Vancouver

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Shopping Malls

Large indoor and outdoor shopping complexes offering a variety of retail stores, dining, and entertainment options.

Sections

1. Pacific Centre

  • Location: Downtown Vancouver (701 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC)
  • Key Features:
    • One of Vancouver's most popular and centrally located malls.
    • Houses over 100 stores, including luxury brands like Gucci, Hugo Boss, and Michael Kors, as well as mid-range retailers like H&M, Aritzia, and Sephora.
    • Directly connected to the Hudsonโ€™s Bay department store and Nordstrom.
    • Underground design, making it a great option during rainy weather.
  • Dining Options:
    • Food court with a variety of cuisines, including fast food and healthier options.
    • Nearby restaurants in the downtown core.
  • Entertainment:
    • While the mall itself doesnโ€™t have entertainment facilities, itโ€™s close to attractions like Robson Street and the Vancouver Art Gallery.
  • Average Costs:
    • Mid to high range, depending on the stores.
    • Luxury brands are on the pricier side, but there are also affordable options like Uniqlo and Aldo.
  • Transit Accessibility:
    • Directly connected to the Vancouver City Centre SkyTrain station (Canada Line).
    • Multiple bus routes serve the area.
  • Local Tips:
    • Visit during weekdays to avoid the weekend rush.
    • Use the underground pathways to explore nearby stores and avoid bad weather.

2. Metropolis at Metrotown

  • Location: Burnaby (4700 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC) โ€“ 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
  • Key Features:
    • The largest shopping mall in British Columbia, with over 400 stores.
    • Features a mix of high-end brands, department stores (Hudsonโ€™s Bay, Walmart), and budget-friendly retailers like Winners and Old Navy.
    • Specialty stores for electronics, home goods, and beauty products.
  • Dining Options:
    • Large food court with international cuisines.
    • Sit-down restaurants like Cactus Club Cafe and Earls nearby.
  • Entertainment:
    • SilverCity Metropolis, a large Cineplex movie theatre.
    • Seasonal events and pop-up shops.
  • Average Costs:
    • Wide range, from budget-friendly to mid-range and luxury.
  • Transit Accessibility:
    • Directly connected to Metrotown SkyTrain station (Expo Line).
    • Ample parking for drivers.
  • Local Tips:
    • Weekends can be very crowded; visit early in the day for a quieter experience.
    • Check the mallโ€™s website for seasonal sales and promotions.

3. CF Richmond Centre

  • Location: Richmond (6551 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC) โ€“ 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
  • Key Features:
    • Over 200 stores, including Apple, Zara, and Lululemon.
    • Popular for its mix of fashion, electronics, and lifestyle stores.
    • Recently undergoing redevelopment to include more retail and residential spaces.
  • Dining Options:
    • Food court with a variety of Asian and Western cuisines.
    • Close to Richmondโ€™s famous Asian dining scene.
  • Entertainment:
    • No dedicated entertainment facilities, but the mall is near Minoru Park and Richmond Olympic Oval.
  • Average Costs:
    • Mid-range, with some high-end options.
  • Transit Accessibility:
    • Connected to Richmond-Brighouse SkyTrain station (Canada Line).
    • Ample parking available.
  • Local Tips:
    • Richmond Centre is a great starting point for exploring Richmondโ€™s Asian markets and restaurants.
    • Visit during weekdays for a quieter shopping experience.

4. Oakridge Centre

  • Location: 650 W 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC.
  • Key Features:
    • A smaller, upscale mall currently undergoing major redevelopment (expected completion in phases by 2024-2025).
    • Previously home to luxury brands like Tiffany & Co. and Harry Rosen.
    • Will include a mix of retail, residential, and green spaces once completed.
  • Dining Options:
    • Limited during redevelopment, but nearby restaurants are available.
  • Entertainment:
    • Future plans include cultural spaces and community areas.
  • Average Costs:
    • High-end shopping.
  • Transit Accessibility:
    • Located at Oakridge-41st Avenue SkyTrain station (Canada Line).
  • Local Tips:
    • Check redevelopment updates before visiting, as many stores are temporarily closed.

5. Park Royal Shopping Centre

  • Location: West Vancouver (2002 Park Royal S, West Vancouver, BC) โ€“ 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
  • Key Features:
    • Divided into two sections: Park Royal North (indoor) and Park Royal South (outdoor village-style).
    • Over 200 stores, including Simons, Anthropologie, and Whole Foods.
    • Offers a mix of high-end and mid-range shopping.
  • Dining Options:
    • Restaurants like The Keg, Cactus Club Cafe, and local cafes.
    • Food court with diverse options.
  • Entertainment:
    • Cineplex VIP movie theatre nearby.
    • Close to Ambleside Park and the waterfront.
  • Average Costs:
    • Mid to high range.
  • Transit Accessibility:
    • Accessible by bus from downtown Vancouver.
    • Free parking available.
  • Local Tips:
    • Combine your visit with a trip to Ambleside Beach or Capilano Suspension Bridge.
    • The outdoor section is especially pleasant in good weather.

6. Guildford Town Centre

  • Location: Surrey (10355 152 St, Surrey, BC) โ€“ 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
  • Key Features:
    • One of the largest malls in Metro Vancouver, with over 200 stores.
    • Includes popular retailers like The Bay, Walmart, and Apple.
    • Recently renovated with modern interiors and expanded retail space.
  • Dining Options:
    • Large food court with international cuisines.
    • Nearby restaurants and cafes.
  • Entertainment:
    • Seasonal events and family-friendly activities.
  • Average Costs:
    • Mid-range, with some budget-friendly options.
  • Transit Accessibility:
    • Accessible by bus; parking is plentiful.
  • Local Tips:
    • Ideal for families due to its spacious layout and variety of stores.

General Tips for Shopping in Vancouver Malls

  1. Sales and Discounts:
    • Look out for seasonal sales (Boxing Day, Black Friday, and end-of-season clearances).
    • Many malls offer loyalty programs or apps with exclusive discounts.
  2. Tax Considerations:
    • Prices in stores do not include the 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax) and 7% PST (Provincial Sales Tax), so expect to pay 12% more at checkout.
  3. Transit Pass:
    • If youโ€™re using public transit, consider getting a Compass Card for easy access to SkyTrain and buses.
  4. Peak Hours:
    • Malls are busiest on weekends and during late afternoons. Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
  5. Weather:
    • Vancouverโ€™s rainy climate makes indoor malls a popular choice during fall and winter.

Vancouverโ€™s shopping malls offer something for everyone, from luxury seekers to budget-conscious shoppers. With excellent transit connections and a variety of stores, dining, and entertainment options, these malls are not just shopping destinations but also great places to spend a day exploring.