Ready to stroll down Robson Street? (Destination Vancouver/Nelson Mouellic)
As Vancouver’s main thoroughfare, Robson Street has it all: cafes, restaurants, and plenty of shopping options.
Below is a guide to some of the shopping highlights on Robson Street:
Fashion Stores
Photo: Robson Street Business Association Facebook
In its prime area roughly between Burrard and Jervis Street, Robson Street has every store that you could desire for your fashion wants. All the major national and international chain stores are located here, from more casual and athletic wear companies such as lululemon, Arc’teryx, Foot Locker, and Reigning Champ to well-known clothing retailers such as Zara, Roots, Muji, Club Monaco, and Banana Republic. Robson Street is particularly known for massive adjoining Artizia and Wilfred stores, which dominate the corner of Robson and Thurlow Streets. Popular footwear retailers are found on Robson, including Brown’s Shoes, Camper Shoes, and Steve Madden. Those looking for lingerie can head to La Vie en Rose or the multi-level Victoria’s Secret on the corner of Robson and Burrard Streets.
If you head further down Robson Street, past the Vancouver Art Gallery, you’ll find more clothing options roughly around Granville Street. These include stores such as Sport Chek, Old Navy, and Winners.
Beauty
In addition to clothing stores, Robson Street offers a host of stores devoted to beauty, skincare, and wellness products. The large Sephora dominates the street but you can also find popular retailers such as L’Occitane, Kiehl’s, and Lush, in addition to Shifeon, which carries a wide selection of brands.
Gifts and Lifestyle
Photo: Robson Street Business Association
For those seeking gifts and souvenirs, Robson Street has quite a few stores, such as Grand Maple Gift and Canadian Crafts, that carry items like maple syrup and jewelry that will be ideal for taking home. In addition, there are numerous other lifestyle stores on Robson, including CB2, which specializes in furniture and household items; OOMOMO, which sells a range of products centred on “Japan Living”; and Indigo for books and lifestyle goods. Robson also features a few cannabis stores, like Dutch Love, Inspired Cannabis, and West Canna.
CF Pacific Centre
Photo: CF Pacific Centre
Robson Street is proximate to CF Pacific Centre, a stylish shopping centre in the downtown core. Pacific Centre is connected to two department stores: the iconic Hudson’s Bay and Holt Renfrew, which specializes in luxury and designer goods. Within Pacific Centre itself, you’ll find a wide assortment of different types of stores, including ones focused on apparel, footwear, electronics, beauty, and accessories and jewelry. The shopping centre features an extensive food court with a diverse range of food vendors, including UMI Sushi Express, Thai Express, and OPA! of Greece. Other popular chains such as A&W, Dairy Queen, and New York Fries are also present.
Alberni
Photo: Tara Lee
Parallel to Robson Street is Alberni Street, also known as Luxury Zone (roughly between Burrard and Bute Street), where you’ll find many international elite brands. Whether you’re just window shopping or in the market for a new designer purse, shoes, or watch, stores to look out for include Burberry, Cartier, Tiffany and Co., and Jimmy Choo.
Where to Grab a Bite
Photo: Cincin Ristorante
You may want to have a quick bite, or de-stress with a leisurely meal in-between or after the shopping is over. Robson Street offers something for everyone when it comes to food options. Chains like Earls Kitchen + Bar, Red Robin, and Cora Breakfast and Lunch are found there in addition to more elegant establishments, such as Forage, CinCin Ristorante + Bar, Café Il Nido, and the long running Joe Fortes Seafood & Chophouse. Beloved pastry shops and bakeries claim Robson as home, which span PAUL, Breka Bakery and Café, and Ladurée, where you can grab a coffee, a treat, and a snack if you’re peckish. Meanwhile, D’oro Gelato e Caffè is a good spot for a refreshing gelato or sorbetto.
On the lower and upper regions of Robson Street, you’ll find a wide variety of international cuisines, particularly top notch Asian restaurants. In the blocks heading towards Stanley Park, selections include ramen (Hokkaido Ramen Santouka), Korean cuisine (Sura Korean), Korean hot dogs (Chung Chun Rice Hot Dog), and Malaysian food (Banana Leaf). Along the other end of Robson Street, you’ll find places such as JAPADOG, JINYA Ramen Bar, and Patron Tacos & Cantina. You will most certainly find something to satisfy your appetite on Robson Street.
Other Things to Do on Robson Street
Photo: Destination Vancouver/Nelson Mouellic; The oval building of the central branch of the Vancouver Public Library at Georgia and Homer
Finally, if you’re looking for activities to break up the shopping, Robson Street features the Vancouver Art Gallery, which houses both permanent and temporary exhibits, with a focus on innovative and talented local artists. There are often events occurring in its plaza as well.
Robson Square is also a great gathering spot, with ice skating that occurs during the winter months. You might consider a visit to the central branch of the Vancouver Public Library, which is styled after the Roman colosseum and has multiple floors for exploring its extensive collections. It often hosts readings, workshops, as well as events that the children would enjoy.
You can easily spend a whole day on Robson Street since there is so much shopping and eating to be done on it. More information on Robson Street can be found here.
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