Granville Island is a great place to shop local. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Nelson Mouellic
The holiday season can be a frenzy of Black Friday deals and trips to the mall. But BC Buy Local Week from November 27 to Dec 3 makes it easy to support small businesses while you shop for holiday gifts.
Give Experiences
One of the most sustainable ways to buy presents is to give experiences rather than things. Get your loved one a gift card for their favourite restaurant, or treat them to a meal at one of Vancouver’s MICHELIN guide-recognized restaurants. Or give the gift of zen with a spa day at one of our city’s outdoors-inspired wellness spas. An outdoor experience is another great gift idea. Take them on a trip to Grouse Mountain, the Sea to Sky Gondola or the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Photo Credit: Zach Hilty/BFA.com
Head to the Farmers’ Markets
From jam to jewelry and coffee to crafts, Vancouver’s Farmers’ Markets have tons of great local gift options. There are two markets in Vancouver open all winter long: The Riley Park winter market is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Hastings Park market is open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Photo: Shelley Pauls/Unsplash
Shop Vancouver’s Neighbourhoods
Vancouver has lots of diverse neighbourhoods, each with their own unique businesses. Head to Commercial Drive in East Vancouver to shop at artists’ galleries, Italian grocery stores, and quirky gift shops. Granville Island is full of artisan workshops and gourmet food stalls. Or head to Main Street/Mount Pleasant to shop at funky boutiques and craft breweries.
Granville Island Public Market. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Nelson Mouellic
Browse at a Craft Fair
There are dozens of craft fairs across Vancouver during the holiday season featuring local art, jewelry, food, clothing, and more. Check out Make It! from December 7-10 at the PNE Forum, Got Craft on November 18 and 19 at the Croatian Cultural Centre, Hycroft for the Holidays at Hycroft Manor from November 16-19, and the Holiday Pop-Up Markets at North Vancouver’s Shipyards District on weekends in November and December.
Photo: Got Craft
