The Best Places To Buy Souvenirs And Local Crafts In Vancouver

Souvenir shopping, and shopping in general, is one of the best ways to relive a vacation after returning home and back to reality. Fortunately, there are many shops and markets in Vancouver that are perfect for buying souvenirs and local crafts, so keep reading to find out the best places to go souvenir shopping.

Granville Island

Market

Described as “The jewel in the island’s crown,” the Public Market has a strict rule for vendors: they must be British Columbia residents and can only sell their own handcrafted products. Each item must be an original idea and completed using hand labor, which is perfect for customers looking for local arts and crafts for souvenirs! Granville Island’s Railspur District is also home to local artists selling their wares, including silk scarves, artwork, jewelry, and ceramics.

Granted Clothing

For a timeless winter accessory, take home a Granted sweater, which is all handmade in Vancouver. Granted sweaters are each hand-knitted with 100% high-quality wool from free-range sheep. Each sweater takes between 15 and 25 hours to complete, and the owners’ Pacific Northwest roots ultimately inspire the graphics and designs. The Granted Clothing head office is in Richmond, but they ask customers to make an appointment before visiting.

Hudson House Trading Company

Shop, Store

The quintessential souvenir store, visit Hudson House Trading Company for gifts and food items that have a distinct “Canadian flair.” The one-stop shop features souvenirs as well as products from Timberland, North Face, Puma, Columbia, and Oakley and tries to recreate the atmosphere of the fur trade in the 1600s, with cedar ceilings, brick walls, a water wheel fountain, teepee dressing room, maple tree, and an old wagon. For Vancouver and Canadian food, clothing, and accessories, be sure to check out Hudson House Trading Company.

Vancity Original

Store

Although Vancity Original is primarily an online store that ships worldwide, customers can pick up purchases for free from Dipt’s shopfront in downtown Vancouver. Established in 1998 by Mister Martini, their UnDMC “Vancity” logo is now a Vancouver streetwear icon featured on hoodies, zip-up sweaters, T-shirts, tank tops, hats, toques, socks, bags, and so much more. One of their products is the best way to #repvancity, even if you’re not in the city.

Hill's Native Art

Art Gallery

“Welcome to the rich tapestry of cultures belonging to the Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast and Canada.” Hill’s Native Art is North America’s largest Northwest Coast Native art gallery and features totems, moccasins, masks, carvings, paintings, Inuit art, jewelry, Cowichan sweaters, books, and other clothing. The gallery has locations in both Vancouver and on Vancouver Island.

Much & Little

Shop

An independent and locally owned boutique on Vancouver’s Main Street, Much & Little is a shop you must visit. Gifts, homewares, and clothing from local designers, North American small businesses and European heritage brands line their shelves. Owner Sarah says: “Each item has been hand-picked for aesthetics and function, and also for the story behind it that creates lasting value.” For a product made with love, visit Much & Little.

Mounted Police Post

Mounted Police Post is an official retailer of Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) merchandise, located in historic Gastown. Their website states that through every purchase, visitors and locals are helping to contribute to the safety of all Canadians. There is a vast collection of Mountie products on offer, including RCMP Minnie and Mickey Mouses and other stuffed animals, hats, cufflinks, jewelry, and even a children’s Mountie uniform.

The Eastside Flea

Market

A modern-day flea market that takes place every second weekend in Vancouver, the Eastside Flea is all about encouraging the community to shop local, sustainable, and independent. Through their markets, they are helping to support the local economy and grow small businesses. Each market includes over 50 vendors selling handmade products, vintage clothing, antiques, artisan eats, plants, and more. There are also food trucks, a courtyard, and a DJ to make the event even more fun. Keep an eye on their Instagram to see when the next event is occurring.

About the author

Hayley Simpson

Writer

I'm an Australian freelance writer and travel blogger. I was born in Perth, grew up in Townsville and currently live in Melbourne. I write about my worldwide solo travel adventures and my former expat life in Canada on my blog, Hayley on Holiday (hayleyonholiday.com).