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FAST FACTS
CURRENCY: Canadian Dollar
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: English and French
OTHER LANGUAGES: In Vancouver, English is the official language, with some information in French (at the airport and all government agencies, plus it is compulsory for all labels on product packaging to be in both languages). Being a cosmopolitan, international city and a popular destination for English as a second language students, a smattering of every language can be heard on the streets.
Vancouver: A City of Diverse Neighborhoods
Vancouver is a city of neighbourhoods, each with a character all its own and framed by gorgeous mountains and the Pacific Ocean. So it’s a shame that when visitors to the city ask where they should shop, they’re often directed to one place, downtown’s Robson Street strip. While Robson Street is a great place to browse the racks or get a bite, it would be a shame if you didn’t venture beyond those few bustling blocks to check out some of Vancouver’s other great retail neighbourhoods.
Yaletown and Gastown, for example, are both just a short walk from the downtown core and are home to upscale clothing and furniture stores, bars and restaurants. Fourth Avenue in the trendy Kitsilano area is just as hip and hopping as Robson Street on a Saturday afternoon, and is packed with interesting shops and great places to eat. Further west is Kitsilano’s other hot shopping area, West Broadway, where you’ll find a different mix of restaurants and retailers.
If it’s small boutiques spotlighting the work of independent local designers you’re after, you shouldn’t miss Main Street, also home to a number of excellent restaurants and cafes. And Granville Street, just across the bridge from downtown, is well known for its art galleries, furniture outlets and fashion stores. Tucked under the same bridge is Granville Island, where local artisans show off their handmade wares alongside a bustling farmer’s market.
Denman Street is a short hop from world-famous Stanley Park and an eclectic shopping area with a great neighbourhood feel. A bit further afield, Whistler — which will jointly host the 2010 Winter Olympics with Vancouver — plays host year-round to upscale ski and casual-wear boutiques, spectacular spas and top-notch restaurants.
Take a peek at all the ChicWalks.com routes in Vancouver — and keep checking the site for new ones — to get an even better idea of what each neighbourhood has to offer. Then get ready to hit the streets all over town. You’re bound to discover what you’re looking for, and a few things you never even dreamed you’d find.
Retail Hours
Most stores and all shopping centres are open seven days a week, usually with evening hours on Thursdays and Fridays. Some independent stores may take Sunday off, but not many. Some spas and salons are closed on Mondays.
Sizes
Standard North American sizes are used by most retailers, although some stores that carry European lines might use European sizing. If you’re not sure what your European size is, ask what the equivalent North American size is. Women in particular may find that some clothing made in Asian countries will fit far smaller than the size on the tag suggests. Don’t run screaming out of the store in horror — remember that many Asian women are smaller in stature and size than North American women, so a “large” there may fit more like a “medium” here.
Taxes and Tips
The provincial sales tax is seven per cent and the federal goods and services tax is five per cent, for a total of 12 per cent. That will be added at the register to almost all purchases; clothing for children 14 and under, used clothing priced at less than $100, food, books and magazines are exempt from the PST but not the GST, and basic groceries are exempt from both. GST rebates are available for visitors; see the Canada Revenue Agency website (www.cra-arc.gc.ca) for more information. Tips are voluntary at cafes, bars and restaurants, but 15 to 20 per cent is the rule of thumb at any place where you’re served at a table or bar. You’re not expected to tip for takeout food.
Shopping the Centres
Yes, it sometimes rains in balmy Vancouver, which can take some of the joy out of shopping on the city’s many retail streetscapes. But fear not — the city and its suburbs have a number of malls where you can scratch your shopping itch even when the sunshine turns liquid.
Here are five shopping centres that are worth a look:
PACIFIC CENTRE
Location: Granville Street between Robson and Pender Streets
What’s there: All the major chain stores, including H&M, The Gap, Banana Republic, Le Chateau, Club Monaco, La Senza and Jacob. There are also two department stores here, Sears and The Bay, plus a spectacular outlet of the upscale Holt Renfrew fashion-store chain at the north end of the mall.
OAKRIDGE CENTRE
Location: Cambie Street at 41st Avenue
What’s there: An attractive, upscale mall with an emphasis on fashion. You’ll find big chains like Eddie Bauer and Banana Republic here, but also outlets of local high-end retailers like Wear Else and Edward Chapman, and high-end retailers such as Coach, Michael Kors and Hugo Boss. The Bay, Zellers and Safeway are the largest stores here.
METROTOWN CENTRE/METROPOLIS AT METROTOWN
Location: Kingsway between Willingdon and Royal Oak in Burnaby
What’s there: An enormous shopping centre — so big that it’s actually two malls in one — that’s easily accessible by SkyTrain (get off at the Metrotown stop). In terms of chain stores, just about everything is here — in fact, it’s so large that some retailers have more than one outlet. Major retailers include The Bay, Sears, Zellers, Winners HomeSense and Old Navy. There’s also a 10-screen SilverCity cinema.
PARK ROYAL
Location: Marine Drive at Taylor Way in West Vancouver
What’s there: This nice shopping complex is actually two malls, one north and one south of Marine Drive. Park Royal North has a number of chain stores, some upscale, plus a small Bay department store and a London Drugs outlet. The south mall has a street-oriented “village” at the west end with a very nice Whole Foods superstore and a “boutique” Home Depot store, as well as several fashion stores.
ABERDEEN CENTRE
Location: Hazelbridge Way at Cambie Road in Richmond
What’s there: In spite of its Scottish-sounding name, Aberdeen Centre is the Vancouver area’s largest Asian-themed mall, catering to the area’s large Asian population. You can see the Asian influence in everything from clothing stores to tea shops and restaurants. One of our favourite stores here is the two-level, Japanese-owned Daiso dollar store. On the opposite scale is another favorite, aR Fashion, offering top clothing and accessory brands such as Gucci, YSL, Dior, D&G, Miu Miu etc. at incredible outlet prices. There is also an aR outlet for men.
CITY SHOPPING GUIDE: VANCOUVER
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