Vancouver Shopping Picks

Thanks to a climate that's subtropical compared to the rest of Canada, Vancouverites have the luxury of shopping along streets rather than inside malls. Below are a few thoughts on where to start exploring.

Best Place for Chinese Herbal Cures
Kiu Shun Trading Co. Back bothering you? Sore throat? Chi a little off? Kiu Shun might be able to help. Established here in 1977 (but extending back more than 130 years as a family business), it advocates a holistic approach to health. Staff will recommend herbal treatments for what ails you, and there's also an acupuncturist working on site. (261-269 Keefer St; tel. 604/682-2621; MC, V; Bus 19, 22)

Best Store for a Rainy Day
The Umbrella Shop. Established in 1932 by Polish immigrant Isadore Flader, Vancouver Umbrella (this store's parent company) is both a manufacturer and retailer, with several stores selling all different designs -- from the most staid black bumbershoot to the most colorful floral print. (Factory Store 1106 W. Broadway; tel. 604/669-9444; www.theumbrellashop.com; AE, MC, V; Bus: 9, 17)

Best Big-Name, Big-Label Shopping
Robson Street. This is the best location in town for big-name, big-label shopping, with dozens of shops crammed into just a few blocks. Expect lots of clothing (Ferragamo, Bebe, Roots, Armani, Hilfiger, etc.) and lots of places to caffeinate. (Robson St., btw. Hornby & Jervis sts.; Bus: 5)

Best Place for First Nations Art
Water Street. Water St. is basically a funnel into which the cruise ships that dock at Canada Place pour their passengers, but it still offers more than the usual tourist shops. It's got several of the best shops in town selling quality First Nations art, plus numerous interior design and clothing shops catering to Vancouver's moneyed professionals. (Water St., btw. Waterfront Station & Carrall St.; Bus: 50, SkyTrain: Waterfront Station)

Best Shop for Outdoors & Sports Gear
Coast Mountain Sports. One of Vancouver's better stores for outdoor gear, with a massive selection, great quality, and a helpful staff. (2201 W. 4th Ave; tel. 604/731-6181; www.coastmountain.com; AE, MC, V; Bus: 4, 7, 44)

Best Camera Shop
Leo's Camera Supply. In business for more than 50 years, Leo's has a reputation as one of western Canada's premier photo shop, with everything from point-and-shoots to large-format film cameras and darkroom equipment. (1055 Granville St; tel. 604/685-5331; www.leoscamera.com; MC, V; Bus: 50)

Best Canadian Kitsch Outlet
Hudson House Trading Co. What corny Canadian item do you want? Maple syrup and cookies? Smoked salmon? Toy inuksuit? Moose teddy bears? Pretty much any item of clothing emblazoned with a maple leaf? Look no further. (321 Water St; tel. 604/687-4781; AE, DC MC, V; Bus: 50. SkyTrain: Waterfront Station)

Best for Chinese Knickknacks
Bamboo Village. Chinatown's top selection of Chinese stuff: lanterns, furniture, antiques, Mao kitsch, china, drums and gongs, and thousands of other items, crammed floor to rafters into a long storefront. (135 E. Pender St; tel. 604/662-3300; AE, MC, V; Bus 19, 22)