THE 10 BEST Places to Go Shopping in Vancouver Island
Shopping in Vancouver Island
Category types
Shopping
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
330 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Art Galleries • Art Museums
Rockland
Speciality & Gift Shops • Natural History Museums
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums
…
Showing results 1-30 of 330
What travellers are saying
- PaulshappyCourtenay, Canada4,088 contributionsI am always in awe when visiting Henry Roy Vickers Art Gallery in Tofino, and in fact consider it a main reason to visit here! The structure is stunning, the interior is quiet and reflective, the art is amazing, and the gift shop is well-stocked with knowledgeable staff. During this visit I was able to meet the Gallery Director, Dale Morrow, a lovely young lady who was a real pleasure to speak with. I recommend 100% that you visit here, and best of all the admission is free!Written 24 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Beachblonde556SeaTac, WA78 contributionsThis market has a little bit of everything. From fresh-grown produce, to meats, to crafts, and all kinds of niche stuff. You can even sample wines and spirits from one of the many wineries and distilleries around Duncan. It's every Saturday, and I probably spent way more than needed here. I bought a lot of very fresh and reasonably priced produce, sampled some of the 'spirits' from the distilleries, and had a blast. This is a good jumping-off point to find all the fun craft and food places around Duncan.Written 14 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- operalover939Toronto, Canada3,008 contributionsThe AGGV is not large, but it usually has at least one or two fine exhibitions. Star of the shows this time is the "In the Flesh" exhibition, featuring a wide array of sources. The smaller exhibitions are less interesting but still worthwhile.Written 23 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Levi K1 contributionVery cool experience! Myself and my 7 year old really enjoyed it. Learned some new things and they even have real fossils you can purchase in the gift shop!Written 19 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- gdeakinsDes Moines, WA345 contributionsIf you appreciate PNW indigenous art, this gallery is worth a visit. Whether you are actively shopping or “just looking”, the gallery has lots to offer with a wide variety of tasteful merchandise and helpful staff to assist you. Reasonably priced, they have merchandise to fit almost any budget . There are some very nice, unique pieces, however, I would not characterize the gallery as “high end” or “fine art”. Jewelry, clothing, carvings, prints, small sculptures, books, children’s items and more! You will be tempted!Written 8 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- c bDrumheller, Canada426 contributionsnever go by without a visit as the artist change often. all types of art with artists in residence. really liked the textile art done by a master. a little bit of every type of art painters, mixed media, potters and art that i have no name for but enjoy much.Written 20 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Normand SchaferSidney, Canada75 contributionsThe hustle and bustle of the Sidney Street Market is the highlight of the summer for locals and visitors alike. Great entertainment, great food and lots of things to buy.Written 30 December 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lisa R1 contributionMy 6-year-old son and I had a fascinating and highly informative tour of the Shawnigan Lake Museum with Lori Trealor, the Executive Director. She showed us old photos and models of the Kinsol Trestle and local artifacts from around the Shawnigan Lake area. Some of the local artifacts included a butter churner, hotel switchboard, typewriter, organ, boat motors, equipment for cutting trees (axes, chainsaws, etc.) grocery store items and farming equipment. There is so much to see! At the end of our tour, we were treated to some films in the little movie theatre about waterskiing and fishing. Lori really made the museum artifacts come alive during our visit. We had a new perspective on the Shawnigan Lake area and felt inspired to visit the Kinsol Trestle after our visit to the museum. All in all, we would highly recommend visiting this museum! It is a real treasure.Written 14 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- gdeakinsDes Moines, WA345 contributionsOne of the best galleries for PNW art we have visited in quite sometime. We are not experts, but we know what we like, and we liked what we saw … a lot! Some of the pieces were simply stunning. Unfortunately, our favorite piece was out of our price comfort level. Highly recommended!Written 6 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DCE2 contributionsGreat little market. Nice blend of farmers and crafters. The coffee truck, Flyte, is the best coffee.Written 24 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RockiroadsOshawa, Canada1,271 contributionsThis was a nice surprise little mall. Of course the draw was Winners that was in the corner covering two floors with exits and entry on each floor. The whole mall was easy to get around. A good looking clean place with some shops like a coffee place outside of it. Other very standard Canadian type Mall stores. Good to get off the street shopping.Written 12 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carolyn10 contributionsWhat an unexpected and fun find! We enjoyed lunch at Unsworth where we fell in love with their little 2-cup teapot. We were told where to get one so visited Westholme Tea Company the next day. Not the kind of place you'd stumble upon as it's nestled deep in the trees just north of Duncan. It's quaint and charming and wonderful. Very helpful staff/owner. We dropped a wad but are enjoying all the teas we bought and the funky teapot. What a great way to start the day!Written 17 July 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Val M1 contributionAvenue Gallery is my favourite gallery in Victoria, so when we renovated our house I looked there for the perfect piece of art for a feature wall in our home. I found the perfect painting, which the gallery owner, Heather, personally came and hung for us. Having Heather come in person to our home means a lot to us, so that this special painting by Shinah Lee is perfectly placed in its feature location. The pieces that Heather chooses for her gallery are unique and inviting. there is no pressure to buy - just super welcoming people and exceptional art in paint, glass, pottery, sculpture and jewellery. This gallery has it all!Written 16 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Laurel A1 contributionMy Mom and I were strolling along Government Street when we came across Sean Schuster’s Gallery and I’m so glad we did. Sean was very engaging and he told us a story about each piece we looked at. He is very passionate about his photography and it is so nice to meet the artist behind the piece before making a purchase. I ended up buying a piece called “Summer Dreaming” and absolutely love it.Written 4 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PookyCakeVictoria, Canada13,887 contributionsI think Market Square is one of those places locals tend to take for granted because it’s always been there. I’m guilty of that. Despite passing by this place countless times over the years, I didn’t take the time to actively patronize it until this past August. What I found was a nice blend of eclectic boutique shops and eateries housed within a historic setting perfectly fitting of Victoria’s Old Town (see my earlier review of “Old Town” on this site).
The impetus for my visit to Market Square was Wannawafel. Specializing in Belgian liege waffles, Wannawafel gained a modicum of fame following their successful appearance on Dragons’ Den (2010). I found the dining experience disappointing (see my review), but, after I was finished, took this as a golden opportunity to fully explore Market Square.
The sky was clear of clouds, but smoke from the BC wildfires obstructed the blue sky. I moved gingerly throughout the Square thanks to a foot issue I was dealing with at the time. Nevertheless, smoke and discomfort didn’t detract from the overall experience. When I visited in late August, Market Square was surprisingly quiet; however, I didn’t complain because it made for a peaceful stroll through this historic part of town. I checked out a couple boutique shops – Little Shop of Strange and Oscar & Libby’s – before taking a moment to sit and people-watch for a while. And that’s when it struck me: Market Square reminded me, in many ways, of Vancouver’s Yaletown in microcosm. Like Yaletown, Market Square is a former shipping and trading hub that’s been converted into a successful commercial center. The brick and beam heritage buildings further entrench the comparison, in my mind.
A historic part of town – Market Square – re-purposed and contemporized for modern tastes. It’s a great use of heritage buildings and keeps this part of Victoria lively and colourful. If you’re in the area, do take some time and check out the unique shops and eateries in this attractive space.Written 21 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vancouver Island
- These places are best for shopping in Vancouver Island:
- Sidney Street Market
- Duncan Farmers' Market
- Woodgrove Centre
- Telegraph Cove Art Gallery
- Coastal Carvings Fine Art Gallery
- These are the best places for kid-friendly shopping in Vancouver Island:See more shopping for children in Vancouver Island on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for couples seeking shopping in Vancouver Island:See more shopping for couples in Vancouver Island on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking shopping in Vancouver Island:
- Duncan Farmers' Market
- Dino Lab
- The Old Schoolhouse Arts Centre
- Sidney Street Market
- Qualicum Beach Farmer's Market
- These are the best places for budget-friendly shopping in Vancouver Island:See more budget-friendly shopping in Vancouver Island on Tripadvisor
- These are the best hidden gems for shopping in Vancouver Island:See more hidden gem shopping in Vancouver Island on Tripadvisor