bowdywanders.com

5 Cool and Cheap Places to Buy Souvenirs in Vancouver, British Columbia

In every out of the country trip, surely one of the basic things we all look out for is that pricey-looking priceless souvenir you can take back with you and give to your close ones. Like for example, if you go to Singapore, buying souvenirs is quite easy because of areas like Bugis, Chinatown, and Orchard Road. Not only are they famous as good shopping places, but they are also reasonably priced for a high-quality priceless trinket.

Nevertheless, what if you happen to visit a country as big as Canada, or a city as big as Vancouver, British Columbia, how in the world will you ever find the right souvenir for you? Well, fear not anymore. The nice thing about this city is that there are quite a handful of cool and cheap places to buy your gifts that you can bring to your family and friends.

Ranging from key chains, fridge magnets, toys, foods, clothes, and even some other artsy memento that you can only find in this part of the world, they sure have it! Budget-wise, it all depends on you, but for sure the price points are rather reasonable – although, what you’ll observe is that they do not offer big bulks of souvenirs like the ones you can find in the eastern world. Depending on your vibe and liking, here are the absolute five favorites you should go to:

Downtown Vancouver

Website: https://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/downtown.aspx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downtownvan/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtownvan/

British Columbia, in general, and Vancouver, in particular, are among the top Canadian destinations worth being explored. The amalgam of aboriginal and western cultures, Vancouver is a treasure trove of distinctively Canadian delights that are not found anywhere else. Most of these items make for an ideal gift to take home and can be found easily with the help of this guide! Read more at: https://www.gpsmycity.com/articles/84-16-distinctively-canadian-things-to-buy-in-vancouver.html

Vancouver Thrift Stores

Website: https://www.straight.com/life/973381/definitive-guide-thrift-and-vintage-shopping-vancouver

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mccthriftvancouver/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usedhouseofvintage/

Thrifting is the best. There is literally nothing better than cutting your spending in half. But shopping at thrift stores is not only frugal, but it is also the perfect place to find pieces that make you stick out from the crowd. Every thrift store is different and can specialize in carrying certain things. Whether you are looking for that distressed denim jacket or that pristinely kept designer handbag, these seven Vancouver stores have it all. Read more at: https://www.narcity.com/things-to-do/ca/bc/vancouver/7-best-vancouver-thrift-stores-to-help-you-get-ready-for-fall-weather-on-the-cheap

Vancouver Shopping Malls

Website: https://www.tourismvancouver.com/activities/shopping/shopping-malls/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/places/Shopping-Mall-in-Vancouver-British-Columbia/114497808567786/109527622457518/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopvanmall/

Whether you’re looking for a small souvenir of your time in Vancouver, or a brand new summer wardrobe, shopping ranks high on the list of vacation activities for many visitors. And Vancouver doesn’t disappoint! As a cosmopolitan metropolis, shopping here runs from international designers and popular brands in shop-‘til-you-drop malls, through to local designers and one-of-a-kind craft studios in unique neighbourhoods. You’ll find everything you’re looking for, as well as plenty of things you didn’t even know that you needed! Read more at: https://www.tourismvancouver.com/activities/shopping/

Gastown

Website: https://gastown.org/directory/gifts-souvenirs/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mygastown/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mygastow/

Gastown's cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, excellent cafes, tasty restaurants and fabulous boutiques make it one of the best places to go shopping in Vancouver. It's here that you'll find boutiques that carry international and local brands that'll complete your wardrobe. Whether you're looking for something for your closet or your home, The Latest Scoop is a fab shop to check out. Not only do they carry great stuff, it's more affordable than a number of other Gastown boutiques. This women's store has locations across the city and is a local favorite. Read more at: https://www.10best.com/destinations/canada/vancouver/shopping/gastowns-best-shopping/

Granville Island

Website: https://granvilleisland.com/shopping-and-gifts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/granvilleisland/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/granvilleisland/

Granville island is a great place to pick up handicrafts and souvenirs ranging from home decor items, to jewellery, wines, glass creations and a wide array of other items. Skilled artisans display their creations in vendor booths in the public market, and you can expect to find items such as: hand knitted hats, first nation’s memorabilia, painted textiles, ceramic goods and many others. there are also a number of workshops such as those in the Railspur District where you can view artisans at work creating blown glass, hand painted silks and one of a kind jewellery. Read more at: https://canadiancraftcharters.com/blogs/news/top-four-reasons-to-tour-granville-island

3 BEST Canada Boat Rides for Every Asian Visiting British Columbia

One of the first things on my agenda, when I was planning my trip to Canada, was to include a route that involves some sort of boat tour. Maybe not the week-long cruise type of boat, but more like the quick every day like-a-local kind, which is abundant in Canada. It’s an excellent way to experience the culture in Canada, and since Canada is home to the world’s longest coastline, you are bound to find really good ones to try out.

Although every Asian would probably know about the Niagara Falls Cruising, or even the UNESCO heritage site along the Rideau Canal, it might be a challenge to narrow down the ones you need to try first, especially if there are so many to choose from. Every Asian would probably go in big groups, and selfie-safe kinds of choices, but how to really identify which one? Even more, how to narrow it down if, let’s say, you are visiting British Columbia alone?

From boat tours, kayaking and canoeing, dolphin and whale watching, river rafting and tubing, fishing charters, speed boat tours, and other water sports activities like scuba and snorkeling, there are so many adventurous choices for everyone!

If you are like a formulaic Asian seeking out something relatively free and easy, not too cumbersome and not too costly more than anything else (because, yes – we would rather splurge on food, right?), then here are the three starter choices for you. These are the ones I’ve personally liked the most. They aren’t too heavy on the timings and aren’t too demanding on the rules, but they sure offer so much class and culture that you’ll want to experience when visiting British Columbia, Canada. All aboard!

BC Ferries

Website: https://www.bcferries.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCFerries/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcferries/

Nothing is more glorious than that feeling of the warm sun on your face and the sea breeze blowing through your hair, or if you have no hair, then caressing your skin. It’s a magical treat to be on the upper deck during your crossing and people tend to find a spot anywhere they can to relax. Just be aware that once you launch the ship will sound its horn, and can sometimes startle kids. The ship's captain always announces a little warning before hand though so you’ve time to prepare those little ears.If you’re extra fortunate you might spot some orca’s during the crossing. The captain will usually make an announcement so everyone can get a chance to see. Read more at: https://www.honestcamper.com/blog/2018/5/4/bc-ferries-planning-and-dos-and-donts

Victoria Harbor Ferries

Website: https://victoriaharbourferry.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaHarbourFerry/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicharbourferry/

Once you’ve checked in to your hotel, head down to the harbour. The water is alive with boats – with everything from huge cruise ships and luxury yachts to water taxis and dinghies. Victorians seem to spend as much time on the water as they do on land. Start your trip off with a taste of city life on land and sea with a walk along the waterfront to Fisherman’s Wharf. The path runs past the ferry terminal and through flower-filled Laurel Point Park. On one side of you are boats gliding past and seaplanes above coming in to land and on the other are smart waterside apartments and hotels. About 15 minutes walk away is Fisherman’s Wharf, with rows of colourful floating homes mixed with food stalls, fishing boats and the occasional friendly seal. Read more at: https://www.ontheluce.com/victoria-british-columbia/

False Creek Ferries

Website: https://granvilleislandferries.bc.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falsecreekferries/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falsecreekferry/

Whether you’re visiting Vancouver or a local Vancouverite, the Ferries are a great way to get from one place to another. The boats make stops up and down False Creek every 15 minutes or less, and are a relaxing way to travel while taking in some of our City’s beauty. Resident Experts can be spotted most frequently travelling between Stamps landing to Yaletown and Yaletown to Granville Island. Read more at: https://residentexperts.ca/news-and-views/expert-advice/false-creek-ferries-all-you-need-to-know/

4 Coolest Neighborhood Bars in Vancouver, Canada

Are we really ready to do that round of pub crawl, or maybe bar hopping this year? After all that’s happened? Maybe up to a certain extent, why not! But of course, this time around it’ll be a completely different kind of fun, sociable party, perhaps a slightly tamed and socially distant kind of vibe, because yes, let’s just not forget about corona and covid just yet.

I have good news for you. With a little bit of proper digging, I’ve rounded up my best four places where you can eat, chill, drink, and be merry in Vancouver, Canada. It’s where you’ll discover the coolest neighborhood bars with the right vibe that’ll make you appreciate your time here. These places are definitely good for not just solo folks, but dates, small groups, and big festivities. Let’s go and get that pint of beer for everyone, it’s about time – we deserve it!

Granville Island Brewing

Website: https://granvilleisland.com/directory/granville-island-brewing-co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Granville-Island-Brewing-Ltd/1993809127526443

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/115316199846682/granville-island-brewing-company/

My first introduction to the brewery was a Granville Islands Lions Winter Ale, given to me last winter. This was impressive enough that I was interested in trying others. Their selection of brews is likely to be enjoyed by wine lovers as well. When visiting Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, a visit to the brewery on Granville Island is a must. On the island, you will find a taproom as well as a retail store. The taproom serves beer and beer flights along with food. There is even a beer pairing chart on the menu! Read more at: https://voyagewriters.com/north-america/good-beer-good-people-granville-island-brewing-company-vancouver-bc/

The Three Brits Public House

Website: https://donnellygroup.ca/three-brits/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheThreeBrits/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/donnellygroup/

In the mid-1800s ‘Three English Greenhorns’ bought and settled the West End giving a beginning to Vancouver’s Three Brits public house — a beachfront hangout overlooking English Bay. As the neighbourhood’s original craft brew house, 10 draught taps still pour BC and import beer best matched by it’s locally sourced menu, late night cocktail list, and daily brunch features. Step off the beach or street and into a piece of history because as its settler namesakes would have said, the Three Brits pub is a bloody nice place to sink a pint. Read more at: https://www.tourismvancouver.com/listings/the-three-brits-public-house/23406/

Hook Sea Bar

Website: http://www.hookseabar.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HookSeabar/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hookseabar/

First of all, is this place a “seabar” or a “sea bar”? Other than inventing a new word, it feels like they are starting a new concept as well, something between fine dining seafood and casual pub fare, with throwing in that incredible views of English Bay, here we have the Hook Seabar to please everyone, including the visitors and the locals. Read more at: https://www.pickydiners.com/www/happy-hour-newly-opened-hook-seabar/

Tap Shack Eatery

Website: https://tapshack.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TAPshackeatery/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tapshackeatery/

Happy hour is between 3-6pm everyday. My co-workers and I came here last week to enjoy the last bits of summer and patio weather. Their patio area overlooks Coal Harbour and they also have indoor seating for the cold, winter days. Featured above is the virgin Raspberry Crush with raspberries, soda and lemonade. It was refreshing and I’m sure the alcoholic version would’ve been great as well. I don’t really drink so I can’t comment on the drink selection! Read more at: http://constantcravings.ca/2017/09/chillin-seawall-tap-shack/

5 Cool and Cheap Places to Buy Souvenirs in Vancouver, British Columbia - Downtown Vancouver, Gastown, Granville Island

3 BEST Canada Boat Rides for Every Asian Visiting British Columbia, - BC Ferries, Victoria Harbor Ferries, False Creek Ferries

4 Coolest Neighborhood Bars in Vancouver, Canada - The Three Brits Public House, Hook, Tap Shack

LIVE TRAFFIC FEED

5 Cool and Cheap Places to Buy Souvenirs in Vancouver, British Columbia - Downtown Vancouver, Gastown, Granville Island

SHARE STORY

3 BEST Canada Boat Rides for Every Asian Visiting British Columbia, - BC Ferries, Victoria Harbor Ferries, False Creek Ferries

SHARE STORY

4 Coolest Neighborhood Bars in Vancouver, Canada - The Three Brits Public House, Hook, Tap Shack

SHARE STORY

LIVE TRAFFIC FEED