City: Robson Street
Top Things to do in Robson Street
Things to do in Vancouver, Canada: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops
Vancouver was founded as “Gastown” by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the area’s former status as a sort of community drinking center. The city’s forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon travelers to explore them, as do the city’s shops and museums. Relive the glory of the 2010 Winter Games with visits to Olympic venues and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.
Restaurants in Vancouver
1. The Soap Artisan
2. Lush
3. Grand Maple Canada Gifts & Souvenirs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
4. Indigo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By 690sf - Vancouver, Canada
Indigo Books on Robson Street in downtown Vancouver has a lot going for it. It is centrally and conveniently situated in a nice location to both be in and to browse in; has a good selections of books; and, most importantly, has really great service. I needed some help with a gift card for my 12-year-old granddaughter and was luckily helped by one of the branches’ managers, Neills. He was superb on all levels. Certainly an ambassador for both books and Indigo. Fellow staffers, both on the Robson Branch phone and at its HQ customer service, have also been most friendly on this occasion and previously. I have always been an avid readers and book- buyer since a child but now I am buying for five, given that my son has a wonderful family of book readers, which includes my daughter/-in-law, my granddaughter of 12 and my grandson of eight. All have their noses in books often and are delighted to receive books as gifts. There have not been too many good things about 2020 but I think it had got many more back into reading books in their material form, a trend likely to continue into the future. Yay. There are few things nicer that reading a book in bed or curled up on a sofa. Posted by S Fuller.
5. Purdys Chocolatier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
Purdy’s has been Canada’s innovative chocolatier since 1907. Proudly born in BC, this family-run establishment has been wowing generations with their high quality chocolate creations – everything from classic hedgehogs, marshmallow bars, Himalayan pink salt, to more modern selections like vegan chocolate and lemon blackberry chocolate pieces – for the last 112 years. I doubt there’s very many in BC who’ve yet to taste the high quality flavours and creations of this national treasure. For me, Purdy’s has become much more of a “special occasions” stop rather than an everyday thing but, when growing up, the family always made it a point to stop by this delectable sweet shop. Growing up, Purdy’s chocolates were always a treat – especially because there were none nearby. Whenever the family and I would travel across the Province, making our way to the Fraser Valley, you can bet that Purdy’s was a “must visit” location. Specifically, a lot of my memories hedge around the Cottonwood Mall unit in Chilliwack. Many a fun time was spent wandering through this now modest mall, but Purdy’s always beckoned and called. Here is where we bought plenty of milk chocolate hedgehogs, bars, peanut butter treats and various of dark chocolates. My younger brother would always go for the ice cream. When you think about it, it really is quite remarkable how Purdy’s – once a very small operation – has woven its way into the cultural fabric of the Province and, more recently, the country. For example, there are 36 locations in BC alone. Indeed, they’re a good example of a specialty store that punches well above its weight. Need proof? Well, there are a number of rural-area grocery stores in BC that get special shipments of Purdy’s during notable occasions like Christmas with the sole intent of selling the chocolates at inflated prices . . . and people definitely do buy them up. Furthermore, many a school and other local fundraisers use Purdy’s as a draw. Buy from them – as I have in the past – and get various chocolate treats at slightly discounted prices. Who can say no to that, especially when we’re talking about delicious peanut butter fingers and hedgehogs?! In any event, there are 2 Purdy’s locations listed on TripAdvisor – this one at 700 W Georgia Street (Pacific Centre Mall) and a non-existent location on Chester Street. The Pacific Centre Mall location is a fine and fair representative of all Purdy’s kiosks because the units all basically have the same layout. Here you will find all of the Purdy’s classics (peanut butter fingers, hedgehogs, classic chocolate bars, Himalayan pink salts, sweet Georgia Browns, chocolate lolly’s, chocolate bark), specialty chocolates (truffles, fruit-based selections, toffee bars, matcha), seasonal offerings, gift boxes and ice cream treats. As I said above, I now tend to treat Purdy’s more like a special occasions stop because, well, I don’t eat a lot of chocolate anymore and, besides, the prices for this “100% sustainable chocolate” is getting up there. Thus, I usually just buy it for those who really enjoy it. In this regard, the Purdy’s in Pacific Centre is as good as any other – the staff have always been very helpful and point out ways in which you can save money (and maybe even buy a bit more chocolate!). It’s thumbs up, especially if you’re a chocolate lover! So, yes, Purdy’s is rife with memories for me, as I’m sure it is for many of us who visit these shops. The chocolate is of high quality; the staff are always very friendly regardless of the often heavy crowds; and they bring smiles to our faces. If you’ve yet to try Purdy’s, do yourself a favour and check them out. Highly recommended!
6. Lululemon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 34 reviews
The yoga clothing giant began in 1998, then opened its first stand-alone store in Kitsilano two years later. Expect to find the fullest range of goods, along with kombucha on tap and a rooftop patio.
7. Harry Rosen
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
Canada's largest Harry Rosen store is found in Yorkville—the perfect spot to satisfy well-dressed men seeking the latest from the world's top fashion houses including Tom Ford, Prada, and Armani.
