No matter the location, one thing that people love to do on vacation is shop. The visitors of Victoria BC are no exception, and in fact the locals also love to participate in retail therapy too! While it is sometimes great to visit the most popular shopping locations, make sure to keep an eye out for the lesser known spots that could turn out to be the perfect shopping stop. If you are heading out for a day of shopping in Victoria soon, make sure to put one (or all!) of the places below on your list:
The Bay Centre
The Bay Centre is a favourite stop for anyone visiting downtown Victoria, and it is easy to see why. Its stunning architecture, 90+ stores, and proximity to places such as the Inner Harbour and the Victoria Convention Centre make for a great day of shopping that is easily accessible. If you are a visitor in town, you are even eligible for exclusive discounts courtesy of the Bay Centre’s Guest Services.
Market Square
Who doesn’t love a market? If you are looking for a unique item while visiting Victoria, be sure to check out the boutique shops and outdoor market at Market Square. Support local store owners as you browse their merchandise or grab a bite to eat, and check out the Sunday flea market in the centre of the square for great deals! Market Square is also located conveniently downtown, so it is easy to stop by if you are visiting Chinatown or the Inner Harbour.
Victoria Public Market
For those seeking local produce, foods, and goods in the shelter of the indoors, the Victoria Public Market has you covered. Here you can pick up some local made goodies for an afternoon picnic, or take your kids to the children’s play centre onsite while you enjoy live music. This is where the community gathers to celebrate local artisans and have fun doing it! Our Feast For The Senses tour includes a stop at the Victoria Public Market.
Uptown Mall
If you are heading just outside of Victoria, it might be worthwhile to check out the Uptown Mall in Saanich. This open air shopping area features all kinds of places to shop and eat, and it is easy to spend a full day browsing here. This mall has a great mixture of stores from high end boutiques to practical department stores.
Lower Johnson
In downtown Victoria, you’ll fall in love with the colourful and quaint buildings of Lower Johnson. Lower Johnson offers visitors boutique shopping accompanied by charming surroundings, and even if you are only window shopping, the walk down the street is very much worth it. Here you will get a small-town feel right in the heart of the city!
Robert Bateman Centre
Art and nature fans will love the shop at the Robert Bateman Centre as it celebrates the beauty of nature and allows you to take a piece of it home with you! Visitors can browse the gallery of this Canadian legend and purchase his books, prints, and handmade artisan goods by other local artists. Not only is this a fun day out for the entire family, but it also offers the chance to shop for unique, local gifts.
A trip to Victoria BC offers much more than just stunning views and whale watching– the locations above and others will give you a unique and memorable shopping experience too! For more suggestions on things to do or places to shop while in Victoria, contact CVS Tours today or learn more about our sightseeing tours.