

  • Silk Road

    Victoria

    A pilgrimage spot for fans of regular and exotic teas, where you can pick up all manner of leafy paraphernalia. Alternatively, sidle up to the tasting bar…

  • Beacon Books

    Vancouver Island

    A multi-room town-center bookstore piled high with used books, all guarded by a house cat that may or may not let you stroke her (probably not). Look out…

  • Moss St Market

    Victoria

    Victoria's favorite farmers market is bustling with more than 100 stalls piled high with regional produce (look out for BC peaches) as well as arts and…

  • Victoria Public Market

    Victoria

    At this indoor market lined with artisan food businesses, tempting deli counters and food-court dining, you'll find everything from chocolate to cheese to…

  • Bastion Sq Public Market

    Victoria

    This summer-long arts and crafts market is worth a sunny browse, accompanied by the sound of a zither-playing busker. You might even find a souvenir more…

  • James Bay Market

    Victoria

    An idyllic grassy spot to spend an hour wandering the stalls of local produce, regional arts and crafts, and naughty bakery treats. Look out for live…

  • Fan Tan Home & Style

    Victoria

    This popular Victoria fixture sells must-have furnishings, accessories and bath products – plus locally made artisan jewelry. It's located in a vintage…

  • Fantan Trading Ltd

    Victoria

    A labyrinthine Chinatown store hawking everything from paper lanterns to fake bonsai trees. It's hard not to find something to buy here.

  • Hilary's Cheese

    Vancouver Island

    Handily located next to a bakery, this long-established cheesemaker purveys a rich selection of local and international cheeses that'll add nuance to your…

  • Mud Room

    Vancouver Island

    A colorful little gallery of Hobbity pottery and clay works where you can pick up a unique souvenir of your Vancouver Island visit.