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 Book and comic lovers' delight |
1247 Granville St Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M5 Canada +1 604 682 3019 |
Flip through fantasy. Peruse some prose. Pick apart poetry. Mull over mysteries. Used (but some as good as new) paperbacks, magazines, comics and hard cover books are here. The store specializes in fantasy, so if you're looking for something special or hard to find, this is the place to check out. More than one visit may be required to fully digest everything the store offers in its two-storey space. It buys, sells and trades. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Inspiring selection, relaxing atmosphere |
3608 West 4th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R 1P1 Canada +1 604 732 7912 / +1 604 737 8858 / +1 800 663 8442 http://www.banyen.com/ |
Located in the heart of what was formerly the country's biggest hippie district, this book and music store carries a large selection of titles on the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you seek mystical, metaphysical, inspirational, or meditation books, you will find it here. Its highlights are good service and a warm atmosphere. Mail order service and a good selection of magazines, cards, book accessories, and small gift items are found here too. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Eat these words |
1128 Mainland St Vancouver, BC V6B 2T9 Canada +1 604 688 6755 http://www.bookstocooks.com |
This Yaletown store is the perfect place to find a gift for the chef in your life, or just to improve your chances of pleasing palates. It carries a large selection of the latest and classic cookbooks, wine books, and magazines. Another special feature is its in-store demonstration kitchen, where specialists teach classes to anyone wanting to spiff up their culinary cachet. More information on classes can be found at the Web site or store. There is usually a pot of coffee or tea ready in the store for further browsing pleasure. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Roland Tanglao  |
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For film, theatre and TV insiders |
302 W Cordova St Vancouver, BC V6B 1E8 Canada +1 604 669 6431 http://www.bizbooks.net |
Where is the best place in the city to spot struggling actors and screenwriters? Other than your local restaurant, this bookstore is probably it. This downtown store specializes in film, theatre, and TV books, as well as industry manuals. This place has a great selection of plays, directories, monologue books, scene books, accent tapes, software for screenwriting and industry seminars. This is the city's best source for the industry. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ian Alexander Martin |
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Tiny spot on Granville Island |
1663 Duranleau St (Granville Island) Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3 Canada +1 604 685 4113 / +1 604 685 6188 http://www.bbooks.ca/ |
Stop by this tiny bookstore if you're on Granville Island taking in the sensory experiences of the public market. It carries a good selection of gift books, cookbooks, fiction, cards and local guidebooks. The staff is always helpful and willing to suggest a good read from the eclectic selection of fiction, non-fiction, Canadiana and other miscellany packing the popular shop. Housed in the Net Loft building, this 20-year-old store is surrounded by dozens of other interesting shops and eateries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Bibliophile's oasis |
2388 West 4th Ave Vancouver, BC V6K 1P1 Canada +1 604 734 5711 http://www.bookwarehouse.ca/ |
Would you turn down a good book at a good price just because the cover was dog-eared? Didn't think so. This home-grown Kitsilano store has plenty of deals to offer on remainders, reprints, damaged books and overstocks. It carries bestsellers and new releases, and the selection is more than decent. 20 percent off the publisher's price is given every day. Savour a free cup of coffee and values while you snoop around. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sonya Day |
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Large comic utopia |
2089 West 4th Ave Vancouver, BC V6J 1N3 Canada +1 604 738 8122 |
Among the hemp shops, restaurants, and boarding gear of Kitsilano sit thousands of comic books from major publishers, as well as from independents and underground producers. It offers a huge selection of Marvel, DC, and Image back-issues, as well as a science-fiction section with well-known artists like Frank Frazetta. Popular role-playing games and accessories, Magic the Gathering (singles, unopened packs) and collectible toys are also sold. For fans of Japanese comics and videos, a solid Manga/Anime inventory is here. Mail-order service is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Zora |
 Culturally diverse neighbourhood |
Between Broadway and Venables Street Vancouver, BC V5L 4X4 Canada http://www.commercial-drive.com/ |
Dotted with character homes, coffee shops, delis and cheap grocers, "The Drive" is now a colourful, richly diverse street experience. Originally, the street was most famous as "Little Italy." It now supports every sort of ethnic shop and restaurant, including Jamaican patty shops, Ethiopian restaurants, Spanish tapas bars, Portuguese coffee shops, Indian clothiers, organic food stores, Chinese grocers, Moroccan falafels, Italian furniture, French bakeries and Cuban cafes. It also hosts annual events such as the Fringe Festival, the Parade of Lost Souls and other street parties throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: DHC (DragonWoman) |
 Photo: Matt Musselman |
 Photo: DHC (DragonWoman) |
 Photo: Robin Thom |
 Photo: Leah Gough |
 Photo: Tan Quach |
 Photo: Louis Chirillo |
 Photo: Lisa Patterson |
 Photo: Farhad Taghibakhsh |
 Photo: roman magbanua |
 Photo: Meg Deere |
 Photo: Sally Buck |
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Loads of culinary toys |
555 West 12th Ave (City Square) Vancouver, BC V6K 1L8 Canada +1 604 873 5683 http://www.cookshop.ca |
Find gifts for the kitchen magicians in your life. Bowls, spoons, spatulas, mixers, aprons and recipe cards like you've never seen--this store is a gourmand's dream. All of the standard items and more can be found here, in an attractive shopping center on the west side. It is chock full of things to make your kitchen life easier and more enjoyable. There are scheduled cooking classes in the back, if visitors want to brush up on their pastry-making skills. Classes are weekly and daily events, schedules are in the store. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Gift shop brimming with treasures |
3600 West 4th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R 1P1 Canada +1 604 739 6887 |
This gift store in Point Grey has a large selection of gift cards, toys, special jewelry, art, stationery, picture frames, home accessories, journals, books, candles, scents, and more. The large boutique also carries special imported items like handcrafted metal boxes from India and hand bound leather journals from Venice. You'll have no trouble finding a gift for anyone on your list. The prices are reasonable. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Magazines aplenty |
2139 West 4th Ave Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7 Canada +1 604 730 1110 |
Magazine lovers and media junkies will revel in the rows uof shelves stacked with glossy periodicals of every variety in this Kitsilano magazine store. The store offers a good selection of local and international rags and newspapers. Fashion, media, electronics, sports, nature, politics, design, arts, home and garden, crafts, and dozens of other subjects can be found. If you have trouble locating what you need, ask the owner and he'll give you the low-down. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Longtime local favourite |
2239 West 4th Ave (Near Yew) Vancouver, BC V6K 1N9 Canada +1 604 732 5344 http://www.duthiebooks.com/ |
A local favorite for decades, this small store shines with a good selection and knowledgeable staff. The Kitsilano store, the sole survivor of once-multiple locations, draws people from all over the city who make a special trip to support the home-grown retailer. Chairs and stools await you. The fiction section is extensive and up to date. If you want to pick up that controversial Hemingway biography or an anthology of obscure new poetry, you are likely to find it among these shelves. Magazines and gifts are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Diverse Downtown Neighbourhood |
Denman and Davie Streets Vancouver, BC V6G 1Y9 Canada http://www.englishbay.com |
English Bay is one of Vancouver's most diverse neighbourhoods. Located in downtown's West End, it's where the energetic action of Denman and Davie streets converges. The area is a popular venue for outdoor activities like in-line skating, cycling, walking the seawall, running, and jogging. There are bookstores, gift shops, fashion and cosmetic retailers and other specialty shops; and an eclectic fusion of culinary arts and eateries with clientele to match. Some of the city's best dine-with-a-view restaurants can be found here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: brandon thiessen |
 Photo: Francis Ries |
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 Photo: Federico Chi |
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 Photo: Stuart MacDougall |
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Large indie book retailer |
850 Granville St Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K3 Canada +1 604 687 2213 http://www.granvillebooks.com |
This downtown bookstore offers convenience, knowledgeable staff, great selection and late hours. It is ideal for tech book and indie-lit lovers. Although a wide variety of books is carried here, the store specializes in computer books and has one of the largest selections in the country. There is also a great range of fiction and titles on the humanities, social sciences, art, mythology and architecture. Student and senior discounts, as well as free special and mail orders are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Charming used book source |
2509 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9 Canada +1 604 732 4070 |
This book store, located a few doors down from Benny's Bagels in Kitsilano, is housed in a charmingly cramped and creaky heritage building. The scent of incense and sound of soft music usually wafts through the air. Find fiction, science fiction, self-help and psychology, children's stories, erotica, poetry and other genres. The prices are reasonable and some rare and first edition books are also carried. The store buys select titles as well. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Two full floors of kid-utopia |
1496 Cartwright St (Granville Island) Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5 Canada +1 604 689 8447 http://www.granvilleisland.com... |
A trip to Granville Island isn't complete without a visit to this children's shopping space. It boasts two full floors of uncommon retail shops, a family entertainment centre and a food court. The toy shops are definitely worth checking out;mdash;they sell everything from basic wooden blocks to outrageous science kits and board games. And if you are looking for children's wear, this kid's haven has the wee ones covered from head to toe. Your tots can even visit the beauty salon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: FullCalendar.com |
 Photo: Jenny Lee |
 Photo: Scott Robertson |
 Photo: Matt Todd |
 Photo: Matt Todd |
 Photo: ross_and_debbie |
 Photo: Cheryl DeWolfe |
 Photo: Jewel Leuba |
 Photo: steven stelter |
 Photo: Colleen Coplick |
 Photo: L. McJ |
 Photo: L. McJ |
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For kids who adore books |
3083 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6K 2G9 Canada +1 604 738 5335 http://www.kidsbooks.bc.ca |
This is quite possibly the city's best kid-friendly place to find books. With the a massive selection, book lovers of all ages will enjoy browsing through the colourful aisles. There is also a teacher's resource, carrying stories on CD and video, as well as books and music in a variety of languages. Pick up some Daniel Pinkwater or Lemony Snicket for your little ones. Additional location: 3040 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Over 2000 magazines |
1319 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC V5L 3X5 Canada +1 604 253 6666 |
This magazine store has Vancouver's most extensive selection of magazines, newspapers, and journals. Located on Commercial Drive, it's a browser's paradise. If you're looking to grab a copy of your country's daily paper, this is the place you'll likely find it. Browse through the endless selection of titles or send an email home through their public computer. Most days you'll be lucky enough to speak directly with the owner, Kevin "The Magazine Guy" Potvin, a local writer who hosts a national magazine radio show. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Top-rated city newsstand |
1575 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6J 1W6 Canada +1 604 738 8951 |
Whether you're searching for a German Elle magazine, the latest edition of Popular Mechanics, today's New York Times or a hot new zine from Britain, this large uptown newsstand has a vast selection. Nearly every country, hobby, and predilection is covered on these stands and the store is often crammed full with browsers and readers. The store also carries snacks, tobacco, souvenirs, and books. Opens early, closes late. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A city kitchen-stocking tradition |
23 East Pender St Vancouver, BC V6A 1S9 Canada +1 604 683 7268 http://www.mingwo.com |
This started out as a small Chinatown store that carried imported kitchenware from Asia, but has grown into shops that offer an international selection of kitchenware and trendy home accessories. Among the housewarming booty: teapots, place mats, cutlery, pottery, blenders, candles, pots, pans, and rugs. Major brands like Bodum, Henckel, and KitchenAid are here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 South Vancouver shopping ease |
650 West 41st Ave Vancouver, BC V5Z 2M9 Canada +1 604 261 2511 http://www.oakridgecentre.com/ |
The biggest shopping centre in the city, Oakridge located about 20 minutes outside of downtown. The complex includes shops like Banana Republic, Kookai, Aritzia, Club Monaco, Safeway and two major department stores: The Bay and Zellers. Major chains such as Aldo and The Gap are also represented, and the mall also contains a mulitplex movie theatre, babysitting services and a large food fair. The tower above the mall has business offices, a large pharmacy, dentists, doctors and other medical services. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: The Bucky Hermit |
 Photo: Kenneth Wu |
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Most exclusive and popular shopping |
700 West Georgia St Vancouver, BC V7Y 1A1 Canada +1 604 688 7236 http://www.pacificcentre.com/ |
Spanning three city blocks above and under ground, this shopping centre will leave mall lovers reeling with consumption-induced joy. Located in the centre of the downtown action, this popular place has nearly every store and service. From cosmetics, gifts and souvenirs to kids clothing, flowers and furniture, it's here. Some of the notable stores include Ralph Lauren, Mexx, Holt Renfrew, Banana Republic and the ubiquitous Gap. The upscale Holt Renfrew department store is on site, and the large food fair offers everything from tacos to sushi. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Henry Faber |
 Photo: Andrew Lee |
 Photo: Greg Andrews |
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Quality comes Cheap |
6201 Fraser Street 46th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5W 3A2 Canada +1 604 327 3033 http://www.rokkofabrics.ca/ |
If you're looking for quality dress materials but not ready to pay heavily for it, Rokko's has just the perfect solution for you. Rokko's Fabrics brings you the best of fabrics at the lowest possible prices. You have a wide variety of fabrics to pick from. You have a wide range from plain to printed to embroidered. They get you the finest of silks, rayons, polyesters, nylons, cotton, velvet and gabardines. A wide range of sarees is also there in chiffon, georgette and sheers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gorgeous paper and accessories |
9-1666 Johnston St (The Net Loft, Granville Island) Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2 Canada +1 604 684 2531 |
This Japanese-inspired colorful store on Granville Island has delicate handmade photo albums and papers, creative journals, special greeting and gift cards, and funky wrapping paper. Browse around the drawers of paper and check out the shelves that hold gift ideas such as original jewelery, home accessories, origami kits and small bags. Pick up writing accessories like pens, rubber stamps and inks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jolayne Attwood |