Shopping in Victoria BC |
| The Victoria area has lots of shopping complexes, many of
them "Plazas" at intersection of major traffic arteries. Here are the larger
"Shopping Centres," that provide fully-enclosed shopping comfort. Victoria's Inner Harbour  The
Fairmont Empress Hotel is the focal point of the
Inner Harbour. This Historic Hotel overlooking the Inner Harbour
reminds us of a colourful past with the present. At night this dramatic
structure ignites the city center with thousands of twinkling lights. Also
close by is the BC Parliament buildings, and the
Royal British Columbia
Museum. While at the Museum, take in a show on the
6 story high screen at the IMAX National Geographic Theatre next
door. While the Inner harbour has much to see and do the shopping is mostly
gifts , souvenirs and artefacts, but you will be able to shop for tours and
whale watching excursions at the many tourist info centers there.Government Street The Government Street promenade is line with brick pavement for the five blocks from the Inner Harbour to the start of Old Town (from Humboldt Street to Bastion Square). The area is a mix of quality souvenirs, which include Cowichan Indian sweaters, Haida carvings and British woolens, and low-end "kitch", including plastic totem poles, and cheap t-shirts. This area has many of Victoria’s most unique shops, so have a good look around. The street also passes by the Victoria Eaton’s Centre, an indoor block-sized shopping paradise. Off to one side is Trounce Alley, which leads to the water, and is home to several very fine ladies fashion shops and Hotels. Old Town Victoria  The
Old Town preserves the city’s treasured past, and are located just north of
the original Fort Victoria. The buildings have been recently restored, and
includes Swan’s brew pub, the Market Square block of heritage buildings
around an enclosed square, with a bit of an Old England style. This area is
full of one-of-a-kind boutiques and little shops. For a more interesting
shopping experience, search out all the old-style woodcarved Pub signs in
the area. Downtown Victoria This area runs from the Victoria Conference Centre along Douglas Street toward Yates Street and the Old Town. This area is deemed to include the Eaton’s Centre, and is home to many of the contemporary chain stores, like A & B Sound, Benetton, and Roots. For those of you from out of town check out our Downtown Hotels in Victoria Victoria`s Antique Row This three block stretch of Fort Street, where the signs are also labelled "Antique Row," is known as one of the best sources of British antiques in North America. Both because of its long status as a British colony, and its attraction to retirees, many older items and furnishings end up in Victoria. While the area has its share of junktiques (more recent collectibles), keep in mind that certified 100-year old antiques can be imported duty free into most countries (including the USA). Chinatown in Victoria This is Canada’s oldest Chinatown, which got its start in the 1850’s Gold Rush days. The other cities’ Chinatowns didn’t get their start until the rush of immigrants to help build the trans-continental railway. By 1884, half of Victoria’s population was Chinese (Vancouver reached this level in 1998), though today’s Chinatown has shrunk to a about two colourful blocks, between Fisgard and Herald Streets. Chinatown opens with the 11-metre tall Gate of Harmonious Interest, and is filled with interesting shops and restaurants offering a variety of Asian fare. This area is home to Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in all of Canada. Cadboro Bay Village Cadboro Bay is a unique seaside community bounded by the Univerity of Victoria and the ocean. Whether you are running to pick up supper or relaxing with a cup of coffee, you will find that in the Village Each shop has something unique to offer and would love to have you contact them or visit their place of business. You will find a variety of shops, services and a Pepper's grocery store, all close to the popular Gyro Park on Cadboro Bay. Cook Street Village On Cook Street in the southern part of Victoria you will find a wide variety of restaurants, stores, services and grocery stores with a warm neighbourhood atmosphere. Located near the eastern side of Beacon Hill Park and only blocks from the Dallas Road waterfront.  Oak Bay Village A vibrant community only 10 minutes from downtown Victoria on Vancouver Island, Oak Bay is a world away from the rush of everyday life. An unhurried day may be spent browsing one-of-a-kind shops and galleries, strolling through the many green spaces or soaking up the ambience in cafes and bistros. - Outside of Victoria- Brentwood Bay The Brentwood Bay shopping area is located along West Saanich Road on the Saanich Peninsula. It is the neighbourhood shopping area for the people in Brentwood Bay and contain shops, restaurants, and grocery stores. Colwood Corners At the corner of Goldstream Avenue and Highway 1A (as you turn off from the Trans Canada Highway) contining on towards Sooke, are a wide variety of stores, shops, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. Cordova Bay Village This neighbourhood shopping area is in the north eastern part of Saanich on Cordova Bay Road and is on the Eastern waterfront. It is close to parks and the shopping area contains shops, services, a mini golf, restaurants, and Mattick's Farm. Sidney by the Sea The town centre of Sidney on the northern end of Saanich Peninsula has lots of shops, stores and businesses, primarily along Beacon Avenue (and one or two blocks to the north and south) ending on the Sidney waterfront. Sooke Village Sooke is located on the south western tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It has a sheltered harbor, and is a scenic half hour drive from BC's capital city Victoria. Local people and tourists can find an abundance of unique shopping adventures in Sooke. -Malls in Victoria BC-
Victoria Bay Centre
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